Will these Lexus GX updates reach PH?

MANILA: Lexus has provided a mild lineup of updates for the GX sport utility vehicle (SUV) in North America. 

As the brand itself has said, the newer version has largely carried over most of the old one’s mechanical bits and on-board amenities, but it is touted to provide better usability on and off-road. 

Moreover, the brand’s North American arm also made tweaks to all model grades as well as some adjustments to its pricing. 

Are these upgrades worth it or are they underwhelming? What changes were made to the Lexus GX, exactly? Let’s find out here.

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What’s new?

To cut to the chase, Lexus made its SmartAccess four-door and power tailgate entry standard to all North American variants. In the pre-updated versions, only the GX entry-level Premium and base Overtrail didn’t come with SmartAccess sensors for all four doors. 

As a side note, the Overtrail+ isn’t sold locally, and we only get the base Overtrail. The currently locally available Premier, however, does come with this feature. 

For the unaware, the Lexus SmartAccess is a keyless entry and ignition system that allows for locking, unlocking, and remote starting without having to take the key fob out of your pocket or bag. Instead, it senses the key by proximity. 

Apart from the abovementioned feature, the model’s second row seats for all North American variants now get ventilation - a functionality that remained exclusive to the SUV’s front seats. 

Vehicle specifications

Apart from what was mentioned above, the 2027 model-year Lexus GX is mechanically and stylistically identical to its pre-updated version. 

Under its hood is a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that can produce up to 349 horsepower and 649 Newton-meters of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. 

The model is based on the GA-F platform that it shares with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. It has carried over a front double-wishbone and multi-link rear suspension, as well as an adaptive variable suspension (AVS) system. 

Related to the AVS are drive modes like normal, sport, and comfort. Depending on the mode, the SUV can vary its ride firmness.

Headlining the Lexus GX’s off-road capability are a full-time 4x4 system, a limited-slip differential, and a center locking differential. The GX Overtrail trims also get the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which delivers a balance of off-road capability and on-road handling stability.

Inside the Lexus GX is a three-row (two-row for Overtrail) seating layout equipped with a lush interior that combines sturdy materials and high-tech amenities. 

Positioned on its dashboard are a head-up display, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The said central infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Other noteworthy features of the Lexus GX include, but are not limited to: 

• Advanced driver-assist system
• 60:40 split-folding bench or captain’s chairs (second row)
• 120-volt alternating current (AC) converter socket
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• 21-piece Mark Levinson sound system
• Paddle shifters
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Automatic dual-zone climate control

Availability

In the North American markets, the updated Lexus GX starts at $68,335 (P4.287 million). It received a premium due to its added features. The Overtrail+ (which isn’t sold locally), saw the largest price hike at $1,565 (P98,293) for a 2027 model year price of P5.334 million. 

For reference, the Philippine-spec Lexus GX retails at P7.878 million for the Overland and P8.858 million for the Premier. 

On that note, some might lament the hefty price increases, given that the SUV has largely carried over most of its features. Sure, yearly price bumps are the norm for the automotive industry, but social media (mostly Reddit) have been expecting the Lexus GX hybrid for some time. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, after all, is already sold in other parts of the world with the electrified i-Force Max powertrain. 

So, would you want to see the updated Lexus GX reach the Philippine market? 

Also read:

All-new Lexus ES gets spotlight at The Podium this weekend

Lexus unveils updated NX

Lexus PH updates UX, unveils new RZ

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