Is the Lexus GX based on the Prado?
The Lexus GX is a popular luxury SUV known for its rugged off-road capabilities and refined interior. Many car enthusiasts and potential buyers often wonder about its origins and whether it shares its platform with the Toyota Prado. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between these two vehicles and what it means for drivers.
The Shared Platform: Lexus GX and Toyota Prado
Yes, the Lexus GX is indeed based on the Toyota Prado. Both vehicles share the same platform, which is part of Toyota’s global strategy of creating versatile and reliable SUVs. The Toyota Prado, a member of the Land Cruiser family, is renowned for its durability and off-road prowess, and these qualities are carried over to the Lexus GX.
While the two vehicles share a foundation, the Lexus GX is designed to cater to a more premium market. It features a more luxurious interior, advanced technology, and a smoother ride, making it an excellent choice for those who want off-road capability without sacrificing comfort.
Key Differences Between the Lexus GX and Toyota Prado
Although the Lexus GX and Toyota Prado share a platform, there are several differences that set them apart:
- Design: The Lexus GX has a more upscale and distinctive exterior design, featuring the brand’s signature spindle grille and premium finishes.
- Interior: The GX offers a more luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems.
- Performance: The Lexus GX typically comes with a more powerful engine compared to the Prado, providing better on-road performance while maintaining off-road capability.
- Price: As a luxury vehicle, the Lexus GX is priced higher than the Toyota Prado, reflecting its premium features and branding.
Why Choose the Lexus GX?
The Lexus GX is an excellent choice for drivers who need a vehicle that can handle tough terrains but also want the comfort and sophistication of a luxury SUV. Its connection to the Toyota Prado ensures that it inherits the reliability and ruggedness of the Land Cruiser lineage, while Lexus’s attention to detail elevates the driving experience.
Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails, the Lexus GX offers a unique blend of capability and luxury that few SUVs can match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GX550 a Prado?
It's been a staple of the off-road scene in the United States for more than two decades (It's called overlanding over there), but Australia is only now getting our first taste of the 2025 Lexus GX550, a luxury take on the Toyota LandCruiser Prado.
Is a Lexus GX a Prado?
The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, from which it derives its off-road capability. Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup.
What Toyota is comparable to the Lexus GX 460?
Lexus GX 460 Engine & MPG. The 2022 Toyota Sequoia includes a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. In comparison, the Lexus GX 460 consists of a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine that combines with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What vehicle is the Lexus GX based on?
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, from which it derives its off-road capability.
What is the Lexus equivalent of a Prado?
Lexus GX
Are the Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser the same?
The GX uses a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, while the Land Cruiser goes the electrified route with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four paired with an electric motor. The Lexus offers 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the Land Cruiser trails just slightly, with 326 hp and 465 lb-ft.
What platform is the Lexus GX built on?
The GX550, chassis code J252, is built on the TNGA-F Platform shared with the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser, international Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, Tundra, Tacoma and Sequoia.
What is the US equivalent of the Toyota Prado?
It is marketed as the Land Cruiser 250 in Japan and simply the Land Cruiser in North America and some European countries. Some other markets such as Australia, China, Philippines, and other European countries retain the Land Cruiser Prado nameplate.
What is the US version of the Toyota Prado?
The J250 series Land Cruiser Prado was revealed on 2 August 2023. It is marketed as the Land Cruiser 250 in Japan and simply the Land Cruiser in North America and some European countries. Some other markets such as Australia, China, Philippines, and other European countries retain the Land Cruiser Prado nameplate.
Is the GX a Prado?
The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, from which it derives its off-road capability. Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. A full-time four-wheel drive system is standard with low-range gearing.
