2004 Lexus GX 470 Road Test

It also comes equipped with a tunable suspension, from comfort to sport with one notch in between. I found the comfort setting was best near the airport, where the

The 4.7-liter V8 engine in the GX provides 235-hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

roads are less than ideal, but I quickly changed it to sport when on the highway. It's not like there are many curves on the way to Alliston, but it tracked better at high-speed when set to the firmer position.

High-speed? Its 4.7-liter V8 is hardly anemic, producing 235 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Sure, 235 horsepower is a little on the low side compared to just about every V8 powered luxury sport utility on the market, but nevertheless it charges away from stoplights and has passing power galore; proof positive that torque is mostly what matters in the world of heavy SUVs.

A commodious cargo bay and/or an optional third row of flip down seats attached to the inside walls makes adding to the GX 470's generous 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs) curb

Up to eight passengers can fit in the GX 470 (five in standard trim), but the seats in the very back aren't exactly the most accommodating. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

weight easy. Up to eight passengers can fit in (five in standard trim), but the seats in the very back aren't exactly the most accommodating. Still, as these are normally used for children they'll do just fine when called into action. With all seats in use there's still 374 liters (13.2 cubic feet) of luggage space in behind, but flip them back up against the side windows and space grows to 1,127 liters (39.8 cubic feet). The third row can also be completely removed creating a little more space at 1,407 liters (49.7 cubic feet), and for ultimate flexibility Lexus adds a second row that folds down as well, making a total of 2,195 liters (77.5 cubic feet) available when picking up a wall unit at Ikea.