2003 Lexus LX 470 Review

The posh, fast new GX 470 expands the Lexus line of luxury sport-utility vehicles and gives this automaker a model to plunk between its entry RX 300 and top-line LX 470 models.

The muscular looking GX 470 represents a smart move because the luxury sport-utility vehicle market grew from about 97,000 units in 1997, when Lexus was offering its new LX 450, to more than 300,000 units last year. That market is expected to reach 500,000 units in 2004.

The $44,925 GX 470 fills a big price gap between the smaller $35,125 RX 300 and the larger $63,125 LX 470 sport-utes.

The car-based RX 300 was the top-selling Lexus model last year--car or truck--with 72,963 units, followed by the ES 300 sedan.

Toyota's upscale Lexus division expects sales of the costlier GX 470 to total about 20,000 units annually, with LX 470 sales to be approximately half that figure. That would make the GX 470 fairly exclusive--at least compared with the RX 300, or the updated RX 330 version of that model that arrives in March.

Although large, the LX 470 is fairly easy to maneuver and park. The trimmer GX 470 thus is easier to handle--although neither sport-ute can beat the smaller, nimbler RX 300 in those areas. Then again, the RX 300 is car-based, while the GX 470 is a genuine tough truck, with body-on-frame construction and good off-road abilities. However, it's hard to imagine any GX 470 owner taking this sport-ute into rugged off-road areas, where its paint might be scratched or its body damaged.

The GX 470 is loaded with stability and traction control systems. Some are meant for on-road driving, others for off-road running.

The tall GX 470 has some body lean when zipping through curves, but doesn't feel insecure when rushed. This is no hot rod sport-ute like the BMX X5 4.6is. But the precise steering has the right amount of quickness, and handling and braking are quite good.

A smooth ride is provided by a stiff chassis and an independent front suspension and rear air suspension, which is height-adjustable for easier cargo loading or off-road motoring.

A driver can select four shock-absorber damping settings: comfort, semi-comfort, semi-sport and sport. The "comfort'' settings provide a cloud-like ride, while the sport settings deliver an occasionally jerky ride but more precise on-road handling and "optimal off-road performance.''

An all-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a center-locking differential is standard.

The GX 470 is loosely based on the revamped, larger 2003 Toyota 4Runner. It has the silky 4.7-liter, dual-overhead-camshaft 235-horsepower V-8 and responsive five-speed automatic transmission found in the LX 470.

Being smaller and about 1,000 pounds lighter than the 5,590-pound LX 470, the GX 470 is faster and more nimble. It streaks to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and delivers quick 65-75 mph passing times. It seems surprisingly fast for such a hefty sport-utility, and speed picks up silently and effortlessly.

The expected downside, with all that power and weight, is marginal fuel economy: an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. At least the GX 470 has a fairly big 23-gallon fuel tank for a good highway cruising range--or tolerable in-town use. Lexus recommends 91-octane fuel, although it says 87-octane can be used.

The GX 470 has virtually all the plushness, smoothness and quiet competence one expects from a Lexus luxury sedan. It's almost as if Lexus waved a wand and turned its top-line LS 430 sedan into the GX 470.

The GX 470 is very well equipped, with virtually all the comfort and convenience items one would expect from a luxury automaker. The few options include a $2,700 navigation system/upscale sound system package, $1,560 rear seat DVD entertainment system and $1,215 Lexus Link emergency, travel and roadside assistance system.

There also is a $2,030 third-row seat with a rear air conditioner that brings seating capacity to eight. However, the tight third seat is best left to several children, and there is little cargo space when it's in its normal position. While the supportive front bucket seats are comfortable, three adults is a squeeze in the second-row seat.

Thus, there is comfortable seating for only four adults and--with the third seat--two children.

The cargo area is large with the third seat folded up and the second-row seat folded forward. However, the tailgate has fixed upper glass and swings open toward the curb, thus hindering curbside loading.

Getting in and out of the rather tall GX 470 calls for extra effort, and narrow running boards are of little help. However, those lighted boards make entry and exit easier in the dark. Outside door handles are large, and substantial grab handles at all four doors can assist less-nimble folks getting in and out.

The wood-and-leather interior is very quiet, and Lexus' electroluminescent instrumentation is among the easiest to quickly read. A power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, along with a 10-way power seat, helps drivers of various sizes get comfortable at the wheel. Nicely sized front cupholders have a cover to keep the console area looking neat when they're not used. But thick rear roof pillars hamper visibility.

There are plenty of safety features, including front torso side air bags and curtain side air bags for the first two rows of seats.

The GX 470 is one of few trucks that acts almost like a big luxury sedan and has serious off-road prowess.


LEXUS GX 470
Price:
$44,925

Likes:
Luxurious. Smooth V-8. High quality. Nice ride.

Dislikes:
Marginal fuel economy. Optional third seat only for kids. Little storage space with third seat in place.