Like sands through the hourglass, so is the 2014 Lexus GX

Sat, 24 Aug 2013

Well, that didn't take long. Just days after patent images leaked, Lexus has released pricing and images for its redesigned 2014 GX 460. Our first reaction is... wow, look at the front end on that! The updated luxury SUV features what Lexus calls "a new interpretation" of its now-trademark Spindle grille. The oversized hourglass shape is certainly unique, and whether for good or bad, it's sure to make the GX stand out.

The redesigned GX is set to hit dealerships in September and it starts at $49,085 – nearly $5,000 less than the 2013 model. Along with the new grille, it comes with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights. Inside, the GX boasts a new eight-inch touchscreen display with backup monitor, HD radio with complimentary weather and traffic data, Bluetooth and a vehicle information display. New espresso wood with black trim is also available for 2014.

Of course, the Luxury model, which starts at $60,715, adds even more frills, including navigation, a new Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, adaptive air suspension and Intuitive Parking Assist. Some of these features are also available on the base model with the addition of the new Premium Package, which Lexus touts "will be at the same price as the base 2013 model year GX 460."

With all the luxurious appointments, it might be easy to overlook that the GX is a bona fide trail runner, but let's not forget that it also comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine and standard full-time four-wheel drive, including a low range for off-roading. The powertrain appears to be carryover, with Lexus quoting the same 301 horsepower as last year's model, as well as the same six-speed automatic gearbox. As before, the GX is equipped with Lexus' so-called Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System to enhance handling both both on- and off-road, and for 2014, trailer sway control is a new addition. See the press release from Lexus below for the full details, and let us know what you think of that hourglass grille and the rest of the updates in Comments.

Lexus Announces Pricing for Updated 2014 GX 460

2014 GX 460 priced at $49,085 - $4,710 less than the 2013 model year

Redesigned GX features the Lexus spindle grille, standard LED headlamps, DRLs and available LED foglamps, and new multi-media with eight-inch touch screen display audio and complimentary HD Radio Real-Time Traffic and Weather

New Premium Package includes Navigation, Park Assist, Three Zone Climate control and heated rear seats at the same price as the base 2013 GX 460.

The new Luxury grade includes Navigation, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and an Adaptable Air Suspension at a starting price of $60,715.

TORRANCE, Calif. (August 23, 2013) – The redesigned 2014 Lexus GX 460 luxury utility vehicle (LUV) will be offered in two grades when it arrives at dealerships beginning in September. The standard GX will carry a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $49,085, $4,710 or nearly nine percent less than the previous year; while the Luxury model which will be priced at $60,715. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $910.

The 2014 GX 460 redesign features a new interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille with standard LED headlamps and daytime running lights. LED fog lamps are now available. The luxurious and spacious GX receives several interior enhancements. A new touch-screen display audio adds an eight-inch screen, backup monitor, HD Radio™, Bluetooth® audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio. The cabin also gets new linear espresso wood/abyss black trim. Mahogany wood trim is included on both the Premium Package and Luxury model. For 2014 the GX offers an available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The Lexus GX continues to provide additional value to drivers who want a fully capable LUV. The new Premium Package will be at the same price as the base 2013 model year GX 460 and has the following features:

Navigation system with backup monitor
Perforated leather trimmed interior
Heated & ventilated front seats
Heated outboard rear seats
Intuitive Parking Assist
Three Zone Climate control

The new GX Luxury model includes Adaptable Air Suspension, Navigation, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Intuitive Parking Assist, and 18-inch split six-spoke wheels with liquid graphite finish.

The Lexus GX 460 teams a 4.6-liter V8 engine with a six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) for an output of 301 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The GX 460 has an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

The GX has a class leading standard 10 airbags and on the Luxury model available Advanced Pre Collision with Driver Monitor.

The GX 460 is one of the few premium luxury utility vehicles that can deliver genuine trail driving capability. Combining that capability with Lexus luxury and on-road performance makes it even more exceptional. The standard full-time four-wheel drive uses an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN® torque-sensing limited slip center differential which can be electronically locked. It also offers a low range for off-road driving. The TORSEN differential distributes power 40:60 front/rear under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on wheel slip.

The ability to change to a 30:70 front/rear ratio during steering maneuvers helps enhance vehicle tracking through curves. If the rear wheels spin, the center differential can change the ratio to 50:50
front/rear to help control the slippage.

By adjusting sway resistance provided by the front and rear stabilizer bars, standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) can help reduce maximum body-lean angle by as much as 50 percent to help enhance both on-road handling response and off-highway capability. Trailer sway control is also added for 2014.

By Lauren DeAngelis Puckett