The 2023 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 despite updates over the years. And while the engine is strong and smooth, the braking is poor. Other luxury SUVs have surpassed the GX 460 in almost every way.
The Black Line Special Edition model gets a 360-degree camera system
The Luxury trim is now equipped with a Mark Levinson audio system
Part of the second GX 460 generation introduced for 2010
What is the GX 460?
The Lexus GX 460 is one of a small number of luxury-oriented body-on-frame SUVs. In fact, it has just two competitors: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Land Rover Defender. The GX 460 comes packing a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8, a genuine 4x4 four-wheel-drive system, and seating for up to seven. It works as a family hauler that can more than handle itself off-road, but it's not without faults. The ride on the road is harsh, the steering heavy, and the responses to driver inputs are dulled. Its V8 is also plenty thirsty and, with gas prices sky-high, that might be hard to stomach.
In addition to all that, the GX 460 isn't just old, it's positively ancient. This generation was first put on sale in 2010 and has soldiered on through three major face-lifts in that time. After the GX received a major tech upgrade that finally added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the 2022 model year, we think 2023 will bring with it little to no change. Maybe a new paint color will pop up on the options list, but we genuinely expect very little else. The GX simply keeps selling despite its age, and if it ain't broke, Lexus will likely be loath to fiddle with it.
Edmunds says
Rumor has it that a successor to the GX 460 based on a new Toyota architecture is coming in the near future, so if you want a truly modern GX, looks like you're going to have to wait.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Florida.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus GX 460 from 2008-2022.
$499/yr
vs. $602/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.98x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
6.8%
vs. 9.4% for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Some say it’s dated. For me it’s perfect. V8 power, tried and true, full time 4wd, 6500 pound towing capacity, body on frame. It’s been a pleasure to own, no problems, zero. Build quality, paint, interior, all great. This is a quality vehicle that will give you many years of service. Update 10/22. The GX has been perfect with zero issues. Still drives new and no rattles. Interior still … looks new. Still feeling good about this purchase! Update 4/20/23
Just passed 70,000 miles. Had the front brakes done along with the scheduled maintenance. No issues at all to report. The GX still runs and drives as new, with not a squeak or rattle. The paint and interior are still great and I get compliments on it. The phone companies recently phased out 3G and it affected some of my telematics, which is disappointing, because Lexus is not offering any repair/updates to upgrade the truck to 4G. These are great vehicles and if your looking at a used one buy a 2019 or newer, which have 4G. Update 10/20/23: no issues to report. I just got back from an extended trip to several states. She was loaded down but performed well in the mountains. For a 2016 with 81,000 miles to still be as tight and rattle free is impressive. I will look at the all new 2024, but it may be out of my price range. These are great vehicles.
Update: 4/24. The GX is still running perfect. No issues to report. Paint and interior still holding up very well. I use F11 Pro on the paint and get compliments on the truck all the time. No squeaks or rattles. I’m not sure you can buy a better built or more reliable vehicle. Update: 10/24 still going strong at 92,000 miles. Zero problems of any kind. Still runs and drives like new. Having a hard time deciding to keep it or trade it. When you hit 100,00 miles, you take a pretty good hit on resale. If I keep it much longer, I may just drive it until it acts up. That could be a while, I have a friend that has one with 328,000 miles. He drives it every day. Update: 4/25 Just had 4 new tires put on my GX. The SUV now has 97,000 miles on it and is running perfectly. Zero issues, as usual. I take it to the Lexus dealer for all routine maintenance, and keep all of that up to date. I usually trade vehicles before 100,000 miles, but after driving several SUV’s and thinking it over, I’m keeping this one for now. I’m still concerned about the V6 issues Toyota/Lexus is having with new engine that replaced the V8’s in new trucks and SUV’s, including the GX550. I just couldn’t find anything I was willing to trade for, because I really like what I have. In 2 weeks I will be heading north for an extended trip in it, and have absolutely no concerns. At this stage of my life, reliability means a lot to me and I have it with this vehicle.
Outdated? Nah
5 out of 5 stars
M Biggins, 12/17/2023
2023 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
I have been after a Lexus GX for about 6 years and recently made the purchase. For a second I thought I was out of my mind for dropping $50K+ on what is called an “ancient” platform. I thought that for only a second though.
This SUV is exactly what I wanted which is a solid, bomb proof, smooth, comfortable and long term reliable 4x4 I can hang onto for the long haul. …
Criticisms first:
1) No good place to put your cell phone while driving. I think my old iPhone 4 could fit in the space set aside on the center console but that is it. Better cell phone storage with wireless charging would be great.
2) 3rd row seats. Don’t need them, don’t want them and not sure if somebody should be buying this car if they plan on using those seats frequently. I would rather trade the 3rd row seats for a lower cargo area = more room.
3) More interior storage? Kind of scraping for #3…..
Likes:
1) If you are the kind of person who performs their own maintenance, this car is great. This is old school Toyota and most major things which will need to be maintained are accessible.
2) Very comfortable seats with a ton of headroom for taller folks.
3) New infotainment is spot on. There is redundancy for most controls with the buttons, touchscreen and trackpad. Stock stereo is decent.
4) This thing is behind on tech? Really? I know at least for me, when researching a car “tech” seems cool while reading about it but turns out more or less useless because I don’t use it after the first week. This SUV has all the important stuff.
5) The build on this car is very high quality. There are not any cheap/cost saving parts on this one. When you step into the SUV, you know it is built to last
6) The drive is great for a body on frame. Road noise is very good and not something you notice while traveling 80mpg on the freeway. The engine and transmission are a great pair.
7) I think this thing looks great and will continue to look great
8) MPG All I will say here is that the 2024 GX with the turbo six is only supposed to get 1 MPG better than the 460? Mmmm, ok.
This “dinosaur” still is and will continue to be a amazing SUV. Edmonds and other car review sites have this rated at the bottom which makes me laugh. Not enough “tech”, .5 second 0-60 too slow, etc, etc.
I would love to see rankings re-done by the same automotive journalists 6 years and 75K miles later, i.e. after the warranty expires on each of the cars. Range Rovers, Mercedes, BMW’s, Audi? LOL.
MPG is not great, tech is okay with Apple Car Play, but that’s not really the point of this vehicle….. this is a very rugged and luxurious SUV. It really is the Japanese G Wagon. The styling stays pretty much the same year after year and it’s near timeless. Safety is incredible and off road capabilities are as good as any 4x4 Jeep or truck if not better. Very hard to beat the value.
Rugged SUV
5 out of 5 stars
Modcookieparty, 02/15/2022
2022 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
I watched and read many reviews on this vehicle and eventually purchased one with the Premium trim. First off, it's a body-on-frame vehicle and it drives like that - I like it, some may not. On the stock tires, the ride is pretty smooth. Even over rough roads and bumps - did I mention it's a body-on-frame SUV...The V8 is responsive - not incredibly quick but strong enough. I get 17.5 mpg … on mixed driving. Every review mentions that it has an ancient engine and transmission. Other than the gas mileage, it performs well and it's bulletproof. If you're looking for a proven vehicle that can handle the rough stuff and comfortably tackle the daily drive, this is a great choice.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Lexus GX 460, so we've included reviews for other years of the GX 460 since its last redesign.