From the pint-sized RAV4 to the fantastic new Prado, to the mammoth Sequoia, Toyota seemingly has the entire spectrum of the UAE's SUV market covered.
However, if you were looking for a posh off-roader, the carmaker's luxury marque Lexus could only offer two SUV models; the LX and the school run RX.
That was until last week, when Al-Futtaim Motors launched a new mid-sized luxury 4x4 in the UAE; the GX460.
Slotting neatly between the flagship LX570 and the RX350 crossover, the newcomer replaces the aging GX470, which, if you're confused, wasn't sold in our market. As the numbers suggest, the 4.7-litre V8 unit in the earlier version has been replaced by a 4.6-litre V8 lump mated to a six-speed transmission. Despite reduced capacity, the new engine musters up a healthy 292bhp. Not only is it more powerful than its predecessor, it is also more fuel efficient.
At first glance, or even second, you could mistake it for a Prado in fancy clothing, yet you'd be wrong. Sure it shares its platform with the mini Land Cruiser and sharing platforms is nothing new to Toyota or Lexus (the LX and the Land Cruiser sit on the same platform) but the similarities end with the looks and the body-on-frame construction. Mechanically and equipment-wise, it's nothing like your garden variety Prado.
Being a Lexus, the GX will offer a much more refined ride than its bumpkin cousin and of course an overload of gizmos and buttons.
Safety is taken care of with 10 airbags, in combination with driver aids like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and multifunction cameras all around. Bluetooth connectivity and a nine-speaker audio system (goes up to a baffling 17 speakers in the top spec model) are just some things that you can expect in this Lexus.
But none of this has blunted its off-road prowess. To match its Toyota sibling, the GX460 gets crawl control, a steering angle indicator, an advanced braking and traction system, multi-terrain select, as well as a multi-terrain monitor.
To make mincemeat of the most hostile terrain, all the driver needs to do is choose one of the four multi-terrain modes and the GX does the rest.
From mud and sand to loose rock, the clever electronics will set up the car for optimum traction depending on the specific driving conditions.
Further easing progress is the GX's battery of cameras that allow the driver to check the surroundings for safety. In essence, with all its clever tech the GX460 will make even the most nervous driver look like an off-road pro.
We'd pay the Dh230,000 asking price just for that.
