Evaluated in isolation, the 2018 Lexus GX 460 will probably wow you with its luxury-lined cabin, expansive features and smooth on-road ride. The trouble is that it has a rather dated design with diminishing appeal. In comparison, virtually every one of the GX 460's three-row luxury SUV rivals offers superior driving manners, interior space, power and fuel economy. They have even more features and are even more comfortable.

Of course, there are still some things to like about the GX 460, including its rugged, trucklike construction, commanding driving position, and the latest and greatest off-roading hardware Lexus has to offer. It should be able to take you wherever you want to go. Unfortunately, the aggressive new Lexus styling applied to the GX a few years ago took its toll on its approach angle and ground clearance.

As a result, the GX has less clearance than a Volvo XC90 — a vehicle that otherwise has nowhere near the GX's four-wheel-drive capabilities. At the same time, its trucklike construction significantly reduces its interior space and cargo-carrying versatility. The GX even retains an old-school swing-out tailgate that opens toward the curb.

In the end, there's just not enough to the 2018 Lexus GX 460 to warrant a recommendation. It's compromised no matter how you look at it.

Trim levels & features

The 2018 Lexus GX 460 is a large three-row SUV using traditional body-on-frame construction. It seats seven people standard. Available second-row captain's chairs reduce capacity to six. There are base and Luxury trim levels available. Both come with a 4.6-liter V8 engine (301 horsepower, 329 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

Standard equipment on the base trim includes 18-inch wheels, a full-size spare tire, LED headlights, running boards, a flip-up rear window within the swing-out tailgate, roof rails, Lexus' Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (improves off-road traction), a sunroof, a rearview camera, and keyless ignition and entry.

Inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering column, a 40/20/40-split second-row seat (sliding, reclining, folding) and a 50/50-split folding third-row seat. Infotainment features include Lexus Enform emergency and remote vehicle services, an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite and HD radio.

Stand-alone options include a blind-spot monitoring system (with rear cross-traffic alert), LED foglights, automatic wipers, a windshield de-icer, heated and ventilated front seats and a navigation system. The Premium package bundles most of those stand-alone options (minus blind-spot monitoring) and further adds parking sensors, heated second-row seats, leather upholstery and three-zone climate control. You can also add second-row captain's chairs.

The GX 460 Luxury comes with all of the above as standard plus an adaptive and auto-leveling suspension, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, headlight washers, a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel, a rear cargo cover, the second-row captain's chairs and upgraded leather upholstery.

Only the Luxury model can be enhanced with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a two-screen rear seat entertainment system, and the Driver Support package, which adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, front- and side-view cameras, a driver inattention monitoring system, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, crawl control (an off-road, low-speed cruise control system) and the Mark Levinson sound system.

The Sport Design package adds special styling elements to the Premium or Luxury models.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Lexus GX 460 (4.6L V8 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).

Driving

The GX 460 has much going for it but stumbles in key areas. Its transmission and gas pedal calibration get in the way of the willing V8. The suspension system gives it nimble handling, but the steering is lifeless and numb. And its impressive off-road hardware is foiled by low-slung bodywork.

Acceleration

The GX 460's 4.6-liter V8 has only 301 horsepower but is energetic enough to propel it from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. In normal use, though, the GX can feel lethargic owing to its heavy curb weight and economy-minded throttle pedal and transmission calibration.

Braking

3.5

Brakes feel reliable and responsive in everyday use. The pedal travel is a bit long, but not in an excessive way — it feels right. Our test sample stopped in a respectable 124 feet in our 60-mph panic stop test.

Steering

2.5

You don't have to turn the wheel much when parking and it'll make a tighter U-turn than you'd guess. The effort is neither too light not too heavy. Good at resisting crosswinds, too. But the response is dull and the feel is nonexistent — it's as if your fingertips have gone to sleep.

Handling

4.5

The GX comes with a clever suspension system that provides flat cornering on mountain roads yet automatically switches off to give excellent articulation when off-road. The result is a very nimble SUV for its size and height. No tippiness or stomach upset on the road to the lake with this one.

Drivability

The GX's transmission shifts very smoothly, which gives this SUV a refined demeanor. But the throttle pedal and transmission seem to play dumb when you want to accelerate smartly; it requires more pedal force than it should to accelerate and even more to trigger a downshift.

Off-road

3.5

Has a low range transfer case and a lockable center differential, and the suspension system automatically generates impressive wheel articulation. But ground clearance isn't great, and the overhangs are low. Will someday be a good choice for second owners who add expedition bumpers and a lift kit.

Comfort

It's quiet, the climate control system will please everyone, and the ride isn't liable to get your tummy rumbling. But make sure you test-sit those seats before you sign on the dotted line. Everyone is different in this regard, but we found it hard to get past the plank-like seat bottoms.

Seat comfort

Seats offer good lateral support and look comfy, but the leather seat bottoms and seatbacks feel flat and unyielding. A staffer who took it on a long road trip was uncomfortable within 10 minutes. The middle-row seats are flat and shapeless, apparently designed to fold rather than provide comfort.

