2010 Lexus GX460 - First Drive

All three rows of seats now fold completely flat in the GX 460 for a clean load surface. You can't remove the third row of seats, however, so interior capacity is actually a bit reduced from the previous model's. The rear door still swings out left to right, and while it's easy enough to operate, we'd sure love to see the tailgate from the Land Cruiser there instead. (You can't beat it for an impromptu picnic bench in the woods.)

All three rows of seats now fold completely flat in the GX 460 for a clean load surface. Y

Now we know that plenty of old-timers will gripe about "taking the driver out of the equation," and while that's true to some extent, the things we like about the Crawl Control are (a) it's only there when you want it, and (b) we're delighted to see companies such as Lexus and Toyota still devoting resources and engineering dollars on technology that's specifically geared to the unique demands of off-pavement driving. For good measure, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) are also on board to aid the 5,300-pound GX on steep inclines.

As you might expect, the GX is also crammed with all manner of safety and convenience features. You can get HID headlights as a factory option, and adaptive headlamps that swivel in corners. There are rain-sensing windshield wipers, and "intelligent" high-beams, and a radar-assisted cruise control, and bumper-mounted sonar, and a "lane-departure warning system," and cameras in the rear door, rear-view mirror and passenger-side mirror, the latter of which is a fisheye view to aid in parallel parking-or trail-spotting when driving solo. The Nav screen can even give you a split view looking forward and to the side simultaneously. Or you can simply turn everything off-like we did-and enjoy the GX's quiet cabin and luxurious street and trail manners.

The GX's new 32-valve V-8, slightly smaller in displacement than the engine it replaces, cranks out 301 horsepower at 5,500 rpm-nearly 40 horsepower more than last year's engine-and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.

The GX's new 32-valve V-8, slightly smaller in displacement than the engine it replaces, c

Since its sibling 4Runner just won our Four Wheeler of the Year award for 2010, we'd wager that the new GX has got to be considered an early favorite to capture top honors next year. Stay tuned-we'll let you know what happens as soon as 2011 rolls around.

What's Hot:
Peppy new V-8, adjustable shocks and kinetic swaybars, shake 'n' bake Crawl Control, still a body-on-frame.

What's Not:
Not much. With a swing-down tailgate, a rear locker, and a more aggressive tire, it'd be darn near perfect.

Our Take:
Still the gold standard in luxury SUVs that you can take on challenging trails.

Specifications
Vehicle/model: 2010 Lexus GX 460
Base price: $51,970
Engine: 1UR-FE 32-valve DOHC 4.6L V-8
Max hp and torque (lb-ft): 301/329
Transmission(s): 6-spd automatic
Transfer case(s): Full-time 2-spd w/Torsen diff-lock
Low-range ratio: 2.556:1
Frame type: Steel ladder
Suspension, f/r: Double wishbone, coil springs, adjustable swaybar/solid axle, four-link, adjustable swaybar
Ring and pinion: 3.91:1
Max crawl ratio: 35.23:1
Steering: Electric power rack and pinion
Brakes, f/r: 13.3-in vented disc/12.3-in vented disc
Wheels (tested): 18x7.5 alloy
Tires (tested): 265/60R18 Michelin LTX2
Wheelbase (in): 109.8
Length (in): 189.2
Height (in): 74.2
Base curb weight (lb): 5,305
Max approach/departure angles (deg): 28/25
Minimum ground clearance (in): 8.1
GVWR (lb): 6,830
Max cargo volume (cu ft): 64.7
Max towing capacity (lb): 6,500
EPA mileage figures, city/hwy (mpg): 20/15
Fuel capacity (gal): 23