2017 Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX is an old-school SUV in the traditional sense – it features a body-on-frame chassis and features a low-speed transfer case and solid axles that will take it far off the beaten path. Behind the spindle grille and regal leather and wood-lined cabin is the same basic platform as the rough 'n tumble Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The GX 460 is unique in that it features many of the same SUV traits as the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, and Lexus's own LX 570, but in a smaller package. Size-wise, it is comparable to the Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX. One downside to its separate frame chassis is that the GX doesn't offer as much rear-seat or cargo room as some of its crossover rivals, though it does feature a side-hinged rear cargo door and rear seats that fold flat into the floor at the push of a button.

For 2017, all GXs receive a Sport Design Package, which includes high-gloss silver front and rear spoilers, additional silver exterior trim garnish, new tail lights, and gunmetal-finish 18-inch alloy wheels.

The GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine that develops 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. The motor is naturally aspirated and does not feature cylinder deactivation or an idle-stop system. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

The GX’s four-wheel-drive system includes a Torsen mechanical center differential, a locking rear differential, a low-range transfer case for heavy-duty off-roading - perfect for making use of its 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) helps to keep the SUV level in corners, while a rear air suspension system keeps the vehicle level when towing loads of up to 2,948 kg (6,500 lbs).

Given the GX’s bulk and ability, it should come as no surprise that this is a thirsty machine – city fuel economy is 15.7 L/100 km city and 11.7 L/100 km highway.

Standard equipment for the GX 460 includes a power tilt and telescoping steering column, heated and ventilated 10-way power front seats, heated second-row seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, hard-disk based navigation, Bluetooth, USB ports, and Siri Eyes-Free for control of Apple iPhones. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, are also standard.

The Technology Package adds radar cruise control, driver monitoring system, wide-angle rear and side parking cameras, lane-departure warning, and pre-collision warning system.

The Executive Package adds a front console cooling box, dual rear-seat entertainment system, plus heavy-duty off-roading gear that includes a transmission cooler, driver-selectable terrain control system, four-wheel crawl control, and additional skid plate and underbody protection.

Pricing for the 2017 Lexus GX 460 starts at $72,500, and tops out at $80,450 for the Executive Package.