"Don't Buy" 2010 Lexus GX 460, Says Consumer Reports

Just the Facts:

• Consumer Reports issued a "Don't Buy" warning for the 2010 Lexus GX 460.
• Toyota issued a statement saying it will duplicate the CR test to determine if steps need to be taken.
• IL's recent GX 460 performance test did not exhibit the same issues as CR's test.

YONKERS, New York — The 2010 Lexus GX 460 was slapped with a "Don't Buy" warning from Consumer Reports on Tuesday after the SUV experienced a problem during routine handling tests that could lead to a rollover. It marked the first time in nearly nine years that the consumer watchdog has issued such a rare warning for a vehicle and was yet another blow to Toyota, which has been battered by the fallout from its massive recalls.

"We're concerned with the results of Consumer Reports testing on the Lexus GX 460 and their suggested buyer recommendation," said Toyota in a statement. "Our engineers conduct similar tests and we feel these procedures provide a good indication of how our vehicles will perform in the real world.

"However, we will try to duplicate the Consumer Reports test to determine if appropriate steps need to be taken."

Consumer Reports issued a lengthy warning and video about the GX 460, saying that "when pushed to its limits on our track's handling course, the rear of the GX we bought slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control.

"We believe that in real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident, which could cause serious injury or death. We are not aware, however, of any such reports."

Consumer Reports said it paid for the use of another GX 460 from Lexus and "experienced the same problem."

In March, Inside Line completed a full road test of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 including instrumented performance testing. IL Director of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds notes: "We didn't experience anything like that — we saw early and aggressive electronic stability control (ESC) intervention in our tests. But our tests are different. Our slalom test features quick direction changes, such as those you might see in an avoidance maneuver."

Edmunds continues: "Is this CR test realistic? That looks a very fast — a deliberate high-speed approach to a corner that's more akin to high-performance track driving than driving a few miles per hour over the speed limit on public roads. And it looks like no brakes were used by the driver at all (no brake lights). I'm not sure how realistic that situation is in the context of a luxury SUV.

"That said, I would have expected stability control intervention in that situation. But I also would expect a driver to apply the brakes if he or she were surprised by the tightness of an unfamiliar corner, too."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the government watchdog responsible for crash-testing vehicles, has not yet tested the 2010 Lexus GX 460 or rated its chance for a rollover.

The 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited was the last vehicle that was given such a dismal rating by Consumer Reports. "The designation is rare for Consumer Reports," it said in a statement, noting that the Montero was judged "not acceptable" in the August 2001 issue.

Consumer Reports said among the 95 SUVs in its current ratings, no other slid as far as the GX 460 in testing.

Inside Line says: CR has issued its warning, but it's unlikely we've heard the last of this issue. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent