Kit Car Magazine

According to foreign media reports, Lexus plans to launch a new mid-size and large SUV based on Highlander platform, which will replace existing hardcore GX SUV. A set of imaginary images of Lexus TX, based on recently released Grand Highlander, was recently unveiled, showing what new car might look like, but it looks more like old Highlander.

The design of front uses a trapezoidal grille in Lexus family style, but unlike RX, grille is more like a closed structure with a louvered air intake, much like "Mobile Suit" in Japanese animation. "The headlights use thinner bulbs, lightning-shaped LED daytime running lights are similar to RX styling and have a pass-through LED light bar that is highly recognizable.

The side of X is basically a copy of Highlander. With exception of different wheel styles, difference from Highlander is limited to shape of front and rear lights. It is believed that production cars will also behave same, because they are same model, and appearance is unlikely to change much.

The design of rear of car is somewhat similar to that of Lincoln Aviator. The thru-type rear lights have a more concise shape. With exception of long LED light bar, there are almost no other creative designs. This design of rear seems less pretentious, even compared to Toyota version, this rear seems more casual.

In terms of power, a power system based on a 2.4t engine will be presented, including various solutions such as clean fuel, HEV and PEHV. The most powerful version of TX550h+ is expected to have a maximum output of more than 400 horsepower, and power performance is worth looking forward to. As for base version of 2.4T engine, the power will be adjusted accordingly according to various settings.

Overview

At present, it is not easy to draw a conclusion about a new car, because imaginary map itself is full of "moisture". Lexus is reportedly unlikely to ditch GX car series. Although current Toyota Prado successor model has always been a no-brainer, it's unlikely that a car company like Toyota will ditch hardcore off-road-focused GX and turn it into an urban-centric TX, and possibility of parallelizing two will be greater. Lexus has filed TX-related patents in North America and more news about vehicle is expected in 2023. The arrival of Lexus TX allows RX to focus more on five-seat models, as 7-seat version of current RX doesn't perform very well, and third row of seats is better than nothing. On other hand, due to Toyota Tacoma refresh, Prado and GX successor models are also expected to cover more market segments.