When did Lexus stop making the 470?
The LX470, Lexus’s large luxury SUV built on the Toyota Land Cruiser platform, was discontinued after the 2007 model year. It was succeeded by the LX570 for the 2008 model year.
A brief history of the LX470 and its place in the lineup
The LX470 arrived in the late 1990s as Lexus’s flagship SUV, pairing off-road capability with a refined, premium interior. It shared its underpinnings with the Toyota Land Cruiser and appealed to buyers seeking both luxury and rugged utility.
Timing and the transition to the LX570
The final LX470 rolled off the line in 2007. Lexus introduced the LX570 as the successor for the 2008 model year, marking a generational shift with updated styling, technology, and capability.
Key dates in a concise timeline
Before listing the major production years, here is a concise timeline to frame the transition.
- 1998: Global rollout of the LX470 begins as part of the Land Cruiser-based lineup (US market follows with the 1999 model year).
- 1999–2007: LX470 is sold in the United States and other markets as Lexus’s flagship SUV.
- 2007: Last model year for the LX470; production ends in this year.
- 2008: LX570 replaces the LX470 as Lexus’s new full-size SUV.
These dates frame the end of the LX470 era and the start of a new generation within Lexus’s SUV lineup.
What owners and collectors should know
For current owners, the LX470 remains a distinctive blend of luxury and rugged capability, with a dedicated community and continued parts availability through Lexus’s network and aftermarket suppliers. For collectors, model-year nuances from 2006–2007 (depending on market) can hold particular interest as the final iteration of the LX470 before the LX570 generation took over.
Why the shift happened
The move from LX470 to LX570 aligned with Lexus’s broader strategy to refresh its flagship SUV with a newer platform, updated design language, enhanced technology, and improved safety features. The LX570 brought a more modern drivetrain and interior experience while retaining the essential blend of luxury and capability.
Summary
In sum, Lexus stopped making the LX470 after the 2007 model year, with the LX570 succeeding it for the 2008 model year. The transition reflected a generational upgrade that kept Lexus competitive in the premium SUV market while preserving the vehicle’s core strengths.
When did Lexus stop making GX 470?
The last year the Lexus GX 470 was made was 2009. The model was then replaced by the second-generation GX 460 starting in 2010.
- The 2009 model year marked the end of the first generation of the Lexus GX.
- It was succeeded by the GX 460 for the 2010 model year, which featured a new 4.6-liter V8 engine.
What years to avoid Lexus LX 470?
While the Lexus LX470 is generally reliable, the pre-2003 models are the ones to approach with caution due to their less durable four-speed automatic transmission and potential for drivetrain backlash. Owners of all LX470s should also be aware of the potential for issues with older components like window and door lock actuators and possible EVAP system problems, and be prepared for potentially expensive repairs on any used vehicle, notes SlashGear.
This video explains some of the potential problems to check for when buying a used Lexus LX470: 53sBefore BuyingYouTube · Dec 7, 2022
Years to be cautious about
- Pre-2003 models: These models are known to have a less robust four-speed automatic transmission, which can develop backlash (a clunking noise when shifting).
- Drivetrain issues: While the 2003-2007 models have a stronger five-speed transmission, they can still experience drivetrain backlash, especially with demanding use or high mileage. This is often due to worn-out components in the front gearbox, transfer case, and other parts.
Other potential issues to consider
- Electrical components: As the vehicles age, components like window motors, seat motors, and door lock actuators are more prone to failure due to their age and wear and tear, says a YouTube video.
- EVAP system: The Check Engine light can be triggered by faults in the EVAP system or a failed oxygen sensor, according to RepairPal.
- Starting issues: Some models, particularly the earlier ones, may experience stalling and idle instability or a crank-no-start condition due to immobilizer or fuel pump relay issues.
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 |
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This video discusses the differences between the GX 460 and GX 470, including their features and handling: 48sMud Puppy (MudPuppy)YouTube · Nov 14, 2022
Choose the GX 460 if:
- 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
Is the Lexus LX 470 being discontinued?
You may be wondering why people are still so interested in a vehicle that was first released in the late 1990s and discontinued after 2007. The answer is simple: the Lexus LX 470 is built like a tank, and it has proven itself over decades.
