The Lexus GX460 Review, Age like a Fine Wine

The second-generation Lexus GX was released in the United States more than a decade ago, and nothing has changed since then, except for a minor redesign for the 2019 model year and cabin enhancements in 2021. The Lexus GX460 was also one of several Lexus models to get the brand's new expensive Black Line trim as an option recently. Here is all you need to know about the GX460.

1. The 12-years-old Chassis of Lexus GX460

The GX is growing old, and its biggest anachronism is its truck-style body-on-frame architecture with a live rear axle, which can hamper on-road performance. However, the four-link and coil spring suspension arrangement, as well as the standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), assist to keep the harshness to a minimum.

The 2022 Lexus GX Black Line, on the other hand, benefits from its older chassis in that it features a traction control system that can be legitimately switched off, giving it somewhat better off-road control. Even with the basic KDSS, the Lexus GX460’s suspension articulates nicely, even though the setup can feel a little pushy at times and the GX460 likes to dip hard on braking and curve entry.

2. The Black Line Equipment

This particular test car was kitted up for luxury-themed on-road duties, costing $61,960 all-in (the basic price for the GX is $56,500). It is more than capable of getting some four-wheel drifts going on loose dirt surfaces, thanks to a brake-actuated axle locking system, Torsen center differential, and high or low selectable All-Wheel Drive.

The front triple projector LED headlight housings are similarly dark chrome. Although, on a nocturnal mountain adventure, the headlights themselves are considered to be a little lacking. Even with the fog lights on and both high and low beam settings, cornering illumination was weak. However, because of the Lexus GX460 optional headlight squirters, dirt was not an issue.

3. The GX Cabin and Technology

You will find some of the nicest materials Lexus has to offer on the inside. On the inside you can find a well-balanced blend of Matte Black Ash wood trim and gray leather elements. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a heating function and the heated and cooled 10-way power front seats with contrasting gray stitching. Several hour-plus rides were pleasant and only mildly jarring over tougher paved areas during our test drive.

The GX460 Black Line vehicle information screen on the instrument panel has a useful front wheel angle guide that shows you roughly which way they are pointing. This is especially beneficial while parking and driving over hills with your nose pointing towards the sky using the variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system of this Lexus GX460 Black Line car.

4. The Second and Third Row, and the Rear Cargo

The 40/20/40 split in the second row may slide and recline for optimal middle passenger comfort, albeit the second-row center passenger loses a little headroom compared to the two outside seats, with 40.4 inches for the outers and 40.2 inches for the center rider. However, all the three second-row occupants had 34.1 inches of legroom.

The passenger side of the second row swings forward to allow access to the third-row seats, which are cramped and only suitable for those under 5 feet tall, with 35.2 inches of headroom and 29.3 inches of legroom. The front center console has two USB ports and a 12-volt DC outlet, while the rear center console has two extra USB ports for second-row passengers.

The rear cargo gate of the Lexus GX460 is hinged on the passenger side, with a lockout on the door strut to keep it open when accessing the roof is required. The lift-up glass panel, which opens by a button located on the lower driver's side portion of the window trim, that may also be used to access the cargo compartment.

The 2022 Lexus black line is a decent pick if you are looking for a luxury SUV with some old-school off-road skills, V-8 power, and a blacked-out look, especially on that grille. Its structure is a little archaic, it is inefficient for its class, and it lacks some current electronics and comforts, but the GX's Black Line face-lift gives it just enough of a nip and tuck to make up for the most of it.