New 2024 Toyota Prado vs New Lexus GX: SPEC BATTLE!

Positioned between the new RX and larger 300-based LX in the Lexus SUV range, the new seven-seat Lexus GX promises a versatile blend of performance and passenger comfort with off-road and towing ability thrown in.

Launching in the first half of 2024, this is the first time the GX will be offered locally, having been kept from Australia in its previous form.

Ideal for a family of adventurers, the GX is once again based on the iconic Toyota LandCruiser Prado – also entering its next generation soon.

While full specs and prices have not been revealed, we already know quite a bit about these important new vehicles. In this story, we run the ruler over both the upmarket Lexus GX and its close cousin, the more affordable – but likewise not yet released – Toyota Prado, to see what differences exist between the pair.

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First things first: obviously, the Lexus GX and Toyota Prado will not be direct competitors, with both having a role to play in the Toyota stable. The GX will be a premium offering, as befits its Lexus badge, while the Prado is a mainstream choice for the family wagon – or even a fleet workhorse.

Exact specifications, including trim features, kerb weights, towing capacity and of course pricing are yet to be confirmed for both the Lexus and the Toyota.

This article aims to examine the differences between the all-important new 2024 Prado and its new to Australia Lexus luxury variant, the GX. Let’s kick off with what makes these large SUVs tick…

JUMP AHEAD

• Dimensions
• Chassis and towing
• Engines
• Interior and cabin design
• Pricing

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Dimensions

Both the Lexus GX and Toyota Prado will share similar dimensions and, given they are built off an identical platform, they ride on the same 2850mm wheelbase.

Both the Lexus GX and 250 Series Prado have the spare tyre fitted under the floor, finally dispatching the old-school backdoor position still used by the current 150 Series Prado.

The New Prado boasts larger measurements than its predecessor all around: it is longer than the existing model and is also wider, slightly taller and rides on a longer wheelbase (which is shared with the 300 Series).

Lexus has not published dimensions for the GX, except for wheelbase. But, given the two models have the same platform and wheelbase, we can assume the other dimensions will be similar, if not the same.

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2024 Lexus GX vs Toyota Prado dimensions

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Chassis and Towing

The new GX and Prado use the same TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis that underpins the 300 Series, which Toyota claims is 50 per cent more rigid than the existing Prado 150, and overall vehicle rigidity is improved by 30 per cent.

Toyota also says the new, stiffer platform allows for better suspension performance, with the new model offering more wheel travel for off-roading, and better on-road handling and ride comfort.

The Prado will also benefit from Toyota's stabiliser-bar disconnect system at the front, along with the multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor systems we’re already familiar with.

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Electric-assist power steering will make its way to new Prado, and presumably also the GX.

Toyota notes this technology allows the inclusion of safety systems such as lane trace assist.

The Lexus will have double-wishbone front and four-link rigid axle rear suspension like the Prado, but the GX will have adaptive variable suspension (AVS) – a feature that may stand it apart from new Prado.

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The GX model line has not been detailed, but we do know there’s a model called Overtrail, which further enhances the new SUV's off-road capability – but with only five seats inside.

The Overtrail uses the E-KDSS suspension system to improve wheel articulation and ground contact when traversing tricky terrain, while the Multi-Terrain Select system offers six off-road drive modes (Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock) allowing drivers to maximise traction and performance on a wide range of surfaces

There's no confirmation on towing capacity, but given Toyota has already said the new model will have a better capacity than the existing generation's 3000kg, it is very likely both Prado and GX will share a maximum 3500kg capacity, matching the best in class.

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Engines

Under the bonnet of new Prado will be a 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, four-cylinder, mild-hybrid engine. This is the same 48-volt system going into upcoming Hilux models next year.

Power is sent to the wheels through a new 'Direct Shift 8AT' eight-speed auto.

We know the new Lexus GX will be offered in petrol V6 or hybrid forms, with a V6 confirmed as the initial powertrain locally. The petrol is a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid possibly offered later is likely to be the same system featured in the Prado.

Both powertrains use a full-time four-wheel drivetrain, with dual-range transfer case providing off-road gearing and also a locking centre differential.

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2024 Lexus GX vs Toyota Prado specifications

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Interior and Cabin Design

A big lift in cabin design sees the Prado offer a large centre console and a dash dominated by large screens.

Although we don’t know exact spec for the Prado (or GX), they both share a similar interior design. Toyota has paid attention to criticisms that manufacturers have included too many touch ‘buttons’ to be safe for drivers to use without causing distraction, so there are still plenty of actual button controls.

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The Lexus will have a 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system supporting the latest connectivity features and offering an intuitive user experience thanks to the layout and positioning of the switches and functions.

The GX is offered with seven seats available across three rows, with the second row able to be configured as a trio of bench seats or individual captain's chairs. As mentioned earlier, the Overtrail is a five-seater only.

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Pricing

More than likely the Prado will go up in price, and how much more of a premium Lexus will charge for the GX is unknown at this stage. However, bank on a starting price north of $70K for Prado and from $110K for GX.

The current Prado costs between $62,830 and $87,468 (plus on-road costs), so to speculate a rise up to around a $70K starting price is not unreasonable for an all-new platform with new tech, but of course we will update this when we receive actual pricing.

Estimating what Lexus will charge for the GX is more difficult, as it is a new model never in Australia. The Lexus RX series begins at $90,675 and tops out at $124,675 (all plus on-road costs) , so a starting price in about the middle of this range is a fair indication. Again, we will update when we know more.

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