10 Pivotal Moments in the History of the Lexus GX
From 2002 to 2024, here are the ten biggest milestone moments in the history of the Lexus GX.
Intro
The all-new Lexus GX 550 is here, and it looks fantastic. It is the newest variant of the GX that has now been with us for over twenty years. And this may be the most drastic update yet. For more on the new GX, don't miss our --
So, with that in mind, we thought we would take a look back at the ten most pivotal moments in the history of the Lexus GX line. Do you remember all these milestones? What do you think the GX will look like twenty years from now? We can’t predict the future, but we can look back at the past. Read on to discover everything significant that has happened to the GX since it was born.
10. 2002 – Debut of GX 470
This is when it all started. The GX 470 hit the road with a 4.7L V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. This was no lightweight crossover, the GX 470 was built to take on the trails. It had a multi-mode all-wheel drive system with a Torsen center differential and a two-speed transfer case with a 2.5:1 reduction gear. There were four drive modes, which included: 4HI with center differential open (AWD), 4HI with center differential locked (4WD), 4LO reduction gear with center differential open, and 4LO reduction gear with center differential locked. This was a serious machine from the start.
9. 2003 – Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
In 2003 Lexus made available the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), on the GX 470. This industry-leading technology offered electronically controlled sway resistance of the front and rear suspension anti-roll bars. In simple terms it helps reduce body roll on the road and provides better wheel articulation for off-road driving.
8. 2004 – V8 with VVT-i
In 2004 the 4.7L V8 that powered the GX 470 gained Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for increased efficiency and power. With variable valve timing, the valves are open for shorter periods during light acceleration or idling. In this case less air-fuel mixture goes into the engine and helps reduce emissions. When you are hard on the throttle and want maximum acceleration, the valves are open longer, so more air-fuel mixture feeds into the engine and increases power. VVT-i monitors these situations and decides when the best time is to open and close the valves.
7. 2010 – All-New GX 460
For the 2010 model year an all-new GX 460 was revealed. Even back in 2010 the traditional body-on-frame SUV was a dying breed, but Lexus bucked the trend with the GX 460. It was now powered by a 4.6L V8 engine that developed 301 horsepower. That was a healthy bump over the old 4.7L lump that put out 263 horsepower. It was heavy, and thirsty for fuel, but it offered a comfortable ride, and was as capable as ever when going off the beaten path or driving through snow.
6. 2013 – Spindle Grille and Tech Updates
In 2013 Lexus decided to bless the GX with the now familiar spindle grille. That may have been the most obvious change, but it was not the only one. The GX in 2013 also got LED lighting, trailer sway control and available blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. A new 8-inch multimedia touchscreen was also included.
5. 2018 – New Sport Design Package
In 2018 Lexus turned up the sportiness of the GX 460 by offering a new Sport Design Package. There was no extra power or any real improved performance, but the SUV certainly looked sportier with this option. The package came with a unique front bumper, front grille lower garnish, rear bumper spoiler, exclusive design exhaust tip, rear taillight graphic, redesigned side mirror cover, and gray metallic paint on 18-inch alloy wheels.
4. 2019 – GXOR Concept
The GXOR concept vehicle was the idea of the Lexus accessories marketing team to test the market for custom performance off-road accessories for the GX 460. Highlights of the GXOR include a 2-inch Bilstein suspension lift, F Sport alloy wheels with 33-inch tires, a heavy-duty roof rack and the third row was deleted for extra cargo space.
3. 2020 – Updated Styling
In 2020 the GX 460 received another styling update, inside and out. This included a revised spindle grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and new interior trims. A new Off-Road Package with multi-terrain select was also offered in 2020.
2. 2022 – Updated Interior and Multimedia
By 2022 the GX was getting a bit long in the tooth. Many still loved the traditional, old-school SUV, but it was far from the most modern SUV on the road. To hold it over until the GX 550 arrived, Lexus offered an updated multimedia and interior, including Gen 11 Lexus Multimedia with touchscreen and remote touchpad controller. The center stack and controls were redesigned, and the interior also got some updated ornamentation.
1. 2024 – All-New GX 550
Finally for 2024 we get an all-new GX 550. It keeps the body-on-frame structure but brings the GX into modern times. The look is more squared off and serious. The new Overtrail trims are more off-road focused than any GX in history. The interior is all-new and looks modern and rugged at the same time. Powering the new rig is a 3.4L twin turbo V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That engine is hooked up to a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission. The whole vehicle has been revamped and there is too much to list on a single slide. Look for our full review of the GX 550 very soon.
For more on the new GX, don't miss our --
Images: Lexus