2008 Lexus GX 470 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Lexus GX 470 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Lexus GX 470 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Lexus GX 470, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Lexus GX 470 help you decide if a 2008 Lexus GX 470 is right for you.

2008 Lexus GX 470 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base w/navigation	Class Average
6	6.1

Strong and exceptionally smooth despite not having as much horsepower as rival 6- and 8-cylinder engines. The transmission downshifts promptly for good passing punch.

Fuel Economy

Base w/navigation	Class Average
3	3.3

In Consumer Guide testing, GX 470s averaged 14.0-15.2 mpg. This SUV requires premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base w/navigation	Class Average
4	5.8

GX 470's truck-based roots are evident in slight bounce and occasional wobble on blemished surfaces. The driver-adjustable suspension feels too floaty set to Comfort, too jittery in Sport, and just adequately absorbent in modes Lexus calls Semi-Comfort and Semi-Sport.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/navigation	Class Average
4	5.5

Again, GX's traditional truck-type construction is evident in handling with marked cornering lean. It doesn't feel tippy, though. The steering is nicely weighted but lacks road feel. Hill ascent and descent assists are useful off-road. Simulated panic stops bring about lots of nosedive, but brake-pedal feel is good.

Quietness

Base w/navigation	Class Average
6	6.7

The engine rises to a muted growl in full acceleration. Wind buffeting is noticeable at speeds greater than 55 mph. Coarse-surface tire noise is evident but not annoying.

Controls

Base w/navigation	Class Average
6	6.3

Big electroluminescent gauges are easy to read. The climate controls are a stretch for some of our testers. The navigation system is easy enough to learn, but its dashtop screen washes out in bright conditions.

Details

Base w/navigation	Class Average
7	7

The cabin has excellent fit and finish and mostly top-notch materials. A few interior plastics disappoint at these prices.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/navigation	Class Average
7	7.5

High, commanding seating. Standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and power seats provide a wide range of driving positions. All but the tallest occupants will have plenty of room. Wide rear roof pillars hamper visibility. The optional 3rd-row seats stow against the sides, rather than folding into the cargo floor. This obscures the view even more. Step-in is steep, and the running boards hurt, more than help, entry and exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/navigation	Class Average
7	6.5

Plenty of room in the 2nd row, though the seat is too low for best thigh support. The middle rider sits on a hard cushion over the driveshaft hump. Children are the best match for the cramped, hard-to-access 3rd row. As in front, running boards and smallish door openings can make for awkward entry and exit.

Cargo Room

Base w/navigation	Class Average
9	8.6

The optional 3rd-row is split. Its sections stow against the sidewalls and must be removed for best utility--all are very clumsy. Generous space with the 2nd row folded, but the load floor is not flat. Cargo liftover is low, but GX 470's swing-out rear door should open from curbside and have roll-down glass. Plus, the cargo door is held open by an awkward metal bracket that must be locked by hand and is often dirty with road grime. Small-item storage is subpar.

Value within Class

Base w/navigation	Class Average
4	6.1

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 than crossover rivals such as Acura's MDX and Lexus's own RX.

Total Score