Lexus GX 470, 2009
The 2009 Lexus GX 470 is a full-capability luxury utility vehicle delivering an outstanding combination of power, comfort and confidence for any kind of driving. The Lexus GX 470 is positioned between the brand's prestige-luxury LX 570 and unibody-based RX models.
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus GX 470 is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 323 lb-ft. of peak torque. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the V8 provides ample torque across a wide speed range, helping make the Lexus GX 470 feel responsive in everyday driving and giving it excellent towing performance. The Lexus GX 470 meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV-II) certification.
The Lexus GX 470's five-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shift quality. Shift logic can hold gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking, which can be helpful when towing, for example. The Lexus GX 470's sophisticated full-time four-wheel-drive system, supported by an array of dynamic handling technology, provides versatile capability for virtually any driving need.
Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The Lexus GX 470 is constructed with robust body-on-frame construction for rugged capability on or-off-road. Independent front suspension and rear air suspension with self-leveling control deliver a smooth on-road ride without compromising rugged off-road capabilities. Standard 265/65SR17 tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The variable-gear-ratio rack-and-pinion steering system helps make maneuvering the Lexus GX 470 in tight spaces easier. Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC) enhances the Lexus GX 470's flexibility in a wide range of driving situations. A high setting provides an additional 1.6 inches of clearance when traversing challenging terrain. AHC can also lower the rear of the vehicle 1.2 inches from its neutral setting for easier cargo loading.
In off-road driving situations, KDSS allows the wheels on each axle to move with a larger degree of side-to-side independence, helping to minimize any tendency for wheel lift. During cornering, when both front and rear cylinders are compressed, no fluid is flowing in the system and the stabilizer bars work conventionally to reduce body roll.
Safety/Security Features
The Lexus GX 470 is equipped with a comprehensive array of safety systems. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps keep the Lexus GX 470 going on its intended course by detecting front- and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with a combination of torque intervention and individual wheel braking. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) utilizes the ABS and distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving and wheel-load conditions.
Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), then the system supplements the applied braking power. The GX is equipped with side airbags and with driver and passenger advanced front airbags that are designed to inflate according to collision severity. It also uses roll-sensing side-curtain airbags that are designed to deploy when a severe tilt angle, roll or lateral g force is detected.
Exterior Design
The Lexus GX 470's purposeful design is accented by details that underscore its capability and its luxury positioning. The color-keyed (dark metallic) front grille, framed by distinctive character lines on the hood, features three horizontal bars and chrome finish surround. The front bumper features standard integrated fog lamps. Color-keyed fender flares, running boards, bumpers, mirrors, and lower body cladding convey elegance and solidity. Chrome door handles and roof rack with chrome side rails add luxurious detail. In the rear, three-stack design sculpted tail lamps feature a clear combination lamp lens cover on the turn signal and reverse lamps that are located under a chrome license plate garnish. Tasteful luxury touches abound, including green-tint UV protection front glass, privacy glass on rear windows, running board lamps, and reverse lamps with green tint.
The optional Sport Package adds a distinctive visual signature, with smoked front and rear light bezels, chrome exhaust tip and dark graphite finish on the roof rack. Inside, the dark graphite center console and instrument panel trim complements the Black Bird's-eye Maple wood trim.
Interior Design
The V8-powered Lexus GX 470 provides the luxury appointments and workmanship of a Lexus sedan. The Lexus GX 470 offers eight-passenger seating with an available third-row seat. Ivory or gray leather trims the seat facings, headrests, armrests, door trim, shift knob and steering wheel. Optitron instrument gauges are a traditional and functional Lexus design element, while genuine wood trim on the dashboard, center console and door panels and chrome door handles add to the luxurious cabin design.
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus GX 470 is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 323 lb-ft. of peak torque. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the V8 provides ample torque across a wide speed range, helping make the Lexus GX 470 feel responsive in everyday driving and giving it excellent towing performance. The Lexus GX 470 meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV-II) certification.
The Lexus GX 470's five-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shift quality. Shift logic can hold gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking, which can be helpful when towing, for example. The Lexus GX 470's sophisticated full-time four-wheel-drive system, supported by an array of dynamic handling technology, provides versatile capability for virtually any driving need.
Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The Lexus GX 470 is constructed with robust body-on-frame construction for rugged capability on or-off-road. Independent front suspension and rear air suspension with self-leveling control deliver a smooth on-road ride without compromising rugged off-road capabilities. Standard 265/65SR17 tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The variable-gear-ratio rack-and-pinion steering system helps make maneuvering the Lexus GX 470 in tight spaces easier. Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC) enhances the Lexus GX 470's flexibility in a wide range of driving situations. A high setting provides an additional 1.6 inches of clearance when traversing challenging terrain. AHC can also lower the rear of the vehicle 1.2 inches from its neutral setting for easier cargo loading.
In off-road driving situations, KDSS allows the wheels on each axle to move with a larger degree of side-to-side independence, helping to minimize any tendency for wheel lift. During cornering, when both front and rear cylinders are compressed, no fluid is flowing in the system and the stabilizer bars work conventionally to reduce body roll.
Safety/Security Features
The Lexus GX 470 is equipped with a comprehensive array of safety systems. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps keep the Lexus GX 470 going on its intended course by detecting front- and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with a combination of torque intervention and individual wheel braking. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) utilizes the ABS and distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving and wheel-load conditions.
Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), then the system supplements the applied braking power. The GX is equipped with side airbags and with driver and passenger advanced front airbags that are designed to inflate according to collision severity. It also uses roll-sensing side-curtain airbags that are designed to deploy when a severe tilt angle, roll or lateral g force is detected.
Exterior Design
The Lexus GX 470's purposeful design is accented by details that underscore its capability and its luxury positioning. The color-keyed (dark metallic) front grille, framed by distinctive character lines on the hood, features three horizontal bars and chrome finish surround. The front bumper features standard integrated fog lamps. Color-keyed fender flares, running boards, bumpers, mirrors, and lower body cladding convey elegance and solidity. Chrome door handles and roof rack with chrome side rails add luxurious detail. In the rear, three-stack design sculpted tail lamps feature a clear combination lamp lens cover on the turn signal and reverse lamps that are located under a chrome license plate garnish. Tasteful luxury touches abound, including green-tint UV protection front glass, privacy glass on rear windows, running board lamps, and reverse lamps with green tint.
The optional Sport Package adds a distinctive visual signature, with smoked front and rear light bezels, chrome exhaust tip and dark graphite finish on the roof rack. Inside, the dark graphite center console and instrument panel trim complements the Black Bird's-eye Maple wood trim.
Interior Design
The V8-powered Lexus GX 470 provides the luxury appointments and workmanship of a Lexus sedan. The Lexus GX 470 offers eight-passenger seating with an available third-row seat. Ivory or gray leather trims the seat facings, headrests, armrests, door trim, shift knob and steering wheel. Optitron instrument gauges are a traditional and functional Lexus design element, while genuine wood trim on the dashboard, center console and door panels and chrome door handles add to the luxurious cabin design.
