CR Knocks Lexus GX For Unintended Enthusiasm

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

No, Troy Queef hasn’t been hired by Consumer Reports to bring a “dab of oppo” to the magazine’s SUV reviews. Nor is lift-off oversteer a particularly fun, predictable or desirable handling trait, especially in a 5,000+ lb luxury SUV. And according to CR’s write-up, the cause is a bit of a mystery:

We perform this evaluation on every vehicle we test, which includes the 95 SUVs in our current auto Ratings. No other SUV in recent years slid out as far as the GX 460, including the Toyota 4Runner, which shares the same platform as the GX.

To confirm our results, we paid for the use of another GX 460 from Lexus and experienced the same problem.

And, as CR points out, the problem isn’t so much the lift-off oversteer itself, but the extreme rollover risk presented by the GX’s clumsy drifting. The last time CR dropped the “Do Not Buy” hammer? The 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. Expect GX460 sales to fall off a cliff until the model is fitted with an electronic straitjacket.

Toyota’s official reponse:

We’re concerned with the results of Consumer Reports’ testing of the Lexus GX 460 and the suggested buyer recommendation. Our engineers conducted similar tests during the development of the new GX and had no issues. However, we will try to duplicate the Consumer Reports test, quickly evaluate the results and determine what appropriate steps need to be taken. It’s important to remember that the 2010 GX 460 meets or exceeds all Federal Government test requirements. Customer safety and satisfaction are our highest priorities. We are taking this very seriously and appreciate Consumer Reports bringing it to our attention


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Ronnie Schreiber Ronnie Schreiber on Apr 13, 2010

    FWIW, I had a 2000 Ford Explorer, with one of their full-time 4wd setups, and a limited slip rear end (part of the towing package I think) and it handled quite nicely for a truck. The one time I had to make an emergency maneuver in it, I was closing at 55mph on traffic that I hadn't realized was stopped and my only choice was a hard crank into an empty lane. Not quite letting off the throttle in mid corner, like CR did with the GX, but still an extreme move and even with the suspect Firestones it tracked nicely. A little body lean to be sure, but the ass didn't wiggle one bit.

  • Detroit Todd Detroit Todd on Apr 13, 2010
    Toyota to halt sales of Lexus GX 460 SUV David Shepardson and Christine Tierney / The Detroit News Detroit -- Toyota Motor Corp. told its dealers late Tuesday to stop selling its Lexus GX 460 SUV, after Consumer Reports urged consumers not to buy the vehicle. The automaker has sold about 6,000 of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 model since it was introduced last fall. It isn't clear how many vehicles are on dealer lots. "For any customer who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and is concerned about driving their vehicle, we will provide a loaner car until a remedy is available," Mark Templin, Lexus Group vice president and general manager, said in a statement late Tuesday. * * * From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100413/AUTO01/4130424/Toyota-to-halt-sales-of-Lexus-GX-460-SUV#ixzz0l1gFwh41
  • ToyotaRunAway ToyotaRunAway on Apr 14, 2010

    I'm going to write a book: '1000 Ways to Die in a Toyota/Lexus'

  • YotaCarFan YotaCarFan on Apr 14, 2010

    Looking at the video, it seems like basic physics -- something big and heavy moving at high speed is forced to do a 90 degree turn and the momentum causes it to continue going straight for awhile. They mention that the driver simply took his foot off the accelerator when making the sharp turn; i.e., the driver didn't bother to brake. Other than installing rear tires with better lateral traction or reprogramming the VSC to slam on the brakes when the truck is driven fast around a curve, how is the manufacturer supposed to "fix" this? I'm impressed that the Lexus Hummer didn't tip over and do a few barrel rolls under those conditions, actually. Personally, I think that anyone driving around such a sharp curve at that speed w/o braking is engaging in reckless driving, and they, not the truck, is to blame for any mishap.

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