Does the GX 460 have air suspension?

No. The Lexus GX 460 does not come with factory air suspension. It relies on a traditional coil-spring suspension, with Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) available on certain trims to improve articulation and handling. There is no factory air-ride option offered on GX 460 models.

Suspension setup of the GX 460

The GX 460 uses an independent front suspension paired with a rear multi-link design, both employing coil springs. KDSS is a feature found on select trims that hydraulically connects the front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce body roll and improve wheel articulation in challenging terrain. The setup is aimed at balancing on-road comfort with off-road capability, but it does not include air springs.

Key suspension components include:

• Independent front suspension with coil springs


• Rear multi-link suspension with coil springs


• Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) on eligible trims


• No factory air suspension option

In short, the GX 460 relies on coil springs and KDSS rather than an air-suspension system.

Air suspension availability and alternatives

There is no official factory air suspension option for the GX 460. Some owners explore aftermarket air-suspension kits or air-lift solutions to gain adjustable ride height, but such upgrades are third-party modifications and can affect ride quality, warranty coverage, and vehicle dynamics. If air suspension is a priority, buyers might consider other Lexus models, such as the LX series, which offer air-spring setups in certain configurations.

KDSS explained

KDSS stands for Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. It temporarily disconnects stabilizer bars to allow more wheel articulation off-road and to reduce body roll on pavement. It is a hardware-based approach to handling rough terrain and is distinct from air-spring suspension.

Summary

The GX 460 does not include factory air suspension. Its suspension relies on coil springs with KDSS on select trims. For true air-ride capability, other Lexus models or aftermarket modifications are options, each with trade-offs that should be weighed against your needs and warranty considerations.

Which Lexus models have air suspension?

Lexus models that have featured air suspension include the LS sedan, the RX crossover, the LX large SUV, and the GX SUV. While the LS has a full four-corner system, the GX 460's air suspension is typically located on the rear axle only and is available on certain trims. The RX is also available with an air suspension system on some configurations, like the F Sport model.
 
Full air suspension (four corners)

• Lexus LS: This model has offered a more complex system that includes air suspension on all four wheels, with features like height adjustment and "Access Mode" for easier entry and exit. 
• Lexus LX: The LX 700h comes standard with an adaptive air suspension with height control. 

Rear air suspension only 

• Lexus GX: The GX 460 has available rear air suspension (Active Height Control) on premium and luxury trims, which replaces the coil springs with airbags on the rear axle. 

Other models with air suspension options

• Lexus RX: Some configurations, including certain F Sport models, offer air suspension. 
• Previous models: Some previous models like the GS sedan (GS300/350/430/450h/460) and IS sedan (IS250/350) had air suspension options available. 

What year Lexus GX 460 to avoid?

While the Lexus GX 460 is generally reliable across its 2010–2023 model years, the early models (2010–2013) are the most often cited for potential issues, including a dated infotainment system and a less refined ride compared to later years. Later models are often considered improvements, though a pre-purchase inspection is always recommended to catch potential issues like the KDSS suspension leaning, air suspension problems on Luxury trims, and the valley plate coolant leak, which can affect any model year.
 
Years to be more cautious about

• 2010–2013: These models have a less refined infotainment system and a less comfortable ride than newer versions. The overall ride might feel less refined than a luxury vehicle, more like a Toyota 4Runner. 

Potential issues to be aware of in any model year

• KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System): This system, which is standard, can cause a vehicle to lean or pull to one side. Lexus has issued technical service bulletins to address this, but it is still a common point of interest. 
• Air Suspension (Luxury trims): The rear air suspension can fail over time, leading to a bouncy or harsh ride, or non-functional auto-leveling. Replacement costs can be high. 
• Valley Plate Coolant Leak: This is a difficult-to-detect leak common in many V8 Lexus and Toyota models and can be costly to fix. 
• Secondary Air Injection: Issues with this system can be expensive to repair. 
• Other issues: Less common but still reported problems include timing chain cover leaks, low fuel pump issues, brake failures, and transmission problems if fluid isn't changed routinely. 

Recommendations for buying

• Avoid the oldest models if refinement is a priority and consider later model years for improvements to comfort and technology, such as the updated infotainment in 2022+ models. 
• Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to check for potential issues, especially with the suspension (KDSS or air suspension) and for signs of leaks. 
• Check maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes, which are important for longevity. 
• The 2021 and 2022 models are often cited for excellent reliability, though issues can still occur in any year. 

Does the Lexus GX have adjustable suspension?

Increased levels of optimized. Control for those who like to rough it without roughing adaptive variable suspension available with the Lexus GX wildly refined.

Does the GX 460 have air suspension?

Yes, the GX 460 has rear air suspension, but it is a feature of the higher trims (like Luxury) and is often paired with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) on the front. The AHC system uses airbags in the rear for load leveling and ride height adjustment, while the Adaptive Variable Suspension uses electronically controlled dampers on the front for on-road comfort and performance.
 
This video explains the rear air suspension system in detail: 59sTriple Locked AdventuresYouTube · Oct 19, 2025
Rear Air Suspension

• What it is: The Adjustable Height Control (AHC) system replaces the rear steel coil springs with airbags. 
• Function: It automatically levels the rear of the vehicle to maintain the correct ride height, even when carrying loads. 
• Driver control: You can also manually adjust the rear height to a lower setting for easier loading or a higher setting for better clearance at low speeds. 
• Availability: This feature is typically found on the Premium and Luxury trims and has been available since around 2010. 

Front Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)

• What it is: This is an active damping system on the front suspension that uses electronically controlled shock absorbers, not air springs. 
• Function: It adjusts the damping force based on road conditions, with modes like Normal, Sport, and Comfort. 
• Availability: The AVS system is a separate feature that can be found on the GX 460, sometimes in conjunction with the rear air suspension.