2005 Lexus GX 470 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Lexus GX 470 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Lexus GX 470 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Lexus GX 470, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Lexus GX 470 help you decide if a 2005 Lexus GX 470 is right for you.

2005 Lexus GX 470 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6

Strong but not neck-snapping, at 7.7 sec 0-60 mph in our tests of an '04 model. Expect added power to improve acceleration slightly. Transmission downshifts quickly for decent passing punch. Powertrain exceptionally smooth. Towing capacity is 4500 lb.

Fuel Economy

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	3.3

Test '04 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	5.3

Truck-based roots evident in slightly bouncy behavior and occasionally wobbly feel on blemished surfaces. Driver-adjustable suspension feels too floaty set to Comfort, too jittery in Sport, and only adequately absorbent in Semi-Comfort and Semi-Sport modes.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5.4

Leans noticeably in turns, but doesn't feel tippy. Steering nicely weighted, accurate, but lacks road feel. Hill ascent and descent assists can be useful off-road. Fine brake performance despite fairly marked nosedive in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6.2

Muted growl in full acceleration. Wind buffeting over 55 mph. Coarse-surface tire noise evident.

Controls

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.3

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	7.6

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 sight lines 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	6.3

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	5.9

GX 470 is roomier than the Infiniti FX or BMW's X5, though not as sporty. The quality and red-carpet dealer service associated with the Lexus brand help this embellished 4Runner compete in the luxury-SUV field. But car-type rivals, such as the Acura MDX and Lexus' own RX, are more-sensible choices overall.

Total Score