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What year did the Lexus GX470 come out?

The Lexus GX470 was introduced for the 2003 model year, with production beginning in 2002.

What follows provides a concise timeline and context for the GX470’s debut, its run in markets such as the United States, and what succeeded it in Lexus’s lineup.

Release and production timeline

The following timeline highlights when the GX470 arrived in showrooms, how long it stayed in production, and when it was replaced in the lineup.

Production began in 2002, with the vehicle released as a 2003 model year in the United States and other markets.

U.S. model-year availability spanned 2003 through 2009, during which it served as Lexus’s mid-size SUV offering.

The GX470 generation ended around the 2009 model year, making way for the GX460 in the 2010 model year.

These dates reflect the typical release pattern across most markets, though exact arrival times could vary slightly by country and dealership.

Context within Lexus’s SUV lineup

The GX470 stood as Lexus’s rugged yet refined mid-size SUV during its run, combining body-on-frame construction with luxury features and off-road capability. It shared platform lineage with Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado and other Toyota/Lexus SUVs of the era, reinforcing Lexus’s reputation for combining comfort with dependable performance.

Summary

The Lexus GX470 first appeared in 2002 as a 2003 model year vehicle, with U.S. sales beginning in early 2003 and production continuing through 2009, at which point it was replaced by the GX460 for the 2010 model year.

What is the most reliable year for the Lexus GX?

The most reliable Lexus GX years are generally considered to be 2021 and 2022, with the 2021 model being called the "pinnacle" of the previous generation due to being late enough in the production cycle to have most issues resolved. The entire 2010-2023 GX 460 generation is known for its long-term reliability, thanks to its tried-and-true V8 engine and solid construction.
This video discusses the reliability of the Lexus GX 460 across its model years: 59sThe Long Last ExpertYouTube · Nov 7, 2024
Most reliable years to consider

2021: Often cited as the best year of the last generation, as it's considered late enough in the model cycle for most bugs to have been worked out.
2022: Also received top marks for reliability, according to sources like Top Speed.
2010-2023 GX 460 generation: This entire generation is highly reliable, with the V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission being known for their longevity. The 2010 model year was an early target for a software update regarding the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), but other years are very dependable.

Potential issues to watch for

Oil leaks: Some oil leaks can occur, especially on 2016 and 2017 models.
Rust: Models driven in regions with heavy road salt may be prone to rust, particularly on older versions.
Timing belt: The 4.7L V8 in the earlier GX 470 models requires a timing belt replacement every 100,000 miles, which is a potential maintenance cost to consider.

Overall reliability

The Lexus GX is consistently ranked as one of the most reliable luxury SUVs due to its sturdy body-on-frame construction and Toyota engineering.
With proper maintenance, a GX can last for over 300,000 miles.
The long-running GX 460 (2010-2023) is a good choice for long-term ownership due to its simplified and robust technology compared to newer, more complex vehicles.

What's the difference between Lexus GX 460 and 470?

The main differences are that the GX 460 is a newer model with a more powerful engine, better fuel efficiency, and a more modern interior, while the GX 470 is generally cheaper, can be easier to modify (especially the suspension), and is considered by some to have a simpler, more reliable build. The GX 460 has a timing chain and standard KDSS, while the GX 470 has a timing belt and optional KDSS, which is a key factor for off-road builds.
This video compares the two vehicles' off-road performance and discusses their pros and cons: 56sTandem OffroadYouTube · Apr 27, 2025

Feature	Lexus GX 460	Lexus GX 470
Engine	4.6L V8 (301 hp) with a timing chain	4.7L V8 (263 hp) with a timing belt
Fuel Efficiency	Better	Less efficient
Suspension	Standard KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) on all models; can be complex to modify	KDSS optional on some models; generally easier to modify
Off-Road Technology	Includes Crawl Control (on some models) and Multi-Terrain Select	Lacks Crawl Control
Interior	More modern, with better infotainment and features like cooled seats on some models	More dated, but some prefer the build quality
Price (Used)	Higher average price	Lower average price
Modifications	More complex for suspension modifications due to standard KDSS	Simpler for suspension modifications

You want the newer vehicle with modern conveniences and technology.
You prioritize better fuel economy.
You want the simplicity of a timing chain engine.
You're not planning on major suspension modifications, or you're willing to tackle the complexity of KDSS.

Choose the GX 470 if:

You are on a tighter budget.
You plan on a significant suspension build for off-roading, as it is generally simpler to work on without KDSS.
You prefer the simpler, more analog nature of the vehicle.
You value the perceived long-term reliability of its engine, despite the timing belt maintenance.

This video demonstrates the off-road capabilities of both the GX 460 and GX 470: 59sDriving Sports TVYouTube · Nov 19, 2021

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 year did Lexus make the GX 470?

Lexus manufactured the GX 470 from model years 2003 through 2009. It was the first generation of the GX, known for its body-on-frame construction and a 4.7L V8 engine. The GX 470 was succeeded by the GX 460 starting with the 2010 model year.

Years of production: 2003–2009
Generation: First generation (J120)
Replaced by: The GX 460, which launched for the 2010 model year

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.