Introduction:

For 2008, Lexus revised the styling to give the GX a richer, more mature exterior appearance. Changes for 2008 include a dark metallic grille, red-and-clear taillights, a liquid graphite finish for the wheels, and bright-metal door handles and roof rack side rails. Darker wood trim lends a more upscale look to the interior for 2008. The last complete redesign was for the 2003 model year. For 2007, Lexus updated the GX 470's optional rear-seat DVD system with a 9-inch wide-format screen. The optional navigation system offers voice activation and enhanced display features. An input jack for iPods and other audio devices comes standard. The optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio offers DVD capability and can play MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. Everyone, from rear-seat passengers to the driver, can watch a movie on one of the screens, including the navigation screen when parked.

Inside, the GX 470 is roomy, quiet and comfortable, with an optional third-row seat that expands capacity to eight. Its cabin is swathed in leather and walnut. An overhead-cam V8 and smooth five-speed automatic transmission provide sufficient power for towing, trail-bashing, or carving corners on a coastal highway.

Power is provided by a 4.7-liter V8, rated 263 horsepower and a substantial 323 pound-feet of torque, driving through a five-speed automatic transmission. Underneath, the GX 470 has body-on-frame construction like commercial or military trucks, with a solid rear axle and serious four-wheel drive features such as a locking center differential and two-speed transfer case. Its full-time four-wheel drive features electronic traction control (A-TRAC) and automatically dispatches torque to the tires with the best grip. An electronic system called Downhill Assist Control (DAC) helps the GX 470 safely negotiate slippery inclines, while Vehicle Stability Control helps steady the GX 470 in slippery turns.

We've found the Lexus GX 470 highly capable in rugged terrain. Its electronic features make unskilled drivers look like experienced off-road pilots while enabling experienced off-road drivers to go even farther. In short, the GX 470 can go just about anywhere its driver is willing to point it. Its rugged design means it holds up well when punished repeatedly over rough roads, good for drivers who frequent the backcountry or launch boats over rugged terrain.