2010 Lexus GX 460 Newport RI

TheCarConnection.com has driven the new Lexus GX 460 on- and off-road, parked it, and even tried sitting in all three rows of seats in order to bring you the best all-around summation of this luxury SUV's strengths and weaknesses. We've also researched reviews from other sources, featured in an accompanying full review.

Likes
Smooth, strong powertrain
Good ride quality
Useful off-road electronics
Standout safety features
Towing ability
Dislikes
Tall cargo floor makes the interior feel small
Almost no cargo space behind third row
Spongy brake pedal feel

Slotting just below the Land Cruiser-based LX 570 in the Lexus lineup, the mid-size 2010 Lexus GX 460 is all-new this year, itself based on the Toyota 4Runner . While the 4Runner offers four-cylinder and V-6 engines, the GX offers a V-8, power-folding third-row seats, plus a host of luxury and technology options and much-improved refinement--while allowing impressive off-road and towing ability.

Throughout the GX, designers have blended the gentle, organic, and aerodynamic styling of the Lexus L-Finesse designs of recent years with a "machined steel bar" theme, giving it a more sculpted, solid look that separates it from the cars and crossovers. From the front, the likeness with Lexus cars is obvious, with a similar chromed grille flanked by rather large headlamps (which bow slightly to meet U.S. regs). In back, the GX has a clean, uncluttered look, mainly thanks to the narrow vertical taillamps and a new wiper design that's hidden under the roof spoiler. Alongside, the GX looks the most 'trucky,' with carved-out fenders and the very tall, imposing beltline. Lexus likes to think of the interior as "tough premium," with the GX combining the expected chunky trim and bulkier door handles with soft, luxurious materials. The instrument-panel design is quite upright and has a horizontal-bar theme running its length.

With a big, torquey V-8 engine and pleasant throttle calibration--plus surprisingly good on-the-road handling composure--the GX 460 is easy to drive smoothly yet moves quite quickly when you need it to. A new 301-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 replaces the 4.7-liter used through 2009 in the GX 470 , and the GX now gets six speeds for its automatic transmission, up from five. The new powertrain is up to Lexus standards of smoothness and refinement, although you do hear the engine a fair amount inside when accelerating. Lexus says it can get to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, and the transmission kicks down quickly--even a couple of gears if needed--quickly yet without jolts. Fuel economy ratings are significantly improved, at 15 mpg city, 20 highway, up from 14/18 before, and TheCarConnection.com confirmed an average of nearly 19 mpg in mostly highway driving.

Even though the GX 460's low running boards wouldn't suit serious rock-crawling, it's more than another off-road poseur.

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