2013 Lexus GX460

The GX460 is largely unchanged—understandably, since the market for old-fashioned SUVs has been shrinking. Lexus is wise to focus its energies elsewhere.

The 2013 Lexus GX460 exudes an old-style SUV look with the polish of a Lexus. Considering the GX is derived from Toyota’s 4Runner, it has an old school, body-on-frame architecture that makes it taller, heavier, and more difficult to climb into than the Lexus crossover RX, the brand’s most popular model. The ""truck"" look of the 2013 Lexus GX460 is brought to life with a tall and imposing beltline and carved-out fenders, making this model stand out from all the rest of the Lexus lineup except perhaps for the LX version. The designer’s focus during development was to give the vehicle an exterior that made it look like it was sculpted from a single block of metal. A distinctive grille with three horizontal bars is intricate in detail and texture to give it that just-right Lexus appeal. Fog lights are standard, roof rails are low-profile, and an acoustic insulated windshield helps to reduce wind noise.

Yes, the cabin plays off the heavy truck exterior, which is probably why some people are noticing that it is somewhat short of Lexus’s typical standards when it comes to trim and material details. Still, the cabin is lined with leather and comes with power everything. Drivers sit high in the GX, relative to the beltline, when compared to other new vehicles. That’s good news for those who appreciate better outward visibility. The seats are well padded and offer sufficient support. There is plenty of legroom and headroom as well, making it a comfortable place to spend some time. The second row is spacious, but going further into the vehicle gives some reason for disappointment. Some drivers find the third row too small and difficult to get to, making it impractical for them to consider the GX460 as a possible buy. There is also a power-folding mechanism that makes for even less space, forcing the cargo area from being low and flat. For loading up curbside, be aware that the side-opening hatch is hinged on the right, making it mandatory for occupants to find their way around the door. While the 2013 Lexus GX460 has all the common luxuries and conveniences, a richer infotainment center and more tech gadgets are available with the Premium package that includes a 330-watt surround sound system and an entertainment system in the rear. There is also an available navigation system for the GX that comes with the Enform package of services, including Destination Assist, offering remote operator-assisted destination programming.

The 2013 Lexus GX460 comes equipped with the usual safety features that make it a good choice, including front, side, overhead, and knee airbags, the last of which are not always standard. Stability control and anti-lock brakes offer better control for drivers in certain situations, and anti-whiplash head restraints can lessen the risk of injury in a crash. But the more high-tech systems are intriguing. A Driver Attention Monitor system monitors the orientation of a driver’s face through the use of a camera. If the system detects the driver’s face is other than looking forward when an obstacle is noticed ahead, the driver is alerted with a warning display and a chime. If that doesn’t get the driver’s attention as the vehicle comes closer to the obstacle, the brakes will be applied gently and automatically. Meanwhile the front seat belts retract. This Pre-Collision System Package also includes Intelligent High Beam headlamps and Lane Departure Alert. The alert feature makes the driver aware of unintentional lane departures with a sounding buzzer. The headlamps safety feature automatically switches from high beams to low when it detects vehicles approaching from the rear or oncoming vehicles. Head restraints add another level of safety in reducing the chance of whiplash injury.

While some may say the 2013 Lexus GX460’s interior is delicate, this truck is definitely up to driving up hills and over rocky terrain. At first glance, a buyer might not think it’s up to the offroad task, especially with chrome trim all around and low running boards. While it’s not exactly a true rock-crawler of a truck, the GX460’s full-time four-wheel-drive system makes it a viable climber. An array of electronic devices keeps the driver in control in various conditions from sandy roads to muddy pots to snowy trails. The Torsen center differential feature distributes power 60 percent to the rear wheels under normal driving speeds, and even more power to the back wheels during acceleration. That’s handy whether backing out of a driveway or just revving though a stop light during snowy conditions. A 301-hoursepwer, V-8 engine is big, with lots of torque making it capable of accelerating strongly. A six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifting quickly. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension helps keep the truck level around corners and in offroad conditions, but some drivers have noticed a slight jumpy feeling sometimes. Drivers who have experienced a true truck-based sport utility vehicle feel right at home in the GX460. Gas mileage is less than optimal with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 15/20 city/highway. Overall, expect a quality ride in the type of quite cabin that Lexus is well known for.

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