Lexus GX J120 470 V8 (238 Hp) AWD Automatic


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Lexus GX:

The Lexus GX is a mid/full-size luxury SUV sold in North American and Eurasian markets by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, from which it derives its off-road capability.
Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. A full-time four-wheel drive system is standard with low-range gearing. The 4. 7-liter V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The firm next introduced the second-generation model in 2009, badged GX 460 to reflect the switch to a 4. 6-liter V8 engine. Lexus later released a lower displacement GX 400 in 2012 for the Chinese market, with a 4. 0-liter V6 engine. The third-generation model introduced in 2023 uses the GX 550 moniker with a twin-turbocharged 3. 4-liter V6 engine and GX 550h with a turbocharged hybrid electric 2. 4-liter four-cylinder engine....(Read more on Wikipedia)

J120 Overview:

Lexus GX (J120). With 434 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2150 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Lexus GX J120 generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, it was built on a robust, body-on-frame platform shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, known for solid construction and passive safety features for its era.

470 V8 (238 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate power for its size, delivering smooth and predictable acceleration, though not particularly quick by modern SUV standards. Suitable for comfortable cruising.

Fuel Economy

High fuel consumption, typical for a large V8 SUV of its early 2000s era. Running costs will be significant due to its thirst for petrol.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, light towing, and comfortable family transport.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Legendary Toyota/Lexus reliability and durability
  • • Strong and smooth 2UZ-FE V8 engine across all trims
  • • Exceptional off-road capability with robust 4x4 system
  • • Comfortable and well-appointed luxury interior for its era
  • • Good towing capacity for its class
  • • Holds resale value well

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption across all V8 trims
  • • Dated interior technology and infotainment by modern standards
  • • Noticeable body roll during spirited on-road driving
  • • Limited cargo space when the third-row seats are in use
  • • Steering can feel vague compared to more car-like SUVs

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Lexus
Model:GX
Generation:J120
Modification (Engine):470 V8 (238 Hp) AWD Automatic
Start of production:2002
End of production:2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:8
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:238 Hp @ 4800 rpm.
Power per litre:51 Hp/l
Torque:434 Nm @ 3400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:2UZ-FE
Engine displacement:4664
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.2 l
Coolant:12.9 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:94 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.6:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:12.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:14.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.9 sec
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9 kg/Hp, 110.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5 kg/Nm, 201.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2150
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2513 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:1238 l
Fuel tank capacity:87 l
Size:
Length:4780 mm mm
Width:1880 mm mm
Height:1895 mm mm
Wheelbase:2790 mm mm
Front track:1580 mm
Rear (Back) track:1580 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):210 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.4 m
Approach angle:31°
Departure angle:25°
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesVentilated discs
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size265/65 R17
Wheel rims size7.5J x 17
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

Does the Lexus GX live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!