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Does the Lexus GX come in V-6?

The latest Lexus GX is powered by a V6 engine—the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6—marking a shift from the older GX 460’s V8. In practice, this means today’s GX lineup does not use a V8 in its current generation, focusing instead on a modern V6 setup designed for better efficiency while preserving off-road capability.


Historically, the GX has evolved from a V8-powered model to a turbocharged V6 in its most recent redesign. Introduced in 2009, the GX 460 offered a 4.6-liter V8 and remained paired with rugged off-road systems. In 2024, Lexus unveiled a redesigned GX model (often referred to as the GX 550 in markets where it’s sold), adopting a twin-turbo V6 to address tightening fuel economy standards and emissions without sacrificing performance or capability.


Current engine lineup and performance


Engine options by generation:



  • GX 460 (2009–2023): 4.6-liter V8, about 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque.

  • GX 550 (2024–present): 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, around 349 horsepower and roughly 430 lb-ft of torque.


In practice, the newer GX uses a gasoline V6 with turbocharging to deliver robust off-road torque and better on-road efficiency, paired with a dependable automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive configuration designed for rugged use without the weight of a V8 powerplant.


What this means for buyers


Before the list, here’s what buyers typically consider when weighing the V6 GX against older V8 setups and competitors.



  • Performance and drivability: The V6 turbo setup delivers strong mid-range torque for confident highway merging and off-road scouting, with a smoother overall character than the older V8.

  • Fuel economy and emissions: The V6 generally offers improved efficiency and lower emissions compared with the older V8, aiding real-world fuel economy in mixed driving.

  • Towing and payload: Expected towing capacity remains solid for a mid-size luxury SUV (often around 6,000 pounds, depending on equipment and market), with a cargo-friendly interior.

  • Maintenance and reliability: Modern V6 twin-turbo engines bring advanced technology; maintenance costs can be higher than a naturally aspirated V6 but are typically competitive with peers in the segment.

  • Driving experience and sound: Turbocharged engines alter exhaust note and throttle feel compared with the traditional V8, offering a different but capable character for enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.


In short, the GX’s move to a V6 aligns with broader industry trends toward efficiency without sacrificing the model’s rugged capability and refinement. Buyers get modern turbocharged performance with Lexus reliability and a recognized off-road pedigree.


Summary


Yes—the Lexus GX currently comes with a V6 engine in its latest generation. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 replaces the older 4.6-liter V8 used in the preceding GX 460, delivering strong torque, competitive power, and improved efficiency while maintaining the GX’s renowned off-road capability. If you’re shopping for a GX, you’ll be looking at the V6-equipped 2024–present models rather than the older V8-powered setup.

Which Lexus SUV has a V6 engine?


The Lexus RX, LX, and GX are the SUV models that come with a V6 engine. The Lexus RX uses a 3.5L V6, the LX uses a twin-turbocharged V6, and the newest GX models use a 3.4L twin-turbo V6.
 

  • Lexus RX: Offers a standard 3.5L V6 engine, which produces up to 295 horsepower. 
  • Lexus LX: Features a twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers up to 409 horsepower. 
  • Lexus GX: The latest models are equipped with a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower. 



Is there a 6 cylinder Lexus GX?


Boasts 21 Highway MPG and 15 City MPG! This Lexus GX delivers a 3.4L V6 engine powering this Automatic transmission. Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars, Wireless Phone Connectivity, Wheels: 20 x 7.5J Aluminum Alloy.



What engine does a Lexus GX have?


The Lexus GX uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in recent models like the 2024 and 2025. This is a shift from the older 4.6-liter V8 engine, which produced 301 horsepower, and it offers a significant increase in both power and torque, improving the vehicle's towing capacity to up to 9,000 lbs.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the engine specifications of the Lexus GX 550: 38sAutomotiveWomanYouTube · Jun 23, 2025
Modern Lexus GX engines

  • Engine: 3.4L twin-turbo V6
  • Horsepower: 349 hp
  • Torque: 479 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 9,000 lbs 

Older Lexus GX engines
  • Engine: 4.6L V8 (in models like the 2023 GX)
  • Horsepower: 301 hp
  • Torque: 329 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 6,500 lbs 

This video compares the new and old Lexus GX engines: 37sAutomotivePressYouTube · Aug 2, 2025



Is Lexus GX V6 or V8?


For newer models (2024 and later), the Lexus GX comes with a twin-turbo V6, while older models (2023 and earlier) have a V8. The newer V6 provides more horsepower (349349349 hp) and torque (479479479 lb-ft), while the older V8 offers a naturally aspirated engine known for its smooth, quiet performance and proven reliability. 
You can watch this video to learn about the differences in performance and feel between the V6 and V8 engines: 1mAutomotivePressYouTube · Aug 2, 2025
Newer Lexus GX (V6)

  • Engine: Twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6
  • Horsepower: 349349349 hp
  • Torque: 479479479 lb-ft
  • Pros: More power and torque due to turbocharging, which can lead to better acceleration.
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Availability: Standard on 2024 and later models. 

Older Lexus GX (V8)
  • Engine: 4.6-liter V8
  • Horsepower: 301301301 hp
  • Torque: 329329329 lb-ft
  • Pros: Naturally aspirated (no turbo lag), very quiet, and known for long-term reliability.
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Availability: Standard on 2023 and earlier models.
  • Cons: Lower fuel economy compared to the V6, according to reviews. 

This video provides an in-depth review of the older model, focusing on its reliability and performance: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Jun 18, 2025
Which should you choose?
  • Choose the V6 if: You prioritize modern performance, power, and better fuel efficiency (though the V8 is also a gas guzzler). The V6 is the only option for brand-new models. 
  • Choose the V8 if: You prefer the smooth, quiet, and reliable performance of a naturally aspirated engine and are looking for a used model. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.