The adaptive variable suspension, which comes standard, continuously changes the shock absorber damping at each wheel individually in response to road surface conditions, speed, and steering and braking inputs from the driver. Four driver-selectable settings are available to tailor the system to driver preferences or situations. You might want to use the softest setting for a bumpy boulevard, for example, then switch to a firm setting for driving down a winding rural road. The system automatically increases shock absorber stiffness in transitional maneuvers. It also reduces dive under hard braking and squat under hard acceleration. Air springs in the rear can raise rear ride height in rugged terrain or lower the rear end when loading cargo. Overall, the ride is remarkably refined for a truck with a live rear axle. Road vibration and pavement undulations get through, but they are damped. We found the Comfort setting produced a cushy feel, though it's no magic carpet ride as you can still feel the suspension reacting to bumps. Switching all the way to the Sport setting makes the bumps feel more pronounced, making for a less comfortable ride, but more responsive cornering.

The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) provides more sway stiffness when needed for crisp handling response, without an increase in spring rate over bumpy roads. In other words, you get better handling without sacrificing ride quality. The system disengages the stabilizer bars for rugged, off-highway conditions, allowing more suspension travel and articulation to help the GX 470 step over obstacles. Lexus claims the system has been proven in World Rally Championship competition, which is another way of saying it's the real deal, not a fragile gadget.

The brakes are superb. They have a nice feel and are easy to modulate for smooth stops in everyday driving. The brake rotors are large and all four discs are ventilated for long life and fade-free performance. (Most trucks use ventilated discs only on the front wheels.) Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help the driver maintain steering control in a panic stop. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) distributes the optimum brake force between front and rear wheels to achieve shorter stopping distances and more stable braking. Brake Assist can help the driver use the full potential of the brakes in panic stops by maintaining brake pressure even if the driver makes the mistake of relaxing pedal pressure. Off road, there's enough brake pedal travel to allow precise modulation, crucial when negotiating obstacles at low speeds.

Drive too fast into a slippery corner or make an emergency lane-change maneuver to avoid a wreck and the technology on the GX can help you out. Vehicle Stability Control helps improve control and lateral traction while cornering on dry or slippery road surfaces. The system helps the driver keep the GX on the intended path by reducing power or applying the brakes to individual wheels. This system can help prevent a spin or reduce the chance of sliding off the road.

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard. The heart of the system is a locking Torsen® (toque-sensing) center differential and electronic Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) that continuously apportions torque between the front and rear axles, automatically directing power to the wheels that can best use it. In normal highway conditions, power is split 40/60 percent front/rear. If the rear wheels spin, the differential can change the front/rear ratio to 53/47 percent to control the slippage. When cornering, the system sends more power to the rear wheels (29/71 front/rear) to improve tracking around curves.

Downhill Assist Control makes it easier to negotiate steep, slippery slopes: Once activated, take your feet off the pedals and the GX slowly walks down the incline using the anti-lock brake system and electronic traction control to keep it pointed in the intended direction. Touch the brake or the gas to slow down or speed up, then take your feet off the pedals again and the system resumes control to help maintain a slow, steady descent. Downhill Assist Control even works in Reverse, in case you have to back down a hill and try again. It's a great feature that anyone can use after one lesson. Meanwhile, Hill-Start Assist Control helps keep the GX 470 stationary while starting on a steep incline.

Summary

The Lexus GX 470 is a good choice for buyers who want luxury, capability, quality and reliability. It's smooth and powerful on the road and can go nearly anywhere off the pavement. It offers high levels of quality and ergonomic excellence and carries Lexus's reputation for durability and reliability. It's roomy and comfortable and can accommodate up to eight people when equipped with the optional third-row seat.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Jim McCraw is based in the Detroit area.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Lexus GX470 ($46,225)

Engines:263-hp, 4.7-liter dohc 32-valve V8 with VVT-i