Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
There’s nothing like a large, luxury SUV amid cold winter days to quickly heat the cabin, seats, and steering wheel. Full-time 4WD paired with 19″ alloy rims is also necessary for snow spurts, as we witnessed during the latest Washington Auto Show in the District of Columbia. Starting at $56,700, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 is offered in Premium, Luxury, and Black Line Special Edition renditions. My Luxury model totaled $71,960 with various additions and had no issues battling through the adverse weather conditions.
The GX 460 gives its owners and their passengers certain levels of comfort and opulence, but not anything newfangled or outlier-based. Its amenities and layout are more so what traditionalists expect from premium vehicles. A few of the GX 460 Luxury stand-outs include an Adaptive Variable Suspension, Power-Reclining third row, and Semi-Aniline leather interior trim. Though, the $2,020 Sport Design Package on my Atomic Silver loaner featured second-row captain chairs that tilt and slide along with front and rear bumper spoilers, a lower grille surround, and Scarlet taillights.
Bold, massive Spindle grilles are a Lexus tradition and equally dominate the front fascia of the GX 460. Some customers love them, but others could do without the aggression. I enjoy the technique on Lexus sports cars, not necessarily the SUVs. Also, the molded-to-the-body running board design is dated. Why not offer the pair as an option with various styles so owners can decipher for themselves. Another quibble, Lexus needs to redesign the rear swing gate to a traditional tailgate. It got in my way more than it was helpful.
Along with the 4.6-liter V8 engine disbursing 301-horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, the steering and suspension provide a smooth and compliant ride. But the 6-speed automatic transmission is a bit behind the times and might be the culprit of 16-city miles for the 5,130 lb utility. Yet, the GX does tow up to 6,500 lbs. For daring customers who prefer to blend luxury with adventure, you can opt for the $1,570 ff-Road Package with Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View Monitors, Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, a transmission cooler, and a fuel tank protector. Mode selection includes Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, or Mud and Sand. So best believe the griddy DC streets had nothing on the GX 460’s robust capabilities.
Inside, the GX is comforting and feels quite the opposite of the rough country page I just described from the Jungle Book. The new 10.3” touchscreen display is your nucleus for Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and the upgraded Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system is pure. Connect your smartwatch and the Lexus App for remote engine starts, schedule a service appointment, or receive vehicle health reports. Security comes in the form of Lexus Safety System+ featuring Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Intelligent High Beams.
With a few futuristic updates and technological enhancements, the GX will be ready for the full breadth of competition, whether from the Audi Q7 or INFINITI QX60. I have faith in the Japanese luxury brand.
