What year did Lexus make the GX470?
The GX470 was produced from 2002 to 2009, corresponding to model years 2003 through 2009 in most markets. Production began in 2002 for the 2003 model year, and the model was replaced by the GX460 for the 2010 model year.
Overview of the GX470's production window
The GX470 represents the second generation of Lexus's GX line. It debuted in 2002 for the 2003 model year and remained in production through 2009. In North America, it was marketed as a premium midsize SUV with a 4.7-liter V8 and a focus on luxury combined with off-road capability. The GX470 shared engineering roots with Toyota’s broader SUV family and gave way to the GX460 starting with the 2010 model year.
The following section outlines the model years during which the GX470 was available in most markets.
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
In summary, the GX470’s on-sale years span 2003–2009, with production beginning in 2002 for the 2003 model year, and Lexus transitioning to the GX460 for the 2010 model year.
Engine and capabilities
The GX470 was powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine (2UZ-FE), delivering around 235 horsepower, paired with a traditional automatic transmission. It emphasized a blend of luxury appointments and off-road capability, reflecting Lexus’s approach to the mid-size SUV segment during the era.
Context and significance
The GX470 occupies an important place in Lexus’s SUV lineage as the bridge between earlier GX generations and the later GX460. Its combination of refined interior, robust V8 power, and off-road capability helped define the brand’s approach to premium, capable utility vehicles in the 2000s. The model’s production ended after the 2009 period, making way for the GX460 in the 2010 model year.
Summary
Answering when Lexus made the GX470: production ran from 2002 to 2009, with model years 2003 through 2009. The GX470 was replaced by the GX460 for the 2010 model year. This period marked the GX’s maturation as a luxury-focused, capable mid-size SUV for markets worldwide.
What does GX stand for in Lexus?
In a Lexus GX, "G" stands for Grand and "X" stands for Crossover. The "Grand" designation is a nod to the vehicle's large size, and "Crossover" refers to its position in the lineup, though it is built on a body-on-frame chassis rather than a car-based platform.
- Grand: The name reflects the vehicle's large, three-row SUV design.
- Crossover: The "X" can be a bit misleading, as the GX is a traditional body-on-frame SUV. However, "Crossover" in this context places it in the middle of Lexus's SUV/crossover lineup.
What is the Toyota equivalent of the Lexus GX 470?
The Toyota 4Runner is the equivalent of the Lexus GX 470; both are based on the same platform but the GX 470 offers more luxury features and a V8 engine, while the 4Runner is a more rugged, base-model version. In many other markets, the GX is known as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, but the 4Runner is the closest equivalent in the US market.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the Lexus GX 470 and the Toyota 4Runner: 59sMichael TomkoYouTube · Jun 20, 2025
Lexus GX 470 vs. Toyota 4Runner
- Platform: Both vehicles share a platform, with the GX being the luxury trim.
- Engine: The GX 470 came standard with a more powerful V8 engine, while the 4Runner had a less powerful V6 standard engine.
- Drivetrain: The GX 470 came with standard full-time four-wheel drive, whereas the 4Runner had a part-time system on some models.
- Luxury: The GX 470 featured a more upscale interior, premium audio system, and other luxury amenities not found in the 4Runner.
- Off-road capability: Both are capable off-roaders. However, some 4Runner trims offer features like a rear locker that are not on the GX 470.
What is the difference between Lexus GX 460 and GX 470?
The main differences are the engine (GX 470 uses a 4.7L V8 with a timing belt, while the GX 460 uses a 4.6L V8 with a timing chain), and a more modern transmission in the GX 460 (6-speed vs. 5-speed). The GX 460 also offers advanced features like Crawl Control and has a more modern look and interior, though the GX 470 is often considered easier to modify for off-roading because the GX 460's KDSS system can be more challenging to work with.
| Feature | Lexus GX 470 | Lexus GX 460 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.7L V8 | 4.6L V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Timing Component | Timing belt | Timing chain |
| Key Off-Road Features | — | Crawl Control, KDSS standard on some trims |
| Off-Road Modifications | Generally easier to modify due to lack of KDSS | KDSS can complicate modifications, though solutions exist |
| Interior & Tech | Older interior design, rear AC only | More modern interior, rear AC and heat, optional cooled front seats, power-folding rear seats |
| Exterior | Older styling | Updated styling, especially after 2014, with the option of the spindle grille |
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What year did they make the Lexus GX 470?
2003 – 2008 Lexus GX 470 [First (1st) Generation]
