2018 Lexus GX 460: Beauty and the Beast

The 2018 Lexus GX 460 is a large, plush three-row sport utility vehicle that transports seven occupants in style but has the ruggedness to venture off road. It’s largely unchanged from the 2017 edition.

Sales have increased yearly since the GX 460 was introduced in 2010. The luxury SUV segment is appealing to more buyers simultaneously seeking prestige and versatility.

Available in base, premium and luxury offerings, the GX 460 has uniform specs. All trims include 4.6-liter, 32-valve, V8 engines with 301 horsepower, six-speed transmissions and all-wheel drive. Second-row captains chairs are the only major interior design option. The improved leisure reduces the seating capacity to six.

Regardless of seating choices, comfort remains a Lexus strength. There are 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a second-row bench seat with a 40/20/40 split, and a third-row bench seat with a 50/50 split. Other seating options include perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and a power-folding third row.

In some respects, driving a luxury SUV is a contradiction. Transporting office supplies, lumber, children en route to sporting endeavors or golf clubs seems illogical in leather seats and other top-line equipment. But it’s a thing now, and the Lexus does it well.

The GX 460’s smooth ride is immediately noticeable, and it’s enhanced by the SUV’s high seating position. It helps give the Lexus a superior view of the road. Sizable, well-placed mirrors, lots of glass and low doorsills help. The large camera screen and its superior graphics add to the strong visibility marks.

The high seats have one caveat: the step-up into the vehicle is higher than in other SUV sand crossovers. Grab handles help the process.

Despite more than 300 horsepower and V8 power, the Lexus isn’t particularly quick. It advances from 0-60 miles per hour in a pedestrian 7.8 seconds. The transmission is smooth between gears and the GX 460 is surprisingly nimble while scooting around town. The turning radius is short and the steering wheel has an impressive telescoping adjustment.

The Luxury trim, included in my test vehicle, featured standard equipment from other trims, including 10 airbags, a rearview camera, active head restraints and Bluetooth for handsfree telephone calling. There’s also cruise control, a moonroof, 18-inch wheels, power front seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The heated, mahogany steering wheel and shift knob add class.

But there’s no bargain in any Lexus vehicle, most notably in the GX 460. The Driver Support Package ($4,340) includes a superior Mark Levinson sound system, Lane Departure Alert add more than a dozen other items. The Sport Design Package ($1,950) includes 18-inch, split six-spoke wheels, heated, tilting and sliding captain’s chairs and more than a half-dozen additional items. The rear-seat entertainment system adds another $1,970.

The powerful SUV has three substantial miscues. Its gas mileage ratings are woeful: 15 miles per gallon in city driving, 18 miles per gallon during freeway treks.

The design of front grille is polarizing. It’s ultra-modern and appreciated more by younger buyers than traditionalists. The sharp-edged, non-uniform shape is described with tempered criticism as upside down. It’s also been lambasted as reminiscent of mouth and teeth of the creature in the Alien movies.

The tailgate is the biggest issue with the new GX 460. It has a traditional vertical glass opening for quick access to the cargo area. But the gate operates horizontally from left to right. It’s an illogical and potentially dangerous opening and closing procedure from the street side of the vehicle.

With its high base price and nearly $12,000 of options and fees, the 2018 GX 460 costs $75,072. It’s a lot of car for a lot of money, with the latter difficult to justify.

Facts & Figures: 2018 Lexus GX 460

Specification	Details
Engine	8-cylinder, 4.6L
Transmission	Automatic (S6)
Drivetrain	4-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy	15 city / 18 hwy / 16 combined mpg
Fuel Type	Premium Gasoline

How It Compares

Vehicle	Starting Price
2018 Acura MDX
2018 BMW X5
2018 Cadillac Escalade
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2018 Infiniti QX80
2018 Land Rover Discovery

Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower does the 2018 Lexus GX 460 have?

The 4.6-liter 32-valve V8 produces 301 horsepower across all trims, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive.

What is the fuel economy of the 2018 GX 460?

EPA ratings are 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined on premium gasoline. Among the worst in the three-row luxury SUV category.

How fast is the 2018 Lexus GX 460?

0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds — pedestrian for a 301-hp V8 due to the SUV’s roughly 5,200-pound curb weight and full-time all-wheel drive.

How much does the 2018 Lexus GX 460 cost?

The Luxury trim test vehicle reached $75,072 after adding the Driver Support Package ($4,340), Sport Design Package ($1,950), rear-seat entertainment ($1,970), and several smaller options.

How many people does the 2018 GX 460 seat?

Seven in standard configuration using a 40/20/40 second-row bench and 50/50 third-row bench. Optional second-row captain’s chairs drop capacity to six but add first-class comfort.

What is unique about the 2018 GX 460’s tailgate?

Unlike most SUVs, the rear gate is side-hinged and swings horizontally from left to right. The vertical glass hatch within the gate provides quick cargo access. The side-hinge design is controversial in tight parking and street-side cargo loading.

Is the 2018 GX 460 capable off-road?

Yes. Body-on-frame construction, full-time all-wheel drive, and ample ground clearance give the GX 460 genuine off-pavement capability, unusual for a luxury three-row SUV.

What are the main rivals to the 2018 Lexus GX 460?

Primary competitors include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Infiniti QX80, and Land Rover Discovery in the three-row luxury SUV segment.