Is the Lexus GX470 reliable?

Our reliability score for the Lexus GX470 is 8.5/10 (85/100), which puts it as strongly reliable. Most owners report 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance. RepairPal rates it 4/5.

How much does it cost to own a Lexus GX470 per year?

Total estimated annual ownership cost for a Lexus GX470 is approximately $3,658 for a 25-year-old male driver. This includes fuel at current US average prices, insurance, scheduled maintenance, tires, and oil changes. The 40-year-old female estimate is $2,727.

What is the Lexus GX470 gas mileage?

EPA combined fuel economy for the Lexus GX470 is 15 MPG, with 15 MPG city and 18 MPG highway.

What years does the Lexus GX470 cover?

This generation of the Lexus GX470 was sold from 2003 to 2009.

Is the Lexus GX470 safe?

Our safety score for the Lexus GX470 is 6/10 (60/100), which means it is below current safety standards. New drivers and families should look elsewhere. IIHS rates the crash protection poor. NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Is the Lexus GX470 a good first car?

Not according to our criteria. Good first cars need a safety score 7.5+, insurance under $2,200/yr for a 25-year-old male, repairability score 7.0+, low rollover risk, and compact dimensions. The Lexus GX470 misses on at least one of these.

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Lexus GX470

03-09 · Lexus GX470

75out of 100

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 with a Lexus badge. All the reliability, none of the brand recognition inflating Land Cruiser prices.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

85/ 100Reliability×2.5 66/ 100True Annual Cost×1.5 60/ 100Safety×2.5 82/ 100Practicality×2.0 80/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

The GX470 is the Lexus-badged version of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 with the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8. It shares mechanical DNA with the 4Runner and Tacoma. The V8 adds power. The Lexus badge adds premium fuel requirements and $560/yr at the pump.

Why it's on this list

20.7% chance of reaching 250k miles, top 10 in iSeeCars data. Shares the GXOR aftermarket community with the 4Runner. Seven-seat capacity in a genuine off-road platform. The 2UZ-FE V8 is one of Toyota's most durable engines.

The honest trade-offs

The timing belt at 90k miles is non-negotiable. Miss it and you risk engine damage. Budget $900-1,100 to do it correctly. Premium fuel required ($3,200/yr). Optional rear air suspension converts to coils proactively ($300-600). Plastic radiator tank should be replaced preemptively.

What to buy and what to avoid

2005-2009 for VVTi and 270hp. Verify timing belt receipts before any purchase. This is non-negotiable. Check rear suspension type (air vs coil). Listen for exhaust manifold tick at cold start.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)

$3,040 (USD)^[5]

Maintenance

$551 (USD)^[1]

Tires (prorated)

$400 (USD)

Insurance (25yr male)

$2,396 (USD)^[8]

Insurance (40yr female)

$1,465 (USD)^[8]

Total (25yr male)

$3,658 (USD)

Total (40yr female)

$2,727 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined

15^[5]

MPG city / hwy

15 / 18^[5]

Tank

23.1 gal^[5]

Engine

2UZ-FE 4.7L V8

Horsepower

263 hp

Torque

328 lb-ft

Seats

Cargo (behind 2nd row)

11.6 cu ft

Cargo max

64.7 cu ft

Tow capacity

6,500 lbs

Ground clearance

8.9"

Stock tires

265/65R17

Body

SUV

Rear seats

60/40 split

3rd row

Tumble / removable

Safety

NHTSA overall

4/5 ★^[2]

Rollover risk

22%^[2]

IIHS rating

Poor^[4]

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity

Moderate

Frame rust risk

Moderate

Age-related rust on 15-20 year old vehicle. Salt-belt inspection required.

Known issues by mileage

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)

Timing belt — 90k interval, ~$900-1,100. Engine damage if missed.Major

100,000-150,000 Miles (161,000-241,000 KM)

Rear air suspension (convert to coils proactively, $300-600)Moderate

100,000-150,000 Miles (161,000-241,000 KM)

Secondary air pump failure ($500-1,200)Moderate

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)

Plastic radiator tank — replace proactively with all-metal unit ($350)Moderate

Best and worst years

Best years

2005
2006
2007
2008
2009

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost

$742 (USD)^[1]

Industry avg annual cost

$652 (USD)^[1]

RepairPal rating

4/5^[1]

Unscheduled visits/yr

0.5^[1]

Severe issue probability

8%^[1]

250k-mile survival

60%^[7]

Repairability

Headlight type

Hid

DIY replacement cost

$100 (USD)

At major retailer

Yes

Headlight benchmark

8/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

[1]dataset
RepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
[2]government
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
[3]government
NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
[4]dataset
IIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
[5]government
EPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
[6]forum thread
CarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
[7]dataset
iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
[8]publication
Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Lexus GX470?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist