Lexus GX

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Lexus GX

Manufacturer	Lexus
Parent company	Toyota Motor Corporation
Also called	Toyota Land Cruiser (Europe) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Australasia)
Production	2003—present
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Class	Mid-size luxury SUV
Transmission	5-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Wheelbase	109.8 in (2790 mm)
Length	188.2 in (4780 mm)
Width	71.8 in (1860 mm)
Height	74.6 in (1895 mm)
Fuel capacity	23 gal.
Related	Toyota 4Runner
Similar	Land Rover LR3

The Lexus GX 470 is a mid-size luxury SUV sold in North American markets by Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. The GX was introduced as a 2003 model in November 2002. The GX was released at the same time as the now-defunct Lincoln Aviator, another of its competitors.

The Lexus GX 470 is powered by a 4.7 L, 32-valve, four-cam V8 engine with 270 hp (201 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm. This is one of the largest engines that has ever been put into a Lexus. The vehicle is built at Lexus' Tahara plant in Japan. A similar version of the GX 470 is built as the Toyota Land Cruiser/Prado, and sold in Europe and Asia. The GX is touted as a competent contender for serious off-roading while being civilized enough for everyday driving.

The GX 470 has a welded steel body, an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, and a 4 wheel drive system. The GX interior offers a place for up to eight passengers with three rows of seating, although the third row is relatively tight with only 24 inches of legroom for its two passengers. A side-opening rear tailgate is standard. Other features include built-in mudguards, water-repellent glass, integrated illuminated running boards, and a roof rack with crossbars. The premium Mark Levinson audio system and a rear seat DVD entertainment system are available as options.

The Lexus GX has won various awards including 4-Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004 from 4x4 Magazine. J.D. Power and Associates named the GX 470 the highest ranked premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005 [1], and Kelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006. [2]

For 2007, Lexus added a mp3/WMA auxiliary port for iPod or similar media players, Bluetooth connectivity, and the upgraded Lexus fifth-generation navigation system with enhanced resolution, additional points of interest, and over 100 voice commands.

A new off-roading performance option for 2007 is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which frees and adjusts the GX's stabilizer bars so that each wheel can move with less restriction over uneven terrain. This system uses front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during off-road conditions, while retaining smooth ride quality on regular road surfaces. In the U.S., this suspension setup is part of the Sport Package. Interior trim choices include golden or dark Bird's Eye Maple trim, metallic accents, and ivory or dark gray leather.

The GX meets all the requirements to make it a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II).

In the Lexus lineup, the GX 470 is situated between the premium LX 570 and the entry-level luxury RX 350. The MSRP averages at about US $46,000.