2005 Lexus GX 470 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

More power marks 2005 for Lexus' midsize truck-type SUV. A luxury version of parent Toyota's 4Runner, GX 470 comes with a V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Power rises 35 hp for '05, to 270. ABS and antiskid/traction control are standard, along with a tire-pressure monitor added midyear. A roll-detection sensor for the head-protecting 1st- and 2nd-row curtain side airbags was also added midyear. Front torso side airbags are standard. So is a hill ascent/descent control designed to maintain a slow, steady speed on steep grades. The suspension offers height adjustment, rear self-leveling suspension, and automatic shock-absorber control with four driver-selectable modes. Another midyear addition was Lexus' Kinetic Dynamic Suspension option. It uses sensor-activated electrohydraulic couplings that temporarily "release" the antiroll bars as needed to improve comfort and stability on rough surfaces. Continuing options include a navigation system, rear DVD entertainment, and a 3rd-row bench seat for up to 8-passenger capacity. As of midyear, the navigation screen serves as a TV camera that displays a rear view when Reverse is selected. Sunroof and lighted running boards are standard. The GX has a swing-open tailgate with fixed glass vs. 4Runner's liftgate with power window. Also included: leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, in-dash CD changer, and driver-seat memory.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.

News

A solid "plus business" asset for Lexus, the GX 470 isn't in for any immediate major change. A cosmetic freshening is possible for 2006 or '07.

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

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
60	59.8

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		59
High Score		70

2005 Lexus GX 470 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/11/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door wagon	$46,225	$40,215	$650

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, limited-slip center differential.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover-detection sensor, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill ascent/descent control, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, power steering, power tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats, roof rack.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, running boards.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Height-adjustable suspension w/adjustable shock absorbers and rear load-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/65HR17 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Navigation/Audio Pkg.
Base	$3,050	$2,471
Navigation system, Mark Levinson sound system, rearview camera, hands-free cellular telephone link. Moves in-dash CD changer to glovebox.

Sport Pkg.
Base	$1,800	$1,440
Unique interior and exterior trim, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension.

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension
Base	$1,750	$1,400


Preferred Accessory Pkg.
Base	$232	$139
Cargo mat and net, wheel locks.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Base	$1,560	$1,248


3rd-row split folding seat
Base	$2,030	$1,624
Includes rear air conditioning.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport bumper trim
Base	$699	$459


Rear spoiler
Base	$551	$345


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow-hitch receiver
Base	$433	$309

2005 Lexus GX 470 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lexus GX 470 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	109.8

Overall Length, in.	188.2

Overall Width, in.	74.0

Overall Height, in.	73.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	4871

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	77.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	23.0

Seating Capacity	8

Front Head Room, in.	41.0

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.8

Rear Head Room, in.	40.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.7 /285

Horsepower @ rpm.	270 @ 5400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	330 @ 3400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	15/19

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Lexus GX 470 4-door wagon

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	8/100,000 on RX 400h hybrid-related components. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty.

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2005 Lexus GX 470 Photos

Also in the 2005 Lexus GX 470 Review:

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Lexus GX 470 Road Test

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Lexus GX 470 Specs & Safety

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