INTRO

For road testers as well as shoppers, there is a huge benefit in driving two considered vehicles back-to-back, with insights and detail differences coming to the surface that might not have been noticeable before. The closer the competition in terms of quality and specifications — the more critical it is to get a sense of each machine from the driver’s seat.

Probably common sense, but a good reminder to myself nonetheless on my favorite aspect of any car magazine. So what did I notice coming right from the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe into the Lexus GX460? Find out in the quick video below…!

 

FIRST DRIVE VIDEO

EXTERIOR

The exterior of the 2014 GX460 is the most revamped aspect, with new detailing from all sides and the well-regarded new Lexus nose up front.

— NOSE:

• Overall, this is still a large and imposing truck. It is hard to give the surfaces the grace and flow of more car-like crossovers due to the bluff nose angle and short overhangs — all hallmarks of the best off-roaders. This chopped-overhang design provides more approach and departure clearance when hitting huge hills and steep slopes.

• The GX460 is at first a quite showy thing up front, but the styling really mellows and warms up with a few viewings from different angles. Most notable is the large inverted double trapezoidal grille, which brings tasteful brightwork accents with dark horizontal slats up top. It is not exactly gorgeous, but it does make the big GX feel much more comfortable in the full-range photos, where the new grille shape matches the rest of the family.

• The arrow-head LED slash in the lower lights is the most successful aspect of the GX460’s restyle for 2014, providing a solid white bar of angled light as the DRLs and lower LED accent at nighttime.

• The overall lamp units are fully redesigned for 2014 as well, with twin mini projector beams as the low-beams and a single spotlight halogen highbeam closest to the grille. It is tasteful and well-resolved — with the inner pinch of the arrow-head LED shape pointing right into the bulb of this highbeam. Overall, very appealing versus the previous headlamp and grille design.

PROFILE

• The side profile of the GX460 is relatively unchanged aside from new lower surfaces to visually modernize this blocky SUV shape. The rear-most side glass behind the passenger doors now angles upward toward the back with a chrome edge around the lower window that was not present before – also helping to modernize and refine the familiar shape.

TAIL

• The most untouched part of the 2014 GX460 comes from its view directly from behind, where the red LED taillamps have been replaced with a clear chrome light design. The lower bumpers are also refined, with new reflector designs in the bumper that appear crisper and more modern.

EXTERIOR COLOR CHOICES

 

INTERIOR

The cabin of the GX460 is sure to be the all-star attraction for most buyers. It is simply devine and extremely comfortable from the word go. Ingress is relatively easy: despite the high ride height, the doors are enormously tall and allow a smoother entry/exit procedure than the 2015 Tahoe. Both have pretty high floors versus the latest generations of soft-roaders and crossovers, but the Lexus is easier to get in and out of than the Chevrolet.

The running boards are helpful for shorter folks, but are not obtrusive and arent really a mandatory thing to hop in comfortably.

Once seated, the leather and seat comfort instantly felt far above the 2015 Tahoe LTZ – also equipped with leather and a full $68,000 price list that included a blu-ray player in back and a variety of other comforts. The Lexus does lag behind the Tahoe on some levels of tech integration — with many controls of the GX460 inside the touch-screen menu versus also providing knobs and such. THe climate control, as noted above, seems like it would be more helpful with its own interface for more than temperature.

The touchscreen of the GX is easy to reach and operate, but did not show terrific contrast and washed out easily in sunny Lake Lanier, Georgia — making it hard to read anything ont he screen while wearing even polarized sunglasses.

But besides those detail issues? The Lexus drives like absolute heaven.

It is smooth and silent in ways that even the loaded 2015 GM SUVs can still not achieve. Gas-pressurized shocks all around on the GX460 help keep things calm and refined, as does the active roll-bar system that keeps the big GX level in corners but cushy when on the highway.

BACK SEATS

• The Lexus GX460 does lose some points to the newest SUVs in the backseat tally. While the front doors are oversized and reach down almost to the pavement, the rear doors open a much shallower entry area.

• Once inside, the legroom of the second row is tighter than the X5 and the other competitors outlined below. In addition, access to the large and wide third row of seats is not nearly as easy as crossovers or even the 2015 Tahoe.

