Both front and second row seats provide oodles of comfort. Legroom and headroom abound throughout the passenger accommodations of the GX470. The third row is the exception; there is no legroom and the 50/50 split bench is mere inches from the floor. It should be rese
rved for children or adults that need to be punished. This bench actually folds upwards towards the side windows inside the cargo area. In this position, they use up more space than a flat folding setup but do not require to be removed. The driving position is very good and allows for excellent visibility in all directions. Only the rearward view can present some difficulty as the glass does not reach down far enough for parallel parking. The optional rear-park assist easily solves this problem.
Technical
Lexus offers only one engine choice for the GX470. It is the same 4.7L V8 motor also found in the Toyota 4Runner, Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX470 with slightly varying output. In the GX, it puts out 270 hp at 5 400 rpm and 330 lb/ft of torque at 3 400 rpm. This is an increase of 35 hp and 10 lb/ft of torque when compared to 2004. The only available transmission is a 5-speed automatic connected to a limited-slip centre differential. The 4WD system has a dual range transfer case that can
manually be positioned in either low or high range depending on the terrain. The adaptable variable suspension has four settings, from soft to sport, to improve driving dynamics. It is also capable of automatically adjusting the rear ride height to offset a heavy load that the vehicle may be hauling. 4-wheel vented discs make up the braking system.
On the road
The big V8 pulls hard and sounds great to boot. From idle straight to near redline, the powerful i-force V8 makes moving 2 150 kg seem very easy. Acceleration times are brisk for such a large vehicle and highway passing is done with ease. It certainly helps that the 5-speed autobox is keen and eager. Upshifts are smooth and buttery and kickdowns are swift and immediate. Of course, in a truck such as this, driving enthusiastically has its price. The onboard computer measured a fuel consumption of 15.1L per 100 km. My calculations found that I was doing closer to 17.5L per 100 km. Needless to say that $90 fill-ups will be frequent.
On the road, the Lexus is quiet and carries itself like the solid refined animal that it is. It would take quite the pothole to seriously upset the GX470's velvety ride. Its ability to absorb ruts is impressive as is its insulation from road noise. Obviously, being as tall as it is wide, the GX has a tendency to lean into corners but thanks to its sophisticated Active
Traction Control System, the top heavy truck remains very stable and controllable in emergency manoeuvres.
Steering is the most regretful aspect of the truck. It is over-assisted, lacks precision and can actually be a distraction when cruising at highway speeds. The braking system, on the other hand, is excellent. As poor as the system was in the Sequoia, the GX's quad-ventilated discs display strong initial bite backed by a nice firm pedal. The force with which the brakes work instil confidence in the truck's abilities in collision avoidance.
rved for children or adults that need to be punished. This bench actually folds upwards towards the side windows inside the cargo area. In this position, they use up more space than a flat folding setup but do not require to be removed. The driving position is very good and allows for excellent visibility in all directions. Only the rearward view can present some difficulty as the glass does not reach down far enough for parallel parking. The optional rear-park assist easily solves this problem. Technical
Lexus offers only one engine choice for the GX470. It is the same 4.7L V8 motor also found in the Toyota 4Runner, Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX470 with slightly varying output. In the GX, it puts out 270 hp at 5 400 rpm and 330 lb/ft of torque at 3 400 rpm. This is an increase of 35 hp and 10 lb/ft of torque when compared to 2004. The only available transmission is a 5-speed automatic connected to a limited-slip centre differential. The 4WD system has a dual range transfer case that can
 |
On the road
The big V8 pulls hard and sounds great to boot. From idle straight to near redline, the powerful i-force V8 makes moving 2 150 kg seem very easy. Acceleration times are brisk for such a large vehicle and highway passing is done with ease. It certainly helps that the 5-speed autobox is keen and eager. Upshifts are smooth and buttery and kickdowns are swift and immediate. Of course, in a truck such as this, driving enthusiastically has its price. The onboard computer measured a fuel consumption of 15.1L per 100 km. My calculations found that I was doing closer to 17.5L per 100 km. Needless to say that $90 fill-ups will be frequent.
On the road, the Lexus is quiet and carries itself like the solid refined animal that it is. It would take quite the pothole to seriously upset the GX470's velvety ride. Its ability to absorb ruts is impressive as is its insulation from road noise. Obviously, being as tall as it is wide, the GX has a tendency to lean into corners but thanks to its sophisticated Active
 |
Steering is the most regretful aspect of the truck. It is over-assisted, lacks precision and can actually be a distraction when cruising at highway speeds. The braking system, on the other hand, is excellent. As poor as the system was in the Sequoia, the GX's quad-ventilated discs display strong initial bite backed by a nice firm pedal. The force with which the brakes work instil confidence in the truck's abilities in collision avoidance.