This full-size luxury SUV arrived for the 2004 model year as the brand’s flagship utility vehicle and quickly became one of the most recognizable early entries in its lineup. The nameplate began with a body-on-frame formula that shared its basic mission with other large Japanese luxury SUVs of the era: three-row comfort, towing-friendly capability, and a strong V8 character wrapped in upscale trim. The first generation ran from 2004 through 2009 and is notable for being the brand’s first vehicle assembled in the United States. During that span, the vehicle evolved through a series of modest updates rather than a complete redesign, with the later years bringing refreshed styling and interior changes.
A second generation launched for the 2010 model year with a more modern platform and a more refined, technology-focused presentation. That update marked a major step forward in the model’s identity, shifting it further toward premium on-road luxury while retaining the size and presence that defined the nameplate. The second-generation run continued through the 2013 model year.
For 2014, the nameplate was retired and replaced by a new flagship designation, but the original vehicle’s role in establishing the brand’s large-SUV image remained important. Enthusiasts often view it as the predecessor to the later flagship SUV family, and it helped define the brand’s approach to large luxury utilities before the naming strategy changed.