Adding visual richness to the Lexus are its peaky hood and grille combination, along with its nicely integrated body-colored bumpers, fender flares and side moldings. Massive headlamps and high-mounted, complex tail lamps adorn its corners.

Interior Features

The interior of the Lexus GX 470 is trimmed in rich leather and bird's-eye maple. It's roomy and comfortable with large, comfortable seats and lots of elbow room. The quality of materials is excellent. Tall side windows afford a good view out, making for an airy cabin.

One of the beauties of driving any Lexus is that everything is where it's supposed to be, and everything is clearly labeled. All of the gauges and instruments are large and easy to read, with simple graphics shared by other Lexus products. Switchgear and other controls are large, straightforward, elegantly designed and easy to operate.

The available Lexus navigation system works well, particularly after it was upgraded for 2005 with improved graphics. An available rear backup camera displays a view of what's directly behind the vehicle on the navigation system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse is engaged. That can help the driver avoid backing over obstacles, such as a tricycle left in the driveway. It helps greatly when parking in tight spaces. We recommend opting for it.

The optional Mark Levinson® audio system turns the GX 470 into a concert hall on wheels. And the optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system turns it into a mobile theater for up to six passengers. The DVD system uses a high-resolution, thin film transistor LCD screen that lowers from the headliner; it can even display your video on the dashboard navigation screen when the vehicle is in Park.

The GX is a space-efficient vehicle. The second row is roomy and comfortable and easy to get in and out. A family of four with a big dog will feel right at home. The second-row bench folds down and is split 60/40 for versatility.

Order the optional third row and the GX 470 can seat eight. Well, sort of. The third row is suitable for children, but it's pretty hopeless for adults. At least the available rear air conditioning brings improved heating and cooling comfort to third-row kiddies and dogs.

Split 50/50, the third-row seats can be folded up out of the way or removed and stored. What starts as a 13 cubic-foot cargo bay can be expanded in steps up to more than 77 cubic feet by folding or removing the lightweight rear seats and then folding the second row as well. That's not a lot of cargo space in the world of SUVs, however. By comparison, a Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers 81 cubic feet, while the BMW X5, worst in the class, still has 54 cubic feet. Also, the GX 470's cargo door opens from the left side; perfect in Japan, but awkward in the U.S., forcing you to walk around it when unloading curbside at the airport.

Driving Impressions

The Lexus GX 470 is a smooth, comfortable SUV for everyday driving with some of the best off-road capability on the market. Its array of onboard electronics is unrivalled in this segment at this price, and all systems work in concert to make this machine come alive, whatever the driving conditions.

The 4.7-liter V8 delivers world-class smoothness and quietness. At highway cruising speeds it's barely audible. And as heavy as it is, the GX 470 is no slouch in the performance department, capable of full-throttle sprints from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.1 seconds, with a nice V8 intake roar to go with the rush. Toyota's sophisticated electronic VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) improves efficiency and response at all engine speeds. VVT-i also helps the GX 470 run cleaner, earning the government's stringent ULEV-II (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) rating.

Power ratings are down slightly for '06, to 263 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque, but that's only because the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has instituted new test procedures that tend to deliver more conservative numbers. The engine itself, and its performance, have not changed. The 2006 GX 470 is every bit as powerful as the 2005 model.

The GX 470 delivers strong torque for towing. If you're towing anything up to its limit of 5000 pounds, this truck will handle it with ease. The bad news is that, even if you try hard, you'll probably never achieve 20 miles per gallon. EPA estimates are 15/19 mpg, City/Highway. And while the GX 470 will run on unleaded regular, Lexus recommends 91 octane (or higher) premium fuel for optimum performance.

The five-speed automatic transmission offers quicker response and better gearing than a traditional four-speed automatic. Like the engine, the transmission is very smooth.

The GX 470 handles impressively well for a body-on-frame truck with a live rear axle. Like most SUVs, it feels heavy and ponderous with its big tires. A variable-ratio rack-and-pinion makes the steering quick and light in parking situations, but smoother and heavier on the highway, so the truck never feels over-assisted and never feels darty. As a result, the GX 470 feels very solid at high speeds.