Ride comfort

The GX 460 is generally smooth and airy without being floaty or buoyant. But ripples and patches in the asphalt often create a mild jostling motion and head toss, as if elements of the suspension are too taut and won't let the system relax.

Noise & vibration

Extremely quiet on all fronts — there's little wind, road or engine noise. It's a nice quiet backdrop whether you're having a conversation or listening to the high-end stereo.

Climate control

Controls are simple and easy to figure out at a glance. The vents are good-sized, and the fan doesn't make much racket. And all three rows have their own vents, with separate controls located in the middle row. Front heated and ventilated seats and heated rear seats offer multiple settings.

Interior

4.5

The Lexus GX looks good inside, and the layout is pleasing and easy to operate. There's generally a good deal of space, and the driving position is easy to set to your liking. The high seating position gives a commanding view of the road, but makes the step up higher than in newer crossover SUVs.

Ease of use

4.5

This Lexus lacks the brand's Remote Touch infotainment interface, and the GX is the better for it. All the control knobs, buttons and stalks are easy to identify, learn and use, and that even goes for the entertainment and navigation interface.

Getting in/getting out

The GX is a bit tall because it's a body-on-frame SUV, but it's not too bad. It comes with features that offset its height: integrated side steps and TWO interior grab handles at each door. The doors open wide, too. Third-row access is tight but in line with the segment; the captain's chairs help.

Driving position

The seats have numerous adjustments and, unlike in many Toyota/Lexus products, the wheel has a decent telescoping range. But the left footrest platform feels a bit close. Our test drivers changed their position more than usual to relieve discomfort from the seat bottoms (see Comfort section).

Roominess

Plenty of leg- and headroom up front. Middle-row headroom is generous, and legroom is fine if the driver is shorter than 6-foot-3, but the rear doors crowd your elbows. The third row is tight, but it's larger than expected. The back is best for kids and short trips only.

Visibility

4.5

Surprisingly good visibility all around because of the generous glass area, low doorsills, good-sized mirrors and a large camera screen. The headlights offer impressive clarity and coverage whether you're on low beams or high. Optional front and rear proximity sonar aids parking in tight quarters.

Quality

4.5

The interior of the GX is pleasing to look at, with an impressive combination of rich materials and textures. It looks well-built and durable, too.

Utility

The second and third rows of seats fold flat into the floor, but carrying capacity isn't class-leading. That's probably because the load deck of this traditional body-on-frame SUV is a bit high. It has a decent tow rating, but the tow hitch and wiring are dealer accessories, not factory-integrated.

Small-item storage

Front seat occupants enjoy good-sized door pockets, four places for beverages and a couple of handy nooks. The center console and glovebox aren't spectacular, but they get the job done. Middle-row door pockets are on the small side, and the flip-up cupholders are nothing to write home about.

Cargo space

The tall roof and fold-flat seats make a decent-sized cargo hold whether the middle row is up or down. But there's minimal space behind the third row, and the way it all folds into the floor makes for a high load deck. The side-hinged rear door is hinged on the wrong side, blocking curbside access.

Child safety seat accommodation

This truck stands a bit high, which means you'll have to lift the kids up into place. The middle row has LATCH anchors hidden behind a Velcro flap and top tethers for two seats, but the third row only has the top tethers and requires the use of the seat belt's locking retractor mechanism.

Towing

Tow hitch and trailer wiring harness socket are not standard or fully integrated; they're a dealer-installed accessory. When installed, the hitch receiver will always be visible because there's insufficient space for a hidden installation. The tow rating of 6,500 pounds is respectable for the class.

Technology

The sound system is strong, with numerous audio sources to choose from. But the GX feels like a time capsule, with clunky voice controls, dated graphics, and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. Desirable active safety aids are only offered on the highest grade in an option package.

Audio & navigation

3.5

Superb sound quality from the premium audio system, which also has HD radio and a CD player. But the navigation graphics feel dated — they're quite low-resolution, and the traffic density lines are comically thick.

Smartphone integration

3.5

Bluetooth pairing is easy because it doesn't always require a second confirmation step. USB jacks connect an iPhone smoothly, and the stereo remembers where your podcast left off the next time you start up. But this SUV does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which seems out of touch.

Driver aids

2.5

The GX feels old because many active safety aids are only available in an $4,340 option package that's exclusive to the top-level Luxury grade, a minimum spend of $68,715. Our well-equipped, $60,300 test vehicle had blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert as an $800 option, but that's it.

