What is it?

Now nearing the end of its third generation, the GS slots in above the sporty IS and below the luxury-laden LS. It’s sized about like the tremendously popular ES 350, but the GS offers rear-wheel-drive and a much higher price tag – not to mention the optional V8 seen in our tester.

Its basic style is derivative of the original Giugiaro-penned 1991 GS300 (a rebadged Toyota Aristo), but the latest car was introduced for 2006. Smoother and suaver than the second-generation GS – notable for its Shakespearean “Something wicked this way comes” ad campaign – the S190-platform car retains the two-engine configuration of its predecessor.

As enthusiasts, we jumped at the range-topping GS 460 with its 342-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. A hybrid – dubbed GS 450h – was briefly on offer before sluggish sales forced its removal from the North American market.

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    Cargo
    If getting to your destination isn't enjoyable, loading up the GX is even more exasperating. To get to the cargo area, you have to open a huge swing gate. While most SUVs have moved to a liftgate ...

    Steering wheel
    The steering wheel can be adjusted to a comfortable position. Operating the switch moves the steering wheel in the following directions: 1. Up. 2. Down. 3. Away from the driver. 4. Toward the d ...

    Using the AUX adapter
    This adapter can be used to connect a portable audio device and listen to it through the vehicle’s speakers. Slide the armrest while pulling up the lever, and lift the armrest. Remove the uppe ...