.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
2021 Lexus GX 460
.jpg)
The Exterior
Exterior: Rugged… But Also Busy?
The GX 460 definitely has presence. It’s tall, bold, and gives off a rugged SUV vibe especially with:
- Chrome roof rails
- Chrome window trim
- Running boards
- Strong side profile height
As a taller driver, I actually love the height. It feels substantial and adventurous — less “mom mobile” and more off-road ready.
But here’s my honest take: the front end feels busy. The intricate grille, sharp hood lines, aggressive angles, and layered lighting elements make it feel a little over-designed. The back end, on the other hand, is much simpler and more cohesive. Lexus has kept this design nearly identical for over a decade — which means it ages well, but it doesn’t feel particularly fresh.
If you like consistency, you’ll love that. If you like new design updates? You may feel underwhelmed.
First Row
Interior: Luxury Meets… 2005?
This is where the GX 460 gets a bit confusing.
On the outside, it’s rugged and adventurous.
On the inside, it’s wood trim and gold-toned chrome accents.
It feels like two different personalities.
The Good:
- Extremely comfortable seats (wide, supportive, plush)
- Extendable armrest built into the center console
- Large center console
- Sunroof for great natural light
- “Are you behaving?” mirror (a favorite for checking on forward-facing kids at stoplights)
- Black floor mats paired with lighter seats (smart choice for longevity)
The Not-So-Great:
- Infotainment system feels outdated
- Climate controls require menu diving (not ideal while driving)
- Smaller screen positioned further back in the dash
- Oversized shifter (very old-school)
The 2022 update improved the screen, but even that still feels behind competitors.
From a luxury standpoint, it leans more “traditional luxury” than modern minimalism.
Second Row
Let’s talk car seats.
- Lower anchors on both outboard seats
- Tether anchors across the bench
- Removable headrests
- Ceiling vents (love this for rear-facing kids)
- Heated second-row seats
- Separate climate controls (and easier to use than the front!)
Here’s the reality: three-across would be very tight. The middle seat is narrow. I could not comfortably sit between two installed seats.
That said, overall knee clearance and foot room are fantastic. Adults could sit comfortably in the second row, just not wedged between large car seats.
Missing feature I wish it had: sunshades.
Third Row
Third Row: Occasional Use Only
With the third row folded down, cargo space is solid. An UPPAbaby Vista stroller fits easily.
With the third row up?
Very little trunk space. Think: minimal grocery capacity.
The third row itself:
- Two seats only (no cramped three-across back there)
- Ceiling vents
- Cup holders
- Surprisingly decent seat size
But legroom is tight and cargo space disappears. I would categorize this as:
- Occasional adult use
- Quick trip to dinner
- Not for daily car seat install
This is not a primary three-row SUV for a larger family lifestyle.
Trunk
Trunk Design: Quirky but Functional
The side-swinging tailgate is unique. No power liftgate here, but the side hinge makes it easy to “hip check” open when your hands are full.
Fun touches:
- Hidden tool compartment
- Umbrella storage slot
- Ability to grab items without fully climbing in
It’s different but kind of charming.
Safety
For 6 seater, lower anchors and tether in second row, one tether in the third row. For 7 seaters, lower anchor in outboard seats, tethers across bench. Third row has no carseat hardware.
Recommended Car Seats for
Community Reviews
32 Reviews
purchase
again
Relevent Links
Car Organization for Moms: My Best Tips For All Vehicles!
Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats Across? | See The List!
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Controversy | Head Restraints, Pricing, and More
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Car Organization | My Best Tips For All Models!
Check Engine Light On? Here's What You Need to Know!
What To Do If Your Car Has a Recall?
Requesting an Extended Test Drive | The Key to Finding the Perfect Family-Friendly Car
Oops! Your Car Got Hail Damage: Here's What to Do Next
Clean Cars Drive Better: Tips For Cleaning Your Car Interior
Decoding the Warning Lights on Your Car's Dashboard
WELCOME TO THE BACHELORETTE SURVIVORS MEETING
WEDDING DRESS NIGHTMARE
WE DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR MAN-JAMMIES
UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE
TYLER’S IN A CREEK. THERE’S A PADDLE. WHICH WAY IS HE HEADED?
