Lexus GX (J120)

Lexus GX
Overview
Manufacturer	Lexus (Toyota)
Also called	Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Production	2002–present
Model years	2003–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

First generation (J120)
Overview
Also called	Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J120)
Production	November 2002 – July 2009
Model years	2003–2009
Assembly	Japan: Tahara, Aichi (Tahara plant)
Designer	Shoichi Fujiyoshi (2000)
Powertrain
Engine	4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8
Transmission	5-speed A750F automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,789 mm (109.8 in)
Length	4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Width	1,880 mm (74.0 in)
Height	1,895 mm (74.6 in)
Curb weight	2,209 kg (4,871 lb)

Second generation (J150)
Overview
Also called	Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J150)
Production	November 2009 – present
Model years	2010–present
Assembly	Japan: Tahara, Aichi (Tahara plant)
Designer	Yuji Fujiwara (2007) Atsuichi Suga (facelift: 2011)
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 4.6 L 1UR-FE V8
Transmission	6-speed A760F automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,856 mm (191.2 in)
Width	1,933 mm (76.1 in)
Height	1,844 mm (72.6 in)
Curb weight	2,452 kg (5,405 lb)

The Lexus GX (Japanese: レクサス・GX, Rekusasu GX) is a luxury mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold in North American and Eurasian markets by Lexus. The name GX stands for Grand Crossover. Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. A five-speed automatic was always standard, as was a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. The 4.7-liter V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The firm next introduced the second generation model in 2009. Now badged GX 460 to reflect the switch to a 4.6-liter V8 engine, Lexus later released a lower displacement GX 400 in 2012 for the Chinese market, with a 4.0-liter V6 engine.

In the Lexus lineup, the GX is situated between its crossover counterpart, the RX, and the premium full-size LX. All GX production has occurred at the Tahara plant in Japan, alongside the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. In fact, both generations of the GX have been heavily based on the Prado, with updated frontal styling to better integrate with the Lexus design language. Elsewhere, the changes are less prominent and mainly restricted to minor trimmings, such as wheels and taillamp lenses inserts. The first generation interior largely mirrors that of the Toyota-badged version. The second generation interior has been further differentiated with fewer shared components.

Lexus introduced the GX 470 at the North American International Auto Show in January 2002 as a 2003 model, with sales commencing in November 2002. The GX development program began in 1999 following the J120 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in 1997, with design work by Shoichi Fujiyoshi concluding in the first half of 2000. Heavily based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J120), the GX and Prado shared a common platform, mechanicals, and bodyworks (except front-end), so therefore had common basic dimensions. Likewise, the interiors were much the same, with the Lexus receiving further premium touches when compared to the Toyota-badged version. Like the Prado, the GX design incorporated welded steel body-on-frame construction, an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, and permanent four-wheel drive with a center locking Torsen differential. The suspension shared its layout with the Toyota 4Runner equipped with the rear air suspension, while adding Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). AVS could adjust damper firmness continuously while DAC modulated descents down slopes. Power came from a 4.7-liter, 32-valve, four-cam 2UZ-FE V8 engine originally rated at 175 kW (235 hp) at 4,800 rpm and 434 N·m (320 lb·ft) of torque at 3,400 rpm. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 kg (5,000 lb) for the 2003 model year. Midway through the 2004 model year, the GX received an upgraded towing capacity of 2,900 kg (6,500 lb) with the addition of a much stronger frame-bolted tubular hitch. Ground clearance measured 211 millimetres (8.3 in), with an approach angle of 30° and a departure angle of 29° raised (25° normal). The GX 470 carried a drag coefficient of Cd=0.38.

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