| Lexus GX | |
|---|---|
 2024 Lexus GX 550 (J250) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Also called | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado |
| Production | 2002–present |
| Model years | 2003–present |
| Assembly | Japan:Tahara, Aichi (Tahara plant)[1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid/full-sizeluxurySUV |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Chassis | Body-on-frame |
TheLexus GX (Japanese:レクサス・GX,Hepburn:Rekusasu GX) is amid/full-sizeluxurySUV sold in North American andEurasian markets byLexus, a luxury division ofToyota. The GX is based on theToyota Land Cruiser Prado, from which it derives its off-road capability.
Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. A full-timefour-wheel drive system is standard with low-range gearing. The 4.7-literV8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The firm next introduced the second-generation model in 2009, badged GX 460 to reflect the switch to a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Lexus later released a lower displacement GX 400 in 2012 for the Chinese market, with a 4.0-literV6 engine. The third-generation model introduced in 2023 uses the GX 550 moniker with atwin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine and GX 550h with aturbochargedhybrid electric 2.4-literfour-cylinder engine.
As of 2024[update], the GX is positioned between the largerLX orTX and the smallerRX. Though it is thought the GX has always been larger than the RX, from 2015 to 2022, the RX is slightly longer and slightly wider than the GX and therefore the GX was considered smaller. All GX production has occurred at theTahara plant in Japan, alongside the Land Cruiser Prado and the export-mindedToyota 4Runner.
Some countries classify the GX as a full-size vehicle (e.g., Australia[2]), while some classify it as a mid-size vehicle (e.g., US[3][4][5][6]), depending on local regulations.
The name “GX” stands for “Grand Crossover”. Unlikecrossover SUVs, the GX hasbody-on-frame construction and "Crossover" stands for it being in the middle of the range.[7][8]
| First generation | |
|---|---|
_IMG_3345.jpg) 2007 Lexus GX 470 (UZJ120) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | J120 |
| Also called | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J120) |
| Production | 2002 – July 2009 |
| Model years | 2003–2009 |
| Designer | Shoichi Fujiyoshi (2000) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Toyota F2 |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speedA750Fautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,789 mm (109.8 in) |
| Length | 4,780 mm (188.2 in) |
| Width | 1,880 mm (74.0 in) |
| Height | 1,895 mm (74.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,209 kg (4,871 lb) |
_IMG_3349.jpg)
Lexus introduced the GX 470 at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 2002 as a 2003 model, with sales commencing in November 2002. The GX development program began in 1999 following the J120Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in 1997, with design work by Shoichi Fujiyoshi concluding in the first half of 2000.[9] The suspension shared its layout with theToyota 4Runner equipped with the rearair suspension, while adding Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). AVS could adjustdamper firmness continuously while DAC modulated descents down slopes. Power came from a 4.7-liter, 32-valve, four-cam2UZ-FEV8 engine originally rated at 175 kW (235 hp) at 4,800rpm and 434 N⋅m (320 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,400 rpm. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 kg (5,000 lb) for the 2003 model year. Midway through the 2004 model year, the GX received an upgraded towing capacity of 2,900 kg (6,500 lb) with the addition of a much stronger frame-bolted tubular hitch. Ground clearance measured 211 mm (8.3 in), with anapproach angle of 30° and a departure angle of 29° raised (25° normal).[10] The GX 470 carried a drag coefficient of Cd=0.38.[11]
The interior came equipped with two rows of seating, while an optional third row allowed up to eight passengers to be carried. However, the folding third row was tight with only 630 mm (24.9 in) of legroom. AMark Levinson audio system along with a Rear Seat Entertainment System were available as options. A side-opening rear tailgate was standard.[11]
In 2003, for the 2004 model year, the GX 470's transmission was upgraded to a sealed unit with no dipstick. An optionalKinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) became available as a late-year addition. KDSS freed and adjusted the vehicle'sstabilizer bars for greater articulation allowing the wheels to move with less restriction over uneven terrain, and used front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during on-road conditions.[12] Safety upgrades for 2004 included a roll-sensing feature for theside curtain airbags, atire pressure monitoring system, and an optional rearbackup camera system.[13]
In 2004, for the 2005 model year, the GX 470's engine gained 26 kW (35 hp) with the addition ofVVT-i for a total of 201 kW (270 hp).[13] This allowed the SUV to be certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) in the U.S.[14] Other upgrades included an enhanced navigation system,Bluetooth compatibility, and more voice commands. A Sport model joined the lineup, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and different styling such as smoked bezel headlamps, added chrome trim, and black birdseye maple wood.[15][16]
