Lexus has dropped the first official teaser for the new GX. The Japanese brand hasn't shared the exact release date, but the next-gen SUV is expected to arrive very soon as a 2024 model. Lexus didn't reveal any specific details about the vehicle, and the teaser images only give a sneak peek into the exterior styling. But the revised versions of the RX and the LX SUVs hint at what we can expect from the renewed GX. There is a lot of part-sharing between Toyota and Lexus products. So it wouldn't be surprising if the updated GX is closely related to the 2023 Sequoia.
Lexus is updating its SUV line-up with fresh models. And the GX isn't the only one getting a complete makeover. The brand will also add the new TX three-row SUV to its line-up this year. But the GX is undoubtedly the one worth waiting for, as it'll get its first significant upgrade since the current generation came out in 2010. Expect it to come with an all-new powertrain, a redesigned interior with better onboard tech and more features, and improved off-road capability, among other upgrades.
Redesigned Lexus GX Will Have A Chunkier Exterior Design
The new GX will ride on Toyota's new GA-F platform. Like the revised Sequoia and Tundra, this would mean it'll be a brand-new vehicle from the ground up. It will also get a completely redesigned exterior. Teaser images show that its design will be a lot chunkier than the outgoing model. GX's shape has remained pretty much the same since 2010, with only minor cosmetic changes. It's a smart-looking SUV. But a new model with fresh styling will help it get more attention on the dealer lots.
Teaser images shared by Lexus show that the GX will be a lot more muscular for 2024. The hood will get a sculpted design with raised edges and a depression in the middle. The new model will get the famous Lexus Spindle grille, which will be completely blacked out. The headlights have a similar shape to what you see on the new Sequoia. But here, they have different internals, with the top half getting three distinct lamps. The setup also includes a sleek LED running light and additional lighting in the lower section.
Part of the front fender is also visible in the teaser images, and it appears to be a lot more chiseled than what you get on the Sequoia. The rear shot does an even better job of hiding the exterior styling of the new GX. All it shows is the Lexus emblem and a light bar running across the length of the boot. The design will remind you of the rear end of the new LX SUV.
2024 GX's Interior Will Be A Huge Step-Up From The Current Model
The interior of the 2023 GX is pretty decent. It has all the luxury and tech you'd want from an SUV in its segment. But the design hasn't seen a major update since 2010. Hence, the cabin looks outdated compared to the swanky interiors of its rivals. The central panel is filled with buttons and knobs; even the top-spec model doesn't get a digital driver's display. Lexus did add in a 10.3-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play to modernize the GX's cabin. But a complete overhaul would help this mid-size SUV fare better against the competition.
There is no official word on what the interior of the new revised GX would look like. But it'll likely have a lot in common with the 2023 LX and RX SUVs. Expect to see better quality materials across the board. It will also get the brand's latest infotainment and connectivity systems. Lexus will likely drop the current 10.3-inch central screen in favor of a bigger unit, such as the 14-inch screen available on the new RX. The switch to the new platform would also mean more room on the inside. But the new GX could shift into an exclusive five-seater with the new three-row TX in the pipeline.
A Hybrid Powertrain Will Boost 2024 GX's Fuel-Economy
The current-gen Lexus GX and the 4Runner have a lot in common. They both share the same platform and a bunch of other mechanical parts. But their powertrains are different. While the 4Runner makes do with a V6, the GX gets a more powerful 4.6-liter V8. It produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. It can push the GX from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.2 seconds and tow up to 6500 pounds. But it is thirsty for gas. EPA rates the GX for 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway.
The redesigned GX will likely move to Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. In the Sequoia, this setup uses a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 paired with an electric motor with a combined power output of 437 horsepower. The new GX could get the smaller turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four from the 2024 Tacoma. This setup uses an electric motor placed between the engine and the transmission. It has a power output of 326 horsepower with 465 lb-ft of torque. In the new Taco, this system comes standard with an eight-speed automatic, which will also be perfect for the GX.
Switching to a hybrid powertrain will boost this mid-size SUV's fuel-economy figures. We have seen an average increase of 5 MPG for city and highway use with the i-Force Max powertrains in the new Toyota trucks. Expect similar results with this Lexus as well.
The 2024 Lexus GX Will Continue To Have Serious Off-Road Chops
Save for the lousy fuel-economy figures, the current-gen GX is an excellent pick if you are shopping for a mid-size luxury SUV that's also capable off-the-tarmac. As standard, it comes with full-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and a central locking differential. Those who plan to tackle serious terrain in their GX can opt for the off-road package. This will add a few extra goodies, such as the Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, protection for the fuel tank, and a transmission cooler. Lexus also offers a Multi-terrain monitor for smooth navigation of challenging terrains.
The updated GX will likely continue to have serious off-road chops. Specific details aren't out yet. But the new model could get upgraded suspension components, better underbody protection, and a few other additions to increase its off-the-pavement capability. It won't be as extreme as a Sequoia TRD Pro but have matching levels of off-road performance across the board.
New Lexus GX Will Still Have An Affordable Price
The current-gen GX falls in a relatively affordable price bracket. That's likely to continue with the new model too. We estimate the base trim to have an MSRP in the ballpark of $60,000. The top-of-the-line Luxury grade should cost close to $70,000. These prices will make the 2024 GX a decent alternative to its rivals, such as the Genesis GV80, Porsche Cayenne, and the BMW X5.
Source: Lexus