Lexus GX Hybrid details revealed ahead of expected 2024 U.S. launch

Update: ‘Specifications,’ ‘Release date’ and ‘Lexus GX sales’ updated.

The Lexus GX has received its biggest makeover since its arrival in 2002 and entered its third generation. For the first time, the range includes a Lexus GX Hybrid, developed for customers who want an extended driving range and travel long distances in remote areas without having to worry about finding the next gas station.

Here’s our preview of the new GX Hybrid. Note that the photographs shown are of the gas-engined version, and we don’t expect major body changes in the electrified variant.

Design

In terms of design, the Lexus GX, like its big brother Lexus LX, has always stood out from the rest of the Lexus SUVs. Of course, it has become more upscale and sophisticated with the latest redesign. It still has a brawny character with a conventional shape and lots of muscle all around. In fact, the third-gen Lexus GX looks squarer than the outgoing model.

Front

The front of the Lexus GX no longer looks weird and an afterthought. It’s quite the opposite, projecting confidence and aggression. The new triple-beam headlamps feature a horizontal daytime running light (DRL) configuration, with a vertical grille positioned just beneath it, reminiscent of Toyota’s latest American pickup trucks, namely the Tundra and Tacoma. Their shorter height and straighter positioning go well with the shape of the body, which has become boxier. LED fog and cornering lamps are present in the lower bumper.

Lexus designers have pulled back the A-pillar to improve visibility, and they’ve also straightened it up. The hood, which is straighter, too, has a low-set center section for the same reason. It ensures the driver gets a good view of the corners and is able to make complex off-road maneuvers with confidence.

Even the nose section is more upright. Gone is the oversized spindle grille. The new grille, positioned at a higher level like the headlamps for protection from obstacles when driving on rough roads, has a criss-cross mesh. Radiator cooling ducts placed below this grille give the all-new GX a raw and classic look. Further lower, there’s a skid plate to protect the underbody. The overhang is shorter, which gives a greater angle and makes it possible to climb up steeper slopes.

Side

On the sides, the 2024 Lexus GX features a high and straight shoulder line, broad shoulders, vertical mirrors, squarish windows and quarter glass, and protruding wheel arches. Lexus designers have used the textbook SUV formula to its fullest, and that’s most visible at this angle. A lower beltline gives the driver a better view of the surroundings and helps them have a better sense of the vehicle’s position on the terrain.

Rear

Moving to the rear, an attention-grabbing LED blade stretches across the width of the SUV, which is a distinctive hallmark of Lexus design. It ends in the signature L-shape at both ends. The brand logo has been tastefully inscribed in a minimalist manner, positioned directly above the center of the light bar, further accentuating the vehicle’s rear look. The liftgate is positioned in an almost fully upright position, with a slight forward tilt in the upper half. The back glass is not only rectangular but also wide and tall, ensuring that the driver has an unobstructed view of the rear when looking through the inside mirror.

Interior

The third-gen Lexus GX features a more contemporary interior that marks a sizeable upgrade over the outgoing model. The dashboard features a sharper design and is set lower, giving the driver improved forward visibility.

The cockpit is more driver-focused, with the start-stop button placed in a higher position that makes it easier to spot, the central display placed lower for improved forward visibility, and a more informative, (12.3-inch) fully digital instrument cluster used in place of a traditional unit. There’s a nice color head-up display, too, projecting vital driving information on the windshield.

The center console has fewer physical controls, as many of the functions have been integrated into the infotainment system, which has a larger, 14-inch display. The new infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The all-new GX offers more comfort and convenience. The front seat hip point to heel height has been raised by 1.18 in. A one-motion tumble system isn’t something bragging about in 2023, but it’s worth mentioning, as it’s a new feature in the redesigned GX. There’s more storage space in the center console and door pockets. Two additional storage spaces under the cargo area allow customers to put smaller items.

To ensure all the occupants have their smartphones and other portable electronics powered up for entertainment and work on the go, Lexus has installed up to six charging ports, all illuminated, in the all-new GX. There’s a wireless charger, too, a feature not available in the outgoing model. Also new in the Mk3 GX is a 120-volt AC inverter for additional power needs.

