Lexus unwraps 2010 GX 460

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Based heavily on the smaller of Toyota’s two world market Land Cruisers, the 2010 Lexus GX 460 will arrive in showrooms at the end of 2009 and will replace the outgoing GX 470. Significantly upgraded from its predecessor, including a lower displacement but more powerful V8, the GX 460 slots in above the RX 350 but below the hulking LX 570.

As its name implies, the GX 460 uses a 4.6-liter V8 that puts out 301 horsepower (up from 263) and 329 lb-ft. of torque (up from 323 lb-ft.). The V8 will be mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission and an off road-oriented two-speed four-wheel-drive system. Fuel economy is up to 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway compared to the outgoing model’s rather dismal 14/18.

Although the GX 460 is based on one of the most rugged SUV platforms produced today, its positioning as a Lexus makes it a decidedly luxury-oriented SUV. Standard 18 inch wheels (up from 17 inchers) add to its on-road presence, as do standard illuminated running boards and a Lexus family waterfall-like horizontal grille.

The 2010 model makes the outgoing SUV’s optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension a standard feature. Designed to make the GX more stable and to handle better, the system offers a trio of suspension modes, as well as height adjustability.

Continuing in the old model’s rather surprising off road ability, the 2010 gets a transfer case adjustable by flipping a switch (unlike the more traditional mechanical transfer case lever on the outgoing model). Optional crawl control, seen earlier this year in the 2010 Toyota 4Runner, allows drivers to manually select a speed from 1 to 3.7 mph that the vehicle will maintain by automatically applying the brakes.

Optional front and wide-view side cameras are designed to help drivers park the GX in tight spaces but have some use off road, as well, for those few drivers who choose to leave the pavement.

Inside, the GX 460 ups the previous model’s luxury content by a nine-speaker, 6-CD audio system with Bluetooth and iPod integration, available heated and cooled seats, power-folding third row seats and an optional rear seat entertainment system with dual monitors. A 17-speaker premium system is on the options list.

The GX adds more rear passenger space for the new model, but the cargo bay shrinks by 13 cubic feet.

Lexus will offer the GX 460 in a pair of models, base and Luxury, when it goes on sale in late December. Including destination, the base model will retail for $52,845, while the Luxury will list for $57,640. Toyota anticipates about 14,000 units annually.