This SUV is proof that buyers are desperate for body-on-frame SUVs. Even though we are talking about a model that has been around for about 12 years, it managed to record the highest sales in the last 15 years, despite the Coronavirus outbreak. In numbers, more than 28.000 units have been sold, which is pretty impressive for a luxury BoF SUV. Therefore, it’s no wonder that Lexus won’t rush with changes. The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Redesign definitely won’t happen. Instead, we are about to see the same design, with minor updates only. One of the possible novelties is to finally see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the offer.
All in all, you may count on a familiar design, which still has a lot of great things to offer. This is one of the rare models that combines off-road performances with luxury in such a great way. Furthermore, we like its long list of standard and available equipment, as well as excellent predicted reliability ratings.
Considering that bigger changes probably won’t happen, we presume that the 2022 Lexus GX 460 release date will be scheduled for the last quarter of the year.
2022 Lexus GX 460 Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the current generation of this SUV has been around for about 12 years, and that doesn’t stop it from making good sales numbers. Of course, the best thing about this SUV is its off-road character, which has been emphasized even more two years ago, after the update. For that case, we saw the introduction of a new Off-Road package, which includes a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor and Multi-Terrain Monitor with 4 Cameras, a transmission cooler, a fuel-tank protector along with Lexus’ own Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.
Visually, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 will continue with the novelties that came with the aforementioned update. There is a new version of the famous spindle grille, as well as revised headlights and several more tweaks.
Interior
The inside of this SUV hasn’t changed too much since the initial launch in 2009. Therefore, it’s not hard to see that the dashboard looks a little bit old compared to younger rivals. Still, those who like classic design solutions will find this cabin great, considering that the materials and the overall build quality are impressive.
When it comes to the passenger space, you should be aware that this model isn’t just luxurious, but also a super-capable off-roader. Therefore, the wheelbase is notably shorter compared to mid-size crossovers, which means less legroom. Although the GX packs three rows of seats, the third row is really tight. The cargo area offers around 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row up, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which is below average for the class.
Features
As we already mentioned, the 2022 Lexus GX Apple CarPlay and Android Auto additions could finally happen. It would be great if this happens, but we believe that the rest of the features would remain the same. Therefore, base models would come standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, a nine-speaker stereo, Amazon Alexa capability, voice command, Bluetooth, four USB ports, HD Radio, dual-zone climate control etc. Higher trim levels also offer things like tri-zone climate control, navigation, the Lexus Enform App Suite, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.
When it comes to safety features, the list of standard equipment is pretty impressive. It includes things like a rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind spot monitoring.
2022 Lexus GX 460 Engine
Things under the hood will definitely remain the same. The 2022 Lexus GX 460 will carry on with a good-old 4.6-liter V8, which puts out around 300 horsepower. It may not be the most powerful engine around, but this SUV is far from being slow. Also, the 6-speed automatic transmission works just fine.
The engine is capable and extremely durable, and it promises years of exploitation. On the other side, it’s pretty thirsty, considering that it returns just around 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Those are some of the lowest ratings for the class.
When properly equipped, this SUV can tow up to 6.500 pounds, which is quite respectable for the segment.
2022 Lexus GX 460 Release Date and Price
We expect to see the next year’s model sometime in the last quarter of 2021. The 2022 Lexus GX 460 price should start at around 54.000 dollars. In the segment of mid-size luxury SUV, this model practically has no rivals, so possible alternatives would be full-size models, such as Lexus LX, Infiniti QX80, Escalade, Navigator etc.