When Lexus launched the GX back in 2003, I doubt that anyone on their team would have guessed it was destined to become one of the overland industry’s most popular platforms. It was comfortable, quiet, and refined, not the sort of vehicle you’d select to kick up dust on an old backroad. Yet enthusiasts all over North America embraced it, spawning a sub-culture of off-road Lexus SUVs that continues to flourish today. Now, 16 years later, the manufacturer is showing their appreciation by releasing an all-new GX concept inspired by those same enthusiasts. It’s called the GXOR (GX Off-Road), and it’s sporting one of the best arrays of parts we’ve seen from an OEM in some time.
At the core of this build is Icon Vehicle Dynamic’s 2.5-inch suspension system with compression damping control, remote reservoirs, and billet control arms. This gives the GXOR additional height and weight capacity while simultaneously improving the ride quality both on and off the road. Lexus F-Sport wheels maintain the clean factory look, but they’re wrapped in 275/70/R18 General Grabber X3s for a boost in durability and traction over the stock tires.
The armor package manages to be both subtle and extensive. In the front, a CBI custom stealth bumper houses a WARN 9.5 XPS winch, which is perfect for tasks ranging from recovery to clearing debris. Matching frame sliders protect the rocker panels, and full-length skid plates adorn the remaining undercarriage. Clean, dry air is provided by the Safari Snorkel raised air intake, while a Rigid 50-inch light bar gives the driver long-distance visibility on the darkest of nights. Moving toward the top of the truck you’ll find an Eezi-Awn K9 roof rack from Equipt Outfitters adorned with all the overland goodies you’d want such as a 160-watt panel from Overland Solar, Alu-Box cases for your gear, and MaxTrax recovery boards for when things go sideways.
The build is finished off with a world-class camping setup both inside and outside of the SUV. In the cargo section is a Goose Gear custom drawer system to keep all of your dry goods and equipment organized and secure. On top of that is a National Luna fridge/freezer, which maintains perishables and keeps your drinks frosty. Finally, a RedArc Tow-Pro brake control was installed to give the GX complete control over a Patriot Campers X1H trailer with matching wheels and tires.
So when can you order one from Lexus? Well, I’m sad to say that right now you can’t, at least not directly. The GXOR is a concept designed for the FJ Summit and intended to showcase what is possible with the GX platform and aftermarket support. So while you can’t order it as you see it here from the factory, you can buy a GX and equip it with all of these same components. And that’s good enough for us. After all, building your vehicle is half the fun, especially when you’re starting from a capable and reliable base designed by a company that’s actually listening to its customers. After seeing the GXOR, we’d say Lexus definitely qualifies, wouldn’t you?
