2006 Lexus GX 470 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Lexus GX 470 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Lexus GX 470 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Lexus GX 470, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Lexus GX 470 help you decide if a 2006 Lexus GX 470 is right for you.

2006 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	6.2

Strong and exceptionally smooth. Transmission downshifts promptly for good passing punch. Towing capacity is 4500 lb.

Fuel Economy

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3.4

Test GX 470 averaged 15.2 mpg. Lexus recommends 91-octane fuel.

Ride Quality

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5.5

Truck-based roots evident in slight bounce and occasional wobble on blemished surfaces. Driver-adjustable suspension feels too floaty set to Comfort, too jittery in Sport, and just adequately absorbent in Semi-Comfort and Semi-Sport modes.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5.7

Marked cornering lean, but no tippy feel. Steering nicely weighted, accurate, but lacks road feel. Hill ascent/descent assists useful off-road. Fine braking, despite fairly heavy nosedive in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6.6

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

Controls

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.6

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 bright sunlight. 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	7.5

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	6.3

Plenty of leg, head, toe room in 2nd row, though seat too low for best thigh support. Middle rider sits on hard cushion over 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
7	7.9

Optional 3rd-row split; sections stow against sidewalls, must be removed for best utility--all very clumsy. Generous space with 2nd row folded, but load floor not flat. Low cargo liftover, but swing-out rear door should open from curbside and have roll-down glass. Plus, rear door held open by awkward metal bracket that must be locked by hand and is often dirty with road grime. Subpar small-item storage.

Value within Class

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5.8

GX 470 is bolstered by the resale-value record, and red-carpet dealer service associated with the Lexus brand. But a trucky nature makes it less appealing to us than car-type rivals such as Acura's MDX and Lexus's own RX.

Total Score