BEHIND THE WHEEL: A big, easy to love SUV: the 2018 Lexus GX 460
Luxury cabin, easy ride and sexy features make the 2018 Lexus GX 460 appealing even if the design is one that has not changed this year. Never doubt, the Lexus GX 460 still commands the best of the best in off-roading hardware. On this one you will want to pay attention to the ground clearance since this is a new styling feature that has been added to the 2018 model.
The competition when sizing up the 2018 Lexus GX 460 includes the Volvo XC 90, Land Rover Discovery, Lexus RX 350 and the Toyota Land Cruiser. However, keep in mind if you want a truck-type vibe sort of experience you have it with this Lexus even if the “truck feeling” means you will forfeit cargo carrying space and a few other minor bells and whistles.
Trim level options
The 2018 Lexus GX 460 is an SUV with three rows and you can seat seven inside. There is also the chance to opt for captain’s chairs in the second row, but then you can only seat six inside.
There are two trim levels available, the base and the Luxury trims. You will find both have
available. On the base you get 18-inch wheels, full-size spare tire, LED headlights, running boards, swing-out tailgate, roof rails and the Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. There is also a sunroof and keyless ignition and entry as well as simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, 40/20/40-split second-row seat that slides, reclines and folds and in the third row it is a 50/50-split folding seat.
For technology lovers the Infotainment offers the Lexus Enform emergency and remote vehicle service with an eight-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Bluetooth and a CD player.
For the base you can also add LED fog lights, automatic wipers, windshield de-icer and heated/air-conditioned front seats with navigation. If you opt for a bundled package the Premium package will add heated second-row seats, leather upholstery and the captain’s chairs.
The Luxury trim has all the base features as well as adaptive and auto-leveling suspension, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery and the second-row captain’s chairs are standard on this one.
Technology on the Luxury model include 17 Mark Levinson speakers, two-screen rear seat entertainment and if you add the Driver Support package you will also find adaptive cruise control, front-and side-view cameras, and a variety of extra safety features.
Under the hood
The 2018 Lexus GX 460 has a 4.6-liter V8 engine on both trims with 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It is a six-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive and that’s full-time four-wheel drive with active traction control that is built to identify wheel slippage and make sure the brake is applied as needed.
Safety first
Safety on the 2018 Lexus GX 460 includes front driver, front passenger, side body front and side body rear, side head front and side head rear airbags as well as ABS brakes and a Type-4 Wheel disc, child safety rear door locks, security system and traction control.
Interior and exterior highlight
With the Lexus name you know the 2018 Lexus GX 460 is going to be offer luxury inside and out, but this one does go beyond in the area of cabin space. The infotainment system is easy enough to navigate and there is the Remote Touch feature as well as easy to use and identify knobs and buttons as needed too.
Keep in mind this Lexus is going to require you to climb up to get inside, there are the side steps and the pull handles that you are very likely going to need in order to get inside the cabin. Getting in and out of the second and third row is relatively easy, the captain’s chair options make climbing all the way into the third row much easier too.
There is enough head and legroom in the front, but as you descend back the third row is best for children.
When needed for hauling both the second and third rows fold down and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for your drinks, your phone or anything else you want to store while driving.
Along for the ride
With the V8 engine you know you have plenty of power, but steering is a bit to be desired since I did not get a sense of feeling the road. This is a good off-road vehicle, so you can expect this Lexus to shine in that category and who doesn’t want the most luxurious set of wheels under you when navigating the highway, city streets or an apocalypse?
Should you need to know
The towing capacity on the 2018 Lexus GX 460 is 6,500 pounds.
Miles
On the Lexus GX 460 I drove it came in at 15 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost
The price tag on the 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury I drove was $69,290.
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