2003 Lexus LX470

The 2003 Lexus LX470 gets many equipment updates this year. Exterior updates include a new front bumper and chrome grille. New taillights and standard 18-inch alloy wheels finish out the exterior changes. A five-speed automatic transmission with a gated shifter now comes standard, and the engine has been tweaked to add a total of 235 hp this year, up five hp from last year. Other new additions include Lexus Night View, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, variable-gear ratio steering, and Lexus Link, an emergency communications system.

Built on the same platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser, the 2003 Lexus LX470 has a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, with an overall length of 192.5 inches. The exterior features a chrome grille and bumper, running boards, and round fog lights. At the rear of the vehicle sit new taillights and an optional rear spoiler.

Additional standard equipment on the LX470 includes intermittent rain-sensing wipers, privacy glass, a rear defogger, remote power door locks, power windows, power heated mirrors, power-opening rear quarter windows, an intermittent rear wiper, a power glass sunroof, step running boards, a rear liftgate door, and a trailer hitch. Options include a roof rack.

The 2003 Lexus LX470 accommodates eight passengers in its three rows of seating. The leather upholstery feels supple, and the seats feel comfortable. The second-row seats fold forward, and the third-row seat has a 50/50-split so it can fold forward before you flip it sideways to be secured to each side of the interior. Cargo capacity with all seats in place totals 20.8 cubic feet; with the seats properly stowed, cargo capacity increases to 90.8 cubic feet.

The LX470 comes in a single trim level. Standard equipment includes 10-way power driver and passenger seats with lumbar support and height adjustment, heated front seats, leather upholstery, bucket front seats, a split-folding rear seatback, reclining rear seats, manual-folding split-bench third-row seats, rear ventilation ducts, cruise control, a first aid kit, speed-proportional power steering, a leather and wood steering wheel with audio and cruise control functions as well as tilt and telescoping adjustment, a universal remote transmitter, 12V power outlets, an interior active charcoal air filter, front and rear air-conditioning, leather and wood interior trim, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, memory settings for two drivers, a tachometer, a trip computer, external temperature display, a DVD-based navigation system with voice activation and an LCD display screen, pre-wiring for cell phone use, and a 124-watt audio system with AM/FM/multi-CD changer, subwoofer, radio data system, and seven speakers.

Options include a cargo mat, wheel locks, a front-end mask, Lexus Night View, a Lexus Link communications system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and a 240-watt Mark Levinson audio system with a six-disc CD changer and 11 speakers.

The 2003 Lexus LX470 offers capable performance and handling, whether on pavement or traveling offroad. It comes equipped with a 4.7-liter, 235-hp V-8 and a five-speed automatic transmission with full-time four-wheel drive. The electronically controlled transmission has a button that lets you select either Normal or Power shifting. When Power is selected, the ECT electronically delays the time it takes to shift to the next gear, giving the LX470 more power. Unfortunately, it also has a negative impact on fuel economy. The Normal setting aids typical driving situations. The Power setting may come in handy when towing up a hill or when traversing a steep grade offroad.

When properly equipped, the LX470 has a towing capacity of 6500 pounds.

Standard safety equipment for the 2008 Lexus LX470 includes ABS with brake assist, stability control, traction control, and electronic brake force distribution.

• Off-road capability
• Luxurious interior
• Eight-passenger seating

• High price

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