Spy Shots: The Updated 2020 Lexus GX 460


The Lexus GX looks to be getting a update this year, and Motor1 has the first spy shots of the refreshed SUV — here’s a selection from their gallery:

The update centres around the front end, with a triple LED headlights straight from the LX flagship and a grille that’s difficult to discern. Inside, a new steering wheel appears to be the only difference:

Lexus GX Interior 2020

It’s a minor update by any stretch of the imagination, and the third iteration of an SUV that debuted in 2009. Even so, the GX sells well for Lexus in the USA, and this refresh could be enough to carry it through to a full next-generation model.

FeaturesLexus GX: Second GenerationSpy Shots
Comments
I told y'all! @Gecko, where u at LOL? We said it both, despite the offline cynics! Interior is unfortunate, but hopefully just a mule. And I was just in ATL too for my sister's PhD ceremony.


There's also another camouflaged Lexus or Toyota testing behind it in one photo. Unless the Highlander, what is it?
Carmaker1
I told y'all! @Gecko, where u at LOL? We said it both, despite the offline cynics! Interior is unfortunate, but hopefully just a mule. And I was just in ATL too for my sister's PhD ceremony.


There's also another camouflaged Lexus or Toyota testing behind it in one photo. Unless the Highlander, what is it?
If this refresh is only about new grill and headlights, I think this should be little embarrassing for Lexus.
Deusex
If this refresh is only about new grill and headlights, I think this should be little embarrassing for Lexus.
I would say that about any refresh. This is a ten-year old model, and a refresh means at least two more years of the same.

It’s all tied up with Toyota, the 4Runner/Land Cruiser have to get next generation models before we’ll see a new Lexus SUV.
Carmaker1
And I was just in ATL too for my sister's PhD ceremony.
You were in ATL and didn’t visit @Gecko?!?
They did managed, with the second CT facelift, make a gorgeous car despite their age, let's see this one.
krew
I would say that about any refresh. This is a ten-year old model, and a refresh means at least two more years of the same.

It’s all tied up with Toyota, the 4Runner/Land Cruiser have to get next generation models before we’ll see a new Lexus SUV.
I think it's more about TNGA than Toyota, specifically. It seems like what happened with the TNGA unibody applications will also happen for SUVs: Everything was fairly outdated, then in a span of two years we got Camry, Avalon, Corolla, Corolla hatch, ES, RX, Highlander, etc.

The BOF lineup is woefully outdated but between 2020 and 2022, we'll have Tundra, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, 4Runner, GX, LX, Tacoma and a few global models I can't think of.

"Hurry up and wait," comes to mind.

P.S. I have heard the next gen 4Runner family could consist of several models - four door, open top, possibly even two door/open top. We will see.
Will1991
They did managed, with the second CT facelift, make a gorgeous car despite their age, let's see this one.
Fully agree, the last CT facelift is indeed spot on!
Too bad that GX nor LX ever made it to Europe with an imaginary plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Would have been awesome!
The Toyota USA Newsroom's 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro news release and some commentary from CarsDirect offer some bits of information on the 2020 4Runner refresh which, in turn, offers up some hints on its fraternal Lexus twin, the GX.

