Surprising no one, Lexus has hinted the upcoming GX SUV will be a capable off-roader in its final teaser before the model’s reveal later this week.
Like GX models of old, the new version is expected to share the same platform as the yet-to-be-seen next-generation Toyota Prado.
This likely means a ladder-frame chassis, four-wheel-drive capabilities, high-ground clearance and a torquey powertrain to take the GX off the beaten path.
The final teaser image shows the Lexus GX getting down and dirty through a puddle of water, which obscures some of the design, but a large portion of the front fascia can be glimpsed.
From the image, the GX looks to sport the same chunky and boxy design of the larger LX, but with a more modest grille and added rugged touches.
For example, a silver-coloured front skid plate can be seen, as well as more prominent roof rails and large, squared-off side mirrors reminiscent of a Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series.
The front bumper also features cut outs below Lexus’ spindle grille, either aiding airflow into the engine or designed to drain liquid from the bay after wading in deep water.
The GX’s full reveal is set for June 9 in the US, and though the model hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, the local Lexus arm is heavily teasing the rugged SUV for local-market consumption.
Lexus Australia has plans to launch three new models in the next 18 months, the first of which will be the LM people mover, while the other two are expected to be the recently-revealed LBX crossover and this GX.
This means the GX could even beat the new Toyota Prado to market, which is expected to be shown later in the year or early in 2024.
And while we know most details on the GX, the powertrains on offer are still shrouded in mystery.
Rumours start with the 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine borrowed from the updated Kluger, but even a hybrid version of the same motor is in the mix that could boost outputs to 253kW/542Nm as seen in the US-market Crown.
However, a revised version of the current Prado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine is also possible, boosted to 150kW/500Nm, while speculation also points to a detuned version of the LandCruiser 300 Series’ 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 as a possibility.
Of course, all is expected to be revealed later this week when the covers finally come off the hotly-anticipated Lexus GX.
Keyword: 2024 Lexus GX will be officially revealed before new Toyota Prado