CARGO AREA AND SEAT FOLDING

• The Lexus GX460 makes use of a side-hinged cargo door – which speaks to this vehicle’s true origin as a seriously posh but also seriously authentic offroader in many global markets — where an extra tire is sometimes mounted on that door. It is easy to swing out with a lightweight action, and the top glass part opens individually to plop in grocery bags. Handy, but not exactly typical for most SUVs these days.

• Folding the seats down is also pretty simple, but reguires more learning and more heave-hoeing to accomplish than the Tahoe’s trick power-folding third and power-tumbling second rows.

• Once folded, the cargo area is suitably gigantic but the high floor is pretty noticeable versus some of the latest car-based seven-seaters like the Nissan Pathfinder.

 

POWERTRAIN

One excellent powertrain helps deliver smooth and powerful moves for this large SUV: the 4.6-liter V8 delivering 301-horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel-drive. That is alot of hyphens in one sentence — but they are all required!

Similarly, the Lexus’s 4×4 system and standard V8 might seem a bit old-fashioned versus the newest turbocharged and turbodiesel six-cylinders of the Audi Q7, GL-Class and the X5 — but there is a real beauty in the Lexus setup. Smooth power that is always-on and always-quiet. These are excellent traits, and carry forward for 2014.

Acceleration is 7.8-seconds to 60 mph for the GX460, which feels conservative and could likely be achieved carrying a 1000-pound trailer as well. That is how rock-solid and tough the foundations of the GX460 are. Additionally, fuel economy is not class-best, but is not the worst in the comparison below — which also includes the thirsty Range Rover Sport and its supercharged 5.0-liter V8.

TRIMS AND PRICING COMPARISON

The GX460 comes in three flavors: standard, Premium and Luxury. Pricing starts at around $50,000 for the standard truck, and jumps $5k with each increment up the ladder. What are the biggest changes and advantages of the Premium and Lux trims?

Premium: brings a longer list of comfort features, plus options for three interior shades versus the standard model’s black leather setup only.

Luxury: Even more features!  Includes super-premium additional cabin choices, as well as self-leveling air suspension on the rear axle. This Luxury truck also includes three selectable ride heights – which is not possible on the other two models, even with the standard gas struts and auto-leveling corner controls.

INTERIOR COLORS – Mahogany wood and Ivory leather on GX460 Lux new-for-2014

 

SUMMARY

So, is the Lexus GX460 for you? The features identified above certainly reinforce its world-beating position as the most reliable and also toughest truck out there for when the going gets not just rough — but life-threatening. A varient of this model is popular with the United Nations in a white/blue paint scheme — which is all you really need to know about how awesome the big GX460 performs under duress.

Armored models are also quite popular, with numerous firms preferring the GX460 for its immense chassis strength paired with hushed and super-lux interior refinement.

That is really the name of the game for the GX460 — keep moving, keep towing that boat, and keep things 65-degrees and air-conditioned even when bullets are flying.

Sure, most GX460s in the US will have a much more charmed existence. At first. But after their first tours of duty in posh towns and cities, they will be redeployed. Perhaps rural USA first. But then perhaps Mexico. Then perhaps Costa Rica — and down toward Antarctica before heading to Namibia and on from there. The GX460 is a world-renowned icon at this point.

In short, the GX460 is strong enough to outlive us all. Impeccable engineering and build quality, un-flustered off-road and towing skills, and bring-the-family room inside.

With pricing that is now seeming affordable versus the $90,000 GL-Class and $70,000 Chevrolets — the GX460 is starting to seem like a sensible choice in a scary and unpredictable world.