TWICE A WEEK GIRLIES
THIS PODCAST IS DAD APPROVED
THIS IS OUR BABY MAKING ERA
THIS IS NOT A DRIVEWAY DUMP
THE MOSTLY KELLY SHOW
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS AT TRADER JOES
THE CLEAN (MARRIED AND PREGNANT) GIRL AESTHETIC
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
TARGET VS KOHLS
REMINDER: YOU CAN GO TO JAIL (FOR LIFE) FOR PLAGIARISM!
SPILLING THE TEA BEFORE NYC
SYDNEY SLIDES INTO THE SHOW
SO…HOW WAS THE CAR SHOW?
SO TRUE, BESTIE
SHOPPING AND BAKING AND READING AND SIMPING
SELF CARE STARTS AT THE CAR WASH
RAIN OR SHINE, THE SHOW MUST GO ON
PUT YOUR LASAGNA IN A LOAF PAN
PICK-A-PRINCE
PASS THE FLAT MEAT SANDWICHES
PODCAST ON FLEEK
OH, BOY
NAPS ARE NEVER WRONG
OF COURSE WE HAVE A COURSE
NEW YORK (AUTO SHOW) STATE OF MIND
NAPTIME
MUCH TO PURR ABOUT
MILITARY SCHOOL AND QUICKSAND D-COMS
LESS THAN ONE WEEK UNTIL THE WEDDING AND EVERYTHING IS OK!
LAST ONE OF 2022
KIDS, COME MEET YOUR NEW MOM, ALEXA!
KEEPIN’ IT ONE HUNNED WITH MATTIE
KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD
IS WINE WITHOUT ALCOHOL JUST GRAPE JUICE?
HOT GIRLS WALKING
INTRODUCING MR. AND MRS. ST. JOHN
GRAYSON RIDES WITH THE CARPOOL
FUNCTIONAL CLUTTER
FALL IS IN THE AIR
EXPECTING A TIP FOR THIS EPISODE, PLEASE
CRESCENT ROLLS ARE LIFE
COUNTING OUR MACROS (AND MICROS AND MID-TIERS)
COLESLAW LAW
CARPOOL IS A CANDY PODCAST NOW
SO MANY SELTZERS, SO LITTLE TIME
VIVA LAS VEGAS
CANCELLED BY A CARB
CAN LIZZ RIZZ?
Types of Third Row Access
BOOK REVIEW - WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
CALLING ALL HUMAN ALEXAS
BOOK RECAP: THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS
BOOK RECAP: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
BOOK RECAP: RUN, ROSE, RUN
BOOK RECAP: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
BOOK RECAP: November 9 by Colleen Hoover
BOOK CLUB - HOW TO STOP TIME
BIG TRASH WEEK
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BACK FROM THE BEACH
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BABY STUMPE’S NAME GAME CONTINUES
What is Head-Up Display?
Are Panoramic Sunroofs Safe? | What Happens To Your Sunroof in a Collision
ADVICE GIRLIES
17,000 AND COUNTING
What is Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Depature Warning?
Standard Safety Features in the 2023 Kia Telluride
Lane Keep Assist | The BEST Safety Feature On The Market
How To Make Apple CarPlay Wireless In Any Car
Family Cars With Remote Start
Family Cars With Heads-Up Display (See The List!)
Ceramic Tinted Windows: Why I'm OBSESSED
Apple Carplay | How it Works & How To Get It!
Why I traded in my Expedition….for Another Expedition
How Does Apple CarPlay Work?
Upgraded our Ford Fiesta to a Subaru Ascent
Android Auto Explained
How I Avoided the Minivan Life (No Offense Minivan Mama’s!)
GMC Yukon vs Chevy Tahoe: Which Full-Size SUV Is Right For Your Family?
Why I Traded My ‘Cool Mom’ 4Runner for the ‘Fantastic but Plastic’ 2021 Chevy Tahoe
Atlas(t), The Perfect Twin Mom Car!
From Space-less to Spacious:
How to be dealership ready
Car Organization for Moms: My Best Tips For All Vehicles!
Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats Across? | See The List!
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Controversy | Head Restraints, Pricing, and More
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Car Organization | My Best Tips For All Models!
Check Engine Light On? Here's What You Need to Know!
What To Do If Your Car Has a Recall?
