Lexus GX 470 – Facts and Cylinder Head Replacement Tips

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Categories: Cylinder Head Tips

The Lexus brand is known around the world for high-quality vehicles that offer excellent performance and handling. The Lexus GX 470 is no exception. Over the past couple of decades, the GX 470 has earned a loyal following of drivers who appreciate how capable this SUV is. Keep reading as we discover the history of this vehicle and some of the common problems that you may experience as a Lexus GX 470 owner.

 

Lexus GX 470 History

The Lexus GX 470 was first introduced to the world in 2002 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. This launch was the company’s third SUV, but the first generation of this new model. It was unveiled to compete directly with the Lincoln Aviator and soon became appreciated by drivers around the world. The Lexus GX 470 is a mid-size SUV which debuted with a 4.7-liter V-8 engine and all-wheel drive. Within just a couple of years, the vehicle was selling enough units in the U.S. to keep up with its greatest rivals and soon became known as an excellent SUV option for a variety of uses.

 

What’s The Difference Between the Lexus GX 460 and GX 470?

While there are many similarities between the Lexus GX 460 and GX 470, there are a few noticeable differences in the design and features. The GX 470 is both narrower and shorter, which makes it better for driving on off-road trails. It’s also a lighter vehicle, but that means that the horsepower it offers is lower than that of the GX 460.

 

What’s The Difference Between the Lexus GX 470 and LX 470?

The main differences between these two vehicles are the width of the vehicle and the rear hatch. The LX 470 offers extra length and better suspension, which drivers find offers an improved ride compared to the GX 470.

 

How Many Miles Per Gallon Does a Lexus GX 470 Get?

On average, the Lexus GX 470 offers 14 miles per gallon for city driving and 18 miles per gallon on highways. This MPG makes it very comparable to other luxury SUVs, which is why it’s a great option for either of these uses.

 

What is the Towing Capacity of a Lexus GX 470?

The towing capacity of the Lexus GX 470 will vary depending on the model year you purchase. For example, the 2003 model offered a towing capacity that reached 5,000 lbs. However, this towing capacity was one of the lowest capacities when compared to later models. The range for the towing capacities is between 4,500 lbs and 6,500 lbs, so make sure you check your vehicle manual carefully if it’s something that’s important to you.

 

North America Sales History of Lexus GX 470

Within just two years of its launch, Lexus was selling 35,420 units each year of the GX 470. This strong sales helped the vehicle to stay competitive when compared with other luxury SUVs, such as those from Mercedes and Cadillac. Over the past few years, the vehicle has still been very popular, averaging between 25,000 and 28,000 units each year in the United States.

 

Reviews from Drivers

The Lexus GX 470 is typically considered a very reliable and competitive vehicle. There are some engineering flaws to it, but when it is maintained well, you’ll find that it can be used for years without any major issues. The long life of this SUV makes it a very competitive option on the market, especially for drivers who need to be able to drive long distances on a regular basis. For families who require a fair amount of space for their children or luggage, it’s a great luxury SUV that is both comfortable and practical. Drivers find the car very easy to handle, which means you’ll quickly get used to driving it in the city or on the highway.

 

Common Problems with the Lexus GX 470

While the Lexus GX 470 is generally well-respected by those in the industry and drivers, you’ll find there are some issues with the vehicle which come up over and over again. This video and this review of the SUV share some of the most common issues that you might experience when using this vehicle, especially as it begins to age. Germaine Holloway posted a video on YouTube trying to diagnose an engine noise issue.

A common issue that you may find in the future is that you need to replace the cylinder head on the vehicle after some time. You can either try to complete this work yourself or outsource it to a professional. Other issues include clunking noises when stopping the vehicle, problems closing the sunroof, and airbag warning lights.

 

How Long Do Lexus GX 470 Engines Last?

The 4.7-liter V-8 engine is one of the biggest benefits of the Lexus GX 470, as it is generally a very long-lasting and powerful engine. Many drivers have clocked over 500,000 miles with this SUV, which is why it is considered such a reliable SUV. The average mileage for this vehicle is typically over 250,000 miles, so you can expect to enjoy years of use from your new vehicle.

Of course, to enjoy this longevity of usage, you’ll need to ensure you properly maintain the vehicle year after year. Working with a reliable garage or local mechanic, you can ensure that you have no issues with the engine or cylinder head, which are common issues as it starts to age. The sooner you notice and fix any problems, the more likely you’ll be able to use your Lexus GX 470 for years to come.

The Lexus GX 470 made a huge impact on the market when it was first launched and has paved the way for future models from Lexus. While it isn’t without its fair share of issues and the cylinder head commonly needs replacing after some time using this vehicle, there are many great benefits to this SUV. Consequently, drivers still turn to Lexus when considering SUVs, and the sales continue to be solid year after year.

 

Purchase Lexus Cylinder Heads Online or by Phone with Clearwater Cylinder Head

If you are a Lexus GX 470 owner and need to buy new or refurbished cylinder heads, then we encourage you to call us at 800-572-1963 so we can help you select the correct head for your vehicle. You can see some of our Google reviews at https://www.cylinder-heads.com/reviews/ and some of our eBay reviews at https://www.cylinder-heads.com/about-us/ebay-reviews/. We look forward to helping you with new or refurbished GX 470 cylinder heads. The casting number on your engine or cylinder head will help us determine the compatible head(s) for your Lexus.