The Lexus GX 470 is designed for active families with young children, balancing comfort and features with real off-road potential.

The GX 470 utilizes body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle and serious four-wheel drive features such as a locking center differential and dual-speed transfer case. Inside, the GX 470 is roomy, quiet and luxurious, with an optional third-row seat that expands capacity to eight. Its cabin is swathed in leather and bird's-eye maple. A double-overhead-cam 263 hp 4.7-liter V8 and smooth five-speed automatic transmission provide ample power for towing.

2008 Lexus GX 470

In Lexus' lexicon of premium SUVs, the GX 470 is positioned between the car-based RX 350 and the redesigned LX 570. A few more metallic finishes outside and inside differentiate the 2008 model from its former self. The GX 470 loosely competes with anything between a Volvo XC90 and a Lincoln Navigator.

Roll-sensing side curtain airbags, a navigation system and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System are among the GX 470's options. With KDSS, hydraulic control acts upon the stabilizer bars to reduce roll stiffness in response to changing conditions.