What year did the Lexus GX get CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay first arrived on the Lexus GX for the U.S. market in the 2021 model year (cars released in 2020). This article traces how CarPlay rolled out across GX generations and markets, and what it means for owners today.
Timeline of CarPlay on the Lexus GX
Below is a concise milestone showing when CarPlay became available on the GX and how it progressed after its introduction.
- 2021 model year (released in 2020): Apple CarPlay was introduced to the GX 460 as part of a mid-cycle infotainment update in the United States. Earlier GX models did not offer CarPlay, and Android Auto was introduced in later updates.
In practice, this meant GX owners from 2021 onward could connect iPhones via CarPlay, with ongoing improvements in connectivity and features in subsequent model years.
Market variations and current status
CarPlay availability can vary by region and by the exact GX configuration. In the United States and many other markets, Apple CarPlay is standard on the latest GX generations, and wireless CarPlay is commonly supported on newer infotainment software versions and higher trims. Always check the specific model year and trim to confirm compatibility.
Summary: The Lexus GX began offering Apple CarPlay with the 2021 model year in the U.S., marking the entry of CarPlay into this SUV's tech package. Since then, CarPlay has become a standard feature in most markets and trims, with wireless CarPlay available on later models.