Depending on the configuration, it’s possible to have five, six, or seven seats in the all-new GX. The redesigned model has more luggage space and can accommodate up to five suitcases with the third row folded. We’ll get to numbers in the next section. For markets that won’t get the Lexus TX, probably including RHD countries like Australia and New Zealand, the GX would be the cheapest three-row Lexus model.

The glass of the liftgate can be opened to access the cargo space. Pets sitting in the cargo area will be able to get a better view outside and enjoy the fresh air when parked at some scenic spot. We wouldn’t suggest keeping it open when driving, as exhaust gases may enter the vehicle.

First impressions

As minimal or no changes are expected in the interior of the GX Hybrid, I recently had a chance to experience the comfort, features and space levels of the gas model (6-seat variant), and here are my observations:

I’m six feet tall, and given the flat roofline, I did not expect ingress/egress issues. What I found out was that you do need a big step to enter the GX, but the sidestep and the grab handle on the A-Pillar help while settling into the car. In the driver’s seat, I first checked for all-around visibility. You sit closer to the pillar and the upright windshield also contributes in providing a good outward visibility, and reducing blind spots.

The squarish and large windows certainly also help in offering a good look of the surroundings. I don’t see the vertically stacked side mirror compromising visibility when changing lanes, but I’d have to test out the car to offer an accurate impression.

The steering wheel with the electrically adjustable column offered a normal grip. My head was well clear of the headliner in my usual driving position. The lumbar support was adequate while under-thigh support felt comfy.

In the second row, sitting right behind the driver’s seat that was adjusted for a six-foot-tall person, I had just enough legroom and knee room. The captain seat offers plenty of back and under-thigh support, while headroom is abundant. The issue here is that the seats are fixed, so a taller person would not be able to stretch their legs on a long journey.

To access the third row, I folded and tumbled the captain chair, which proved to be an easy action. The third row is designed for children as the knee-up sitting position and the tight headroom would not suit 6-footers like me, especially on a road trip. Lexus hasn’t said anything about the GX Hybrid, so we aren’t sure if third row seating is part of the plan here in the U.S. for the electrified variant.

Safety

On the safety front, the all-new Lexus GX packs a gigantic upgrade over the outgoing model. The latter comes with Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), which has been succeeded by three newer systems one after the other: Lexus Safety System 2.0+ (LSS 2.0+), Lexus Safety System 2.5+ (LSS 2.5+), and Lexus Safety System 3.0 (LSS 3.0). Thus, it includes just Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The third-gen Lexus GX packs Lexus Safety System 3.0 (LSS 3.0), which is the company’s latest ADAS suite. The third generation of the active safety equipment package includes new features like All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Proactive Driving Assist.

Specifications

Platform

The Lexus GX has retained its much-favored feature moving to its third generation: ladder frame construction. However, the only body-on-frame luxury SUV in its class has adopted a new platform – the GA-F. This is for the first time since the launch of the GX in 2002 that Lexus has given it a new platform.

GA-F belongs to Toyota’s TNGA family of modern platforms that cover various product segments and classes since 2016. Introduced in the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 in 2021 and also underpinning the fourth-gen Lexus LX that debuted later the same year, the GA-F platform has increased body rigidity and improved on-road handling.

The all-new GX has a newly developed double-wishbone front suspension with optimized coil spring rate, increased caster trail, and reduced kingpin offset. These changes ensure high stability during straight-line driving, turning, and braking. At the rear, just like the outgoing GX, the redesigned model uses a four-link rigid suspension

Dimensions

The third-gen Lexus GX measures 197.0 in. in length, 83.2 in. in width (incl. mirrors), and 75.39 in., 75.59 in., or 76.18 in. depending on the configuration. Similarly, its approach, breakover, and departure angles are 26º, 23º/24º, or 21º/22º/23º, respectively. Its wheelbase is 2.4 in. longer than that of the outgoing model (109.8 in.) – 112.2 in.

Hybrid powertrain

The first-ever Lexus GX Hybrid clubs a 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine with a newly developed direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission with a front module that integrates an electric motor and a wet clutch. The front module is responsible for the usual hybrid electric vehicle functions like starting the engine, EV-mode driving, regenerative braking, etc.

While U.S. model details have not been announced, we have an idea of what to expect from the spec sheet of the Chinese-spec GX Hybrid. The 2.4L direct-injection, inline 4-cylinder dual VVT-i engine produces 207 kW (278 hp) @ 6,000 rpm, and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) @ 1,700-3,600 rpm. It is paired with a 40 kW/250 Nm (54 hp/184 lb-ft) electric motor, and the combined output stands at 243 kW (326 hp). It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds.

