The next-generation Toyota Prado’s upmarket cousin, the Lexus GX, looks set for an Australian arrival next year as the premium brand teases the exterior design of the rugged 4×4 SUV.
With Lexus Australia releasing two images – a tightly-cropped shot of the headlight and rear badging – it seemingly confirms the GX’s arrival for Down Under, similar to the way the brand teased the Toyota Alphard-based LM people mover last month before confirming its imminent arrival upon reveal.
But what can we expect from the 2024 Lexus GX? Luckily, it is likely to borrow heavily from the new-generation Toyota Prado – a vehicle that has more than a few details rumoured.
Starting with the powertrain, it looks like there are various diesel and petrol engines in the mix for the Prado, including an updated and electrified version of the current 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that outputs 150kW/500Nm.
Another diesel option floating around is the LandCruiser 300 Series’ 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6, which punches out a sizeable 227kW/700Nm in the upper-large SUV, but will likely be detuned for the smaller Prado.
Japanese outlets are reporting the 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol from the Kluger seven-seater is also in the mix, as is the US-spec Toyota Crown’s Hybrid Max engine that features the same size engine as the Kluger, but adds an electric motor for a combined output of 253kW/542Nm.
Recent reports are also pointing to a version of the Tundra’s i-Force Max engine, a 326kW/790Nm hybrid 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, being a chance for the Prado.
And given the current second-generation GX, as well as the first-gen from 2002, are offered exclusively with petrol power, the third-gen 4×4 SUV will likely be offered with at least a few petrol options that are arguably more in line with Lexus’ premium brand.
Using the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Lexus LX as a guide, both cars share the same underpinnings and platform, but the former is offered exclusively with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo-diesel V6 in Australia, while the latter also has the option of a 305kW/650Nm 3.5-litre petrol V8.
Could the new-generation Prado and GX follow down the same path in Australia, with the Toyota serving up a diesel-only range for more mainstream buyers and the Lexus having an option for a petrol powertrain too?
Time will tell, but either way the Lexus GX is expected to be revealed later this year, while the Toyota Prado should break cover a little earlier.
Both models are expected to make it to Australia in 2024, and this would mark the first time the Lexus GX is offered Down Under.
Previous generations were sold mainly in the US and China, and styling borrowed heavily from the Toyota Prado, albeit with more upmarket touches and interior befitting the Lexus nameplate.
Keyword: Toyota Prado's fancy cousin coming to Australia? 2024 Lexus GX could be the ultimate luxury 4x4, taking aim at Land Rover Defender and Volvo XC90