2010 Lexus GX 460

When the Lexus GX 460 showed up in my driveway, I almost discounted it immediately. It seemed like another honkin' big SUV that requires honkin' deep pockets to purchase; my test vehicle was priced at just over $62,000. Ever the intrepid journalist, I decided to wrap my preconceived notions up in a tidy little box, stow them away on a shelf in the garage next to the doggy-safe ice melt and review this car with an open mind. Low and behold, I'm glad I did. I actually loved my week in the GX.

Not only did the GX 460 ooze luxury, it was equally functional for my days shuttling my kids and their friends around.

This SUV with room for seven doesn't drive like an SUV with room for seven. It's amazingly nimble, with a turning radius that's much smaller than I expected (its maneuverability is also aided by front and backup cameras and parking sensors). Its ride quality is super smooth, and its acceleration is light, quick and responsive.

During my week of test driving the GX, I commented numerous times on how quiet the interior is at highway speeds, so much so that I could hold a conversation with the third-row passengers. However, as soon as I picked my parents up for a little road trip to visit my brother in his seventh year of college (you think I'm kidding?) both of them complained about the road noise. I told my dad to turn off his hearing aids and that seemed to fix the problem quite nicely.

Despite all the pros, there are a few cons in the Lexus GX 460 that would be deal-breakers for me.

See also:

Bluetooth® audio system
The Bluetooth® audio system enables you to enjoy music played on a portable digital audio player (portable player) from the vehicle speakers via wireless communication. This audio system supports ...

SRS airbags
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Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime condition. Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicle body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to ...