The Lexus GX 470 ($45,075) is positioned in the luxury-utility vehicle market segment, with a single model strategy augmented by major options and option packages. That's marketing jargon meaning this baby comes loaded with expensive equipment and features, yet you can add even more stuff.
More than 20 premium features come standard, from glass moonroof to illuminated running boards. Among them: leather upholstery, power seats, power mirrors, power windows, a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic dual climate control, Homelink, a 115V AC power outlet in the cargo area, AM/FM/cassette/6-disc CD changer with 11 speakers, rear seat audio system with remote control and headphones, roof rack. The 4.7-liter V8 with a five-speed automatic transmission (rather than a four-speed automatic) are standard. Also standard: anti-lock brakes, traction control, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), Torsen limited-slip differential, and the Adaptive Variable Suspension with adjustable height control. GX 470 rides on 265/65HR17 tires wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels.
Options include a third-row seat with rear air conditioning ($2,030); Navigation system bundled with a Mark Levinson premium audio system ($2,700); a rear-seat entertainment system with two headphones ($1,560). A tow hitch receiver ($50) is optional. The new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, an option on late-2004 models, uses electronically controlled hydraulic cylinders to help vary the degree of sway resistance provided by the front and rear stabilizer bars.
Standard passive-safety equipment includes dual multi-stage frontal airbags and side airbags for the front and second-row seats. Roll-sensing curtain airbags are being added to late 2004 models (curtain airbags are used on early 2004 models). A new tire pressure monitoring system is being added as well. Three-point seatbelts are provided for each seating position, and the front belts are equipped with pretensioners and force limiters to help minimize injuries from the belts themselves in an impact.