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2008 Lexus GX 470 Full Review
Date Published: 3/14/08
Also in the 2008 Lexus GX 470 Review:
5.
6.
Lexus GX 470 Full Review
7.
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2008 Lexus GX 470 Review
The 2008 Lexus GX 470 is largely unchanged. GX 470 is a midsize SUV that uses traditional truck-type construction. It uses a 263-hp 4.7-liter V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb. All-wheel drive is standard and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. A 3rd-row bench seat is available for up to eight-passenger capacity. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill ascent and descent control is standard. The suspension is self-leveling and adjustable for height. The GX has automatic shock absorber control with four driver-selectable modes. Optional is Lexus's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, which can temporarily "release" the antiroll bars as needed to improve off-road suspension travel. Among other options are DVD entertainment and a navigation system with rearview camera.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
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2008 Lexus GX 470 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
In Consumer Guide testing, GX 470s averaged 14.0-15.2 mpg. This SUV requires premium-grade gas.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
The cabin has excellent fit and finish and mostly top-notch materials. A few interior plastics disappoint at these prices.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
| 63 | 69.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 60 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2008 Lexus GX 470 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $46,815 | $40,729 | $765 |
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 deployment, 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, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power passenger seat, center console, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), 2nd-row 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 radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, altimeter, barometer, rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, running boards, fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Height-adjustable suspension w/adjustable shock absorbers and load-leveling, 265/65SR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Navigation/Audio Pkg.
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||
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Base
|
$3,250
|
$2,633
|
|
Navigation system w/voice recognition, Mark Levinson sound system, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link. Moves in-dash CD changer to glovebox.
|
||
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Sport Pkg.
|
||
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Base
|
$1,650
|
$1,320
|
|
Unique interior and exterior trim, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension.
|
||
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Kinetic Dynamic Suspension
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,750
|
$1,400
|
|
Preferred Accessory Pkg.
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||
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Base
|
$230
|
$139
|
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Cargo mat and net, wheel locks.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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DVD entertainment system
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Base
|
$1,650
|
$1,320
|
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Requires 3rd-row split folding seat.
|
||
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Additional wireless headphones
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Base
|
$182
|
$138
|
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Satellite radio
|
||
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Base
|
$486
|
$389
|
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3rd-row split folding seat
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Base
|
$485
|
$436
|
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Includes rear air conditioning.
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Lexus Link assistance system
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Base
|
$900
|
$760
|
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Includes one year service.
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Rubber floormats
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Base
|
$99
|
$59
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Rear spoiler
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Base
|
$551
|
$345
|
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Tow-hitch receiver
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Base
|
$433
|
$309
|
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||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 74.6 |
| 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. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| 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. | 263 @ 5400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 323 @ 3400 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 14/18 |
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%.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Lexus GX 470 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lexus GX 470 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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