Neal Oddes of J.D. Power and Associates cites the Lexus IS 250, with its 204-hp V6, and IS 350, with a 277-hp V6, as examples of the ongoing "horsepower race" among automakers. And the race rolls on: At the recent Detroit auto show, Lexus showed off the 2008 IS-F with a 400-hp 5.0-liter V8.
The GX 470 midsize SUV continues the Lexus tradition of offering high levels of luxury in a vehicle that is both quiet and comfortable. With three rows of seating, a smooth V8 engine and refined interior, the GX is a top-tier luxury SUV in every sense of the term. In addition, this particular Lexus has the ability to venture further off-road than most of its owners will have the desire, or courage, to take it.
However, the Lexus GX 470 has been on the market for a few years now, and in that time the crossover SUV market has become much more popular. Although its rugged truck-based underpinnings provide advantages in terms of towing or going off-road, the resulting higher weight, lower fuel economy and decreased space efficiency means this Lexus may not be the best choice for the type of on-road driving that most luxury SUV owners spend the majority of their time doing. In addition, the GX 470 falls a bit short in terms of the latest luxury features when compared to newer competition.
Current Lexus GX 470
The current Lexus GX 470 is a traditional body-on-frame SUV. Mechanically, it's related to the Toyota 4Runner. There are two trim levels: base and Sport. Both are powered by a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 263 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard and it sends engine power to a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing.
