How much weight can a Lexus GX 460 hold?

In practical terms, the GX 460 can carry roughly 1,200–1,500 pounds of payload (people and cargo), depending on year and equipment. The exact figure is listed on the door-jamb GVWR sticker and varies by configuration. This article explains what that means, how to calculate it for your particular vehicle, and how it relates to towing.

The question covers two related ideas: how much weight you can safely carry inside the vehicle (payload) and how much you can tow with a trailer (towing capacity). We’ll break down both, show how to calculate safe loads, and offer practical loading tips so you can use the GX 460 without exceeding its limits.

Payload fundamentals

Understanding what "payload" means helps you judge how much weight you can safely carry in the GX 460 beyond its empty weight.

Several factors influence payload, including the number of occupants, cargo weight, and optional equipment installed on the vehicle.

• Passenger and cargo weight loaded into the cabin and luggage area


• Weight of optional equipment and accessories installed at the factory


• Whether the vehicle is configured with the optional third-row seating

In general, payload capacity declines as more occupants or equipment are added. The exact value for your vehicle is determined by the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) minus the curb weight (empty vehicle weight).

Typical payload ranges and how to find yours

To give a sense of scale, most GX 460 configurations fall in a broad range as listed on manufacturer data sheets and owner documentation. Because GVWR and curb weight vary by year and trim, the payload tends to lie roughly within 1,000 to 1,500 pounds for common builds, with variations depending on whether the third-row is equipped and other options.

• Two-row / fewer passengers (no third-row) configurations tend to yield the higher end of the payload range, often near 1,300–1,600 pounds in some years, and around 1,200–1,500 pounds in later variants.


• Three-row configurations (with the third row) typically reduce payload toward the 1,000–1,400 pound range, depending on equipment and year.


• Heavy optional equipment (off-road packages, roof racks, large tires) can reduce payload capacity a bit.

Always verify your own GX 460's payload by checking the driver's side door jamb sticker for GVWR and curb weight, then perform the calculation: Payload = GVWR − Curb Weight.

Towing capacity and combined weight considerations

The GX 460 can tow a substantial trailer when properly equipped. Most model years list a maximum towing capacity around 6,500 pounds. This rating is separate from payload and is governed by the GCWR (gross combined weight rating). If you tow, you must ensure the combined weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer does not exceed GCWR, and you should also account for hitch weight (tongue weight), which typically represents about 10–15% of the trailer's gross weight.

Practical loading tips

Safe loading requires balancing weight, preserving handling, and avoiding overloading any axle. Here are guidelines to stay within limits:

• Distribute weight evenly between the left and right sides to avoid uneven loads.


• Keep heavy items low and centered to maintain a lower center of gravity.


• Use roof racks sparingly for heavy luggage; overloading the roof reduces handling and increases rollover risk.


• When carrying passengers, account for their average weight to avoid exceeding payload.

Before setting off on a load-heavy trip, re-check the loading once seating and cargo positions are adjusted. If the door sticker or owner's manual indicates a lower payload than you planned, adjust accordingly.

Summary

In summary, the Lexus GX 460 is typically able to carry about 1,200–1,500 pounds of payload in most configurations, with variations depending on seating and equipment. For towing, it can pull roughly 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, but both payload and towing must stay within the manufacturer’s ratings (GVWR and GCWR). Always consult your specific vehicle’s door jamb sticker and owner's manual to confirm exact limits for your GX 460.

What is the cargo capacity of the GX 460?

The Lexus GX 460 has 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows in use, 46.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. Key features include a side-hinged cargo door with a flip-up glass section for quick access. 
This video provides an overview of the GX 460's cargo space and features: 48sPerformance LexusYouTube · Sep 12, 2023

• Behind the third row: 11.611.611.6 cubic feet of space. 
• Behind the second row: 46.746.746.7 cubic feet of space after folding the third row. 
• Maximum cargo space: 64.764.764.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. 

This video demonstrates how to fold the seats in the Lexus GX 460 to maximize cargo space: 59sBern on CarsYouTube · Aug 23, 2025
Key features

• Rear cargo door: The GX 460 has a side-hinged "barn door" instead of a traditional liftgate. 
• Flip-up glass: A flip-up glass section on the rear door allows for quick and easy loading of smaller items without opening the entire door. 
• Third-row configuration: The third row is a 50/50 split and can be folded flat for more cargo room. 
• Second-row configuration: The second row is a 40/20/40 split and can also be folded down to expand the cargo area. 

This video shows how to use the rear cargo door with the flip-up glass on the GX 460: 52sLexusYouTube · May 29, 2020

What year to avoid Lexus GX 460?

The main Lexus GX 460 years to avoid are 2010–2013 due to potential issues like engine oil leaks (valley plate leak), as well as the 2010 model specifically, which had a temporary sales suspension after a rollover risk was identified during sharp turns. Later models, especially 2016 and 2017, may be more prone to oil leaks as well, though not as critically as the earlier years. 
Years to be cautious about

• 2010–2013: These early models are more frequently cited for potential problems, such as the valley plate coolant leak, which can be expensive to repair. 
• 2016 and 2017: These years have been noted by some owners as having a higher likelihood of oil leaks. 

Model years generally considered more reliable 

• 2014 and later: These models reportedly have a different, less leak-prone head gasket. 
• 2021 and 2022: These years are specifically highlighted as being very reliable. 

Other potential issues to consider with any model year

• Secondary Air Injection System: Problems with this system can be costly to repair. 
• Suspension: Models with the optional AHC (Adjustable Height Control) or KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) can experience issues, though Lexus has issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) to address a leaning issue in some earlier KDSS vehicles. 
• Rust: In areas where roads are salted, rust can be a concern, especially on models driven in the North. 
• Maintenance: Regular and consistent fluid changes, especially transmission fluid, are crucial to the longevity of the vehicle. 

What is the weight capacity of the Lexus GX 460?

GVWR 6,600 lbs. Weight Distribution – Front/Rear 52/48 Max Towing Capacity 6,500 lbs. Fuel Capacity 23.0 gal.

How much weight can a Lexus hold?

The Lexus RX 350 towing capacity across all trim levels is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.