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2009 Lexus GX 470 Quality Review

April 21, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

awash in supple leather and tastefully polished wood
Kelley Blue Book

rises to a muted growl in full acceleration
ConsumerGuide

the second row seating [is] more inviting
MotherProof

Reasonable comfort for a mid-size SUV is found inside the 2009 Lexus GX 470.

MotherProof is taken with "the second row seating," which is "more inviting" than that of similar SUVs. The reviewer at MotherProof also points out that ingress and egress of the Lexus GX 470 is no easy thing, particularly for short adults and children. Very small children find it "impossible ... to step high enough to get in, even with the assistance of the running board."

Cars.com reports that the 2009 Lexus GX 470 has "seating for five is standard, but the [Lexus] GX 470 can seat up to eight when equipped with an optional third-row seat"—which Edmunds describes as "cramped." Kelley Blue Book reports that the Lexus GX 470 has three rows; "the second-row 60/40-split bench seat has the headroom and legroom to handle three average-size adults." The "power-adjustable front seats provide good comfort and support"; however, as with many vehicles reviewed by TheCarConnection.com, "significantly less space in all critical dimensions means the optional third-row 50/50-split seat might be best for children."

What our test driver reports that Edmunds does not is that the third-row seats do not, in fact, fold downward into the floor, but up along the sides of the cabin, where they "hang," taking up a significant amount of the 78 cubic feet of valuable cargo space. Edmunds goes on to point out that "curbside loading of the cargo area can be awkward due to the GX's side-hinged rear door that blocks access when opened." According to Kelley Blue Book, removing the third row can increase space in the 2009 Lexus.

In terms of quietness, Cars.com says that other than a "slight driveline drone, the GX 470 is quiet." According to ConsumerGuide, however, the Lexus GX 470's engine "rises to a muted growl in full acceleration," and wind noise becomes apparent at speeds in excess of 55 mph. Edmunds praises the interior materials, describing them as "well-appointed and high-quality." Kelley Blue Book also remarks favorably on the "well-isolated cabin...awash in supple leather and tastefully polished wood."

Conclusion

The dysfunctional third-row seat mars the high-quality interior of the 2009 Lexus GX 470.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:awash in supple leather and tastefully polished woodKelley Blue Bookrises to a muted growl in full accelerationConsumerGuidethe second row seating [is] more invitingMotherProof Reasonable comfort for a mid-size SUV is found inside the 2009 Lexus GX 470. MotherProof is taken with "the second row seating," which is "more inviting" than that of similar SUVs. The reviewer at MotherProof also points out that ingress and egress of the Lexus GX 470 is no easy thing, particularly for short adults and children. Very small children find it "impossible ... to step high enough to get in, even with the assistance of the running board." Cars.com reports that the 2009 Lexus GX 470 has "seating for five is standard, but the [Lexus] GX 470 can seat up to eight when equipped with an optional third-row seat"—which Edmunds describes as "cramped." Kelley Blue Book reports that the Lexus GX 470 has three rows; "the second-row 60/40-split bench seat has the headroom and legroom to handle three average-size adults." The "power-adjustable front seats provide good comfort and support"; however, as with many vehicles reviewed by TheCarConnection.com, "significantly less space in all critical dimensions means the optional third-row 50/50-split seat might be best for children." What our test driver reports that Edmunds does not is that the third-row seats do not, in fact, fold downward into the floor, but up along the sides of the cabin, where they "hang," taking up a significant amount of the 78 cubic feet of valuable cargo space. Edmunds goes on to point out that "curbside loading of the cargo area can be awkward due to the GX's side-hinged rear door that blocks access when opened." According to Kelley Blue Book, removing the third row can increase space in the 2009 Lexus. In terms of quietness, Cars.com says that other than a "slight driveline drone, the GX 470 is quiet." According to ConsumerGuide, however, the Lexus GX 470's engine "rises to a muted growl in full acceleration," and wind noise becomes apparent at speeds in excess of 55 mph. Edmunds praises the interior materials, describing them as "well-appointed and high-quality." Kelley Blue Book also remarks favorably on the "well-isolated cabin...awash in supple leather and tastefully polished wood." ConclusionThe dysfunctional third-row seat mars the high-quality interior of the 2009 Lexus GX 470. 2009 LEXUS GX 470 STYLING | [6 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "well-appointed and high-quality cabin" ForbesAutos: "comfortable and well-equipped" MotherProof: "makes me feel like I have a big butt" The styling of the 2009 Lexus GX 470 is unremarkable. Some would describe it as ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Land Rover LR3 offers V-8 power and an interior unlike any other in the class. To some that’s seen as character; to others it feels cluttered. The BMW X5 also has three rows of seating, plus a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines, though ride quality can be choppy. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a good deal more expensive than the Lexus GX 470, but it offers three rows of seating; a nice, settled ride; and a choice of V-6, V-8, and diesel engines.

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See the Lexus GX 470 in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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