It may be hard to believe, but luxury and adventure can go hand in hand – especially with the 2012 Lexus GX 460. From its luxurious interior with a variety of features to its high-quality build, off-road prowess and the reliable reputation of Lexus, this is one SUV that needs to be on your list.
Key Features
A powerful V8 engine paired with an automatic six-speed transmission delivers 301 horsepower for a responsive drive. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System with large stabilizer bars also minimizes lean on the road and provides improved traction and increased wheel articulation when handling off-road terrain. With plenty of room for seven, a power folding rear seat, side and front view monitoring for improved visibility and a 6,500-pound towing capacity the 2012 Lexus GX 460 can handle nearly anything you can throw at it.
Changes for 2012
There were very few changes made for the 2012 model year. The Premium trim now has an option for a high-gloss finish on the wheels, and the base model features chrome inserts and color keyed body side moldings.
What We Like
While the ride is acceptable on the road, we love the handling of the 2012 Lexus GX 460 when tackling off-road terrain. With Crawl Control for automatic throttle and brake modulation, a higher driver seating position and high ground clearance, there is no denying that this SUV is designed for so much more than driving around the city. There are also numerous upgrades available from sound and navigation to driver attention technology.
What Concerns Us
As well as the GX 460 handles off-roading, it doesn’t offer the superior ride quality typically seen from Lexus. It’s also worth noting that while the fuel economy is certainly good compared with other options available in the class, there are other SUVs available that have smaller engines and provide better fuel savings.
Available Models
There are two options available for the 2012 Lexus GX 460; the base model and the Premium model. Both use the same 4.6-liter V8 engine that provides 301 horsepower, 329 lb-ft of torque and a fuel economy of 15 city/20 highway mpg.
Major Recalls
No major recalls have been issued for the 2012 Lexus GX 460
Common Issues
Only one complaint has been made about this vehicle, and it was concerning noises and ease of use relating to the electronic stability control system.
