In a country that hardly seems to need another SUV, the GX 470 actually fills a void. There are no midsize sport utility vehicles in the premium market that offer seating for eight and 4x4 capability, period. Sure there are full-size entries from Cadillac and Lincoln, one on its way from Infiniti and as mentioned previously, the Lexus LX. But the GX offers a level of efficiency that these big boys can't deliver; something that seems to be appreciated much more in Canada than by our neighbors to the south.
 |
| The GX 470 offers what is said to be an ideal combination of on-road stability and off-road capability. (Photo: Lexus) |
And what about the price? The TV ads are saying as much as the Lexus PR department, which is pretty well nothing. An announcement should come at least by the time the Montreal auto show occurs in February, with a base MSRP slightly less than the current U.S. price of USD$47,500, which is about CAD$60,625 at today's (December 18, 2003) exchange rate. So, you should be able to buy a GX 470 for less than that at the very most.
In the end, Lexus truly has something special here. The GX 470 offers what is said to be an ideal combination of on-road stability and off-road capability, a rugged SUV with all the luxury trimmings.
Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $58,000 - $75,000
- Body Type: 5-door SUV
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Engine: 235 hp, 320 lb-ft torque, 4.7-L, 24-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 5-spd auto
- Brakes: disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 8.6 seconds
- Seating Capacity: 5 (optional 8)
- Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row, 3rd row folded, 3rd row removed, 2nd row folded): 374 / 1,127 / 1,407 / 2,195 L (13.2 / 39.8 / 49.7 / 77.5 cu ft)
- Towing Capacity: 2,948 kg (6,500 lbs)
- Ground Clearance: 249 mm (9.8 in)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 15.7 / 13.1 L/100 km (15 / 18 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 72/110,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Buick Rainier, Lincoln Aviator, Land Rover Discovery
- Web Site: www.lexus.ca