While the 2020 4Runner's newly standard 8-inch touchscreen, Amazon Alexa compatibility and push-button start are already part of the current Lexus GX's suite of standard features, other 2020 4Runner upgrades that should make their way to the 2020 GX include a couple of extra rear USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and, most importantly, the long-overdue adaptation of Lexus Safety System+ (be it "regular" or 2.0) functionality.
When we went for UX training this past November, we asked the trainers if this was the last new model introduction for a while and they told us that probably the next time we would have to come in would be for the 2021 GX. So I'm assuming that the 2020 will be a slight facelift with an all new model to follow the next year.
Jezza819
When we went for UX training this past November, we asked the trainers if this was the last new model introduction for a while and they told us that probably the next time we would have to come in would be for the 2021 GX. So I'm assuming that the 2020 will be a slight facelift with an all new model to follow the next year.
Color me skeptical. Going by what Carmaker1 has posted here in the past, new generations of IS, NX and LX, plus the new LQ crossover are all due for a model year 2021 debut. The second refresh that the current GX and Toyota 4Runner are slated to receive this fall (2020 model year) is supposed to tide them over until all-new TNGA-F successors arrive for the 2023 model year.
Toyota will want to get at least 2 years out of a refresh, so I think 2022 as a 2023MY is the earliest we'll see an all-new GX.
Gecko
Toyota will want to get at least 2 years out of a refresh, so I think 2022 as a 2023MY is the earliest we'll see an all-new GX.
Exactly.
R
  • R
    RAL
  • May 8, 2019
Fine wine takes time ... but 13 years before a redesign? I hope the refresh involves more than just new headlights and steering wheel.
Jezza819
When we went for UX training this past November, we asked the trainers if this was the last new model introduction for a while and they told us that probably the next time we would have to come in would be for the 2021 GX. So I'm assuming that the 2020 will be a slight facelift with an all new model to follow the next year.
I think 2021 as a 2022 model year is absolute earliest we'll see a new GX -- like @Gecko said, a 2022 release is much more likely.

RAL
Fine wine takes time ... but 13 years before a redesign? I hope the refresh involves more than just new headlights and steering wheel.
I'm not writing this GX update off until I see it, but the RX refresh better be much more substantial than this.
S
Joaquin Ruhi
While the 2020 4Runner's newly standard 8-inch touchscreen, Amazon Alexa compatibility and push-button start are already part of the current Lexus GX's suite of standard features, other 2020 4Runner upgrades that should make their way to the 2020 GX include a couple of extra rear USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and, most importantly, the long-overdue adaptation of Lexus Safety System+ (be it "regular" or 2.0) functionality.
if I had to guess it will just be the Lexus Safety System +. Given the GX doesn't have electric power steering, It will most likely be the same system the LX has. LDA, PCS , DRCC and Intelligent High Beams. I would be really surprised if it had Apple carplay or android auto but some rear usb ports are way over due and expected.
Welcome, @SteveLR .
krew
I'm not writing this GX update off until I see it, but the RX refresh better be much more substantial than this.
Then I am afraid that you will be disappointed... ;)
Do you feel that the RX needs a bigger change than the traditional small bits of redesigned head- and taillights + bumperdetails?
Imho, the RX doesn't need a big update as it is only up to a facelift for the first time, whereas the GX deserves a complete new model design after its first facelift and the +10 years age... so a bit difficult to compare.
This will be the third product in line up that is over 10 years old. I am not aware of a single German high volume model that's been alive for that long in last 20 years yet this is a fourth Lexus model currently on sale that's well over 7 years old.
mediumhot
This will be the third product in line up that is over 10 years old. I am not aware of a single German high volume model that's been alive for that long in last 20 years yet there are four Lexus models currently on sale that are well over 7 years old.
I have to say, it's a pretty big turnoff seeing Toyota models enjoy more advanced technology and safety features than Lexus models (even years before). I love the brand, and the lineup has some compelling models, but it's hard to tell how much of a priority Lexus is for TMC.

On one hand, you have the LC, LS, the new global architecture, and a common theme of trying to innovate and develop compelling memorable vehicles, but then you see the (understandable) onslaught of minivans, CUVs, hatchbacks, which are very close to their down-market alternatives.

Now you're seeing Toyota models with some shared design elements with their upmarket brethren. I am not a fan at all of German manufacturers, but aside from a couple of models they currently have, unless they actually start bringing out some meaningful refreshes it's hard to be satisfied with these sorts of compromises.
I misread the thread title as GS460... I guess that's what my brain wanted to see.
Whoever did that render hasn't seen where Lexus design is going, because that ain't it.
I kinda like it... even thought the front end looks too similar to the LX
I kinda like it as well. Can't wait for the 2020 GX. I still like the four spoke steering wheel as I like to hold the wheel at 6 'o clock when I'm cruising down the freeway. With the three spoke steering wheel I'm forced to hold the wheel with both hands.

It's a great vehicle for what it is but has aged (aged well). I look forward to the 3GX.
Ian Schmidt
Whoever did that render hasn't seen where Lexus design is going, because that ain't it.
Can you expand you statement with details? I've heard the grill will resemble the UX pattern

L