Lexus announced a pair of new SUVs. In the foreseeable future, the next-gen GX is coming. Also, the all-new TX joins the family. The GX is one of the rare truck-based SUVs with a ladder frame. There are also many vehicles riding on the unibody architecture called SUVs, just because of their size. For example, RX or Toyota Highlander. Those vehicles are more suitable for hybrid configurations. But, the 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid is about to debut with the new generation of the SUV.
While there are no details about the all-new model, except it will be called the GX 550, we can compare it to other vehicles in the Toyota-Lexus family and make some conclusions. The 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid will be a truck-based SUV. It shares a platform with Tacoma pickup, which was recently announced with the I-Force Max drivetrain. Having in mind that engineers will certainly replace a V8 unit, this seems like a perfect upgrade.
2024 Lexus GX Hybrid I-Force Max
It is not official, but you can bet that the 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid is getting the new I-Force Max system. The SUV shares the platform with the Tacoma truck. The pickup is arriving as the all-new model for the 2024 season. The most recent teaser images showed the TRD Pro version and the I-Force Max badge. The bad thing is – we don’t know much further about the system for a mid-size truck and a mid-size luxury SUV.
The I-Force technology is already deployed on the Lexus LX 600 and Toyota Tundra. But, those are bigger vehicles with more powerful configurations. The base is a 3.4-liter V6 plant. The 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid should get something less potent since 437 hp is too much. So, instead of a 3.4-liter mill, we will probably see something smaller, but still capable of matching the performance of the outgoing V8. Again, we can compare old powertrains and notice the GX is getting a less powerful unit than the LX. That will be the case with an upcoming hybrid setup.
What Will Be Called?
The company already filed the registration of the GX 550 nameplate. So, it is obvious that big changes are coming, like those when the LX 570 was replaced with the LX 600. Now, the number in the name doesn’t show the displacement. Anyway, the LX dropped a big and inefficient 5.7-liter engine and now deploys a hybrid system. usually, such setups in the Lexus lineup held “h” in the end. So, the GX 550 is coming and the 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid might wear a 550h or 550+ badge. Or it can be just the GX 550, without the optional petrol engine.
2024 Lexus GX Hybrid Release Date
It is mid-2023 and time is ticking away for the next season. The company already announced the all-new GX. So, it is just a matter of time when will the next-gen luxury SUV debut and bring all the details we want to know. There are a few other interesting premieres upcoming – Toyota will launch Tacoma and 4Runner SUV. A thing in common for all three models – they will ride on the same platform.
From the perspective of popularity, the truck is the most important debut for the company. Also, the 4Runner has a wide base of fans crazy about off-road adventures. So, it leaves the 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid as probably the last vehicle from this family to be launched. But, from another perspective – it might come together with the pickup. Tacoma is already official, GX is teased, while the 4Runner is not confirmed yet by the Japanese carmaker.
We Were Waiting for the Third Generation for TOO LONG
It’s been a few years rumors about the all-new GX are swirling. The company finally decided to make a move and replace the J150 platform with the new one. The 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid will be a part of the third-gen SUV. There will be plenty of upgrades, not only under the hood, where the new, more efficient system is about to replace a thirsty V8. The redesign of the exterior and the revisit of the interior will make the GX an all-new SUV.
We can’t wait to see what it will look like. But, you can get some ideas by checking the latest debuts, such as Lexus LX, or Toyota Tacoma teaser images. Still, the GX 550 will arrive with a unique appearance and a lot of advanced options inside. The new vehicle is competing in a tough segment. Lincoln Aviator is already using a hybrid setup. Its mighty PHEV system delivers nearly 500 hp. German carmakers are veterans in this segment. New Range Rover Sport is also worth of mention, although the new generation debuted without a hybrid engine. Be sure, it will be out soon as well.