The Lexus GX 460 is a luxury midsize SUV that debuted as a 2010 model year.
Sharing many of the 4Runners underpinnings, it offers impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable, smooth ride.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best and worst model years of the GX 460...
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Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Lexus GX 460 Are:
The best Lexus GX 460 model years are 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2014. The worst model years of the GX 460 are 2010, 2011, 2017, and 2018. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Lexus GX 460?
2023 Lexus GX 460
The 2023 GX 460 is as solid and well-built as ever.
While it retains a few slightly dated components, this SUV boats a powerful engine, great off-road capability, and a reliable suspension system.
Buyers can choose from 3 trims – Base, Premium, and Luxury with prices starting from $58,000.
Each model is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine (301 horsepower).
Fuel economy is not good, EPA ratings are 15 MPG for city driving, 19 MPG for highway driving, and 16 MPG for combined driving.
Critics have praised this model’s high seating position, which provides drivers with a great view of the road.
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2023 GX 460, Edmunds review:
“I watched and read many reviews on this vehicle and eventually purchased one with the Premium trim. First off, it’s a body-on-frame vehicle and it drives like that – I like it, some may not. On the stock tires, the ride is pretty smooth … Other than the gas mileage, it performs well and it’s bulletproof. If you’re looking for a proven vehicle that can handle the rough stuff and comfortably tackle the daily drive, this is a great choice.”
2022 Lexus GX 460
The 2022 GX 460 is another great choice offering stand-out off-road capability, intuitive controls, and plenty of standard tech and driver assistance features.
New to this particular model year is an upgraded infotainment system with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, and navigation, heated/power-folding side mirrors, and Intuitive Parking Assist are now fitted as standard.
Among the Base, Premium, and Luxury trims, we suggest going for the top-spec Luxury model as it offers a smoother ride thanks to its adaptive air suspension.
Adaptive air suspension relies on air springs, sensors, and electronic mechanisms to seamlessly adjust the stiffness of the suspension in response to various driving conditions.
Whether used on-road or off-road, this vehicle is one of the better options in its segment although it has relatively poor fuel economy.
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2022 GX 460, Edmunds review:
“Some say it’s dated. For me it’s perfect. V8 power, tried and true, full time 4wd, 6500 pound towing capacity, body on frame. It’s been a pleasure to own, no problems, zero. Build quality, paint, interior, all great. This is a quality vehicle that will give you many years of service. Update 10/22. The GX has been perfect with zero issues. Still drives new and no rattles. Interior still looks new. Still feeling good about this purchase!”
2020 Lexus GX 460
Capable of serious off-roading, the 2020 GX 460 is another safe bet, it has scored impressive reviews from owners and auto journalists alike.
New to this model year are updated designs to the spindle grille and headlights, a handful of added standard driving aids, and a new Off-Road package.
The Off-Road package adds a Multi-Terrain Select system, a low-speed cruise control system (crawl control), and a multi-view surround monitor, among other features.
The model comes in 2 main trims: Base and Luxury, and there is an optional Premium package that sits right in between.
The model comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine (301 horsepower) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
Its interior is slightly dated albeit practical and due to the high seating position, drivers have an excellent view of the road.
Technology is also a bit dated but the controls are intuitive and the sound system is excellent.
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2020 GX 460, Edmunds review:
“This car is all black, even the wheels. Its a solid ride. The driver’s seat molds to your body. Playlist all synced in. This is the 3rd GX 460 for me. This one has the smoothest ride so far. I rack up the miles, so a very safe car is essential. I can’t imagine a car any better than this monster.”
2019 Lexus GX 460
For a segment that is not typically known for off-road capabilities, the 2019 GX 460 is a man amongst boys.
It has great suspension, a powerful engine, and high seats for a commanding view ahead.
The entry-level Base trim is sufficiently equipped with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and Lexus’ patented Kinetic Dynamic Suspension system (which provides great off-road traction).
The top-spec Luxury trim contains all the trimmings of the Base trim, as well as optional add-on packages and features such as adaptive and auto-leveling suspension, power-folding mirrors, and a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel.
Premium safety features also include a Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
EPA estimates up to 16 MPG for combined driving which is not impressive but is quite acceptable nevertheless.
- Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 78 / 100
2019 GX 460, Edmunds review:
“The car is awesome! It rides really smoothly, it’s really comfortable, and the space is perfect for what we needed it for.”
2014 Lexus GX 460
The 2014 GX 460 is a great choice for those looking for a slightly older model or for those who are on a tighter budget. The 2014 GX 460 received hardly any complaints according to NHTSA data.
This model featured updated exterior styling, new LED headlights, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It comes equipped with a huge 4.6-liter V8 engine (301 horsepower) paired to a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive.
Fuel economy, according to EPA, is up to 15 MPG for city driving, 20 MPG for highway driving, and 17 MPG for combined driving.
Maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped) is a whopping 6,500 pounds.
This towing capacity is more than enough to handle a variety of trailers, including travel trailers, boat trailers, and utility trailers.
In terms of safety features, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, hill start assist, and hill descent control are all standard.
Airbags are aplenty – with a set of airbags covering the driver, front passenger, knee area, and side curtain airbags.
- Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 80 / 100
2014 GX 460, Edmunds review:
“Lexus did not disappoint with this SUV. Its sleek exterior is impressive while the interior stands above the rest in its class. We expected luxury with a bit of sportiness and this fits exactly that! The GX drives smoothly even with its size, which you usually don’t get with SUVs. It always helps to know that this car’s reliability ratings were excellent…which is what you expect with purchasing a Lexus.”
