Is the Lexus GX 460 rear-wheel drive?
No. The GX 460 uses a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center differential and a low-range transfer case, not a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup.
In everyday driving, this means the vehicle automatically manages traction by distributing torque between the front and rear axles as needed for grip on wet pavement, snow, or uneven terrain. There is no separate 2WD (rear-wheel-drive) mode; the system remains in four-wheel drive to maximize stability and capability.
How the GX 460’s drivetrain works
The GX 460’s four-wheel-drive system is engineered to send power to both axles continuously, using a center differential to balance torque between the front and rear wheels. A low-range gear provides enhanced gearing for challenging surfaces, while high-range operation covers routine driving with automatic torque distribution.
The following features help explain how this drivetrain behaves in practice:
- Full-time four-wheel drive with a center differential that distributes torque between front and rear axles as grip demands.
- Low-range transfer gear for improved traction on steep, rocky, or muddy terrain.
- Traction and stability systems, including vehicle dynamics control, to assist with grip in slippery conditions.
- No traditional 2WD mode; the system is designed to remain in four-wheel drive to optimize traction in varied conditions.
Overall, the GX 460 is built to prioritize traction, stability, and off-road capability over a conventional rear-wheel-drive driving feel.
What this means for buyers
Prospective buyers should understand that the GX 460’s drivetrain is oriented toward versatility across surfaces, not toward a purely rear-drive experience. If you primarily want a classic rear-drive feel for highway cruising, a different vehicle class may better meet that preference; if you need confident handling in rain, snow, or light off-roading, the GX 460’s four-wheel-drive setup is designed to deliver.
Summary
The Lexus GX 460 is not a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. It employs a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center differential and a low-range transfer case, delivering automatic torque balance between front and rear wheels and enabling off-road capability without a dedicated two-wheel-drive mode. This configuration emphasizes traction and stability over a traditional rear-drive driving experience.