We’ll update this section as and when more information emerges on the U.S-spec GX Hybrid’s power, torque, or fuel economy figures.

As we indicated at the beginning of the story, the main purpose of the hybrid system in the Lexus GX is not to reduce fuel costs. Lexus has given the GX electrical assistance to ensure it “goes where you want to go and returns,” as that is the essence of a full-fledged off-roader.

Customers will appreciate the reduced fuel consumption when they travel on routes where they may not see a gas station for hundreds of miles. Thus, the possibility of being stuck on safaris and other outdoor adventures in remote places because of running out of fuel has been minimized.

Release date

The gas-powered third-generation Lexus GX is currently on sale in the U.S. The Lexus GX Hybrid should follow as a MY2025 vehicle. Prices for the electrified version may fall in the USD 65,000-70,000 range.

John Pappas, Lexus’ CEO for Australia, says China and the U.S. are the priority markets for the GX Hybrid, Carsales reported in April 2024. The company has already launched the new hybrid SUV in China, so the next destination would be America.

We’re thrilled to see how our off-road enthusiasts put the GX to work. And to continue our electrification strategy down the road, GX will adopt a hybrid powertrain.

DeJuan Ross, Group Vice President and General Manager, Lexus Division, Toyota Motor North America (third-gen Lexus GX world premiere on June 8, 2023)

The gas model will be available in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The grade line-up of the GX Hybrid will be announced closer to launch.

A hybrid powertrain will be available in the U.S. at a later date.

Lexus, while announcing the gas-powered model’s pricing, on December 13, 2023

We’re hoping that the first-ever Overtrail grade and the feature-packed Overtrail+, targeted at adventurous customers who embrace the outdoor lifestyle and need the ability to tackle any terrain, are included in the GX Hybrid range. These grades pack 33-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels, an electronic locking rear differential, a standard aluminum skid plate, and more special features required during serious off-roading.

Lexus GX sales

Lexus GX sales in the U.S. went up 14% in 2021, growing from 28,519 units in 2020 to 32,509 units. It was the third highest-selling Lexus SUV in the country in 2021. In 2022, as the auto industry hit turbulence with new supply chain problems, the Lexus GX recorded a 7.9% year-over-year decline in sales, with 29,945 units delivered (2021: 32,509 units).

In 2023, 31,910 units of the GX were delivered, 6.6% lower than in 2022. In 2024, too, sales are down. Between January and June, Lexus sold only 9,141 units, 31.4% (4,183 units) less than in the first half of 2023 (13,324 units). The local operations would be eagerly anticipating the supply of the first-ever GX Hybrid to boost sales.

Lexus electrification strategy

Announcing the EV strategy of Toyota (the parent company) on December 14, 2021, former President Akio Toyoda said that Lexus aims to launch a full line-up of EVs in all vehicle segments by 2030. The luxury brand targets EVs to account for 100% of its sales in North America, China, and Europe and targets EV sales of 1 million units globally by that year.

The Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model, broke cover in June 2021. The Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV followed in May 2022. The Lexus RZ, the production version of the Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept, is also on sale in America, and it was followed by the Lexus TX three-row SUV, which is optionally available as a plug-in hybrid variant.

TopElectricSUV says

GX customers in the U.S. love its V8 engine, which, although not very powerful or torquey, is silky smooth. With its so-called tank-like strength and million-mile reliability, it makes for a highly desirable purchase for people who often drive in extreme weather or go overlanding. So it will be interesting to watch how they take to the new downsized engine in the redesigned GX.

Built in Tahara (Aichi Prefecture), Japan, it’s also highly regarded for its quality paint and build. If you enjoy off-roading with a twist of luxury, the GX provides an excellent entry point with a price of under USD 65,000, making it nearly USD 30,000 cheaper than the LX.

Coming to the GX Hybrid, it fits the bill for that segment of Lexus clients who want their posh SUVs to go anywhere but don’t need something as big or extreme as the LX, allowing it to tackle even more terrain than its predecessor while being less thirsty, thanks to its hybrid-electric powertrain.

Lexus GX Hybrid FAQs

An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.