Is the Lexus GX front-wheel drive?
The Lexus GX is not front-wheel drive. In the current generation, the GX is designed around an all-wheel-drive system that powers all four wheels as needed, with torque distributed between front and rear axles rather than running primarily from the front. In major markets, there is no factory front-wheel-drive GX option.
How the GX’s drivetrain works
To understand the GX’s performance and capability, it helps to know how its drivetrain is configured and deployed across markets and model years.
Here are the core drivetrain characteristics you should know about the Lexus GX:
- Front-wheel-drive configuration is not offered on the GX in current markets; all versions use some form of all-wheel drive.
- The GX’s AWD/4WD system typically uses a center differential or transfer mechanism to route torque to the axle with traction needs, allowing stable on-road handling and improved off-road capability.
- Off-road and weather performance is supported by multiple drive modes and electronic traction aids that optimize power delivery to the wheels.
In practice, this means owners enjoy balanced traction across varying conditions without selecting a dedicated two-wheel-drive mode, which aligns with the GX’s emphasis on capability and stability rather than economy-focused front-wheel-drive efficiency.
Market availability and model-year notes
North America
In the United States and Canada, Lexus has marketed the GX exclusively with an all-wheel-drive setup in its current generation, underscoring its role as a rugged, family-friendly luxury SUV built to handle diverse road and weather scenarios.
Other markets
Globally, the GX lineage is generally offered with AWD configurations as the standard or sole option, reflecting the platform’s truck-based heritage and off-road orientation. While regional option sheets can vary, a front-wheel-drive GX is not the typical or advertised offering.
Summary
Bottom line: the Lexus GX is not front-wheel drive. It is built around an all-wheel-drive system designed to deliver confident traction in a range of conditions and terrains, with market variations focusing on AWD capability rather than a front-drive setup. If you’re evaluating the GX, expect AWD as the default and intended configuration across the current generation.
