{"id":1627,"date":"2021-09-14T12:50:30","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T04:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.icaridea.com\/?p=1627"},"modified":"2021-09-14T12:50:30","modified_gmt":"2021-09-14T04:50:30","slug":"test-drive-the-2021-lexus-gx460-is-a-truck-among-crossovers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.icaridea.com\/?p=1627","title":{"rendered":"Test drive: The 2021 Lexus GX460 is a truck among crossovers"},"content":{"rendered":"

close \"Test Video <\/p>\n

Test drive: 2021 Lexus GX460<\/h4>\n

The 2021 Lexus GX460 is a standout model, because there aren’t many like it. Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu explains that the SUV is built on a truck frame, but still offers plenty of luxury.<\/p>\n

The 2021 Lexus GX460 may not look all that different from other SUVs, but it\u2019s one of the most unusual ones you can buy today.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

(Lexus)<\/p>\n

Along with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, it\u2019s the only midsize luxury model that\u2019s still built with body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle, which makes it a real “truck” for sticklers of the term.<\/p>\n

If that seems like a blast from the past, keep in mind that the current GX460 traces its roots back to 2010 along with the Toyota 4Runner that it shares some of its architecture with, so it is.<\/p>\n

The $54,125 GX460 is powered by a 301 hp V8 that\u2019s as quiet and buttery smooth as they get and sends its power to a full-time all-wheel-drive system through a six-speed automatic transmission. It also has a part-time transfer case with a low range that turns it into a true 4×4 and has a 6,500-pound tow rating.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The GX460 features a three-row, seven passenger layout. There\u2019s a good amount of legroom for second-row passengers, but the power-folding third row seats are snug. The upholstery is price-appropriate throughout, but the plasticky dash looks its age and has the vibe of a 1980s boom box.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are standard along with a blind spot monitor and lane departure alert system that keep the old truck somewhat up to date.<\/p>\n

The GX460\u2019s signature feature is it Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which uses hydraulics to link the four corners of the vehicle to keep body motion under control on smooth roads without restricting articulations on rough ones. Optional computer-controlled adaptive shocks further enhance the ride quality on some trims.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The body design doesn\u2019t offer the kind of ground clearance you get on a hardcore off-roader like a 4Runner TRD Pro, but it has serious chops that can be further improved with the addition of an Off-Road Package. It adds underbody protection, a 360-degree camera system with a virtual view of what\u2019s under the vehicle, a Multi-Terrain Select traction management system and the Crawl Control low-speed cruise control, which can be used at up to 5 mph on challenging surfaces.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS CAR REVIEWS<\/p>\n

My test vehicle was a base model without any of the mechanical options. Given its archaic platform, it proved to be surprisingly serene on pavement, but the solid rear axle can\u2019t compete with an independent suspension on bumps and ruts. The power is adequate, if not overwhelming, and the action of the steering wheel and all controls feels like well-oiled machinery.<\/p>\n

All-day cruising is no problem at all, but the GX460 does require more pit stops than a lot of vehicles thanks to its embarrassing 16 mpg combined fuel economy rating \u2026 with nothing in tow.<\/p>\n

The trade-off to the GX460\u2019s shortcomings is longevity. It has a stellar reliability reputation and holds onto its value like a treasury bond, which makes its most retro feature all the harder to accept.<\/p>\n

The touchscreen infotainment system display\u2019s graphics aren\u2019t much better than an old Netscape browser’s and it still has an in-dash CD player, but not the latest smartphone integration, making it difficult to enjoy your favorite music and navigation apps. It seems dated today, so it may feel like an 8-track player when you start thinking about selling it a decade from now.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/p>\n

The good news is that Lexus is remedying this for 2022 with a new 10.3-inch widescreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that\u2019s perched above a center control stack with a more contemporary design, which is just another new trick this old truck is learning.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

(Lexus)<\/p>\n

Of course, that\u2019s also bad news if you buy the 2021 model.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

2021 Lexus GX460<\/p>\n

Base price: $54,125<\/p>\n

As tested: $59,310<\/p>\n

Type: 4-door, 7-passenger all-wheel-drive SUV<\/p>\n

Engine: 4.6-liter V8<\/p>\n

Power: 301 hp, 329 lb-ft<\/p>\n

Transmission: 6-speed automatic<\/p>\n

MPG: 15 city\/19 hwy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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