The Lexus GX 470 is a mid-size luxury SUV sold in North American markets by Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. It is a rebadged deluxe version of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado sold in Asia, Australia, and Europe. The GX was introduced as a 2003 model in November 2002. The GX was released at the same time as the now-defunct Lincoln Aviator, another of its competitors. In the Lexus lineup, the GX 470 is situated between the entry-level luxury crossover RX and the premium full-size LX.
The Lexus GX 470 is powered by a 4.7 L,VVT-i 32-valve, four-cam V8 2UZ-FE engine with 270,(263 for 2008 models) hp (201 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm. This is one of the largest engines that has ever been put into a Lexus. The largest is a 5.7 Liter V8 featured in the LX 570. The vehicle is built at Lexus' Tahara plant in Japan. Available exclusively in the North American market, the Lexus GX is touted as a competent contender for serious off-roading while being civilized enough for everyday driving .
The GX 470 has a welded steel body, an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, and an enhanced four-wheel drive system. The GX interior offers a place for up to eight passengers with three rows of seating, although the third row is relatively tight with only 24 inches of legroom for its three passengers. A side-opening rear tailgate is standard. Other features include built-in mudguards, water-repellent glass for the windshield and the driver & passenger doors, integrated illuminated running boards, and a roof rack with crossbars. The premium Mark Levinson audio system along with a rear seat DVD entertainment system are available as options.
The Lexus GX has won various awards including 4-Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004 from 4x4 Magazine. J.D. Power and Associates named the GX 470 the highest ranked premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005 blank">http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069, and _Kelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006. blank">http://www.kbb.com/kbb/MediaCenter/PressReleases.aspx?ContentUniqueName=2005&ContentId=28
For 2007, Lexus added a mp3/WMA auxiliary port for iPod or similar media players, _Bluetooth connectivity, and the upgraded Lexus fifth-generation navigation system with enhanced resolution, additional points of interest, and over 100 voice commands.
A new off-roading performance option introduced in 2007 is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which frees and adjusts the GX's stabilizer bars so that each wheel can move with less restriction over uneven terrain. This system uses front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during off-road conditions, while retaining smooth ride quality on regular road surfaces. In the U.S., this suspension setup is part of the "Sport Package." Interior trim choices include dark Bird's Eye Maple trim, metallic accents, smoked bezel headlamps and foglamps, black interior carpet, tinted backup lamps, chrome exaust tip, black carpeted floor mats and dark gray leather.
For 2008, Lexus added a new dark metallic finish on the front grille, chrome roof rack rails, a liquid graphite finish on the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome finished front audio speaker grilles, and revised turn signal lights. Brown walnut wood trim is a new interior option. Salsa Red Pearl and Desert Sage Metallic exterior paint are new for 2008. The GX meets all the requirements to make it a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II).
