The new Lexus GX reminds us of the Toyota Landcruiser Prado LC70 – an homage done right!

In the world of automotive design, there is a certain joy that comes from defining the legacy of one vehicle within another. It is like observing a family resemblance passed down through generations, evident in subtle signs and distinctive attributes.

This is exactly the feeling that arises when testing the Lexus GX 2024. The first aspect that resonates about the Lexus GX is its stature. The moment we noticed its upright A-pillars, it immediately evoked memories of the iconic Toyota Landcruiser LC70.

And like the LC70, the Lexus GX seems to cross two worlds with ease: runway comfort and off-road challenge. This duality, the ability to alternate between a luxury transport and a rugged adventurer, is the defining quality of the LC70 reflected in the GX.

The LC70 is celebrated for its legendary durability. How legendary can you claim? There’s still demand for it, so Toyota still sells all-new 70-Series units in certain markets like Australia. It’s a car that will endure the harshest conditions. Like the LC70, the new GX is built on a body-chassis equipped to handle the wild tests.

The Overtrail trim level brings off-road tires as standard, and also features Lexus’ first application of E-KDSS, or the Electronic Dynamic Suspension System first implemented on the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series. . The E-KDSS system can lock or release the front and rear anti-roll bars independently, providing the vehicle with additional wheel joints, providing more flexible mobility when off-road.

This trim variant also brings Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control to traverse the various types of terrain GX users may encounter, enhanced by the Multi-Terrain Display. Inside, the Overtrail trim variant is equipped with special seats that minimize head-overs when the GX is on rough roads, helping to reduce passenger fatigue, Lexus says.

Of course, when the LC70 was first introduced, Lexus still didn’t have a comparable model. You only have the LC70, also known as the Toyota Prado or the Landcruiser Prado. The Lexus GX comes only after two generations of the Prado, based on the LC120.

With this latest generation, the Lexus GX debuts first, but there will certainly be a new Toyota Landcruiser Prado coming soon.