2014 Lexus GX460 Premium – INTERIOR PHOTOS

2014 Lexus GX460 Premium – EXTERIOR PHOTOS

COMPETITIVE COMPARISON vs BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL450 and RANGE ROVER SPORT

 

COMPETITOR

2014 GX 460 Premium

2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i

2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS GL450 4MATIC

2014 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT Supercharged

Performance
Engine Type	4.6L V8	3.0L I6	4.7L V8	5.0L V8
Valves	Dual Overhead Cam 32	Dual Overhead Cam 24	Dual Overhead Cam 32	Dual Overhead Cam 32
Variable Valve Timing	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Horsepower @ RPM	301@5500	300@5800	362@5000	510@6000
Torque @ RPM	329@3500	300@1200	406@1500	461@2500
Emissions Rating	ULEV II	ULEV II	ULEV II	ULEV II
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Number of Transmission Speeds	6	8	7	8
Shiftable Automatic	Standard	Not Listed	Not Listed	Not Listed
Drive Wheels	Four Wheel Drive – Selectable	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Four Wheel Drive – Selectable
Four Wheel Drive Type	Full-Time	Not Listed	Not Listed	Full-Time
Hill Start Control	Standard	Standard	Standard	Not Available
Downhill Assist Control	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Steering System	Rack and Pinion	Rack and Pinion	Rack and Pinion	Rack and Pinion
Speed Sensitive Power Steering	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Power Steering	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Suspension, Front	Independent	Independent	Independent	Independent
Suspension, Rear	Live	Independent	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Wheels	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18	18	19	20
Tires	P265/60HR18 BSW M+S Tires	P255/55HR18 BSW Run Flat All-Season Tires	P275/55HR19 BSW All-Season Tires	P275/40YR20 BSW Performance All-Season Tires
Luxury & Convenience
Genuine Wood Interior Trim	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Leather-trimmed Steering Wheel	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Genuine Wood-trimmed Steering Wheel	Optional	Not Available	Optional	Not Available
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Steering Wheel Tilt Adjustment	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Steering Wheel Telescopic Adjustment	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Automatic Tilt Away Steering Wheel	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Genuine Wood-trimmed Shift Knob	Optional	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Leather-Trimmed Seats	Standard	Optional	Optional	Standard
Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Heated Front Seats	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Ventilated Front Seats	Standard	Optional	Optional	Optional
Folding Second Row Seat	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Heated Second Row Seat	Standard	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Reclining Second Row Seat	Standard	Not Available	Standard	Not Available
Power Folding Third Row Seat	Standard	Not Available	Standard	Optional
Driver Seat Power Memory System	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Steering Wheel Position Memory	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Exterior Mirror Memory System	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Automatic Climate Control	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Dual Zone Front Climate Control	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Rear Seat HVAC Controls	Standard	Optional	Optional	Optional
Rear Seat Air Conditioning	Standard	Optional	Optional	Optional
Rear Seat Climate Control Vents	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Interior Air Filter	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Voice Activated Controls	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Navigation System	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Electronic Parking Aid – Camera	Standard	Optional	Standard	Standard
Real-Time Traffic Information (Subscription required.)	XM NAVTraffic® (Standard)	Standard	Optional	Standard
Bluetooth Technology	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Audio System	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
CD Changer Capacity	6	Not Listed	6	Not Listed
Standard Number of Speakers	9	10	8	8
Satellite Radio (Subscription required. 90-day trial subscription included.)	Standard	Optional	Optional	Optional
Auxiliary Input Jack	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
In Glass Antenna	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Headphones	Optional	Not Available	Optional	Optional
Telematic System (Standard on new Lexus vehicles with one-year trial subscription. Subscription required thereafter.)	Standard	Standard	Standard	Not Available
Rear Spoiler	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Power Sunroof/Moonroof	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Power Windows	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Delayed Power Retention System	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Tinted Glass	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Rear Privacy Glass	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Interior Day/Night Electrochromic Rearview Mirror	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Power Locks	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Universal Garage Door Opener	Homelink® (Standard)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Smart Key System	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Multi-function Remote	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Keyless Entry	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
