The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is a three-row luxury SUV that’s great for doing double duty as a grocery getter on the weekdays and an off-road warrior on the weekends. It has a smooth ride and sophisticated driving dynamics, however, it’s not afraid to get dirty.

And while it’s easy to call out of the mechanical wizardry that makes this car a formidable force both on and off the road, I decided to acknowledge some of the finer details and cool features that I happened to notice during my time with the GX 460.

Mark Levinson premium sound system

Being somewhat of an audiophile, I can’t help but notice whenever a car has an optional premium audio system. Toyota uses JBL premium audio in most of its products, but Lexus uses the Mark Levinson sound system for its vehicles.

The sound systems vary between the models, but on the Lexus GX 460, the optional Mark Levinson system features 330 watts of amplified power via a 12-channel amplifier, as well as 17 speakers to pump all of that sound out of. If you’ve never heard it, I fully suggest that you do because it’s simply divine.

Dual-action tailgate

While most other SUVs on the market feature a power liftgate that swings upward toward the sky, the Lexus GX 460 has a tailgate that swings out. It doesn’t work too well in cramped parallel parking situations, since the tailgate requires extra space to swing, but it does work well when you have to load large items in the cargo area.

But if you’re in a hurry, then you can press the “trunk” button on the key fob and the liftgate glass pops open to reveal a quick and easy way to store things in the cargo area. It works well when you only have a couple of grocery bags, which you can even stow on the provided hooks.

4.6-liter V8 engine

While most automakers are currently stuffing smaller, turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines into their large SUVs, Lexus chose to stick with the tried-and-true 4.6-liter V8 engine for the GX 460. With 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque, the large V8 gives the GX 460 enough gusto to get up steep hills, however, it also means more frequent trips to the gas station. During my time with the GX 460, I averaged about 15 mpg in combined driving, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use it as a daily driver.

Amazon Alexa capability

New for the 2021 model year, the Lexus GX 460 is now compatible with Amazon’s Alexa. That means that you can control your Alexa-enabled devices at home, like your thermostat, and even add items to your Amazon shopping cart right from the driver’s seat of your car. And when you’re at home, you can even ask Alexa to start the car remotely.

Multi-terrain view monitors

In case you ever do take the Lexus GX 460 off-road, one of the handiest features that it comes with is the multi-terrain view monitors with the panoramic view.

Using multiple cameras located front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, in addition to underneath it, the multi-view monitors allow you to see any obstacles all around the car whether you’re traversing some of the roads unknown or simply trying to wedge yourself in a tight space at your local grocery store parking lot.