2020 Lexus GX 460 Luxury

For the 2020 model year, the GX 460 leans into its antiquated ways by emphasizing the off-road benefits of its assembly process with the option of a new Off-Road package, which adds a surround-view camera system that affords multiple camera views, a transmission cooler, additional fuel tank protection, and the brand’s crawl control and multi-terrain select systems. Limited to the Luxury trim level, the Off-Road package’s crawl control function works like low-speed cruise control and maintains one of five set speeds by automatically modulating the accelerator and brakes. The function is only available with the vehicle’s two-speed transfer case set to Low, though. Meanwhile, multi-terrain select offers a number of off-road drive modes designed to optimize the flow of power to the GX 460’s four wheels for a number of specific conditions, including for driving on rocks, mud, sand, and moguls. With a high-quality cabin, a commanding seating position, and a standard 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine, the GX 460 exudes luxury and capability from the driver’s seat. Thanks to new interior details such as Gray Sapele wood with aluminum trim for Premium and Luxury models, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a revised gauge cluster, the GX 460’s cabin is now an even nicer place to spend time. Instead of investing in improved infotainment and climate control systems, Lexus spent development dollars to slightly alter the GX 460’s exterior with new triple-beam LED headlights and a revised spindle grille. The changes are small, and neither make the SUV any more or less attractive than before, although the available Sport Design package adds a touch of extra aggression to the model by incorporating a special lower-grille treatment, rear valence, side mirrors, 19-inch wheels and tires, red taillights, and a black exhaust tip. The package also replaces the standard three-across second-row bench seat with a pair of bucket seats. Still, the Sport Design package’s visuals are certain to write a check the GX 460’s mechanical bits can’t cash. The SUV’s nose dives deeply with each tap of its mushy brake pedal, while its body leans and 18-inch all-season tires squeal through Route 254’s tight turns – even with the available adaptive dampers set to Sport mode. Additionally, the slow and over-boosted steering offers almost no feedback, and the six-speed automatic transmission is slow to downshift on the uphill sections of the journey. No matter how you slice it, the Sport Design package’s bigger wheels and tires won’t fix the GX 460’s on-road inferiorities.