Based on the internationally known Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the GX460 is one of the few remaining body-on-frame SUVs in the mid-size segment. The current generation has been around since 2009 and even though it feels outdated in many aspects, it still makes strong sales numbers. That’s mostly because of the fact that there is no real competition out there, considering that most premium carmakers offer crossovers in the mid-size segment. Practically, the key competitor is Toyota’s 4Runner. That’s why the Japanese manufacturer isn’t rushing with changes and why the 2023 Lexus GX460 is about to remain pretty much unchanged.
This means that you may count on familiar design characteristics, which means familiar pros and cons of this rugged luxury SUV. What we like about it is the off-road performance, which is amazing. Also, we like the overall build quality, as well as a pretty long list of safety features. On the other hand, the biggest complaints go to the thirsty engine, outdated interior design.
As there are no significant changes to come, we believe that the 2023 Lexus GX460 will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2022.
2023 Lexus GX460 Design
Design-wise, the 2023 Lexus GX460 definitely won’t change. Therefore, you may count on a design that hasn’t significantly changed since the initial launch in 2009. Still, keep in mind that there were few visual updates, so we can say that the current model still looks fairly attractive, especially for a 12-year-old vehicle.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle hasn’t changed much for all these years and as a result, the on-road ride quality isn’t particularly impressive. On the other hand, off-road ride is where this SUV really shines. All models come standard with four-wheel drive, while you can also get goodies like crawl control, transmission cooled and Multi-Terrain Select, which offers different traction modes, for terrains like rocks, mud, sand etc. Also, you can get a Multi-Terrain Monitor, a system that uses cameras to provide a view of the terrain under the vehicle.
Interior
Just one look at the dashboard and you can feel that this SUV is old. Simply, everything looks outdated compared to modern crossovers that tend to look like passenger cars from the inside. Instead, the GX offers a rather conventional SUV layout and we are pretty sure that many of you will like it. Despite the aging design, the build quality is excellent, while the materials are nice.
On the other hand, what’s not so impressive is the amount of space. This SUV features a modest size for its class, in order to keep off-road potential at a high level. As a result, there isn’t much room inside, especially in the third row. The cargo area also offers modest numbers for the class – 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 in total.
Features
We don’t believe that the next year’s model could bring too many changes in this aspect. Instead, most of the things are about to remain the same. Therefore, base models should come standard with goodies like dual-zone climate control, push-button start, an 8-inch touch screen, a nine-speaker stereo, Amazon Alexa capability, voice command, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and HD Radio. Additionally, you can get goodies like tri-zone climate control, navigation, the Lexus Enform App Suite, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system etc.
When it comes to safety features, all models should come standard with goodies 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. Among upgrades, you can find front and rear parking sensors, LED fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a surround-view parking camera system.
2023 Lexus GX460 Engines
Of course, things won’t change under the hood. We count on the good-old 4.6-liter V8, which puts out 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which does a pretty fine job.
The whole setup feels quite refined, and while the engine doesn’t seem particularly powerful, the V8 offers a pretty smooth delivery. The acceleration is decent, though the best quality of this engine is a high level of reliability and durability.
On the other hand, the biggest drawback is fuel economy. You may count on no more than 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, which is pretty low for the segment.
2023 Lexus GX460 Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Lexus GX460 will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2022, with a starting price of around 55.000 dollars.