Lexus refreshes GX (Toyota Prado in SA) for 2020 model year

Sold as the Toyota Prado in SA and very popular in the North American and Eurasian markets, the Lexus GX slots between the RX crossover and the premium full-size, off-road capable LX SUV.

Lexus has given the GX SUV a refresh for the 2020 model year and while the model spawns a bigger grille, its new pattern does make it more imposing and further accentuates the sheer size of the web-like pattern carrying a plethora of “L” motifs.

Lexus says it made these changes to bring the 2020 GX in line with other recent products, which is why those LED headlights also have a more modern look. According to our close sources, the refreshed GX will be offered with an optional Sport Design Package for Premium and Luxury trims.

It will boast a slightly more aggressive body and 19-inch wheels finished in gunmetal metallic. Other goodies bundled with the pack include a bespoke lower front grille surround, different side mirror caps, a black finish for the exhaust tip, and a scarlet look for the taillights.

It will also come with an off-road package for the Luxury trim and the package adds lots of cameras, a fuel tank protector, transmission cooler, and Multi-Terrain Select.

There are driving modes to suit the terrain you are driving on; sand, mud and off-road.  There’s also Craw Control ideal for low-speed off-roading experiences by automatically maintaining a steady pace while the SUV’s gearbox is in low range.

The new Lexus GX 460 trim comes with a 4.6-litre V8 engine developing 224 kW of power and 446 Nm of torque. All that amount of power is sent to all four corners via a four-wheel-drive system through a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission.

For the 2020 model year, the GX is getting the Lexus Safety System+ as standard equipment across the range, so even the base version has things like lane departure alert, pre-collision system with pedestrian protection, radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. Speaking of tech, there are now two extra USB ports in the back, thus bringing the grand total to four.

Sadly, the GX is not sold in SA.