The all-new 2024 Lexus GX was revealed recently. The mid-size SUV now comes with a completely new design language that seems more off-road friendly and rugged. Inside, the SUV features modern technology and the powertrain comes from the bigger Lexus LX.
At first glance, the new Lexus GX seems more like a mixed bag. A closer look reveals that it now features the best of everything in the Toyota & Lexus lineup. Read on to know more about the Toyota GX.
Goodbye, Toyota Prado Connection!
The Lexus GX was first launched in 2002. Just as the Lexus LX was a more luxurious and premium version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus GX was developed as a more luxurious and premium version of the Toyota Prado. The first-gen Lexus GX was based on the third generation of the Toyota Prado and the second-generation Lexus GX was based on the fourth generation of the Toyota Prado.
If the Lexus GX & Toyota Prado relationship has you puzzled, here’s everything you need to know about the Toyota Prado, its generations, and its models. Now, Lexus has revealed the third-generation GX, and with this, has bid adieu to the Toyota Prado and its trusty J150 platform.
From 2024, the Lexus GX will be based on the TNGA-F architecture. This is the same manufacturing platform that currently underpins vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser 300-Series, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, and Lexus LX. Yes, the new Lexus GX is based on the same platform that underpins the largest Toyota & Lexus vehicles yet. As a result, it is significantly larger.
Compared to the outgoing Lexus GX, the next generation of the SUV is 125.5mm longer, 229mm wider, and 30mm taller. The wheelbase too sees a 61mm increase. As a result, the new Lexus GX should have more interior space as well. It remains to be seen if the next-gen Toyota Prado too would transition to the TNGA-F platform.
Smaller, Yet More Powerful Engine & Capable 4WD Drivetrain
The current Lexus GX is powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine only in the Chinese market. Everywhere else, Toyota’s trusty 4.6-litre V8 engine does the job very well indeed. With the new GX, Lexus has upped the game by downsizing the engine.
The 2024 Lexus GX will be available with just one engine option — a 3.4-litre V6. However, this one is taken from the larger Lexus LX 600 & Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and it comes with two turbochargers. So, the output figures now stand at 349hp and 649Nm. This is 48hp and 203Nm higher than the outgoing Lexus GX V8. A strong hybrid drivetrain is expected to debut at a later date.
For those interested, the towing capacity too has increased from 2,950 kilograms to 3,628 kilograms. The GX now features a 10-speed automatic gearbox and a very capable 4WD system with a limited-slip centre differential. Lexus claims the electronically controlled transfer case shifts between 4WD-High & 4WD-Low quicker than the outgoing model.
Overtrail Variant
With this particular variant, Lexus is specifically targeting those buyers who are serious about off-road driving and those who intend to take the GX on overland drives. It gets aesthetic and functional additions along with larger tyres, uprated suspension, and more.
There are black accents on the fenders and it gets an aluminium skid plate for underbody protection. It also gets 18-inch wheels compared to the 22-inch wheels offered on two other variants. This only means there is more space for larger off-road tyres. The Overtrail variant is equipped with 33-inch tyres — perfect for off-road overlanding.
Some of the other features of the Overtrail variants are:
- Crawl Control
- Downhill Assist Control
- 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor
- Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
- Special Seats With Powered Cushions & Massaging Functions
The Overtrail variants are only available in dual-tone colour combinations with a Black roof and the body finished in Earth, Nori Green Pearl, Incognito, or Atomic Silver.
Boxy Design & Styling
There simply is no comparison between the outgoing Lexus GX and the next-gen 2024 model. The new GX isn’t simply an evolution or even a revolution of the current model. It is a completely new design philosophy. Up front is a new take on the traditional Lexus spindle grille flanked by sleek headlamps.
While the current GX features curvaceous styling, the new Lexus GX features straight lines and that gives it boxy styling. The same boxy styling is found on the side and at the rear too. It does seem like the new Lexus GX was more inspired by the Land Cruiser 300-Series than the Lexus LX 600. While this styling might not exactly be to everyone’s taste, it certainly makes the SUV look more rugged and capable.
Luxurious & Feature-Packed Interior
Lexus has bestowed the new GX’s interior with so many new goodies that the outgoing model looks way too basic in comparison. For example, the analogue instrument cluster has been replaced by a 12.3-inch TFT screen. Infotainment duties are handled by a 14-inch touchscreen and yes, you do get Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. Buyers can also opt for a head-up display.
Buyers can also choose from a number of interior colour options on offer. The front seats get the heating and ventilation features as standard. There are two seating layouts on offer — 6-seater & 7-seater. The 6-seater gets captain seats in the second row and the captain seats have heating and ventilation as an option.
2024 Lexus GX Pricing & UAE Launch
The UAE is one of the most important markets for Lexus both in terms of quality and quantity. Premium Lexus products sell in high numbers and so does the current GX. The official launch date hasn’t been revealed yet. However, we expect the UAE to be one of the first markets to receive the new Lexus GX when it launched later this year.
Prices for the 2024 Lexus GX haven’t been revealed yet. However, prices for the current Lexus GX start from AED 260,000, and we expect only a slight increase in the sticker price for the 2024 model.
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