Does Lexus GX 470 have air suspension?
No. The Lexus GX 470, produced from 2003 to 2009, uses a traditional coil-spring suspension with independent front and rear setups. Air suspension is not part of the GX 470’s equipment. This article explains the suspension layout and clarifies the air-suspension question for prospective buyers and enthusiasts.
Suspension architecture of the GX 470
The GX 470 relies on a conventional suspension design tailored for on-road comfort and off-road capability without air springs. Front suspension uses an independent double-wishbone layout with coil springs and gas-charged shocks, while the rear employs a multi-link arrangement with coil springs. Anti-roll bars at both ends help maintain stability across varying loads and terrain.
These components deliver a balanced ride and predictable handling, but they rely on standard springs and dampers rather than air-adjustable elements.
- Independent front suspension: double wishbone with coil springs
- Rear suspension: multi-link with coil springs
- Shock absorbers: conventional gas-filled units
- Ride height: fixed (no air-spring height control)
Before listing the primary characteristics, note that the GX 470 does not use air-assisted springs. The key features are:
In summary, the GX 470’s suspension is coil-spring based, with conventional dampers and no air-suspension system.
Air suspension status and model comparisons
Air suspension is not a feature of the GX 470 in any market. While other vehicles in the Lexus/Toyota family have experimented with air-spring systems or height-adjustable setups, the GX 470 remained coil-spring based throughout its production run. Lexus did not offer a factory air-suspension option for the GX line, and subsequent GX models have continued with coil springs.
GX 470 vs. later GX models
When Lexus transitioned to the GX 460 for the 2010 model year, the suspension philosophy remained coil-spring based, with refinements in damping and tuning but no factory air suspension option. Buyers seeking true air-ride capability should consider other models in the Lexus/Land Cruiser family, not the GX line.
Summary
Bottom line: No, the Lexus GX 470 does not have air suspension. It uses a traditional coil-spring suspension with independent front and rear layouts and standard dampers. This configuration has persisted across GX generations, with no official air-suspension option offered by Lexus for GX models. For aging vehicles, buyers should monitor suspension wear and component condition as with any SUV, though air-ride benefits are not available on the GX 470.
