Used 2007 Lexus GX

Though not the largest SUV in the Lexus fleet, The GX 470’s newer chassis and more modern interior make it the rival of the company’s flagship SUV, the LX 470. Based on the Toyota 4Runner platform, the GX 470 provides seating for up to eight passengers and enough electronic gadgets to satisfy James Bond. The LX 470’s upright green house and generous ground clearance make it ideal for off-road enthusiasts, but its high price tag and Lexus nameplate pretty much guarantee off-road adventures will be limited to ski resort parking lots, lakeside boat ramps and leaving it on the lawn at country-club wedding receptions.

The GX 470’s V8 engine allows it to accelerate with some authority, and its potent torque rating allows it to move briskly from a standing start while towing up to 6,500 pounds. Once underway, you’ll appreciate the way the GX 470 handles itself, both on the highway and on winding back roads. You can thank the sophisticated electronic setup attached to the GX 470’s independent front and air-spring rear suspension.

The suspension is assisted by a host of electronic aids, including an adaptive suspension dampening unit that adjusts the vehicle’s ride according to the road condition, and a downhill assist that prevents the vehicle from speeding out of control when descending steep hills. Lexus also gives you both traction control and Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) to keep the GX 470 firmly planted on the road no matter what the driving conditions.

Here’s where the GX 470 really shines. From its supple leather seating to its beautiful wood-trimmed dash, everything inside the GX says premium all the way. Though you can opt to seat eight, we think you’re better off with four and a usable cargo hold. Options such as the voice-activated DVD navigation, back-up camera and rear-seat DVD entertainment system are sure to please even the fussiest passengers.

The GX 470 is a tall SUV with very Lexus-like styling (though the rear-end look is faintly reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport). Color-keyed wheel arches and side molding help tone down the rugged truck-like exterior, as do the big headlamps and Lexus chrome grille. The fit and finish is flawless.

Voice-Activated Navigation
Optional voice-activated navigation allows hands-free operation.

Rear-Seat DVD
The GX 470’s available rear-seat DVD system keeps the kids (and grown ups) happy.

The GX 470 features a 4.7-liter V8, five-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip center differential, traction control, adaptive variable suspension, leather seating, Golden bird’s-eye maple trim, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, hill descent and ascent control, rain-sensing wipers, anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual heated power mirrors with driver’s-side memory, fog lights, power glass moonroof, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer, front/side-impact and front/rear head-curtain airbags, heated power seats, cruise control, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and alloy wheels.

Options include a Mark Levinson audio system, GPS voice-activated navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, rear air conditioning, Kinetic Dynamic suspension and the Lexus Link telematics system.

This Lexus is available only with the 4.7-liter V8. In these times of high fuel prices, the GX is at a disadvantage compared to some of its competitors that offer the option of a less-thirsty six-cylinder engine.

4.7-liter V8
263 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
323 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19