First Impressions

We received a fresh 2021 GX 460 with a little over 9,000 miles on the odometer. This thing was loaded with the Off Road Package of course but also the Sport Design Package. The exterior was finished with your aging Aunt and Uncle’s favorite color of Atomic Silver, but the interior was what really stuck out. Scarlet red leather upholstery was very plush even all the way back in the third-row bench. The second row had very unique tilt/side captain’s chairs, but the front was where it was at with heated and ventilated adjustable front seats.

I did the casual walk around opening and closing the doors, peeking in and under. It felt sporty, but more conservative than pretentious. The 5100-pound full-size three row SUV did not consume an obnoxiously large footprint. A notably wide signature Lexus grille looked like it was ready to efficiently swallow air to cool the 4.6 liter 301 horsepower V8. Overall, my first impressions were this is what a modern day SUV should look and feel like. 

The Lexus GX 460 available Sport Design Package includes:

• 19-inch Dark Gray Metallic Alloy Wheels
• 2nd Row Tilt/Side Captain’s Chairs
• Unique Lower Grille Surround
• Front and Rear Bumper Spoilers
• Dark Gray Exhaust Tip
• Chrome Detail Side Mirrors
• Scarlet TailLights

Easy Does It!

My field testing experience off-roading the Lexus GX 460 was performed with an open mind knowing the vehicle was equipped with all season 265/55 x r19 Dunlop AT23 Grandtrek tires. The optional Sport Design Package’s featured 19-inch rims left significantly less sidewall than standard size wheels. With the front and rear bumpers and the side step panels, the Lexus measures approach angle at 21 degrees, breakover at 21 degrees, and the departure angle at 23 degrees.  That being said, I did not hold back any punches and drove directly out to the steepest hill climbs I knew of in my area.

Upon entry to the isolation, the full-time 4-wheel-drive let me and Lexus wander effortlessly through the sandy creek bed trying to find a way out to the hills. I came to a wash embankment that had been carved out making for a steeper than normal approach angle. Figuring this would be the first test to see if I would wipe out the front bumper plastics, I went for it. The SUV dipped over the bank about three feet before leveling out and even cleared the front spoiler without rubbing.

Now squared up to the first hill, I engaged the Torsen center locker and flipped it into four-lo. By switching the transfer case into four-lo this automatically presented multiple camera views onto the Multi-Terrain Monitor system. 

Going further, I configured the KDSS into comfort mode to allow for a little looser driving,  programmed the Multi-Terrain Select for loose rock, and configured the crawl control to its fastest speed setting. This formula allowed the vehicle to drive up a precarious hill on its own by merely lifting off the brake and steering.

How Does The Lexus GX 460 Handle Off-Road?

From here on out, I maneuvered the Lexus GX 460 over and through every obstacle I could find. Attempting to reveal a weak link, the vehicle proved its prowess with nimble agility. I fumbled through all of the off-road settings, managing different configurations of four-hi with and without the locker engaged. I played a lot with the Multi-Terrain Select and the Multi-Terrain Monitor which I could see being helpful when driving over tricky rock-strewn trails. Some were more useful than others such as the inclinometer and Four-Wheel Active Traction which were both of significant value.

The Lexus GX 460 Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) raises and lowers the rear suspension.

I found many steep hills to drive up and down and across at off-camber angles. Our GX 460 did it all without haggling performance or safety.  The aid of Downhill Assist Control (DAC), as well as the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) are of definite benefit to inexperienced drivers. For myself, I preferred my natural instincts of control and being able to two-foot the pedals. 

All in all, there were a lot of off-road controls to manage for a simple guy like me. It took a little bit to master, but no matter what, the off-road capability of the Lexus stood out and handled everything. I never got hung up and the SUV always pushed on. The vehicle had the power, torque, and protection, just not the ground clearance or the tread for real traction. Those negative aspects are easily overcome through the aftermarket.

Made For Road Trips, Daily Driving, And Seats 6!

Like we mentioned before, the Lexus GX 460 is not enormous by today’s standards of modern luxury SUVs. It does smartly configure room for six with a third row controlled by a rear electronic switch. The power fold-flat rear seats are independent of each other and most likely only used as the need arises. When locked away, a roomy cargo area opens up the rear for more utilitarian duties. 

Moving forward, I was impressed with the generous room situated with the plush captain’s chairs in the second row. Convenient door and forward storage, fold-out cup holders, and its own climate control made it a desirable scenario for a full-sized adult. At 6’4″ tall and over 250 pounds, I could get comfortable with no issues.

A power moonroof and a premium seventeen speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound System made this vehicle environment all that much better. Also included from the factory that makes it a better road tripper is capable towing equipment. Auto-leveling rear air suspension, Trailer Sway Controls, Tow Hitch, and Ball Mount were all equipped.

For tall people like myself, I really appreciate the rear door opening to the side instead of lifting vertically. With the touch of one button, having a rear window hatch open up independent of the door is also another convenient and desirable feature. As seen below, when the rear seats are up and deployed, it really eats up the cargo room. Folded flat (not pictured) there was ample storage opportunities

Is The Lexus GX 460 Already Obsolete?

The week I had the vehicle clocked almost 700 miles. I drove it up to the mountains, down to the beach, back and forth to the office, and put it through its paces in the dirt. I averaged a little better than 16 MPG on the highway but suffered gassing it around town. This can be attributed to the 6-speed transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. Comparable SUVs of the day are equipped with advanced 7 and 8-speed transmissions which efficiently swim through the gears providing better fuel mileage.

The Lexus GX 460 has been on market since 2010 with several facelifts. The modern off-road tech and interface along with the dash, infotainment system, and all of the controls throughout looked and felt dated by about ten years. This was my only other drawback I felt like I could pull from a 2021 model, all of which I could definitely live with.

Conclusion: A Great Used Buy For Under $30K!

I am just going to come out and say. Lexus made this luxury SUV to be a great all around town comfortable and safe vehicle that could drive out to the cabin, up the dirt road and through the snow if needed. For someone like me, who wants to take it up and down every steep rutted out trail and send it sideways at speed through a sandy wash, well the Lexus GX 460 can do that too. It just needs a little more aggressive tire and ground clearance to do it properly. 

The Lexus GX does have certain off-road appeal for sure. I could see myself picking up a straight low mile used GX ready for some mods. A new 2022 base model start at $55,425. The selling price for the model we tested was $71,690 USD. For those overlanding couples making dual six figure incomes, consider the GX or the new LX 600 for your next overlanding adventure platform.

Lexus GX 460 Field Testing Image Gallery