With the luxurious Lexus brand’s midsize seven-passenger SUV, the 2015 GX 460 offers three rows of seating, but also off-road ability just in case. Indeed, just because the GX 460 doesn’t have to stay on the payment, neither does this vehicle have to cut corners when it comes to luxury either. This year you even get more for the money too with apps and techno functions increased over last year’s offering.
Competition for the 2015 Lexus GX 460 includes the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, BMW X5 and the Land Rover LR4.
The trims on the 2015 Lexus GX 460 are either base or Luxury. The standard on the base include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, illuminated running boards, roof rack side rails, sun roof and a rear spoiler. The interior comforts are leatherette vinyl upholstery, dual climate, cruise control, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview camera, power front seats with two-way power lumbar and a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seats as well as a 50/50-split on the third-row seat. The techno goodies include Bluetooth phone and audio connect, eight-inch touchscreen interface and Siri Eyes Free with satellite radio, USB input and iPod interface.
If you need more, you can add a Premium package that offers different wheels, LED fog lights, automatic wipers, windshield de-icer, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats and heated seats in the second row and an automatic climate control and navigation system that can also be had individually.
On the Luxury model, there is a different type of finish on the wheels as well as adaptive suspension, power folding third-row seats, headlight washers, auto-dimming side mirrors, heated steering wheel with wood trim and upgraded leather on the upholstery.
The extra package for the Luxury model offers everything from better audio with more speakers and rear seat video entertainment to a Driver Support package with extra off-road features and additional safety features like a pre-collision warning system, lane departure warning and front and side parking cameras.
The 2015 Lexus GX 460 comes equipped with a six speed automatic transmission, 4.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 301 horsepower with 329 pound-feet of torque. The GX 460 is four-wheel drive only and it can tow as much as 6,500 pounds.
The safety features that are standard on the 2015 Lexus GX 460 include the antilock brakes, traction and stability control, rearview camera, front and rear seat side, driver and front passenger knee and side curtain airbags. Depending on the trim and extra packages there are plenty of additional safety options like the blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and a frontal collision warning and preparation system for faster braking.
As for inside this GX 460, it’s all the bells and whistles Lexus style, but conventional and old school without the high polish of the new Lexus vehicles, expect classy with a touch of charm. There is faux leather/leather depending on the trim and wood touches and plenty of comfort in the front seats, a little less the further back you go. It is also possible to fold both the second and third row seats down as needed and when all is being used there is 64.7 cubic feet for storage. Do note that the back door configuration isn’t like in the competition. The Lexus has a rear door that swings out versus raising, but the rear glass window does lift up and that’s convenient for moving things around that don’t fit completely inside the vehicle.
The big plus on this Lexus is the styling, which is classy and feels good around town, but at the same time, you know you can take it off road for just as good of a time. This particularly comes in handy when using the Crawl Control, which is a hardy selection of three speeds, with a computer handling the braking and throttling and you concentrate on where you want to go while taking it inch by inch off road.
The 2015 Lexus GX 460 couldn’t be easier to drive since it’s nice and smooth with a choice of suspension that goes from soft to a more solid ride and steering fits into each mode accordingly with easy handling and an about town attitude that will make you feel like you can conquer the world.
Should You Need to Know: Take note that this Lexus is all four-wheel drive all the time and with a V8 engine it’s powerful on and off the road.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2015 Lexus GS 460 Luxury trim I drove had 15 miles to the gallon in the city and 20 miles on the highway with a combined mileage of 17miles per gallon overall.
Cost: The 2015 Lexus GS 460 Luxury trim I drove came in with a price tag of $66,240.
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