History of Lexus GX in Timeline

The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV sold by Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. It shares its platform and off-road capabilities with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and is marketed in North America and Eurasia.

1997: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Release

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which the GX is based on, was released in 1997.

1999: GX Development Program Initiation

The development program for the GX began in 1999, following the 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

2000: GX Design Finalization

The design of the GX, led by Shoichi Fujiyoshi, was finalized in the first half of 2000.

2001: Last Safety Risk Label by Consumer Reports

Prior to the 2010 GX 460, the last time Consumer Reports issued a "Don't buy, Safety Risk" label was in 2001, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

January 2002: GX 470 Debut at NAIAS

Lexus unveiled the GX 470 at the North American International Auto Show in January 2002 as a 2003 model.

November 2002: Sales Commencement of GX 470

Following its debut, sales of the GX 470 began in November 2002.

2002: Lexus GX 470 Introduction

In 2002, Lexus introduced the first-generation GX, named GX 470, marking its third SUV in the lineup. It featured a full-time four-wheel drive system and a 4.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the LX 470.

2003: GX 470 Transmission and KDSS Updates (2004 Model Year)

For the 2004 model year, the GX 470 received a sealed transmission unit and an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for improved off-road capability.

2003: GX 470 Early Features and Specifications

The 2003 GX 470 came equipped with features like Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and a 4.7-liter V8 engine. It had a towing capacity of 2,300 kg.

2003: GX 470 Earns Accolades

The Lexus GX 470 won the "Four Wheeler of the Year" award from Four Wheeler Magazine and the Automobile Magazine All-Star award in the Mid-Size Sport-Utility category in 2003.

2004: GX 470 Towing Capacity Upgrade

In 2004, the GX 470 received an upgraded towing capacity of 2,900 kg, thanks to a stronger frame-bolted tubular hitch.

2004: Safety Enhancements for GX 470

The 2004 GX 470 saw several safety upgrades, including roll-sensing side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring, and an optional rear backup camera.

2004: Engine Upgrade and Sport Model Introduction (2005 Model Year)

The 2005 GX 470's engine received a power boost to 201 kW (270 hp) with the addition of VVT-i, achieving ULEV II certification. A Sport model, featuring KDSS and styling enhancements, was also introduced.

2004: GX 470's Second Consecutive "Four Wheeler of the Year" Award

The GX 470 received the "Four Wheeler of the Year" award from Four Wheeler Magazine for the second year in a row in 2004.

2005: Engine Power Adjustment and Lexus Link (2006 Model Year)

Due to changes in SAE testing, the 2006 GX 470's engine power was slightly reduced to 196 kW (263 hp). Lexus Link telematics was introduced in North America.

2005: Enhanced Features for GX 470

In 2005, the GX 470 received an upgraded navigation system, Bluetooth compatibility, and expanded voice command capabilities.

2005: GX 470: Top-Ranked Premium Luxury SUV

J.D. Power and Associates ranked the GX 470 as the highest in initial quality among premium luxury SUVs in 2005.

2006: Best Resale Value Award

Kelley Blue Book awarded the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006.

2007: Cabin Electronics Upgrades

The 2007 GX 470 received upgrades primarily to its cabin electronics, including a new navigation system, an auxiliary input jack, and a larger optional rear entertainment screen.

2007: Styling Updates for GX 470 (2008 Model Year)

The 2008 GX 470 received styling updates, including a new grille, updated wheels, added chrome accents, revised turn signals, and new wood and body color options.

2008: No Notable Events

There were no significant events or updates for the Lexus GX in 2008.

November 2009: GX 460 Debut in China

The redesigned GX 460, featuring a new 4.6-liter V8 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and standard KDSS, was unveiled at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in November 2009.

2009: Second-Generation GX 460 Release

Lexus launched the second-generation GX, named GX 460, in 2009. The key change was the switch to a 4.6-liter V8 engine.

April 13, 2010: Consumer Reports Issues Safety Warning for GX 460

Consumer Reports issued a "Don't buy, Safety Risk" label for the 2010 GX 460 due to concerns over its vehicle stability control system during a "lift-off oversteer" test on April 13, 2010.

April 19, 2010: Voluntary Recall for GX 460

Following stability control concerns, Toyota issued a voluntary recall for the 2010 GX 460 on April 19, 2010, to update the vehicle stability control software.

May 7, 2010: Consumer Reports Lifts Safety Warning on GX 460

After Toyota addressed the stability control concerns, Consumer Reports lifted its "Don't buy, Safety Risk" label on the 2010 GX 460 on May 7, 2010.

May 28, 2012: GX 400 Replaces GX 460 in China

Lexus China announced the launch of the GX 400, replacing the GX 460 in the Chinese market on May 28, 2012. It featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.

2012: GX 400 Launch in China

In 2012, Lexus introduced a lower displacement model, the GX 400, specifically for the Chinese market. This model featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine.

September 2013: First Facelift and Price Reduction

In September 2013, the Lexus GX received its first facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with the signature Lexus spindle grille, new LED headlights, and standard LED daytime running lights. Additionally, the GX's price was reduced by $4,750 in the US market.

2015: GX and RX Size Comparison (2015-2022)

Interestingly, from 2015 to 2022, the RX was slightly longer and wider than the GX, despite the GX typically being the larger of the two.

November 2017: GX 400 Discontinued in China

The GX 400 was discontinued in the Chinese market in November 2017.

2022: End of GX and RX Size Anomaly

The size comparison anomaly between the GX and RX, where the RX was larger, ended in 2022.

June 2023: Third Generation GX Prototype Reveal

The third generation of the Lexus GX, known as the GX 550 and GX 550h, was unveiled as a prototype in June 2023. This iteration boasts a more rugged and boxy aesthetic compared to its predecessor and is constructed on the GA-F platform, which it shares with the J250 Land Cruiser Prado. Notably, this marks the first time the GX model will be officially available in Japan and Australia.

November 2023: Production Start of Third Generation GX

Production of the third generation Lexus GX commenced in November 2023.

2023: Third-Generation GX: GX 550 and GX 550h

The third generation of the GX debuted in 2023, featuring the GX 550 with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine and the GX 550h with a turbocharged hybrid electric 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.