Lexus has made running changes to the GX and put the updated model on sale through its Japanese dealers on September 24. The body-on-frame SUV has been sold since 2002, first and foremost in North America, and now reaches about 30 countries and regions.
The latest update is aimed at the OVERTRAIL+ grade and ties into what Lexus calls “Lexus Driving Signature,” its shorthand for a clean, deep driving feel that it says it keeps raising across every model.
Suspension and Steering Retuned
Engineers revised the control logic of the Adaptive Variable Suspension system (AVS) to reduce body movement on paved roads, without giving up off-road ability.
Changes to the electric power steering (EPS) calibration make the GX easier to place at low speed and improve line tracing on motorways and twisting roads. Lexus says the result is a more supple and reassuring ride across a wide range of surfaces.
Bigger Tires, Higher Ground Clearance
The OVERTRAIL+ moves from 265/65R18 to 265/70R18 tires, which increases overall tire diameter. Lexus paired that with greater ground clearance to help on punishing terrain such as rocky trails.
Block patterns on the sidewalls give the tire a bolder look, while a reworked tire structure and tread pattern are meant to keep road noise down. The new 265/70R18 116H tires sit on 18 x 7.5J aluminium wheels finished in matte grey.
Second-Row Comfort and Pricing
Every GX now comes with seat ventilation for the second row as standard. In Japan, the GX550 is powered by the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 (V35A-FTS) with a Direct Shift-10AT transmission and all-wheel drive. Prices including 10 percent consumption tax are ¥13,150,000 for the version L and ¥12,400,000 for the OVERTRAIL+.