Apparently I have Toyota and Lexus on the mind today… but here’s a good example of the more dated side of the Lexus lineup. This is the GX 460, and under its skin you’ll find an incredibly competent off-road machine. That’s because if you strip away the Lexus nose, badging, and interior niceties, you’ll find a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
So then the GX 460 is a bite-sized luxury Land Cruiser. While bite-sized in that it’s smaller than its larger sibling, but this is still a three-row SUV. That rear seating setup is on the smaller side but when equipped with second-row captain’s chairs it’s certainly accessible. Leave the third row folded and you’re rewarded with adequate cargo space, which is accessed via a side-opening rear door.
The GX 460 features a 4.6-liter V8 engine making 301 horsepower. It feels dated when you press the gas. The cooling fans roar with disapproval that they’re required to get to work. On the road, there’s enough grunt but only if you mash the throttle. The nose dives heavily under braking too, but that’s sort of the fun in an off-road ready rig.
While the cabin is certainly exceptionally comfortable, it’s a sign of Toyota’s from a number of years ago. The infotainment is dated yet the toggle switches are still fun.
The Lexus GX 460 is a sort of luxury off-roader’s secret weapon. Take it in the dirt and you’re rewarded with a cozy cruiser that can go anywhere. And if it happens to break down on the trail, you’ll fix it with basic tools. Then you can roll on past the Range Rover owners waiting for their tow trucks to arrive.