12V Power Outlet	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Reading Lights	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Parking Distance Sensors	Standard	Standard	Optional	Standard
Roof Rails	Standard	Standard	Standard	Not Available
Tow Hitch	Optional	Not Available	Optional	Optional
Automatic On/Off Headlights	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Safety & Security
Front Crash Test – Driver	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
Front Crash Test – Passenger	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
Stability Control	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Electronic Traction Control	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Brakes	Disc	Disc	Disc	Disc
Rear Brakes	Disc	Disc	Disc	Disc
4 Wheel ABS Brakes	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist System	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Tire Pressure Monitor	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Airbags	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Airbag Occupant Sensors	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Side Airbag	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Knee Airbags	Standard	Not Available	Standard	Not Available
Side Head Curtain Airbag	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Rear Seat Side Airbag	Standard	Not Available	Optional	Not Available
Active Headrests	Standard	Standard	Standard	Not Available
Height Adjustable Front Seat Belts	Standard	Not Available	Standard	Standard
Automatic Locking Retractors	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Pre-Tensioners	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Side Impact Door Beams	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Headlamp Type	Halogen	Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge	Halogen	Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge
Headlamp Cleaners	Optional	Optional	Not Available	Standard
Day Time Running Lights	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Fog Lights	Standard	Standard	Not Available	Standard
Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Rear Window Wiper	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Rear Window Defogger	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Power Adjustable Exterior Mirrors	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Exterior Mirrors with Integrated Turn Indicators	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Exterior Automatic Tilt-down Mirror	Standard	Not Available	Not Available	Standard
Heated Exterior Mirrors	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Anti-Theft Protection	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Panic Button or Alarm	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Engine Immobilizer	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Pricing
MSRP Including Delivery Charge	$54,705	$56,025	$65,475	$79,995
Comparably Equipped Price	$54,705	$59,625	$75,085	$86,290
Fuel Economy
EPA Highway (Mpg)	20	27	19	19
EPA City (Mpg)	15	18	14	14
Combined Fuel Economy (City/Hwy)	17	21	16	16
Warranty
Basic Warranty Months	48	48	48	48
Basic Warranty Miles	50000	50000	50000	50000
Powertrain Warranty Months	72	48	48	48
Powertrain Warranty Miles	70000	50000	50000	50000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty Months	72	144	48	72
Anti-Corrosion Warranty Miles	Unlimited	Unlimited	50000	Unlimited
Telematics with Roadside Assistance (Standard on new Lexus vehicles with one-year trial subscription. Subscription required thereafter.)	Standard	Standard	Standard	Not Available
Measurements
Overall Length (In)	189.2	191.1	201.6	191.0
Wheelbase (In)	109.8	115.5	121.1	115.1
Overall Width (In)	74.2	76.1	84.3	78.1
Front Track (In)	62.4	64.7	64.8	66.5
Rear Track (In)	62.4	65.0	65.5	66.3
Overall Height (In)	74.2	68.5	72.8	70.1
Headroom, Front (In)	38.0	40.5	41.2	39.5
Headroom, Rear (In)	40.4	38.8	40.0	39.1
Headroom, Third Row (In)	35.2	Not Available	38.9	Not Available
Leg Room, Front (In)	41.7	40.4	40.3	42.2
Leg Room, Rear (In)	34.1	36.6	38.5	37.0
Leg Room, Third Row (In)	29.3	Not Available	35.0	Not Available
Shoulder Room, Front (In)	55.4	60.5	58.5	60.7
Shoulder Room, Rear (In)	57.3	58.3	58.3	59.5
Shoulder Room, Third Row (In)	54.5	Not Available	50.5	Not Available
Hip Room Front (In)	56.5	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Hip Room Rear (In)	55.2	Not Listed	Not Listed	Not Listed
Hip Room, Third Row (In)	43.1	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Doors	4	4	4	4
Body Style	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle
Seating Capacity	7	5	7	5
Interior Volume (Cu ft)	129.7	Not Listed	143.6	Not Listed
Cargo Volume (max)	64.7	66.0	93.8	62.2
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gal)	23.0	22.4	26.4	27.7
Curb Weight (Lbs) – Automatic Transmission	5128	4790	5401	5093
Standard Towing Capacity (Lbs)	6500	5952	7500	7716
Maximum Towing Capacity (Lbs)	6500	5952	Not Recommended	7716
GVWR Max (Lbs)	6600	6063	7165	6724
Maximum Payload (Lbs)	1295	1499	1764	Not Available

http://www.lexus.com/models/GX/