Save for the Monster trucks, there is no perfect 4X4 that will get you out of a sticky place especially if the truck is equipped with running boards. They are all-the-rage, however they severely hamper off-road performance. They are the next lowest part of the truck, after the tires of course. Because of their shape and size, the side steps can actually cause the truck to float helplessly while the wheels spin aimlessly. This has happened to me on two occasions...
Safety
The GX has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, traction and stability control, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has not tested the GX470. However, it has awarded the 4Runner 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact and 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both front and rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS has rated it a "Best Pick" and is on top in its category.
Conclusion
Like the Toyota Sequoia, the Lexus GX470 has far too steep an entry price not to include certain features. Gadgets such as rear park assist should be standard on a large and pricey truck such as this. Nonetheless, the level of equipment is long and impressive.
The trouble with the Lexus and Toyota products is that they are often flavourless. By this I mean that they do not conjure any desire to drive or any passion for the vehicle itself. These products are more of a perfect flawless commodity with which to get around in. For example, the Lexus IS300 and Toyota Celica are the exact opposite.
The luxury SUV segment is packed with heavy-hitting competition: Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg and others. The GX470 has little to worry about as it combines the best elements of the above-mentioned players (luxury, power, prestige and roominess). On top of these must-haves, excellent customer service from the manufacturer and above average reliability are on tap.
Good stuff:
Great V8
Opulence, luxury
It's a Lexus
Not so good stuff:
Gas-aholic
Lack lustre steering
Safety
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Conclusion
Like the Toyota Sequoia, the Lexus GX470 has far too steep an entry price not to include certain features. Gadgets such as rear park assist should be standard on a large and pricey truck such as this. Nonetheless, the level of equipment is long and impressive.
The trouble with the Lexus and Toyota products is that they are often flavourless. By this I mean that they do not conjure any desire to drive or any passion for the vehicle itself. These products are more of a perfect flawless commodity with which to get around in. For example, the Lexus IS300 and Toyota Celica are the exact opposite.
The luxury SUV segment is packed with heavy-hitting competition: Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg and others. The GX470 has little to worry about as it combines the best elements of the above-mentioned players (luxury, power, prestige and roominess). On top of these must-haves, excellent customer service from the manufacturer and above average reliability are on tap.
Good stuff:
Great V8
Opulence, luxury
It's a Lexus
Not so good stuff:
Gas-aholic
Lack lustre steering
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