2016 Lexus GX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Packed with posh and style, the 2016 Lexus GX 460 is also a rugged and sure-footed midsize SUV that seats up to 7 and offers truck-like...

Packed with posh and style, the 2016 Lexus GX 460 is also a rugged and sure-footed midsize SUV that seats up to 7 and offers truck-like body-on-frame construction and full-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) capability, allowing it to take on some serious off-road rambling. But you’re more likely to see the GX 460 on your way into the office or in the theater parking lot than you are in the backwoods, and therein lies its weakness. Despite declining gas prices and the lure of off-road trips, the appeal of this luxurious but tough Lexus is becoming less defined.

The 2016 GX 460 returns in two trims, the Base and the up-featured Luxury. Both trims contain a 2-speed 4WD transfer case, V8 engine, and, unfortunately, a comparatively cramped 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded. But a couple of new upgrades are debuting for the upcoming year. Newly available Lexus Enform Service Connect allows remote viewing of various vehicle systems information on MyLexusandBeyond mobile apps for an iOS smartphone, and an optional Lexus Enform Remote system allows your Android smartphone to remotely lock the doors, locate your GX 460 in a crowded parking area, set your climate control, and, of course, start your engine. Sepia NuLuxe exterior trim decor also appears for 2016.

The 2016 GX 460 is powered by a 301-hp 4.6-liter V8 mated with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for a hefty 329 lb-ft of torque. Look once again for mileage estimates of 15 mpg city/20 highway/17 combined, and a towing capacity that maxes out at 6,500 pounds when outfitted with the proper equipment. Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) gives the GX 460 some impressive terrain-taming capabilities, especially when equipped with optional Crawl Control, but it also means a less-than-pleasant ride and handling experience on pavement.

Appearance-wise, the 2016 Base GX 460 trim sports standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, reverse-tilt outside mirrors, a rear spoiler, a trailer hitch and wiring, and skid plates, while the Luxury version adds step running boards and a roof rack.

Inside, the Base offers standard leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, reclining rear seats, and full power accessories, along with cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, memory for driver settings, a rear-view camera, a remote garage door opener, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Bluetooth-interfaced Lexus Enform infotainment with directions and connections functions is also standard in the entry-level GX 460, as is a CD/MP3 player sporting 9 speakers, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio input. The Luxury trim gets you such standard extras as premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, Siri Eyes-Free iPhone infotainment interface, tri-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and Enform navigation with Destination Assist.

The 2016 GX 460 also returns with optional rear-seat DVD entertainment, a 330-watt Mark Levinson premium Surround Sound audio system, and Intuitive Park Assist. A pair of safety packages featuring pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, Lexus’ Driver Alert Monitor, a lane-departure alert, and a wide-view camera system are also available.

Standard safety equipment aboard the 2016 GX 460 includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags, daytime running lights, Enform-interfaced Safety Connect emergency telematics, a post-collision safety system, and a remote antitheft alarm. The Luxury trim adds standard front fog/driving lights. There is no government safety data on the 2016 GX 460, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards the Lexus its highest marks in all crash-test criteria except for a second-best Acceptable rating for the child seat anchors.

Virtually all reviewers laud the GX 460 for its luxurious appointments and its off-road prowess, but they do caution that challengers like the Acura MDX, the BMW X5, and the Infiniti QX60 offer better on-road performance and agility, while the GX 460’s closest rival, Land Rover’s LR4, offers more passenger and cargo room, along with a more upscale cabin ambiance.