If you want to see what a classic SUV is, look no further than the 3-row 2023 Lexus GX 460. With a body bolted to a ladder frame and a hefty V8 doing the heavy lifting, the GX seems downright eccentric. Lexus has made nothing more than mild modifications to the GX since its last complete redesign in 2010.
For 2023, Lexus adds the limited-production (3,000 units) Black Line Special Edition. First seen in 2022 as an appearance package for the Premium trim level, the Black Line Special Edition is still based on the Premium grade.
Anchoring the lineup is the standard GX 460, followed by the GX 460 Premium, GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, and GX 460 Luxury.
Every GX uses a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive (4WD), with low-range gearing for serious off-roading, is standard. Appropriately equipped, the 2023 Lexus GX 460 can tow up to 6,500 pounds. That’s about 500 pounds more than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, but not as much as some other truck-based competitors like the Infiniti QX80 and GMC Yukon.
We like the GX for its proven reliability, off-road prowess, impressive resale value, and Lexus customer service.
Let’s see how the different GX 460 grades stack up.
2023 Lexus GX 460 (starting at $57,575)
Despite its age, the GX 460 is well equipped, including a wide range of infotainment and safety/driver-aid technologies. Even the base GX provides a rich variety of standard features like 10-way power-adjustable front seats and a 10.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen.
Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated power-folding outboard mirrors, a power moonroof, and faux-leather seating. Lexus includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and memory for the driver seat, outboard mirrors, and steering wheel. Proximity keyless entry with push-button start is standard, too.
The second-row 40/20/40 seat reclines and slides, while the third-row seats fold flat. In addition to the 10.3-inch touchscreen, the infotainment system has four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite-radio capability, and a 9-speaker audio system. Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa capability are also included.
Besides its 10 airbags and government-mandated safety systems, the GX 460 has a forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. Also included: blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist. Front-rear park assist makes the cut, too.
Lexus offers an assortment of factory-installed options and packages for each GX grade. Among the GX 460’s list are heated-and-ventilated front seats ($640) and headlight washers ($100).
Lexus includes the factory destination fee in its base-price structure. For the GX 460, that number is $57,575. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $1,035 per month. See 2023 Lexus GX 460 models for sale
2023 Lexus GX 460 includes:
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
Power-adjustable steering wheel – Changing the height and reach of the steering wheel is as easy as pressing a button.
Navigation – This system pinpoints the vehicle’s current location and can provide turn-by-turn directions to specific destinations. The map and other navigation information display on a 10.3-inch color touchscreen.
2023 Lexus GX 460 Premium (starting at $58,910)
Despite the relatively minor $1,335 boost in price, the Premium adds several features, including the base GX’s optional heated-and-ventilated front seats. Other upgrades include tri-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a windshield-wiper de-icer, and LED fog lights. The last three features are part of a $1,335 Premium Option Package that every 2023 GX 460 Premium buyer must take.
Note: Lexus includes the cost of the package in the price above. If you choose any of the option packages listed below, which include those three features, $1,335 is consequently subtracted from the base price of the GX.
To further enhance the Premium experience, Lexus provides three option packages. Each also contains rain-sensing wipers, a windshield-wiper de-icer, and LED fog lights. A Premium Plus Package ($3,030) gains you a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system and power reclining/folding third-row seats.
Tossing in another $325 will get you the same package with second-row heated captain’s chairs. The Sport Design Package includes all the features in the Premium Plus Package with captain’s chairs, as well as 19-inch wheels and several appearance elements.
Using the $58,910 GX 460 Premium base price, financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $1,059. See 2023 Lexus GX 460 Premium models for sale
2023 Lexus GX 460 Premium includes:
Tri-zone automatic climate control – Separating the vehicle into three areas (front right, front left, and rear), this automatic climate control allows the setting of independent temperatures in each. It then maintains those individual temperatures.
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
LED fog lights – Mounted lower than the headlights, these lights aim downward to illuminate beneath the fog layer. LEDs illuminate a broader and longer area than regular incandescent or halogen lights. They also are easier for other drivers to see.
2023 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition (starting at $62,310)
Lexus will only produce 3,000 of these Black Line versions. Although it’s basically an appearance package for the Premium grade, the GX 460 Black Line does get a surround-view camera. Otherwise, it consists of special exterior colors (Eminent White Pearl, Obsidian, and Nori Green), plus dark accents and elements like the rear spoiler.
The factory options remain the same as those of the GX 460 Premium.
With no money down and financing for 60 months at 3% interest, the monthly price works out to about $1,120. See 2023 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition models for sale
2023 Lexus GX 460 Luxury (starting at $68,230)
The GX 460 Luxury builds on the GX 460 Premium trim.
One enhancement for 2023: Lexus has made the formerly optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system standard on the GX 460 Luxury.
Other upgrades for the Luxury are semi-aniline leather seating and trim, a leather-and-wood steering wheel, and a power third-row seat that reclines and folds. Headlight washers, 19-inch alloy wheels, and an adaptive suspension with auto-leveling round out the Luxury enhancements.
Among the available options are the Off-Road Package ($1,570), which adds a surround-view camera with a multi-terrain monitor, Crawl Control, a fuel-tank skid plate, and a transmission oil cooler. You might just want to add the surround-view camera with a multi-terrain monitor as a stand-alone option for $800.
Based on the listed price of $68,230, financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $1,226 monthly. See 2023 Lexus GX 460 Luxury models for sale
2023 Lexus GX 460 Luxury includes:
Adaptive suspension – In the blink of an eye, this system automatically adjusts the suspension for added control or comfort, depending on the current driving conditions. This suspension is self-leveling, too.
Leather seating – This semi-aniline leather is supple but more durable than standard leather, helping it retain its original appearance for longer.
Power-folding third-row seats – All that’s required to fold the seats into the floor is the push of a button.
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