This is the story of my 2018 Lexus GX460.
This is what it looked like when I bought it on November 1, 2021:
And this is what it looks like as of this writing:
Backstory: After a slew of 4Runners (2005 V6, 2018 TRD Off Road, 2005 V8) and countless other vehicles, I concluded my vehicular home is in the land of Toyota 4x4s. I set out to buy another 5th gen 4Runner in the fall of 2021 and along the way realized its platform-mate, the Lexus GX460, was less expensive than comparable-age and mileage T4Rs. What sealed the deal was that it has a V8, can tow more than the Toyota, and wasn't a vehicle I had already had. Its Prado lineage and my “Land Cruiser taste on a used 4Runner budget” mindset eventually led me to a CPO 2018 Lexus GX460 with 27,562 miles on it when I bought it on 11/01/2021.
Pictures of it in its new-to-me state, circa November '21:
Now, to the fun stuff. For those that don’t know, I have a side gig as an automotive journalist. This includes writing for a few different car/truck/ATV/UTV websites and hosting an off-road podcast. I’m extremely fortunate and privileged to have written about the Lexus build for one of my outlets, and especially so that some partners got on board with the project. Toyo, Ironman4x4, Wheelpros/Motegi, Warn, Midland, Lightforce, and Pelican all helped with the parts, and I added a few items of my own along the way. Needless to say, I’ve spent countless hours writing about the GX, the build, and the work done to get it to where it is.
Here is the list of what’s on it at the time of this writing:
I’ve taken the GX wheeling a few times already and have done many local-ish road trips with it. The fancy badge is still something that bothers me, but the road manners and Lexus comfort that shine through even after the upgrades are a treat. Despite my vehicular ADD, I’ll probably have this thing longer than any of the other Toyota 4x4s that have occupied my personal/proverbial garage. Don’t hold me to that, but I figured a build thread is worth starting if for no other reason than to track the progress and adventures it’s subjected to, and to contribute to the website that I’ve made so many friends on.
Bonus pics of it as it sits now until I get another post done:
Stay tuned… more to come.
This is what it looked like when I bought it on November 1, 2021:
And this is what it looks like as of this writing:
Backstory: After a slew of 4Runners (2005 V6, 2018 TRD Off Road, 2005 V8) and countless other vehicles, I concluded my vehicular home is in the land of Toyota 4x4s. I set out to buy another 5th gen 4Runner in the fall of 2021 and along the way realized its platform-mate, the Lexus GX460, was less expensive than comparable-age and mileage T4Rs. What sealed the deal was that it has a V8, can tow more than the Toyota, and wasn't a vehicle I had already had. Its Prado lineage and my “Land Cruiser taste on a used 4Runner budget” mindset eventually led me to a CPO 2018 Lexus GX460 with 27,562 miles on it when I bought it on 11/01/2021.
Pictures of it in its new-to-me state, circa November '21:
Now, to the fun stuff. For those that don’t know, I have a side gig as an automotive journalist. This includes writing for a few different car/truck/ATV/UTV websites and hosting an off-road podcast. I’m extremely fortunate and privileged to have written about the Lexus build for one of my outlets, and especially so that some partners got on board with the project. Toyo, Ironman4x4, Wheelpros/Motegi, Warn, Midland, Lightforce, and Pelican all helped with the parts, and I added a few items of my own along the way. Needless to say, I’ve spent countless hours writing about the GX, the build, and the work done to get it to where it is.
Here is the list of what’s on it at the time of this writing:
- Ironman Foam Cell Pro suspension
- Ironman Premium front bumper
- Toyo Open Country A/T III tires, 285/70/17, C load rating
- Motegi MR150 Trailite wheels, 17 x 8.5” w/Gorilla lug nuts
- Warn VR Evo 12-S winch
- Midland MXT500 radio and “Ghost” antenna
- Lightforce Genesis LED driving lights w/CH4x4 OEM knockout switch
- JW Offroad spare tire carrier w/license plate mount and extended backup camera
- Pelican toolbox / mount
- Curt Class 3 hitch receiver
- Maxpider Kagu floor mats in 1st/2nd rows, OEM Lexus rubber cargo mat
- Nextbase dash cam w/Dongar rearview mirror integration
- Vehicle OCD center console organizer
- Luyed LED reverse lights
- Phone dash mount w/Ram system
I’ve taken the GX wheeling a few times already and have done many local-ish road trips with it. The fancy badge is still something that bothers me, but the road manners and Lexus comfort that shine through even after the upgrades are a treat. Despite my vehicular ADD, I’ll probably have this thing longer than any of the other Toyota 4x4s that have occupied my personal/proverbial garage. Don’t hold me to that, but I figured a build thread is worth starting if for no other reason than to track the progress and adventures it’s subjected to, and to contribute to the website that I’ve made so many friends on.
Bonus pics of it as it sits now until I get another post done:
Stay tuned… more to come.