In 2005, for the 2006 model year, changes in SAE engine testing procedures resulted in a slight drop in the amount of stated power for the V8 to 196 kW (263 hp), andLexus Link telematics was offered in North America.[13] For 2007, the GX 470 was largely unchanged, with upgrades for cabin electronics including a new generation navigation system, auxiliary input jack for devices like an iPod, DVD video playback when parked, and larger optional rear entertainment video screen.[14]
Finally, in 2007, for the 2008 model year, the GX 470 received styling updates, including a dark metallic grille, liquid graphite wheels, added exterior and interior chrome, revised turn signal lights, and added wood and body color options.[17]
The Lexus GX has won various awards including "Four Wheeler of the Year" in 2003 and 2004 fromFour Wheeler Magazine, andAutomobile MagazineAll-Star for 2003 in the Mid-Size Sport-Utility category.[18]J.D. Power and Associates named the GX 470 the highest ranked premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005,[19] andKelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006.[20]
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 2010 Lexus GX 460 (URJ150; pre-facelift, US) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | J150 |
| Also called | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J150) |
| Production | November 2009 – November 2023 |
| Model years | 2010–2023 |
| Designer |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Toyota F2 |
| Related | Toyota 4Runner (N280) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 6-speedA760Fautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm (109.8 in) |
| Length | 4,880 mm (192.1 in) |
| Width | 1,885 mm (74.2 in) |
| Height | 1,830–1,885 mm (72.0–74.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,370–2,452 kg (5,225–5,406 lb) |
The GX 460 debuted in China at theGuangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in November 2009. The redesigned model continued with body-on-frame construction, full-time four-wheel drive, an electronically controlled hi-lotransfer case, and aTorsen centerlocking differential. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) became standard. Power came from a new 4.6-liter1UR-FE V8 engine producing 224 kW (301 hp) and 446 N⋅m (329 lb⋅ft) of torque, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was improved over the prior generation,[22] while maximum towing capacity was 2,950 kg (6,500 lb).[23] The drag coefficient was reduced toCd=0.35. The rear wiper was hidden under the rear spoiler, and while the tailgate remained side-opening, a flip-up glass panel was added.[24]
The interior added a power-folding, two-passenger third row which folded flat, allowing capacity for up to seven passengers, with the second row sliding or tilting for third-row access. Because the third row was no longer removable and used additional space, cargo capacity declined. Atoggle switch replaced the transfer case's floor-mounted shift lever, and the gauge cluster added a steering wheel angle display for off-road situations.[23] Similar to before, a Mark Levinson sound system and two-display Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES) were optional, while three-zone climate control, semi-aniline leather, and heated second-row seats and steering wheel were new options.[24]
Like its predecessor, Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC) air suspension was offered on the GX 460 with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). Additional electronic aids included the LX 570's Crawl Control system, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC). The Torsen differential distributed a variable torque split when left unlocked, including a 40:60 (front: rear) ratio under normal driving conditions, a 30:70 ratio during cornering, and a 50:50 ratio when rear-wheel slippage was detected.[24]
Added safety features included whiplash-reducing active headrests and ten airbags, including frontknee airbags and rear side torso airbags. New safety options include aPre-Collision System,Driver Monitoring System,lane departure warning system, and Lexus Enform withSafety Connect telematics. Optional cameras located at the rear door, rear-view mirror, and passenger-side mirror provided views of the vehicle's sides.[23][25] Low-beamHID headlamp projectors were offered with anIntelligent High Beam feature which automatically dimmed the high beams depending on traffic conditions and an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that swiveled the headlamps in corners.[24]
On May 28, 2012, Lexus China announced the market launch of the GX 400, which replaces the GX 460 in China. The engine option is now changed to the 4.0-liter1GR-FEV6 engine that outputs 202 kW (271 hp) combined with a five-speed automatic transmission. Due to the power reduction, it takes 9.8 seconds for the GX 400 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph). Compared with the outgoing GX 460, most standard equipment on GX 400 remains the same.[26] However, in November 2017, the GX 400 was discontinued in Chinese markets.[27]
