2024 Lexus GX will launch in Australia with only one engine option as the fancy cousin to the Toyota Prado

Lexus Australia has confirmed the Toyota Prado-related GX off-road SUV for local consumption from the first half of next year, but it will go against the luxury brand's hybrid philosophy – at least initially.

While Lexus Australia serves up an electrified powertrain in almost all its models, ranging from the UX small SUV all the way up to the LC sports car, the GX will come to local showrooms initially with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.

Mated to the GX's 3.5-litre V6 is a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to all four wheels.

Lexus says that "this powertrain is best suited to the GX producing acceptable towing performance and all-terrain driving in all weather conditions", but there is also a hybrid four-cylinder engine available in overseas markets.

With Lexus Australia's sales hovering around 50 per cent hybrid, the luxury Japanese brand could very well bring the four-cylinder to market once the GX nameplate has been established.

Of note, the larger LX SUV is the only model in Lexus' current stable that does not offer either a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full-electric powertrain.

Mated to the GX’s 3.5-litre V6 is a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to all four wheels.

Crucially though, outputs for the GX engine have not been revealed, though the larger LX also makes use of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine, which punches out 305kW/650Nm.

Expect then, that the GX will offer a detuned version of the same engine to keep some distance between it and the LX that starts from $156,591 before on-road costs in petrol LX600 form.

The 2024 third-generation Lexus GX will be the first time the nameplate is offered in Australia.

But underneath, both the GX and LX share the same GA-F ladder-frame chassis, as well as an identical 2850mm wheelbase.

Other features on offer include three rows of seating (with the second row available with optional captain's chairs), a 14.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, and Lexus' Safety System+ advanced driver assistance suite.

Other features on offer include a 14.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, and Lexus’ Safety System+ advanced driver assistance suite.

Lexus will also offer a unique Overtrail variant of the GX, which further enhances its off-road capabilities thanks to a tricked-out E-KDSS suspension system, Multi-Terrain Select off-road drive modes and an exclusively five-seat interior configuration.

The 2024 third-generation Lexus GX will be the first time the nameplate is offered in Australia, which has in the past been available in North America and closely related to the popular Toyota Prado.