Lexus GX 460 First Impressions

Much like the RX redesign, the new GX is a more masculine retelling of the model it replaces. The first generation GX had a fidgety look, too tall and skinny for my taste, so this lowered and aggressive redesign hits all the right notes. It has that same “larger-than-life” feeling that the LX 570 gives off.

The exterior design is looking fine. The front bumper air intakes are prominent and the rear lights have a casual look. The bold wheel arches and the entire side profile are something you going to love. You even are going to like the front HID headlight design and its symmetry with the fog-lights.

But it was the interior that will impress you more than anything. All of the visual clutter seen with the LX 570 and the toggles and switches is gone, and what’s left is a strong and simplified SUV interior dominated by a massive touch screen and high-quality materials. The dash panel hides away secondary radio controls and the wood divide above the glove box.

The third row seating was cramped but useable, making the fold-flat function worth the three-inch height reduction. Retaining the side-opening rear door was the biggest surprise. It reduced the effort needed to open and close the door (mentioning the power liftgate seen in the other Lexus SUVs generated little discussion).

The first impressions were extremely positive for Lexus GX460. The exterior design is a mash between the first-gen GX and the LX 570 design, and I like it well enough, but more than anything, I’m convinced the new interior will sell the vehicle on its own. It’s that good.

Source: http://lexusenthusiast.com/2009/12/03/lexus-gx-460-first-impressions/#more