Most SUVs today are designed more for city driving than tackling rocky trails and dirt roads. The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is of a slightly different breed. It's pretty capable of handling those rough-and-tumble duties thanks to a special suspension system that improves wheel articulation in off-road situations. This, in combination with the 4WD system with low-range gearing, maximizes traction when you need it most.
Unfortunately, the GX 460's off-road focus compromises on-road comfort. We like the commanding seating position and user-friendly interior, but the ride is stiff on less-than-perfect pavement. Other downsides include an underpowered and overly thirsty V8 and a lack of cargo room. A few other SUVs, such as the Land Rover Discovery, are better at providing similar capabilities without the loss of utility. Check out our Expert Rating for more of our take on the 2021 GX 460.
The Lexus GX 460 is a bit of a mixed bag. It's as solid and well built as ever, but parts of it are almost comically old. And while the engine is strong and smooth, the braking is poor. Other luxury SUVs have surpassed the GX 460 in almost every way.
How does it drive?
6.5
The Lexus GX 460 has much going for it but stumbles in key areas. In routine use around town, the GX can feel lethargic owing to its heavy curb weight and an economy-minded throttle pedal and transmission calibration. Emergency braking performance is also disappointing. The stopping distance from 60 mph is last in class at 139 feet. Thankfully, low-speed handling maneuvers are easy due to its tight turning circle and light steering effort.
The GX has decent on- and off-road handling, but its steering is lifeless and numb. As for going off-road, the GX 460 has a low-range transfer case and a lockable center differential, and the suspension system (KDSS) automatically generates impressive wheel articulation. But ground clearance isn't great, and the overhangs are low. It will be a good choice for second owners willing to add expedition bumpers and a lift kit.
How comfortable is it?
7.0
The Lexus GX 460 is supremely quiet, and the ride is generally smooth without being floaty or buoyant. But ripples and patches in the asphalt often create a mild jostling motion that your passengers might find uncomfortable. Also make sure you test out the seats before you sign on the dotted line. Everyone is different, but our entire staff disliked the seats due to the plank-like seat bottoms in all seating positions.
The climate control system's layout is really dated, but to its credit, it works exceptionally well. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the second-row seats are heated. All three rows have air vents, and those in the second row have their own climate controls.
How’s the interior?
8.0
The Lexus GX has a dated-looking interior layout, but it functions well. There's generally abundant space, and a good driving position is easy to find. The high seating position gives a commanding view of the road, but it makes the step up a bit higher than in newer SUVs.
The available parking assist makes maneuvering this vehicle in tight parking areas a breeze, as do the vehicle's excellent sight lines. The exterior mirrors are appropriately sized and welcome in both on- and off-road situations.
How’s the tech?
6.0
The GX's infotainment is a mix of capable and infuriating. While the sound system is strong, the audio screen won't stay put and constantly defaults to a summary screen. The GX also feels like a time capsule, with clunky voice controls, old navigation graphics, and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. That's difficult to accept considering the GX's price.
How’s the storage?
7.0
The second and third rows of seats may fold flat into the floor, but cargo capacity isn't class-leading. The load deck of this traditional body-on-frame SUV is somewhat high, so anyone of smaller stature will struggle to load heavier objects. The swing-out rear door blocks curbside access. Maximum towing capability is listed at 6,500 pounds, but the tow hitch and wiring are dealer-installed accessories and not factory-integrated.
How economical is it?
5.0
In this day and age, even larger SUVs can be somewhat fuel-efficient. The GX's rating of 16 mpg combined (15 city/19 highway) is not good, and our GX 460 test vehicle hovered around those figures, which makes it pretty terrible.
Is it a good value?
7.0
The GX 460 oozes quality in terms of materials and workmanship. But the interior looks the better part of a decade old. While the simplicity and layout might appeal to some buyers, most everyone else will likely be put off by the lack of modernity.
Wildcard
6.0
It's about as fun to drive as a boxy truck-based SUV can be, which isn't saying much. It's also far more sophisticated and quiet than you'd expect. But it feels a bit straight-laced, stodgy and as old as the hills. Its time has passed.
Which GX 460 does Edmunds recommend?
It may be the most expensive, but we think the top-tier GX 460 Luxury is the way to go. Its adaptive suspension helps improve the ride, and the available off-road package makes it capable off the beaten path.
