2003 Lexus GX 470: Road Test
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2003 Lexus GX 470 ▼
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- MSRP: $44,925
- Invoice: $39,084
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Our road test for the 2003 Lexus GX 470 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Lexus GX 470 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Lexus GX 470, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Lexus GX 470 help you decide if a 2003 Lexus GX 470 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.8 |
Strong but not neck-snapping, at 7.7 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Transmission downshifts quickly for decent passing punch. Powertrain exceptionally smooth.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.1 |
Test examples averaged 15.4-16.2 mpg overall, hitting a low of 11.8 in exclusively city driving. Lexus recommends 91-octane fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.6 |
Truck-based roots evident in slightly bouncy behavior and occasionally wobbly feel on blemished surfaces. Driver-adjusted suspension feels too floaty set to Comfort, too jittery in Sport, and only adequately absorbing in Semi-Comfort and Semi-Sport modes.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.1 |
Leans noticeably in turns, but doesn't feel tippy. Steering nicely weighted, accurate, but lacks road feel. Hill ascent and descent assists useful off-road, which means few buyers will ever use them--yet all must pay for them as part of standard equipment. Fine brake performance despite fairly marked nosedive in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.4 |
Muted growl in full acceleration. Wind buffeting over 55 mph. Coarse-surface tire noise evident.
CONTROLS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.7 |
Big electroluminescent gauges easy to read. Climate controls a stretch for some test drivers. Navigation system easier to use than most, though screen can wash out in sunlight, especially with sunroof open. Excellent fit and finish. Mostly top-notch materials, though some cabin plastics disappoint at these prices.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.3 |
High, commanding seating. Standard power tilt/telescope steering wheel and power seats provide range of comfortable positions. Plenty of room for all but tallest occupants. Wide rear roof pillars hamper visibility; optional 3rd-row seats stow against sides, obscuring even more. Steep step-in, and running boards can hinder more than help entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.9 |
Plenty of leg, head, toe room in 2nd row, though seat too low for best thigh support. Middle rider straddles hard driveshaft hump. Children best match for cramped, hard-to-access 3rd row. As in front, running boards can make for awkward entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.5 |
Lacks convenience of fold-into-the-floor 3rd row; GX's seats stow against sidewalls, must be removed for best utility. Generous space with 2nd row folded, though it doesn't drop flush for an even load floor. Low cargo liftover, but utility would be enhanced if cargo door opened from curbside and had roll-down glass. Subpar small-items cabin storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.2 |
GX 470 is roomier than BMW's X5, though not as sporty, and more modern than the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, though no larger inside. The quality and red-carpet dealer service associated with the Lexus brand will help this embellished 4Runner compete in the luxury-SUV field. But car-based rivals, such as the Acura MDX and Lexus's own RX 330, remain more-sensible choices overall.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 59 | 55.6 |
Total Score: 59
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