Lexus GX

The Lexus GX is a mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold in North American and Eurasian markets by Lexus. The first generation GX 470 was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in 2002 as a 2003 model, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter Lexus' lineup. The 4.7 L V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The second generation GX 460 was introduced at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in 2009, the name change reflecting the switch to a 4.6 L V8 engine.

The GX shares exterior design with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, sold in Asia, Australia, and Europe, and is based on the same platform which also underpins the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser.^[1] In the Lexus lineup, the GX is situated between its crossover counterpart, the RX, and the premium full-size LX. Production of the GX occurs at Lexus' Tahara plant in Japan.

First generation (UZJ120; 2002–2009)

2002–2003

The Lexus GX 470 was introduced as a 2003 model in November 2002, and released at the same time as the now-defunct competitor, the Lincoln Aviator. The design incorporated welded steel body-on-frame construction, an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, and permanent four-wheel drive with a center locking Torsen differential.^[2] The suspension shared its layout with the Toyota 4Runner equipped with the rear air suspension, while adding Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). AVS could adjust damper firmness continuously while DAC modulated descents down slopes.^[2] Power came from a 4.7 L, 32-valve, four-cam V8 2UZ-FE engine originally rated at 235 horsepower (175 kW) at 4,800 rpm and 320 lb·ft (434 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm.^[2] Towing capacity was rated at 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg).^[2] Ground clearance measured 8.3 inches (210 mm), with an approach angle of 30° and a departure angle of 29° raised (25° normal).^[2][3] The GX 470 carried a drag coefficient of C_d=0.38.^[2]

The interior came equipped with two rows of seating, while an optional third row allowed up to eight passengers to be carried.^[2] However, the folding third row was tight with only 24 inches (610 mm) of legroom. A Mark Levinson audio system along with a Rear Seat Entertainment System were available as options.^[2] A side-opening rear tailgate was standard.^[2]

2004–2005

For 2004, the GX 470's transmission was upgraded to a sealed unit with no dipstick. An optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) became available as a late-year addition.^[4] KDSS freed and adjusted the vehicle's stabilizer bars for greater articulation allowing the wheels to move with less restriction over uneven terrain, and used front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during on-road conditions.^[5] Safety upgrades for 2004 included a roll-sensing feature for the side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an optional rear backup camera system.^[4]

For 2005, the GX 470's engine gained 35 horsepower (26 kW) with the addition of VVT-i for a total of 270 horsepower (201 kW).^[4] This allowed the SUV to be certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) in the U.S.^[6] Other upgrades included an enhanced navigation system, Bluetooth compatibility, and more voice commands. A Sport model joined the lineup, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and different styling such as smoked bezel headlamps, added chrome trim, and black bird's eye maple wood.^[7][8]

2006–2009

For 2006, changes in SAE engine testing procedures resulted in a slight drop in the amount of stated power for the V8 to 263 hp (196 kW), and Lexus Link telematics was offered in North America.^[4] For 2007, the GX 470 was largely unchanged, with upgrades for cabin electronics including a new generation navigation system, auxiliary input jack for devices like an iPod, DVD video playback when parked, and larger optional rear entertainment video screen.^[6]

For 2008, the GX 470 received styling updates, including a dark metallic grille, liquid graphite wheels, added exterior and interior chrome, revised turn signal lights, and added wood and body color options.^[9]

Second generation (URJ150; 2009–present)

2009–present

The GX 460 debuted at the China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition in November 2009. The redesigned model continued with body-on-frame construction, full-time 4-wheel drive, a Hi-lo transfer case, and a Torsen center locking differential. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) became standard.^[10] Power came from a new 4.6-liter 1UR-FE V8 engine producing 301 hp (224 kW) and 329 lb·ft (446 N·m) of torque,^[11] mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was improved over the prior generation,^[12] while maximum towing capacity was 6,500 pounds (2,900 kg).^[11] The drag coefficient was reduced to C_d=0.35.^[10] The rear wiper was hidden under the rear spoiler, and while the tailgate remained side-opening, a flip-up glass panel was added.^[10]

The interior added a power-folding, two-passenger third row which folded flat, allowing capacity for up to seven passengers, with the second row sliding or tilting for third row access.^[11] Because the third row was no longer removable and used additional space, cargo capacity declined. A toggle switch replaced the transfer case's floor mounted shift lever, and the gauge cluster added a steering wheel angle display for off road situations.^[11] Similar to before, a Mark Levinson sound system and two-display Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES) were optional,^[10] while three-zone climate control, semi-aniline leather, and heated second row seats and steering wheel were new options.^[10]

Like its predecessor, Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC) air suspension was offered on the GX 460 with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). Additional electronic aids included the LX 570's Crawl Control system, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC).^[10] The Torsen differential distributed a variable torque split when left unlocked, including a 40:60 (front:rear) ratio under normal driving conditions, a 30:70 ratio during cornering, and a 50:50 ratio when rear wheel slippage was detected.^[10]

Added safety features included whiplash-reducing active headrests and ten airbags, including front knee airbags and rear side torso airbags. New safety options include a Pre-Collision System, Driver Monitoring System, lane departure warning system, and Lexus Enform with Safety Connect telematics.^[10] Optional cameras located at the rear door, rear-view mirror, and passenger-side mirror provided views of the vehicle's sides.^[11][13] Low-beam HID headlamp projectors were offered with an Intelligent High Beam feature which automatically dimmed the high beams depending on traffic conditions and an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that swiveled the headlamps in corners.^[10]

2010 recall

On April 13, 2010, Consumer Reports urged customers not to buy the 2010 GX 460, giving it a “Don’t buy, Safety Risk” label, its first such vehicle rating since 2001, following the results of a "lift-off oversteer" emergency test. This label was lifted on May 7, 2010.^[14] In the high-speed test, the SUV was quickly turned with no pedal input,^[15] causing a sideways slide before the vehicle stability control (VSC) initiated a full stop.^[15] Consumer Reports said that the VSC acted too slowly, and if a wheel hit a curb or slid off the pavement, a rollover accident could occur. The shared-platform Toyota 4Runner passed the test,^[15] and while Consumer Reports said it knew of no actual incidents, it recommended a software fix.^[15] The same day, vehicle maker Toyota expressed concern, thanked the magazine, and temporarily suspended GX 460 sales.^[15][16] While noting that the SUV met all U.S. federal requirements,^[16] on April 16 Toyota confirmed that its testing had duplicated the results.^[17]

On April 19, a voluntary recall of the GX 460 was issued, along with the left-hand-drive Land Cruiser Prado, for a software update to fix the VSC response.^[18][19] With the software update in place, sales resumed on April 29.^[20] Vehicle stability control had been criticized by Wheels magazine for slow response speed on such models as the Toyota Kluger (known as the Highlander in North America),^[21][22] while Drive noted that VSC had also been said to intervene too soon.^[22] The Wall Street Journal pointed the lack of VSC a decade ago.^[23]

Awards

The Lexus GX has won various awards including Four Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004 from Four Wheeler Magazine, and Automobile Magazine All-Star for 2003 in the Mid-Size Sport-Utility category.^[24] J.D. Power and Associates named the GX 470 the highest ranked premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005,^[25] and Kelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006.^[26]

Sales figures

Sales data in United States for the Lexus GX are as follows, sourced from manufacturer yearly data:

References

External links

• Lexus GX official U.S. site
• GX 470 specifications details changes by year