The Lexus GX has always held a unique position in the luxury SUV market. For those familiar with the automotive landscape, the Lexus GX often sparks a conversation, especially when considering its blend of luxury and rugged capability. As a seasoned automotive expert at cardiagnosticnearme.com, I’ve spent years analyzing vehicles from every angle, and the Lexus GX continues to be a model that warrants attention. While some might question its relevance in today’s crossover-dominated world, a deeper look reveals why the GX maintains a loyal following and deserves consideration from discerning drivers. This review, drawing inspiration from classic “car and driver” style evaluations, delves into the 2013 Lexus GX 460 to explore its enduring appeal and assess its place in the current automotive market.
Lexus GX Design and Aesthetics: Aging Gracefully?
The 2013 Lexus GX 460 carries a familiar design, largely unchanged from previous years. This consistency is both a testament to its original design language and a point of discussion in a rapidly evolving automotive world. Despite not featuring the most recent Lexus spindle grille, the GX possesses a rugged elegance. Its tall cabin, coupled with expansive windows, provides excellent outward visibility, a feature often appreciated by drivers who value a commanding view of the road. The inverted trapezoidal grille, while not the newest Lexus design cue, still presents a distinguished and somewhat understated front fascia.
Image alt text: Front three quarter view of a silver 2013 Lexus GX 460 Premium showcasing its tall greenhouse and classic Lexus grille.
The build quality and attention to detail remain hallmarks of the Lexus brand. Panel gaps are tight and uniform, paint quality is exceptional, and the chrome and trim elements are impeccably finished. This level of craftsmanship contributes to the GX’s perception as a premium vehicle, built to last.
Lexus GX Interior and Comfort: Luxury and Practicality
Stepping inside the Lexus GX, you are greeted with a familiar Lexus interior layout. The driver’s seat and dashboard ergonomics are well-considered, offering a comfortable and intuitive driving environment. However, the overall size of the GX might feel substantial, particularly in urban settings. The high seating position provides excellent visibility but can also contribute to a feeling of driving a large vehicle.
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2013 Lexus GX 460 Premium driver’s seat and dashboard, highlighting ergonomic design and premium materials.
One of the GX’s most debated features is its third-row seating. While technically a seven-passenger vehicle, the third row is notably compact, best suited for occasional use or smaller passengers. When in use, it significantly reduces rearward visibility and cargo space. With the third row up, luggage capacity is limited to just 11.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row expands the cargo area to a more practical 46.7 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, a generous 91.9 cubic feet becomes available. Access to the cargo area is through a right-side hinged tailgate with a convenient pop-up window. While the side-hinged tailgate can be less convenient for curbside loading in left-hand drive markets, it is a characteristic feature of this SUV.
Image alt text: Rear view of the 2013 Lexus GX 460 cargo area with the third row seats folded down, showcasing the available luggage space and right-hinged tailgate.
Lexus GX Performance and Driving Experience: On and Off-Road Prowess
Under the hood, the Lexus GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower. In an era of smaller, turbocharged engines, this V8 might seem like a throwback. However, it delivers smooth, reliable power, a characteristic Lexus emphasizes. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system, complete with a TORSEN limited-slip center differential and electronic locking feature.
Image alt text: The 2013 Lexus GX 460 demonstrating off-road capabilities on a dirt trail, highlighting its four-wheel drive system and ground clearance.
The GX truly shines when venturing off the pavement. Equipped with features like Crawl Control, which manages throttle and braking in low-range four-wheel drive, the GX simplifies navigating challenging terrains. This system allows drivers to focus on steering while the vehicle maintains a controlled speed over obstacles. The body-on-frame construction, a traditional approach for SUVs emphasizing off-road durability, provides a robust foundation. The suspension setup includes double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link rigid axle rear suspension, with air springs and adaptive variable suspension on Premium models, further enhancing both on and off-road performance.
On paved roads, the GX provides a balanced ride, aided by front and rear stabilizer bars. While the standard “mud and snow” tires prioritize all-terrain capability, opting for summer tires could further refine on-road handling for those who primarily drive in urban environments. The tested vehicle was fitted with Michelin Latitude Tour HP all-season tires, a good compromise for mixed driving conditions.
Lexus GX Features and Technology: Luxury and Tech Options
The Lexus GX 460 Premium comes generously equipped with luxury features. Optional upgrades, such as the Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio Package, enhance the in-cabin experience with a premium surround-sound system. While features like the optional dual-screen DVD rear-seat entertainment system might seem less relevant in the age of tablets, they represent the comprehensive luxury approach of the GX. For safety and driver assistance, a pre-collision system, driver attention monitor, radar cruise control, and lane departure warning were available as options, representing a wise investment for enhanced safety.
Image alt text: Interior detail of the 2013 Lexus GX 460 rear seat entertainment system with dual screens, showcasing technology and passenger comfort features.
Lexus GX in the Market: Is It Still Relevant?
The 2013 Lexus GX 460 represents a breed of luxury SUV that is becoming increasingly rare – the body-on-frame mid-size SUV. The rise of unibody crossover SUVs, pioneered in part by Lexus itself with the RX, has shifted the market. However, the GX retains a specific appeal for buyers who prioritize ruggedness, off-road capability, and traditional SUV construction alongside luxury.
For those seeking a seven-passenger, body-on-frame luxury SUV, the choices are limited. Alternatives include the GX’s cousin, the Toyota 4Runner, offering similar underpinnings but with a different focus, or larger models like the GMC Yukon Denali. Rugged unibody options such as the Land Rover LR4 and Volvo XC90 present different approaches to luxury SUVs, each with their own strengths.
Conclusion: Embracing the Enduring Appeal of the Lexus GX
The Lexus GX 460 is a testament to enduring design and engineering. It may not be the newest or most technologically advanced SUV in the Lexus lineup, but it offers a unique combination of luxury, reliability, and off-road capability. For drivers who value these qualities and appreciate the traditional SUV formula, the GX remains a compelling choice. Like a trusted companion, the Lexus GX offers a comfortable and capable ride, ready for both everyday driving and more adventurous excursions. Its continued presence in the market speaks to its solid foundation and the enduring appeal of a well-built, body-on-frame luxury SUV.