Voice control

The system recognizes speech well but requires the use of fairly structured commands. For instance, you can't say "Call Mark" when the navigation screen is displayed; you must first say "phone" and let the system switch over. No press-and-hold Siri access either.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Lexus GX 460.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.39 reviews

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5(67%)

4(22%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(11%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Best old school SUV

Dhananjay,07/30/2018

I have this car for the past 4 months and I love it every time I step in. Now, this car is old school and it lacks some of the latest gadgetry but other than that this car is best the SUV ever. For starters, I like the driving position a lot. It gives you the nice commanding view of the road for which old school SUVs are famous for. The overall visibility from the driver seat is amongst

The GX is Top Notch

Big T,01/10/2018

The Lexus GX is a great all around luxury vehicle that can do anything you ask it to and then some. It is also a vehicle that can hold up and handle very well in the worst conditions. This is the perfect vehicle for anyone or family who lives outside the city limits and requires the best all around quality and reliability. The GX is a top choice for the demanding vehicle owner.

2018 Old school vibe

Cedric Young ,05/18/2018

Excellent vehicle and good right eight. However, seats are not comfortable for everyone. Make sure you test them before you sign the dotted line. Other than that craftsmanship is excellent and the value on these things are superb. Love my GX!!

* LUXURIOUS BEAST

Kevin Smith,06/03/2018

* THIS SUV does "almost" everything well. Smooth and quiet ride, great acceleration and passing capability, looks and comfort make for a great vehicle. The one glaring flaw that I hesitate to bring light to is the cargo space when using the third row seating. You literally cannot put ANYTHING behind the third row seats. Okay, maybe a newspaper but that's even pushing it.

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$52,155

MPG

15 city / 18 hwy

Seats 7

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

MSRP

$63,530

MPG

15 city / 18 hwy

Seats 7

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

See all 2018 Lexus GX 460 features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite GX 460 safety features:

Lane Departure Alert: 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.

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More about the 2018 Lexus GX 460

The 2018 Lexus GX 460 is one of very few luxury SUVs designed for rugged off-road use. It can handle extreme family motoring thanks to durable body-on-frame construction, a V8 engine, an off-road-ready four-wheel-drive system and three rows of seats. But there are problems with Lexus' approach.

For starters, the GX's styling and big running boards are intended to bolster its luxury and family credentials, but they also significantly reduce ground clearance and approach angles. All the ruggedness and off-road tech in the world won't help if you keep scraping the body on things.

At the same time, the GX's traditional design reduces its effectiveness as a daily-use SUV. Its poor fuel economy, slow acceleration, ponderous handling, dated cabin and a lack of advanced driver-assistance features in lower-trim models stand in sharp contrast to crossover models (including those sold by Lexus). There are other vehicles with similar capabilities — not many, but they are out there — and not all are saddled with these shortcomings.

Lexus is a whiz when it comes to leather and wood, and the GX 460's interior is warm and luxurious. But it also seems a bit behind the times, with an old-school feeling to the control layout. Though the front seats are comfortable, the second row is less so and the third row is only suited for small children. The GX 460 offers less cargo space than its rivals, and the tailgate is hinged on the passenger side, making curbside loading difficult (at least in countries where we drive on the right side of the road). That said, a top-hinged rear window does make it easy to drop in groceries and carry long items like surfboards.

The GX 460's 4.6-liter V8 produces 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, and it comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case. The GX 460 can tow up to 6,500 pounds and its off-road performance is better than most, but again, such abilities come at the cost of on-road manners. Steering and brakes are slower to respond than in a crossover, and big as the engine is, it has to work its oil pan off to get the 5,200-pound GX up to highway speeds. It's no surprise then that the EPA fuel economy rating is unimpressive at just 16 mpg combined.

Lexus offers the GX 460 in two trim levels: base and Luxury. Base is a poor name since this version is very well-equipped, though some luxury nice-to-haves come only in option bundles. The Luxury model is well worth having, not only for its extra creature comforts but also for its auto-leveling rear air springs. Those help smooth out the ride a bit, but the GX is always going to jostle you around more than crossover rivals.

If you're shopping for this go-anywhere SUV, though, Edmunds can help find the perfect 2018 Lexus GX 460 for you.

2018 Lexus GX 460 Overview

The 2018 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 2018 Lexus GX 460?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Lexus GX 460 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 GX 460 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2018 GX 460.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Lexus GX 460 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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 2018 Lexus GX 460?

2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)

The 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $65,670. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) is trending $8,414 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $8,414 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$57,256.

The average savings for the 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) is12.8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 10 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)

The 2018 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 $53,150. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) is trending $7,975 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $7,975 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$45,175.

The average savings for the 2018 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) is15% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 37 2018 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2018 Lexus GX 460s are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Lexus GX 460 for sale near. There are currently 67 new 2018 GX 460s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $53,688 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Lexus GX 460. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $8,509 on a used or CPO 2018 GX 460 available from a dealership near you.

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 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.

2018 Lexus GX 460

New

Used

2018 Lexus GX 460 pricing

Which GX 460 does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Trim levels & features

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

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Get more for your trade-in

2018 Lexus GX 460 Overview

What do people think of the 2018 Lexus GX 460?

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2018 Lexus GX 460?

2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)

2018 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)

Which 2018 Lexus GX 460s are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2018 Lexus GX 460s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Compare prices on the New Lexus GX 460 for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Lexus GX 460?

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