2006 Lexus GX470 in Los Angeles, California

The Lexus GX 470 is an authentic, mid-size SUV, with serious off-road capability based on traditional truck engineering: body-on-frame construction, a rugged four-wheel-drive system, and a live rear axle. But it's also a Lexus: roomy and quiet inside, with a luxurious cabin swathed in leather and bird's-eye maple. Its 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8 and smoothly responsive five-speed automatic transmission provide ample power and performance, whether towing, trail-bashing, or carving corners on a coastal highway. The switchgear is a study in ergonomic excellence, and all controls are right where you expect them to be.

Because it's a Lexus, rugged doesn't mean outdated. On the contrary, the GX 470's standard full-time four-wheel drive features electronic traction control (A-TRAC) and a locking Torsen® (torque-sensing) center differential, automatically dispatching torque to the tires with the best grip. Downhill Assist Control helps the GX 470 safely negotiate slippery inclines. Vehicle Stability Control helps steady the GX 470 on slippery turns.

Last year Lexus refined the GX 470 with a new front-passenger airbag system, improved graphics for the optional navigation system, and a new Sport package that combines dynamic body-roll control with a unique appearance inside and out. For 2006, digital Lexus Link communication becomes available, while minor interior updates enhance both function and appearance.