Lexus will make the 4-wheel drive version of the Toyota Prado bolder and more aggressive than before.
auto expert understand GX will join the local lineup before mid-2024, giving Lexus a means to squeeze in between the unibody RX Cross and full size LX SUV body on frame.
That would give the brand an indirect replacement for the now defunct three-row RX L, which should be a welcome relief for Lexus Australia given the recently unveiled three-row unibody model. This cross TX – Related to Toyota Grand Highlander – is understood to mean only driving on the left.
The GX has been teased once again, revealing a vertical front fascia and a black grille. Combined with the previous teaser images, this image points to a more aggressive off-road oriented design for the GX than before.
The GX will probably ditch the V8 petrol engine in favor of a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.
Based on the 550 nameplate, it may be less powerful than the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 in the LX600. Lexus’ flagship SUV produces 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque.
The outgoing GX460 uses a 4.6-liter atmo V8 engine that produces 224kW and 446Nm. The car is primarily aimed at the North American market, although it is also sold in a number of other markets such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Panama.
The GX has always been built in Japan, but has always been made exclusively with left-hand drive.
The new GX is expected to move to the TNGA-F architecture as the foundation for Toyota LandCruiser 300 and Lexus LX, as well as the latest Toyota tundra and Sequoia.
Also expected to move to this architecture is next Pradois supposed to debut in Japan before the end of this year, as well as its counterpart for markets such as North America, 4Runner has a similar age.
Reports outside of Japan have variously suggested that the next Prado could use the 300 Series’ 3.3-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, as well as a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel hybrid 4.4-liter four. 2.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine and even Tundra’s new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 hybrid.
