The 3rd generation Lexus GX arrives with boxy, Defender-esque styling.
The boxy SUV is making a big comeback. It started with the Suzuki Jimny, and before long the new Defender, an updated G-Class, and even some new Chinese models like the Tank and Big Dog from GWM all started cropping up with the same retro-inspired boxy aesthetic. Now there’s another in the form of the 3rd generation Lexus GX.
The GX moniker may not be familiar to most Malaysians because the target market for the models is North America. In the past, the GX has essentially been an upmarket take on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The Prado hasn’t seen an update in well over a decade and so neither has the GX. Now, this new generation could be our sneak peak into what the next Prado will look like!
As before, the 3rd generation Lexus GX comes in the form of a body-on-frame SUV, which should give it proper off-roading ability while still being cushy and safe enough to function as an on-road luxury SUV.
It sits upon the GA-F platform, shared with the larger Lexus LX but adds a newly-developed double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Adaptive Variable Suspension is available.
Lexus really leaned into the ‘square-body’ look with a horizontal design motif too. There’s a pop-out windows and a kick sensor available for hands-free convenience. Naturally, the new GX is larger than the outgoing model. Overall, the look is an evolution of the Lexus ‘Next Chapter’ design that started with the new NX.
Powering the new Lexus GX will be a 3.4L twin turbo V6 engine with 349 hp and 650Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic. The GX has a maximum towing capacity of 3628kg.
Colour choices are as follows:
- Eminent White Pearl
- Nebula Gray Pearl
- Atomic Silver
- Incognito
- Caviar
- Nori Green Pearl
- Nightfall Mica
- Earth
Some colours will be available with a two-tone black roof option.
Inside, you get a sophisticated cabin with a driver-focused cockpit, a 14″ infotainment unit, a heads-up display, and a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster. There are still physical controls for the air conditioner and audio volume. Just like the Lexus TX, the GX can be configured with either a 60:40 split-folding bench or as individual captain seats. On certain grades, the front seats come with massage function and the driver gets a powered cushion extender. The third row can be optioned with power adjustability. semi-aniline leather or NuLuxe upholstery is available in a number of colour combinations. Ultrasuede accents are also available.
The 2024 GX will be assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan but it bound for North America.
