2003 Lexus LX 470
Lexus LX — the model line, not this exact trim. Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

2003 Lexus LX 470

Lexus · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · 4.7 L 8-cyl

Model year2003
Combined MPG13
City MPG12
Highway MPG16
Annual fuel cost$5,150

Against the 767 lexus cars

Combined MPG 13 MPGbest 46 · avg 23
Annual fuel cost $5,150best $600 · avg $3,551

Bars are scaled to the best in the list; the mark shows the list average. Lower is better for fuel cost; higher is better for the rest. All figures are the EPA's.

Summary

The 2003 Lexus LX 470 is a gasoline SUV in the EPA Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class, with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive. Its 4.7 L 8-cylinder engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy is 12 MPG in the city, 16 MPG on the highway and 13 MPG combined. The listed annual fuel cost is $5,150, and tailpipe emissions are 683.62 g of CO2 per mile. These figures outline the tradeoff for buyers considering this four-wheel-drive SUV: city mileage is lower than highway mileage, and the combined figure is 13 MPG. The LX 470 is part of Lexus's LX family and has the LX as its base model. Its fuel and drive configuration are clearly specified, which helps buyers comparing gasoline SUVs and their stated running costs.

Who it is for

It may suit buyers seeking a gasoline SUV with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. The 13 MPG combined rating and $5,150 annual fuel cost are important considerations for running-cost comparisons.

What is good

  • 4-wheel or all-wheel drive
  • 5-speed automatic transmission
  • 16 MPG highway rating

What to know first

  • 12 MPG city rating
  • 13 MPG combined rating
  • $5,150 annual fuel cost

CarCody review

2003 Lexus LX 470: the full review

The 2003 Lexus LX 470 pairs a 4.7 L V8 with four-wheel or all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Its 13 MPG combined rating and $5,150 annual fuel cost make fuel use a central part of ownership planning.

Overview

The 2003 Lexus LX 470 is a gasoline-powered, four-wheel or all-wheel-drive SUV in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD EPA class. Its 4.7-liter, eight-cylinder engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The model’s EPA fuel economy is 12 mpg in city driving and 16 mpg on the highway, for 13 mpg combined.

Those figures put fuel use at the center of ownership planning. The EPA-listed annual fuel cost is $5,150, and tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions are 683.62 grams per mile. Actual costs depend on fuel prices and how the vehicle is driven, but the listed figures give buyers a clear starting point for comparing this older SUV’s running costs.

For shoppers comparing vehicles across the Lexus cars range, the LX 470 stands out in this record for its 4WD-class designation, large-displacement gasoline engine and relatively low fuel economy. The available specifications establish its basic drivetrain and operating profile, but do not provide details about cabin equipment, dimensions, towing capacity or safety systems.

Key features

Powertrain and drivetrain

  • Engine: 4.7-liter V8 running on gasoline.
  • Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
  • Drive: Four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
  • Vehicle type: SUV, classified by the EPA as Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD.

Fuel economy and emissions

The EPA figures are 12 mpg city, 16 mpg highway and 13 mpg combined. Tailpipe CO2 is listed at 683.62 grams per mile. The highway figure is four mpg higher than the city rating, while the combined rating provides a single measure for general comparison.

Pricing

No purchase price or current market value is provided for the 2003 LX 470, so a buying budget cannot be estimated from the available information. The stated cost figure is the EPA annual fuel cost: $5,150. It is a fuel-running-cost reference, not a purchase price or a guarantee of an owner’s yearly spending.

Who it's for

The LX 470 may be worth considering for buyers whose search is specifically focused on an older Lexus SUV with a V8 engine and four-wheel or all-wheel drive. Its EPA fuel figures also make it easier to identify whether its gasoline consumption fits a buyer’s budget before pursuing vehicle-specific condition, maintenance and equipment details.

For fleets, dealers and garages, the listed engine, transmission, fuel type and drive classification provide a concise baseline for identifying the vehicle and discussing fuel use. The available facts do not establish maintenance intervals, parts costs, reliability or service requirements, so those questions need separate vehicle-specific answers.

Pros and cons

  • Pros: The core powertrain and drivetrain are clearly specified: a 4.7-liter V8, five-speed automatic and four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
  • Pros: City, highway and combined EPA ratings are available, along with annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO2 figures.
  • Cons: The 13 mpg combined rating and $5,150 EPA annual fuel-cost figure indicate that fuel use is a significant ownership consideration.
  • Cons: The supplied specifications do not include purchase pricing, equipment, dimensions, safety details, or maintenance and reliability information.

Alternatives

For shoppers comparing newer Lexus models, the listed alternatives span several nameplates and powertrain labels. The 2026 Lexus GX 550 is another SUV entry. The ES selection includes the 2026 Lexus ES 350e (19 inch Wheels), 2026 Lexus ES 350e (21 inch Wheels), 2026 Lexus ES 350h, 2026 Lexus ES 350h AWD, 2026 Lexus ES 500e AWD (19 inch Wheels) and 2026 Lexus ES 500e AWD (21 inch Wheels). The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is another option in the lineup. These listings identify potential comparisons, but their relative costs or specifications are not established here.

Verdict

The 2003 Lexus LX 470’s defining known attributes are straightforward: a gasoline V8, automatic transmission, four-wheel or all-wheel drive and an EPA combined rating of 13 mpg. The EPA annual fuel cost of $5,150 and tailpipe CO2 figure of 683.62 grams per mile are important context for anyone weighing its running costs. Buyers can use those numbers to decide whether the model merits further consideration, then evaluate price, condition, equipment and maintenance history separately.

Details

Model year
2003fueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026

Efficiency

Combined MPG
13fueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026
City MPG
12fueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Highway MPG
16fueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026

Running cost

Annual fuel cost
$5,150fueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026
CO₂ (tailpipe)
683.6 g/mifueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026

Car

Body
SUVfueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WDfueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drivefueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026

Powertrain

Engine
4.7 L 8-cylfueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Transmission
Automatic 5-spdfueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Fuel
Gasolinefueleconomy.gov · 3 Oct 2026

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