Overseas, Lexus offers a luxury version of the Toyota Prado called the GX. And here’s the all-new 2024 model, featuring a very interesting and chunky design language and some very impressive specs.
As you’ve probably already guessed, Lexus is pitching the 2024 GX as a properly rugged SUV that can actually go off road. It will slot above the RX and below the LandCruiser-based LX in the showroom lineup, offering the same 2850mm wheelbase as the LX.
But first we must talk a bit about the design. It’s a very intriguing theme with lots of chiselled and sharpened elements blended with a dash of sophistication particularly in the lights, while also showing some futuristic details such as the defined panel creases and odd shapes around the front grille.
Underneath it all you’ll find the TNGA-F platform, which also underpins the LX and 300 Series, adopting a four-link live axle rear end and double-wishbone independent front end. Lexus says the approach angle is 26 degrees, representing an improvement of 5 degrees over the predecessor thanks to a 20mm reduction in the frontal overhang.
Although it looks like it could conquer anything, Lexus has provided a range of driving technologies and hardware to ensure it does it easily. A special off-road variant called the Overtrail will come with E-KDSS (Electronic – Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), which provides electronic stabiliser bar release and engagement for the front and rear axle. When released, the wheel travel is increased, offering more ‘flex’ in really rugged conditions.
All models adopt a three-row, seven-seat configuration except the Overtrail that comes in five-seat form only. It’ll come with Multi-Terrain Select with Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow and Rock modes, all altering the suspension and drive systems to suit.
There’s also a multi-terrain monitor that incorporates cameras on the front, sides and rear to display vehicle surroundings, as well as crawl control with five different slow-speed settings, and of course downhill assist control to automatically and safety assist with steep descents.
So, what about the powertrains? Well, this is an interesting one as Lexus has confirmed it will be offered with a 3.5-litre (actually 3445cc) twin-turbo V6 petrol – as we speculated in May, potentially badged GX 550 – and a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder hybrid. Specs haven’t been outlined yet but similar packages in other Lexus models develop 305kW/650Nm (LX 600) and 273kW (RX 500h), respectively.
Since this new GX will be a close cousin to the next-gen Toyota Prado, there is a chance these engines will be offered in the Toyota as well. The hybrid certainly makes sense as Toyota has already said it will offer a hybrid in all model lines by around 2025. In 2017, Toyota Australia said:
“By around 2025, every model in the Toyota and Lexus line-up around the world will be available as either a dedicated electrified model or have an electrified option. The company said it would no longer develop models without an electrified version.”
That means the Prado, and HiLux for that matter, will be offered with a hybrid system in the next couple of years. Even the trusty HiAce will be offered with an electrified system, at least as an option.
Back to this GX though, both powertrains are connected up to a full-time four-wheel drive system, with a 10-speed auto for the V6 and a “newly developed” eight-speed for the hybrid – not a CVT by the sounds of it, thankfully.
Will the 2024 Lexus GX go on sale in Australia? At this stage the local hub says it is assessing the model for local customers, with a decision to be made “at a later stage”.