Consumer Scores For Best Lexus GX 460 Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Lexus GX 460 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2022 Lexus GX 460 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2020 Lexus GX 460 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2019 Lexus GX 460 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
| 2014 Lexus GX 460 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
Related: 21 Best & Worst Toyota 4Runner Years (With Facts & Stats)
What Are The Worst Years For The Lexus GX 460?
2010 Lexus GX 460
The 2010 GX 460 is the most problematic model year according to reports from CarComplaints and CarProblemZoo.
This was the debut GX 460 model, and it had its share of teething issues and is also the least technologically advanced.
Most complaints are related to the infamous Takata airbag recall.
The airbags were prone to explode, firing shrapnel into the cabin. Due to the widespread nature of the recall, many owners were left waiting a long time for repairs.
This model also received a number of complaints for acceleration and deceleration issues, some of which were linked to secondary pump failure.
The 2010 GX 460 had a total of 3 problems at CarComplaints.com and 45 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Would not accelerate
- Faulty ABS
- Paint peeling
- Inconvenient side-swinging cargo door
2011 Lexus GX 460
The 2011 GX 460 is the second most problematic model, similar to its predecessor, the main issue was airbag-related.
The vast majority of complaints were due to the Takata recall.
Parts were not readily available within a reasonable amount of time, as specified by the report below:
“Still waiting to get faulty airbag replaced under the recall. . . Driving a very dangerous car.”
Another reason to avoid this particular model year is its uncomfortable second-row seats.
The 2011 GX 460 had a total of 26 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Faulty stability control system
- Airbag problems
2017 and 2018 Lexus GX 460
The 2017 and 2018 Lexus GX 460 had significantly fewer problems than the previously mentioned models however they received a number of complaints due to suspension issues.
According to reports, the vehicle would lean to the right, and sit visibly lower on one side.
Here is how one owner describes it:
“The vehicle leans to the right (passenger side) about 1 1/4 compared to left side since day 1 after purchase. I contacted 3 Lexus dealers and was told “it is within specs”. This is a known issue on GX 460 models but Lexus refuses to admit it. They refuse to repair it. The vehicle has extreme body roll to the right during left turns and feels a lot more stable during right turns. This is a major safety concern. “
Another owner reported they were in a major accident due to this suspension issue:
“Turning left into the neighborhood and struck the rear passenger side panel behind the tire (bumper area). I was going approx 10-15 mph, the other vehicle (camry) was going 40 mph. Car rolled twice. I believe this is due to a known issue with this model leaning to the right, which causes an increased rollover risk on left hand turns. It seems that Lexus is aware, but has not addressed the issue…”
The 2017 GX 460 had a total of 0 problems at CarComplaints.com and 11 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The 2018 GX 460 had a total of 1 problem at CarComplaints.com and 9 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Transmission issues
- Suspension problems
- Faulty stability control system
Related: 12 Best & Worst Lexus RX 350 Years (With Pictures)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model | Complaints CarComplaints.com | Problems CarProblemZoo.com |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Lexus GX 460 | – | – |
| 2022 Lexus GX 460 | – | 5 |
| 2021 Lexus GX 460 | 1 | – |
| 2020 Lexus GX 460 | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 Lexus GX 460 | 1 | 7 |
| 2018 Lexus GX 460 | 1 | 9 |
| 2017 Lexus GX 460 | 0 | 11 |
| 2016 Lexus GX 460 | 3 | 7 |
| 2015 Lexus GX 460 | 1 | 8 |
| 2014 Lexus GX 460 | 2 | 4 |
| 2013 Lexus GX 460 | 3 | – |
| 2012 Lexus GX 460 | 0 | 8 |
| 2011 Lexus GX 460 | 0 | 26 |
| 2010 Lexus GX 460 | 3 | 45 |
What Problems Do Lexus GX 460s Have?
- Would not accelerate
- Brake pedal vibration
- Remote starter not working
- Faulty ABS
- Paint peeling
- Rear view mirror Homelink not working
- Side mirror does not retain setting
- Leather wears out quickly
- Control screen/navigation problems
- Rear windshield exploded
- Radiator cracked and leaked
Related: 11 Most Common Lexus GX 460 Problems (Explained)
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Lexus GX 460?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Audi Q8 | 8.1 | $72,800 – $125,800 | City: 13 – 18 /Highway: 20 – 23 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Velar | 8.0 | $60,300 – $79,200 | City: 19 – 20 /Highway: 25 – 26 |
| Land Rover Discovery | 7.9 | $58,400 – $77,800 | City: 19 /Highway: 22 – 25 |
| Acura MDX | 7.8 | $49,550 – $73,200 | City: 17 – 19 /Highway: 21 – 26 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 7.8 | $49,200 – $65,500 | City: 20 – 21 /Highway: 25 – 26 |
| BMW X6 | 7.7` | $70,100 – $113,700 | City: 13 – 21 /Highway: 18 – 25 |
| Lexus RX 350 | 7.7 | $47,400 – $57,000 | City: 21 – 22 /Highway: 28 – 29 |
| Land Rover Defender | 7.6 | $53,500 – $118,400 | City: 14 – 18 /Highway: 19 – 23 |
| Cadillac XT5 | 7.5 | $44,195 – $57,095 | City: 18 – 22 /Highway: 23 – 29 |
| Cadillac XT6 | 7.4 | $48,595 – $60,095 | City: 18 – 21 /Highway: 25 – 27 |
| Maserati Levante | 7.0 | $87,600 – $161,400 | City: 13 – 16 /Highway: 20 – 22 |
| Lexus GX 460 | 6.6 | $56,425 – $67,080 | City: 15 /Highway: 19 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
References
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/lexus/gx
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/gx-460/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/lexus/gx
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Lexus/GX_460/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/lexus/gx460/
