← All vehicles

Lexus LX470

98-07 · Lexus LX470

77out of 100

The most capable Toyota of its era. The AHC suspension will eventually demand its due, and premium fuel is mandatory.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

75/ 100Reliability×2.560/ 100True Annual Cost×1.570/ 100Safety×2.597/ 100Practicality×2.080/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

The LX470 is the Lexus-badged Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series. AHC (Active Height Control) hydraulic suspension is standard on all trims. This is what separates it from the Toyota Land Cruiser 100. Same 2UZ-FE V8, same capability, same timing belt requirement.

Why it's on this list

18.2% chance of reaching 250k miles. The J100 Land Cruiser platform is among the most proven in Toyota's history. V8 torque makes it genuinely capable beyond pavement.

The honest trade-offs

AHC failure is universal at 150k-200k miles. Budget $800-1,500 for coil conversion or $1,500-3,000 for AHC rebuild. Timing belt at 90k intervals is non-negotiable. Premium fuel ($3,429/yr). These are not surprises. They are planned ownership costs.

What to buy and what to avoid

2002, 2004, 2006, odd years with minor refinements. Verify AHC status. Converted to coils is preferable for most buyers. Timing belt receipts are mandatory. If AHC is original and high-mileage, price the conversion into your offer.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$3,257 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$551 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$450 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,432 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,600 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,902 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$3,070 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
14[5]
MPG city / hwy
13 / 17[5]
Tank
25 gal[5]
Engine
2UZ-FE 4.7L V8
Horsepower
235 hp
Torque
328 lb-ft
Seats
8
Cargo (behind 2nd row)
18.4 cu ft
Cargo max
82.7 cu ft
Tow capacity
5,000 lbs
Ground clearance
9"
Stock tires
275/70R16
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split
3rd row
Tumble / removable

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
20%[2]
IIHS rating
Not Tested[4]

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Moderate
Frame rust risk
Moderate

Age-related (17-26 year old vehicle). Full underbody inspection required.

Known issues by mileage

150,000+ Miles (241,000+ KM)
AHC hydraulic air suspension (universal failure 150k-200k, ~$800-1,500 to convert)Major
60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
Timing belt — 90k intervalMajor

Best and worst years

Best years

  • 2002
  • 2004
  • 2006

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$900 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.6[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
55%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Hid
DIY replacement cost
$110 (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. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Lexus LX470?

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

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

View options

If you like the Lexus LX470, also consider

Picked by segment, score, and ownership cost.

Similar score in the same segment
Toyota Land Cruiser (100 Series)
80
Cheaper to own
Acura MDX (3rd Gen)
79
Also in this segment
Buick LaCrosse (3rd Gen)
79
Also in this segment
Acura TL (4th Gen)
78
Also in this segment
Audi A4 B8
76

Owner ratings

Owner stories

Real owners. Real mileage. Not a press release.

No stories yet. Be the first.

Community comments

Sign in to leave a comment.