We live in the world of EVs and Hybrids. Like it or not, this is the direction the automotive industry is heading. Thanks to forced-induction, now you can have a ton of performance, while maintaining acceptable fuel economy with the help of hybrid motors. Cars as large as the Cadillac Escalade during our last review was able to achieve up to 27 mpg. As car enthusiasts, however, we are having a hard time letting go of V8 engines. These large displacement engines have always represented performance and raw torque. The question is, can these remaining few V8s put up a good fight against engines like the Toyota Tundra's twin-turbo V6 hybrid? We test the 2023 Lexus GX 460 Black Line to see if its eight-cylinder engine can still make an argument, or if it's simply the time to evolve.

Aggressive Design Elements In Black Line Trim

The Black Line trim level, as the name implies, provides black exterior elements. When it comes to SUVs with off-road capabilities, the black wheels and trim always work. The Lexus GX 460 does not disappoint in the looks department. The GX 460 isn't rugged in any way, instead, it finds itself in a balanced zone where it's luxurious, with enough toughness to make it a legitimate contender in the off-road "tough" SUV market. The front features Lexus' giant hourglass grille, with sleek headlights, and an overall beautiful front-end. The rear somehow feels un-evolved, with the clear taillights we've seen on Lexus before, and a tailgate that opens like a door and not a lift-gate. While it does have its own unique flavor, this will give you problems when you're parked with a car behind you. However, Lexus thought of that, and with a press of a button, the rear glass opens and gives you access to the trunk. Overall, the design is a great combination of rugged and luxury in a well put together package.

Underwhelming And Outdated Cabin

The cabin feels very "Lexus," and that's not necessary a huge compliment, not is it an insult. Lexus' interiors have been stagnant for a long time, except for the 2022 Lexus NX 350 we recently reviewed. When we saw that the NX got an updated cabin for 2022, we thought all 2023 models will follow. This was not the case with the GX 460. The GX uses the same infotainment system, which still doesn't have wireless Apple CarPlay, and it simply feels outdated. There isn't much that will excite you if you've been driving Lexus vehicles for a while. On the bright side, the GX keeps Lexus' legendary comfort reputation, with seats so cushiony it will make you feel like you are in your living room. In addition to comfort, Lexus makes great use of the space, with enough legroom and headroom in the front and the rear. Safety, like anything Lexus, is top-notch. Whether it's lane assist, blind spot monitor, or any essential safety feature, the GX will provide. However, it still doesn't impress. Lexus seems to be going at a far slower pace than most other vehicles. This may seem like a bad thing, but it's essential for their reliability reputation. Lexus is the most reliable in the luxury segment, and because of this, they have to ensure proper testing of every feature that will go into their cars through and through. Overall, the interior of the 2023 Lexus GX 460 is nothing special, but it does everything well.Related: This Is Why The Lexus RX Is The Most Reliable SUV Of 2022

One Of The Last Naturally-Aspirated V8s Standing

The 2023 Lexus GX 460 comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine. This engine works together with a six-speed automatic transmission, with full-time four-wheel drive. The GX also features a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension system, which improves the ride quality and adapts to enhance handling. This system does wonders both on the road and off the road. This system senses uneven surfaces, and when one cylinder is compressed in the suspension system, the fluids flow to the other cylinder to ensure all four wheels are staying on the ground. Also available is the Adaptive Variable Suspension, which is controlled electronically to adjust the dampening based on the road conditions. The V8 engine delivers 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capability of 6,500-pound. Various driving behaviors are available through the different modes, like Normal, Sport, and Comfort. On paper, the GX 460 seems OK, but how does it do on and off the road? And is this enough to justify the high fuel economy from the large displacement V8 engine?

Related: Here's What We Just Learned About The 2023 Lexus RX Range

A Great Family SUV With Room For Improvement

There is no doubt the 2023 Lexus GX 460 is fun to drive. After all, you will feel high up in traffic, you will see far ahead, and the overall experience is both aggressive and luxurious. Acceleration is great from a stop, and you will feel a ton of torque immediately. However, while you're moving, the V8 just doesn't feel like it has enough to haul the massive SUV. If you need to get on the throttle more often and harder to get a drive that will satisfy you, expect extremely poor fuel economy. Let's face it, however, the GX is not made for quick acceleration. This SUV is made for trips, some off-roading, and towing. This Lexus does all of these very well. The drive is very comfortable. I am talking long, long trips with no complaints. If you're very gentle with your throttle input and drive more highway, you can get 20 mpg. However, if you aren't paying attention, you can often find yourself in the 14 mpg range. This is not the SUV for you if fuel efficiency is anywhere near your radar. The GX can accommodate a family comfortably, but it's not the only SUV that can do this. Four people other than myself have taken a long trip, and the space was more than enough. For such a large SUV, the handling was surprisingly good. In fact, there were no incidents when we felt we need to slow down during some of the turns. All in all, the GX 460 is a great SUV for towing and some off-road capabilities. It's not the right SUV for fuel conscious customers, neither is it the right vehicle for the ones seeking the latest and greatest - it's a decent luxury SUV.

Related: The 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance Is A Very Stylish 360-HP SUV

Should The V8 Stay?

It's hard for me to say Goodbye to the V8. I've spent my entire career in automotive, especially on the performance side, and as an enthusiast, I always welcome internal combustion engines of any size or configuration. However, having driven the twin-turbo six-cylinder from the new Tundra, I can safely say the V8 needs to go, even the Sequoia believes that with the 2022 model being its last V8. This engine overpromises and underperforms. It could be because we saw what the V6 hybrid can do, but either way, the truth is out and the V8 in the Lexus GX 460 needs to go. The GX 460 Black Line Special Edition starts at $62,310, which really isn't bad for the safety feature, the style, the space, and the capabilities. The question you have to ask yourself is: should you wait for the next engine or should you get yourself one of the last V8 engines on an SUV? This is entirely up to you, but make a decision fast before all V8s are stories of the past.