What year did Lexus GX come out?
The Lexus GX first appeared for the 2003 model year (the GX 470), with its public debut in 2002. Since then, the lineup has evolved through multiple generations and remains in production today.
Below is a concise timeline of the GX’s release history and how the current model fits into that lineage, followed by what buyers should know today.
Origins and milestones
Here are the major release milestones in the Lexus GX lineup, outlining how the model started and how it evolved across generations.
- First generation: GX 470 — introduced for the 2003 model year; publicly revealed in 2002. This initial SUV set the template for luxury off-road capability in the GX family.
- Second generation: GX 460 — introduced for the 2010 model year; first unveiled in 2009. This generation brought updated styling, tech, and refinement while continuing the GX’s off-road focus.
- Third generation: GX — introduced for the 2021 model year; debuted in 2020. This latest generation marked a substantial redesign with modernized interior tech and new platform elements.
In summary, the Lexus GX line began in the early 2000s with the GX 470 for the 2003 model year (unveiled in 2002) and has since evolved through two major redesigns to the current third-generation model that started with the 2021 model year.
Current generation: what buyers should know today
As of 2025, the GX is in its third generation, continuing to offer a blend of luxury and off-road capability. The third-generation model emphasizes more modern technology, updated styling, and improved on-road manners while preserving the GX’s traditional rugged character.
Third generation overview
The latest GX generation arrived for the 2021 model year, bringing a refreshed design, a more upscale interior, and updated safety and infotainment features. It remains a midsize SUV option that appeals to buyers seeking luxury with genuine off-road capability.
Summary
The Lexus GX first hit the market as the GX 470 for the 2003 model year (unveiled in 2002). Since then, it has progressed through two major generations and, as of today, sits in its third generation with the 2021 model year being the starting point of that latest redesign. The model continues to balance luxury comfort with off-road capability, adapting to new technology while preserving the SUV’s distinctive character.
