News / 7 April 2025 / Michael Taylor

New Prado-based Lexus GX officially goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing

Lexus has officially launched the new GX in South Africa – a luxurious SUV that shares its underpinnings with the popular Toyota Prado.

The GX is now available in two specifications namely the Overtrail and SE, and prices start at R1,766,000.

Engine

The GX may be based on the Prado, but one crucial difference between the two vehicles is that the Lexus is powered by a petrol engine rather than a diesel one.

The powerplant in question is a 3.5-litre, turbocharged V6 block, which produces 260kW and 650Nm.

This is transmitted to all four corners via a permanent four-wheel-drive system mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The generous power output means the large SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a reasonably brisk 7.0 seconds, though the trade-off is that its fuel consumption works out to a thirsty 12.3l/100km.

Regarding its physical attributes, the 4×4 has a ground clearance of 220mm, an approach angle of 27 degrees, and a departure angle of 22 degrees.

The Overtrail specification additionally benefits from a rear differential lock and Lexus’ Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS).

The e-KDSS can disconnect the suspension stabilizer bars for better off-road articulation, and re-engage them for improved on-road handling.

This specification also receives hill-descent control, crawl control (off-road cruise control), and Toyota’s Multi-terrain Select tool with settings for Snow, Mud, Sand, Dirt, and Auto.

Both the Overtrail and SE, however, include six driving modes for Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort, and Custom.

Features

The two GX variations feature different styling cues and equipment to set them apart from one another.

The Overtrail comes with 18-inch alloys, standard side steps, black mirror caps and door handles, resin door scuff plates, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, synthetic leather upholstery, and a moonroof.

The SE, meanwhile, sports larger 22-inch rims, retractable side steps, colour-matching mirrors and handles, illuminated scuff plates, a digital rearview mirror, semi-aniline leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

By far the biggest differentiator, though, is the fact that the Overtrail is a five-seater, while the flagship SE can take up to seven people.

Standard kit found on all versions of the GX includes automatic LED lighting with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, an electric driver seat, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a fridge, a wireless charger, and an electric tailgate.

It also comes with a digital driver’s display, a heads-up display, and a 14-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and onboard navigation.

Furthermore, the Lexus is equipped with a driver assistance suite comprising adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-trace assist, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, hill-assist control, trailer sway control, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors.

The top-end SE also gets a few extra nice-to-haves, including adaptive high beams, a heated steering wheel, massage seats, second-row seat heating, a hands-free tailgate, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.