Requesting an Extended Test Drive | The Key to Finding the Perfect Family-Friendly Car
Oops! Your Car Got Hail Damage: Here's What to Do Next
Clean Cars Drive Better: Tips For Cleaning Your Car Interior
Decoding the Warning Lights on Your Car's Dashboard
WELCOME TO THE BACHELORETTE SURVIVORS MEETING
WEDDING DRESS NIGHTMARE
WE DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR MAN-JAMMIES
UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE
TYLER’S IN A CREEK. THERE’S A PADDLE. WHICH WAY IS HE HEADED?
TWICE A WEEK GIRLIES
THIS PODCAST IS DAD APPROVED
THIS IS OUR BABY MAKING ERA
THIS IS NOT A DRIVEWAY DUMP
THE MOSTLY KELLY SHOW
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS AT TRADER JOES
THE CLEAN (MARRIED AND PREGNANT) GIRL AESTHETIC
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
TARGET VS KOHLS
REMINDER: YOU CAN GO TO JAIL (FOR LIFE) FOR PLAGIARISM!
SPILLING THE TEA BEFORE NYC
SYDNEY SLIDES INTO THE SHOW
SO…HOW WAS THE CAR SHOW?
SO TRUE, BESTIE
SHOPPING AND BAKING AND READING AND SIMPING
SELF CARE STARTS AT THE CAR WASH
RAIN OR SHINE, THE SHOW MUST GO ON
PUT YOUR LASAGNA IN A LOAF PAN
PICK-A-PRINCE
PASS THE FLAT MEAT SANDWICHES
PODCAST ON FLEEK
OH, BOY
NAPS ARE NEVER WRONG
OF COURSE WE HAVE A COURSE
NEW YORK (AUTO SHOW) STATE OF MIND
NAPTIME
MUCH TO PURR ABOUT
MILITARY SCHOOL AND QUICKSAND D-COMS
LESS THAN ONE WEEK UNTIL THE WEDDING AND EVERYTHING IS OK!
LAST ONE OF 2022
KIDS, COME MEET YOUR NEW MOM, ALEXA!
KEEPIN’ IT ONE HUNNED WITH MATTIE
KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD
IS WINE WITHOUT ALCOHOL JUST GRAPE JUICE?
HOT GIRLS WALKING
INTRODUCING MR. AND MRS. ST. JOHN
GRAYSON RIDES WITH THE CARPOOL
FUNCTIONAL CLUTTER
FALL IS IN THE AIR
EXPECTING A TIP FOR THIS EPISODE, PLEASE
CRESCENT ROLLS ARE LIFE
COUNTING OUR MACROS (AND MICROS AND MID-TIERS)
COLESLAW LAW
CARPOOL IS A CANDY PODCAST NOW
SO MANY SELTZERS, SO LITTLE TIME
VIVA LAS VEGAS
CANCELLED BY A CARB
CAN LIZZ RIZZ?
Types of Third Row Access
BOOK REVIEW - WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
CALLING ALL HUMAN ALEXAS
BOOK RECAP: THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS
BOOK RECAP: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
BOOK RECAP: RUN, ROSE, RUN
BOOK RECAP: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
BOOK RECAP: November 9 by Colleen Hoover
BOOK CLUB - HOW TO STOP TIME
BIG TRASH WEEK
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BACK FROM THE BEACH
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BABY STUMPE’S NAME GAME CONTINUES
What is Head-Up Display?
Are Panoramic Sunroofs Safe? | What Happens To Your Sunroof in a Collision
ADVICE GIRLIES
17,000 AND COUNTING
What is Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Depature Warning?
Standard Safety Features in the 2023 Kia Telluride
Lane Keep Assist | The BEST Safety Feature On The Market
How To Make Apple CarPlay Wireless In Any Car
Family Cars With Remote Start
Family Cars With Heads-Up Display (See The List!)
Ceramic Tinted Windows: Why I'm OBSESSED
Apple Carplay | How it Works & How To Get It!
Why I traded in my Expedition….for Another Expedition
How Does Apple CarPlay Work?
Upgraded our Ford Fiesta to a Subaru Ascent
Android Auto Explained
How I Avoided the Minivan Life (No Offense Minivan Mama’s!)
GMC Yukon vs Chevy Tahoe: Which Full-Size SUV Is Right For Your Family?
Why I Traded My ‘Cool Mom’ 4Runner for the ‘Fantastic but Plastic’ 2021 Chevy Tahoe
Atlas(t), The Perfect Twin Mom Car!
From Space-less to Spacious:
Reach out & let’s get started
Whether you're comparing models, prepping for the dealership, or looking for car seat recommendations, we’re here to help.