2014 Lexus GX 460 5-Door SUV

Does Many Things Exceptionally Well

2014 Lexus GX 460 (Courtesy of Lexus)

The thing you notice right away is how spacious the GX is. With ample room for seven passengers, plus cargo space of 64.7 cubic feet. If you can’t get everything in the car, there is still the 6,500-pound towing capacity. This towing capacity comes with Trailer Sway Control that continuously monitors the yaw rate acceleration, while steering sensors help prevent or control unwanted trailer movement.

The interior is further enhanced with the Premium Package. Mahogany wood trim combined with fine leather starts the driving experience. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, and climate control for the second and third rows complement style with comfort. Then there are three-zone automatic climate control, and touchscreen navigation with voice command. Choosing the Premium trim adds an additional $4,700 to the price tag of the base model.

Versatility is the best word to describe the possible makeup of the cabin seating arrangements. The second-row split seat back accommodates a playground full of kids and a camel caravan of cargo capacity. Meanwhile, the second-row passenger-side seat tilts and slides forward to allow easy access to the third row. The power third row seat can automatically fold flat into the cargo area floor at the touch of an easy-to-reach button. There is seven passenger seating with reclining and sliding 60/40 split middle-row seats, and fold flat 50/50 split third row seats.

The cabin is definitely driver friendly with 10-way memory power for the front seats, and the auto dimming of the rear view mirror adds to clear visibility.

The GX is powered by a 4.6 liter, 32 valve, DOHC V8 engine with VVT-i that delivers 301 hp and 329 lb.-ft. torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission anchors this robust engine.

EPA fuel economy rating was 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, for a combined 17 mpg, but my driving experience netted me only 12 mpg combined average.

The GX has some off-road capabilities, so whether you are taking your lady out to dinner or the family on a mountain picnic, this is the car.

GX also has Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which is designed to change with the terrain. It can automatically optimize handling when the road is smooth and allow more independent wheel movement on uneven ground.

Keep in mind the GX has a full-time 4WD with Torsen limited-slip center differential with electronic locking feature.

In a nutshell, what you have is a luxury SUV with off road capability that can get you places that are difficult to reach for most vehicles. And do it in style and comfort that is reserved for the more “sissy cars.”

Just because your ride will be smooth and care-free over rugged terrain doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice technology. The 8.0-inch touch screen with navigation and backup camera has an MP3 player and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Airbag safety is not a feature that Lexus has neglected. Ten airbags: driver and front passenger dual stage front, knee and seat-mounted side airbags, second row seat-side airbags, and roll-sensing curtain airbags covering all three rows make up your defensive perimeter.

Automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist button, and enhanced assistance are additional safety features.

I would be remiss if I failed to tell you how attractive the GX is to look at. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with mud and snow tires extend a proud stance, as illuminated running boards and roof rails expand outside smartness.

Just above the front bumper is a beehive lower black grille, positioned as a foot stool for the upper grille, with four chrome bar inserts and a Lexus brand insignia cradled in the center.

Manufacturer’s suggested price is $49,085 plus $930 freight for the base model, while the Premium carries an MSRP of $53,795.

Durhl Caussey writes a column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].

Warranty
4-year/50,000 mile limited warranty
6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty
6-year/unlimited mileage corrosion perforation warranty

Key Dimensions
Overall length: 189.2 in.
Wheelbase: 109.8 in.
Width: 74.2 in.
Height: 74.2 in
Ground clearance: 8.1 in.