The interior of the Lexus GX 460 is truck-like with luxury embellishments.
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The basics
› What: 2017 Lexus GX460›Engine: 4.6-liter V-8›Fuel Economy: 18 mpg highway, 15 mpg city›Local dealer: Lexus of Chattanooga, Lee Highway›Price (as tested): $57,960
Sometimes, in an attempt to combine beauty and brawn, automakers create awkward-looking vehicles that seem uncomfortable in their own skin.
But sometimes they get the blend just right, creating a hybrid design that is both functional and comfortable. One of the vehicles with a reputation for threading the needle is the Lexus GX460, a broad-shouldered SUV which excels as both an off-roader and a luxury touring vehicle.
This is the SUV for people who may secretly want a truck, but who can’t justify hauling around an empty truck bed 95 percent of the time. Instead, they opt for a family-friendly hauler with enough truck DNA to pull a bass boat or a camper.
The body-on-frame Lexus GX460 is seen in abundance in upper-middle class neighborhoods, where it becomes a nearly indestructible workhorse that can take seven passengers to a soccer tournament or a family of five to the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Styling is rugged, like a Toyota Land Cruiser, with enough interior embellishments to justify the Lexus badge. It compares with the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Those without a need for third-row seats might want to cross-shop the five-passenger Lexus RX350.
Notable standard features in our mid-tier tester include automatic LED headlamps, illuminated running boards, power moon roof, Sirius XM satellite radio, eight-inch display and push-button start.
– Just the facts: The Lexus GX460 is a full-size SUV with seating for seven and standard full-time four-wheel-drive that give it arguably the best off-road chops in the segment.
– Worthwhile option: The $4,445 Premium Package bundles special split-spoke alloys, LED foglamps, rain-sensing wipers, parking assist, navigation, leather interior, mahogany wood trim, heated and cooled front seats and three-zone climate control.
– It’s good for Chattanooga buyers because: Its excellent four-wheel-drive system is great for climbing our hilly terrain, especially in snow and ice. It offers great value because of its excellent durability and high resale value. It has been rated by one empirical source as one of the vehicles most likely to endure to 300,000 miles.
– How much? Pricing for a Base GX460 starts at $51,280; and our tester lists for $57,960 with options. The range-topping GX460 Luxury edition starts at $63,380.
– Cool stuff: Seeing legendary Lexus build quality on the GX460 reminds us what a great truck this company could make if it ever decided to upgrade Toyota pick-ups.
– We wish for: Better fuel economy. The GX460 is rated at 16 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
– While you are looking: Check out the Range Rover and also see if other seven-passenger SUVs such as the Acura MDX might fit your needs.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645.