The new Lexus GX has been confirmed for the Australian market. We can expect the new luxury 4×4 in the first half of 2024. And why is this important? Well, this will essentially be the bones of the next-generation Toyota Prado, rumoured to be dubbed the 250 Series.
Sure, the Prado won’t be as fancy as the Lexus offering, but in terms of a platform and styling cues, this is a damn good indicator as to what we’ll receive on Australian soil next year.
Seven seats
Naturally, the 2024 Lexus GX will offer 7-seats. However, there are reports that mid-row seating will be more modular and adaptable to modern families. Let’s be honest, the third-row seats in most four-wheel drives are for kids. Or unliked acquaintances. So it makes sense to focus on the middle row.
Lexus has said the middle row will be able to be configured as a trio of bench sears, or individual captain’s chairs. This is an exciting innovation for large modern families, who need their vehicle to be versatile day-to-day as well as for exploring on weekends.
Powerplant
The 2024 Lexus GX is set to be powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol-powered engine. 2024 Toyota Prado engine choices aren’t confirmed at the time of writing. However, it has been rumoured that the 2024 Toyota Prado will be powered by a 2.4L turbocharged petrol engine, and the same 1GD-FTV 2.8L turbo-diesel engine currently used in the 150 Series Prado. Hopefully with a little bit more power too.
Sadly, I hate to break it to you but I don’t see the Prado receiving the 3.3L twin-turbo diesel motor found in the 300 Series. Even though it would be sweet.
Styling
Obviously, this is subjective, but if the Prado looks like the Lexus GX, sign me up. I’ve seen plenty of comments online expressing the same sentiment. Some even went so far as to say it looks better than the 300 Series LandCruiser.
The boxy upright design has hints of the modern Land Rover Defender in it. But I don’t think it’s fair to compare the Lexus GX to any other four-wheel drive on the market just yet. It’s great to see a new generation Prado developed, however, with more than just a new name, an updated bumper bar, some interior tweaks and a flash new set of wheels.
So, it’s early days but we are so far excited to see this new platform in Australia. What’s your opinion? Do you like the look of the Lexus GX? Does it look better than the 300 Series? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
