- Things We Like
- 1. Real Off-Road Cred
- 2. Simple Old-School Controls
- 3. Cushy Ride
- 4. Safety Features
- Things We Don’t
- 1. Old-School Powertrain
- 2. No Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
- 3. Tiny Third Row
- 4. Limited Cargo Room
- 5. Side-Hinged Tailgate
The Lexus GX 460 SUV has been around without a major update for quite some time. And while it is aging gracefully, it is definitely aging nonetheless.
Since its last major redesign 12 model years ago, more modern competitors like the new Land Rover Defender and redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee have rolled into showrooms with more luxurious interiors and advanced powertrains.
While the GX 460 remains a comfortable and capable choice, offering real off-road capability to go with its upscale appointments, it has begun to look and feel like a throwback by comparison. It could be argued that its old-school look and feel are part of its charm, but most buyers in the luxury segment aren’t all that interested in retro appeal.
Our test vehicle was decked out with the new Black Line appearance package, which freshens things up a bit thanks to blacked-out wheels and trim inside and out. However, this package does little to conceal the fact that the GX is an ancient design compared to its key competitors. Here are four things we like about the 2022 Lexus GX 460 and five things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Real Off-Road Cred
2022 Lexus GX 460 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
With more than 8 inches of ground clearance, full-time four-wheel drive, a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a two-speed transfer case and an electronically locking center differential, the GX 460 comes more than ready for off-road adventures. For buyers who really want to get serious, an optional Off-Road Package adds a terrain management system, more protection underneath, an upgraded camera system and Crawl Control.
2. Simple Old-School Controls
One side benefit of the GX 460’s aging design is its throwback interior controls, with physical knobs and switches for virtually all functions. And that, friends, is a good thing. Making climate or audio adjustments is easy on the fly, with no diving into submenus or fiddling with tiny virtual buttons. Better still, the Lexus gets a 10.3-inch touchscreen for 2022, making the dreaded console-mounted touchpad controller almost obsolete.
3. Cushy Ride
2022 Lexus GX 460 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Our test GX was equipped with the standard suspension, which gave this hefty body-on-frame SUV a comfortable, absorbent ride. We never encountered a bump or pothole the Lexus couldn’t easily soak up with ease. Upper trims go a step further with an adaptive suspension that lets drivers fine-tune the ride with settings for Normal, Sport and Comfort.
4. Safety Features
The GX 460 has been updated for 2022 with the Lexus Safety System Plus suite of advanced safety features. That means standard equipment now includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
Things We Don’t
1. Old-School Powertrain
The 5,100-plus-pound GX 460 is motivated by a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine good for a relatively modest 301 horsepower. Paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, power is sufficient, even if the Grand Cherokee and Defender pack more punch under the hood. Unfortunately for Lexus buyers, however, both those competitors offer fuel economy that matches or betters the GX.
2. No Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
Rated to tow up to a not-insignificant 6,500 pounds, the GX 460 comes equipped with standard trailer sway control. However, an integrated brake controller is not available from the factory and is something you really should have when towing that kind of weight or pulling any trailer with its own brakes. Buyers who tow are best advised to visit their local parts store for an aftermarket controller.
3. Tiny Third Row
2022 Lexus GX 460 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
The GX 460 cockpit is upscale and welcoming, with quality materials, real wood surfaces and excellent visibility all around. Second-row accommodations are almost as good, in spite of a low seat cushion forcing a knees-up seating position. But the third row is pinched at best and unsuitable for all but the smallest of children for any length of time. Access was also a challenge in our bench-seat-equipped test vehicle, but available captain’s chairs would help.
4. Limited Cargo Room
Not only is the tiny third row all but unusable, it takes a serious bite out of cargo room. With the third-row seatback raised, we measured just 3.2 cubic feet of cargo room. With the third row folded flat, our measured cargo space increased to 18.5 cubic feet. That’s a lot better, but it’s still on the low side for an SUV this big.
5. Side-Hinged Tailgate
2022 Lexus GX 460 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Instead of a conventional liftgate that swings up for easy access to the cargo area, the GX uses a side-hinged tailgate that opens like a door. That can make access awkward, especially in tight quarters. A flip-up rear window helps but not so much if you’re loading bulky or heavy items.
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Keyword: Is the 2022 Lexus GX 460 a Good SUV? Here Are 4 Things We Like and 5 We Don’t