Lexus has given the world the first official glimpse of its upcoming GX SUV through a pair of teaser images that were posted online.
Chasing Cars has previously speculated that the next-generation GX will be coming to the Australian market, and the fact that Lexus has posted the pair of images only gives this theory more credibility.
Strong lines point to a tough overall aesthetic of the Lexus GX
Further to this point, the few words accompanying the pair of images mentioned the “2024 Lexus GX”, meaning that a release within the year will be likely for the 2024 model year.
If the Lexus GX was to go on sale locally, it’s likely that it would face competition from the likes of the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and the Volkswagen Touareg.
Teaser previews tough GX aesthetic
Historically, the GX has been based on the Toyota Prado, and the majority of hardpoints have been shared between the two, with Lexus bringing its own styling flair to the GX. It’s likely that this will still be the case going forward.
An image posted of the GX’s headlight shows a chiseled front end with tough styling between the bonnet and front wheel arch.
The Lexus GX has historically shared a lot of kit with the Toyota Prado
The other image simply shows the Lexus badge on the tailgate of the SUV, which sits above a light strip that runs across the tailgate of the SUV.
These images were presumably taken whilst testing the GX off-road, given the condition of the SUV.
Hybrid power likely for next-generation GX
Historically, the GX has used a 4.6-litre petrol V8, whereas the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has stuck with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.
This lack of engine parity between models could be addressed with the introduction of the next-generation SUVs, as Chasing Cars understands that Toyota has been exploring hybrid power.
The current Lexus GX is sold in North America
The potential options on the table here include a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo hybrid shared with the Lexus RX500h, or a larger 3.4-litre V6 turbo hybrid sourced from the US-market Toyota Tundra ute.
GX likely to sit between RX and LX
Historically, the GX has sat beneath the LX in Lexus’ North American line-up, and this is likely to continue.
The new GX will sit above the RX if it’s introduced to the Australian market
Despite being slightly smaller than the LX, the GX has always been a capable off-road vehicle, underpinned by the same body-on-frame configuration as the Toyota Prado.
It’s also likely to offer seating for up to seven occupants, and slot above the exclusively five-seat RX in the range.