On April 13, 2010,Consumer Reports in the United States urged customers not to buy the 2010 model year GX 460, giving it a "Don't buy, Safety Risk" label, its first such vehicle rating since 2001, following the results of a "lift-off oversteer" emergency test. This label was lifted on May 7, 2010.[28] In the high-speed test, the SUV was quickly turned with no pedal input, causing a sideways slide before thevehicle stability control (VSC) initiated a full stop.Consumer Reports said that the VSC acted too slowly, and if a wheel hit a curb or slid off the pavement, a rollover accident could occur. The shared platformToyota 4Runner passed the test, and whileConsumer Reports said it knew of no actual incidents, it recommended asoftware fix. The same day, vehicle makerToyota expressed concern, thanked the magazine, and temporarily suspended GX 460 sales.[29] While noting that the SUV met all U.S. federal requirements,[30] on April 16 Toyota confirmed that its testing had duplicated the results.[31]
On April 19, 2010, a voluntary recall of the GX 460 was issued, along with the left-hand-drive Land Cruiser Prado, for a software update to fix the VSC response.[32][33] With the software update in place, sales resumed on April 29.[34] Vehicle stability control had been criticized byWheels magazine for slow response speed on such models as theToyota Kluger (known as theHighlander in North America),[35] whileDrive noted that VSC had also been said to intervene too soon.[36] TheWall Street Journal pointed the lack of VSC a decade ago.[37]
In September 2013, the GX received a first facelift with the Lexus spindle grille design, new LED headlamps, and LED daytime running lights standard; LED fog lamps are optional. In the US pricing has been reduced by $4,750.[38]
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_China_(14).jpg)
_China_(15).jpg)
| Modification | Engine | Horsepower | Max. Torque | Region | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX 400 | 1GR-FE V6 3,956 cc (241.4 cu in) | 202 kW (271 hp) at 5600 rpm | 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) at 4400 rpm | China only[41] | 2012–2017 |
| GX 460 | 1UR-FE V8 4,608 cc (281.2 cu in) | 215–218 kW (288–292 hp) at 5500 rpm | 438 N⋅m (323 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm | GCC, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam | 2010–2023 |
| GX 460 | 1UR-FE V8 4,608 cc (281.2 cu in) | 224 kW (301 hp) at 5500 rpm | 446 N⋅m (329 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm | United States, Canada, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama, Philippines | 2010–2023 |
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | J250[42] |
| Also called | |
| Production | November 2023 – present[43] |
| Model years | 2024–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | TNGA:GA-F |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Hybrid drivetrain | Parallel (GX 550h) |
| Battery | 1.87 kWh, 6.5 Ah, 288 VNiMH (GX 550h) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm (112.2 in) |
| Length | 4,950 mm (194.9 in) |
| Width |
|
| Height | 1,865 mm (73.4 in) |
The third generation GX, marketed as GX 550 and GX 550h was revealed in a prototype form on 8 June 2023, ahead of its sister modelJ250 Land Cruiser Prado.[45] It has a more squared-off design than the previous generation and is built on theGA-F platform, shared with the J250 Land Cruiser Prado.[46] This is also the first GX model to be officially sold in Japan and Australia.[47] Production started in November 2023.
The third generation GX is larger than the previous generation, with its width increasing by 95 mm (3.74 in) (overtrail by 115 mm (4.52 in)), wheelbase increasing by 60 mm (2.36 in), and length increasing by 70 mm (2.75 in).[48]
In the US, the GX 550 is available in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the newly-added Overtrail and Overtrail+ off-road oriented models. The new Overtrail grade comes with standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels. All models feature theV35A-FTS 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which produces 260 kW (349 hp) and 649 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) of torque. The GX 550 has a towing capacity of up to 3,600 kg (8,000 lb). Lexus announced a hybrid powertrain is to come later. The GX 550 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface with 14-inch multimedia touchscreen.[48]
Sales data for the Lexus GX are as follows, sourced from manufacturer yearly data:
| Generation | Model(s) | Calendar year | Total sales (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UZJ120 | |||
| GX 470 | 2002 | 2,190[49] | |
| 2003 | 31,376[50] | ||
| 2004 | 35,420[50] | ||
| 2005 | 34,339[51] | ||
| 2006 | 25,454[51] | ||
| 2007 | 23,035[52] | ||
| 2008 | 16,424[53] | ||
| 2009 | 6,235[54] | ||
| URJ150 | GX 460 | 2010 | 16,450[55] |
| 2011 | 11,609[56] | ||
| 2012 | 11,039[57] | ||
| 2013 | 12,136[58] | ||
| 2014 | 22,685[59] | ||
| 2015 | 25,212[60] | ||
| 2016 | 25,148[61] | ||
| 2017 | 27,190[61] | ||
| 2018 | 26,724[62] | ||
| 2019 | 25,945[62] | ||
| 2020 | 28,519[63] | ||
| 2021 | 32,509[64] | ||
| 2022 | 28,519[64] | ||
| 2023 | 31,910[65] | ||
| J250 | GX 550 | 2024 | 30,914[65] |
If you are searching for a luxury mid-size SUV near San Diego that can still take on the outdoors, take a look at the Lexus GX
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