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2005 Lexus GX 470 Review - Test Drive the 2005 Lexus GX 470 - SUV Reviews
The Lexus GX 470 is the considerably smaller, significantly more attractive and somewhat less pricey stable mate of Lexus' very successful LX 470. Unlike the LX, which is based on the fabled Toyota Land Cruiser, the GX is based on the newer, only slightly less capable Toyota 4Runner. The GX is an elegant, luxurious and comfortable automobile that offers remarkable performance both on and off road. However, its mpg stinks. Base price: $46,875; Base Warranty: 4/50,000.First GlanceCareful observers can see in this GX 470 the DNA of Lexus' venerable (and much more expensive) LX 470. But the lines of the newer GX seem to have been drawn with far greater attention to contemporary images of vehicle aesthetics than the bricklike LX. While the slab sides of the LX drop precipitously from roof to rocker panel, the sides of the GX seem to cascade waterfalllike from the top of a narrower roof to a broader base at the rocker panel. It makes the GX look far less top heavy than the LX. Execution of both the interior and exterior is nothing short of superb. Every control is exactly where it should be and works exactly as its designer intended. The gaps between the body panels are miniscule; rattles and examples of shoddy or hurried workmanship nonexistent. Of course, this is true of all Lexus since time began. While under the skin it is identical to the exceedingly capable Toyota 4Runner, the GX has a far greater visual impact. This is one SUV that looks like it really belongs in front of Vancouver's elegant Opus, a new boutique hotel catering to visiting celebrities and local big spenders.In the Driver's Seat2005 Lexus GX 470© Colin HefferonThe orthopedically correct, full poweradjustable front passenger and driver's seats are covered with soft, high quality leather. The wonderful driving position makes the large GX feel very controllable; the tight turning circle makes it feel extraordinarily manoeuvrable. The quality of the materials used in the Lexus' interior is clearly superior to the more utilitarian 4Runner. While all of the usual Lexus luxury clues like wood trim and wood steering wheel are present in the GX 470, the perception that you are in a luxury automobile extends far deeper than mere surface treatment. Standard air suspension means vehicle height can be adjusted up or down as terrain conditions demand. In theory, there is seating for 8 people but in reality the rear bench seat is suitable only for little people. Although the second row seats fold easily to allow easy entry and exit to the third row seats, there is no room for adult size legs and feet. The GX is, then, eminently suitable for 4 adults – 2 in front, 2 in back. The two lucky passengers that score the second row seats will really appreciate the great view from their thronelike perches.On the RoadUnlike some of the big pussies out there posing as off roaders, the GX 470 can handle the rough stuff. It has both a lockable differential as well as a high and low range shifter. It also has the exceptionally useful hill retarder feature from the 4Runner. Peter Partridge, Lexus's press rep in Vancouver is a very experienced offroader. He has a story to tell about taking the GX up to his cabin this winter. The cabin is located on top of a very steep hill with sharp dropoffs on both sides, a few miles north of the resort town of Whistler, BC. One morning Peter had three passengers on board when he descended the hill after an overnight storm had deposited some eight inches of wet snow on it. With the auxiliary transmission shifted into low range and the hill descend assist turned on, the GX, which was wearing four snow tires, crept down the hill in perfect control. His passengers were not even aware of how close was the danger. Peter confessed there are few other vehicles with which he would have chanced that hill in those conditions with passengers aboard. The reworked 4.7L V8 pumping out 275 hp for 2005 and 330 lbft of torque at 3,400 rpm responds instantly at all speeds. 0 – 60 mph (096kmh) times are muscle car like.Journey's End2005 Lexus GX 470© Colin HefferonThe GX 470 promises to be another huge moneymaker for Toyota's Lexus division. It's not only wondrously capable on the road (as would be expected) but it is also almost equally capable offroad. I use the qualifying "almost" merely to suggest no one in their right mind would actually take a luxury vehicle like the GX 470 rock climbing. I suspect the GX owner who wanted to do serious offroading would have something like a 20yearold diesel Land Cruiser with a big ugly winch hanging off the oversize front bumper for that kind of stuff. (Peter Partridge does.) No, this one targets the rich 40something who will use it to run in from his upscale suburban home to the golf club, to the mall and to pick up the children after French Immersion. Which is kind of a pity because this GX is actually capable of chasing Taliban over sand dunes. Even though its engine meets LEV (low emission vehicle) standards, it's not in any sense ecofriendly. LEV simply means the exhaust has been scrubbed clean of much (not all) of the nastier stuff before it is emitted. But the big V8 is still consuming immense amounts of gasoline. I really like this vehicle but I think I'll hold off buying one until the hybrid version gets here.
