Looking across the Lexus lineup, nearly every product line offers an F SPORT model, from the sporty IS to the mighty LX. Only four models don’t offer an F SPORT trim: LC, LM, LBX, and GX. One could argue the LC is already a sporty coupe so an F SPORT trim could be redundant, and certainly the yacht-turned-minivan LM doesn’t need a sporty model at all. The LBX has the racy RR Morizo trim, and we’re still not sure why that wasn’t called LBX F… but that brings us to the GX.
Lexus’ leaned heavily into the GX’s off-road legacy when revealing the third generation model and even launched the hardcore Overtrail trim with it, so at first glance, the case for an on-road focused GX might not make sense… Or does it?
The LX — which shares the same platform and many mechanicals with the GX — does have a very successful F SPORT trim, so a GX F SPORT might not be such a far-fetched idea. If you look outside of the Lexus’ stable for answers, it seems like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is sold almost exclusively in AMG trims, and it is also a boxy, body-on-frame traditional SUV fitted with on-road hardware. In fact, there have even been many direct comparisons between the GX and G-Wagon considering their similarities.
A theoretical GX F SPORT could borrow suspension bits from the LX F SPORT’s parts bin and add unique exterior trims like an F SPORT mesh grille, wheels, and badging.
Moving inside, with a GX F SPORT, Lexus could offer red or a lighter interior similar to the Birch offered in the TX 500h F SPORT Performance. The previous generation GX 460 offered a red interior option in later models that was very popular, so an F SPORT GX could be an opportunity to bring it back for the new model. This would expand the GX range with new trims and new color options that might appeal to new shoppers.
For buyers who have no intention of taking their GX off road, and who might appreciate a different aesthetic from the Overtrail models, a GX F SPORT might make for a very compelling addition. Like other models in the lineup, Lexus could offer different F SPORT visual or handling enhancements in different trims, or just package it as an all-or-nothing model similar to the LX 600 F SPORT. Either way, we think a GX F SPORT would be a very interesting addition to the lineup.
The question is: Should Lexus build it?
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