Lexus stands for safety

Your passion for the great outdoors and the desire to get there in style yields a surprising number of automotive choices for 2010. Why surprising?

Despite high gas prices and economic setbacks that have taken a big bite out of big sport utility vehicle sales, there are actually few casualties. In some cases, even, manufacturers are developing new models.

That means the seven-passenger Lexus GX 460 off-roader can still power its way along or off the beaten path, only now it does so in a more competent and fuel-efficient manner.

Fundamentally, the new GX hasn't strayed from its original mission that began for the 2003 model year. It's still based on parent Toyota's 4Runner's tough ladder-frame chassis. Of course, the GX 460 has its own sheetmetal, but maintains a close resemblance to its GX 470 predecessor. In fact, most people might have a tough time distinguishing the two. Close inspection, however, reveals the GX 460's fenders and door panels are more streamlined, the hood is more shapely and the roof rails are less obtrusive. The subtle body changes put the GX in line with its bigger, gutsier and pricier LX 570.

The GX's interior has been spruced up with newly shaped seats, floor console and control panel. As well, the three-way split-folding second-row seats can be moved fore and aft up to 4.1 inches for more leg room and easier access to the twin power-folding third-row seats. Leather coverings are standard, as are heated and ventilated front seats.

The nomenclature change to GX 460 from 2009's GX 470 reflects a powertrain change. A 301-horse 4.6-liter V-8 that connects to a six-speed automatic transmission replaces the aging 263-horsepower 4.7-liter/five-speed automatic duo. The extra grunt will come in handy as the new GX is saddled with an extra 400-plus pounds to lug around. Despite that handicap, the fuel-economy rating has improved to 15/20 mpg city/highway (the old mark was 14/18) and zero-to-60 mph times have, says Lexus, dropped to 7.8 seconds from 8.1. The extra transmission gear is likely the biggest contributor to the improvement. Meanwhile, maximum towing capacity remains unchanged at 6,500 pounds.

The bigger question might be whether Lexus, a leader in gas-electric hybrid technology, intends to build a hybrid version of the GX. Lexus offers hybrid versions of most of its cars while Cadillac offers a competing hybrid Escalade sport ute.

Four-wheel-drive with a low range and a locking center differential continues as standard equipment. The system splits the torque on a 40/60 basis, front to rear, during optimum driving conditions. However when making tight or sharp turns, the rear bias adjusts to 30/70 and will switch to 50/50 if rear-wheel-slippage is detected.

For added utility, the GX features a Rear Adjustable Ride Height Control to keep the vehicle level when heavily loaded. There's also standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, consisting of front and rear stabilizer bars that modulate their degree of firmness, or disengage entirely for maximum suspension travel during off-roading. An Adaptive Variable Suspension with normal, comfort (soft) and sport (firm) settings is optional.

There are a few available off-road-specific items borrowed from the Toyota 4Runner. Crawl and Downhill Assist Control holds the GX to a maximum set speed when heading down a steep hill. The system can also keep the GX at a preset pace while negotiating rocky or muddy terrain. All the driver has to do to slow down or stop is touch the brake pedal. These features show the level of commitment Lexus has to off-roaders, but most buyers won't come close to fully exploiting the GX's talents.

No, most drivers will be after typical Lexus pampering. The GX has dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, integrated running boards, multiadjustable power front seats, a nine-speaker premium sound system with Bluetooth short-range networking, backup camera and plenty of wood trim.

Being a Lexus, the GX's 10 air bags can be augmented with a radar-based cruise control that maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Lane-Departure Alert warns inattentive drivers, while a camera focused on the driver can issue warnings and even apply the brakes if he or she appears to be nodding off at the wheel.

In tight times, new-vehicle shoppers tend to buy only what they need. The fact is that few of us actually need seven-passenger seating and the off-road capability that the GX 460 offers for a base price of $52,850 (including destination charges). But for buyers who demand the utility, power, prestige and luxury -- and there are plenty of you left -- the new GX 460 is near-perfect fit.