Lexus GX 460 models
The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is a three-row luxury SUV that's available in three trim levels: base, Premium and Luxury. Each one is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine (301 horsepower, 329 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.
Base The base GX comes reasonably well equipped. Standard features include:
Seating for up to seven passengers
LED headlights
Lexus' Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved off-road performance
Keyless entry and ignition
Simulated leather upholstery
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Four USB ports (two up front, two in the rear)
Driver aids
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure alert (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Premium The midtier Premium trim includes all of the base model features and adds:
Lexus' Enform communications system
Integrated navigation system
Amazon Alexa integration
Three-zone automatic climate control
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated outboard second-row seats
Parking sensors
LED foglights
Automatic windshield wipers
Options on the Premium trim include:
Second-row captain's seats
17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
Power-folding third row
Luxury The top-grade Luxury trim builds off the Premium trim, adding:
Self-leveling adaptive air suspension
Heated wood-trimmed steering wheel
Upgraded leather upholstery
Standard power-folding third row
Options include:
Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the GX 460 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Off-Road package
Includes surround-view camera
Crawl control for improved off-road driving
Adjustable off-road drive modes
Fuel tank protection
Transmission oil cooler
Sponsored cars related to the GX 460
Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2021 Lexus GX 460.
Warns you when you begin drifting out of your lane.
Pre-Collision System
Warns you about stopped or suddenly slowing vehicles ahead, then helps you apply full braking force or applies the brakes for you.
Driver Attention Monitor
Studies your actions behind the wheel to determine whether you're acting drowsy or distracted, then warns you accordingly.
Lexus GX 460 vs. the competition
Lexus GX 460 vs. Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery is a much newer and more modern vehicle than the decade-old Lexus. While it lacks a V8 engine, the Discovery's supercharged V6 is more powerful than the GX's V8. The Land Rover is also available with a torquey and relatively fuel-efficient diesel engine. It's much more comfortable and refined on the road.
The Land Cruiser, despite wearing a Toyota badge rather than a Lexus logo, is significantly more expensive than the GX. Like the Lexus, it's an old platform that, while updated over the years, feels behind the times in terms of refinement. The Land Cruiser's interior is more spacious than the GX's, but it's not as well appointed. Both are about equal when it comes to off-road capability, though the Land Cruiser's larger size makes it a bit harder to maneuver.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Swiss Army knife of SUVs. If you want a comfortable but capable off-roader, check out the Trailhawk trim. If you care more about on-road comfort and tech, there's the Summit trim. And if you really want to show off and let everyone know you mean business, there's the wild Trackhawk trim with its 707-hp supercharged V8. It's not as luxurious or roomy as the GX, but it's also much less expensive.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 GX 460 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.8 out of 10. You probably care about Lexus GX 460 fuel economy, so it's important to know that the GX 460 gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GX 460 has 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus GX 460. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Lexus GX 460?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus GX 460:
New Premium Plus package includes third-row power seats and premium audio
Acoustic glass on front side windows
Amazon Alexa compatibility
Part of the second GX 460 generation introduced for 2010
To determine whether the Lexus GX 460 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GX 460. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GX 460's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Lexus GX 460 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus GX 460 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 GX 460 and gave it a 6.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 GX 460 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus GX 460?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus GX 460 is the 2021 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $53,100.
Other versions include:
4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $53,100
Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $64,365
If you're interested in the Lexus GX 460, the next question is, which GX 460 model is right for you? GX 460 variants include 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A), and Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A). For a full list of GX 460 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2021 Lexus GX 460
2021 Lexus GX 460 Overview
The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is offered in the following submodels: GX 460 SUV. Available styles include 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A), and Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2021 Lexus GX 460?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2021 Lexus GX 460 and all its trim types.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 GX 460.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Lexus GX 460 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 GX 460 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Lexus GX 460?
2021 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
The 2021 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $57,745. The average price paid for a new 2021 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) is trending $2,578 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,578 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $55,167.
The average savings for the 2021 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) is 4.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 3 2021 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Lexus GX 460s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings
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Find a new Lexus GX 460 for sale - 1 great deals out of 6 listings starting at $13,496.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Lexus GX 460?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand,
can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a
new car every three years or so.
