2008 Lexus GX 470

NEW FOR 2008:

- Exterior changes: dark grey metallic front grille, chrome roof rack rails, chrome door handles, bright silver painted alloy wheels, colour change to taillamps

- Interior changes: dark brown walnut wood trim replaces bird’s eye, front door speakers are chrome-plated, front seat cushions and head restraints restyled

- Exterior colour: Ash Blue Mica deleted

For 2008, the Lexus GX 470 is virtually unchanged, save for trim items.

Positioned between the RX 350 and LX 470, the GX 470 shares its body-on-frame architecture with the Toyota 4Runner, but is slightly shorter and taller, and with three rows of seats to accommodate up to eight passengers.

The GX 470 uses a 4.7-litre V8, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Its full-time four-wheel drive system splits power 40/60 front to rear under normal driving conditions, and includes downhill and hill-start assist control, limited-slip centre differential, skid plates, load-levelling rear air suspension and adjustable height control system.

There is a single trim line, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear a/c with climate control, six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, heated leather seats, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power adjustment with driver’s side memory, 60/40 split middle bench, 50/50 split removable third-row bench, power locks with keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment, garage door opener, cruise control, heated mirrors with auto tip-down, privacy glass, roof rack, seven-pin trailer wiring harness, rain-sensing wipers, intermittent rear washer/wiper, light control system and fog lamps.

An available $8,000 Ultra Premium Package adds rear-seat DVD entertainment system, DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera, and coloured rear spoiler.

Packed with 4Runner DNA, the LX 470 is a capable off-roader, but its smooth ride and luxury features are more in tune with asphalt patrol. The third-row seat can be folded out of the way, or removed entirely if necessary. If the extras aren’t absolutely necessary, shop it against the priciest Toyota 4Runner, which uses the same engine but at a difference of more than $16,000.