Lexus LandCruiser could be about to go hybrid: Land Rover Defender and Denza B5 rivalling GX550h on the cards thanks to new patent filings

Lexus has filed a patent overseas for a new variant of its boxy LandCruiser Prado-based GX off-roader, dubbed the GX550h.

Currently, the GX sold in Australia is distinct from the LandCruiser Prado, offering a 3.4-litre turbocharged petrol V6 instead of the Prado’s HiLux-soruced 2.4-litre diesel engine.

As a result, the Lexus has a clear power advantage, putting out 250kW/650Nm as opposed to the Prado’s 150kW/500Nm. Despite its distinct gearbox (the GX scores a 10-speed automatic compared to the Prado’s eight-speed unit), the GX is a thirsty vehicle, consuming a combined 12.3L/100km of minimum 95RON unleaded.

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This new patent filing over in the USA reveals the brand is considering a new hybrid variant of the GX, the GX550h. It is hard to say what this powertrain could be, as a ‘550h’ doesn’t currently exist in the Lexus line-up.

The closest engine is the hybrid LC 500h GT car, which is equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol (8GR-FXS - 220kW/350Nm) paired to a hybrid system, producing a combined 264kW, or the RX500h that uses the same naming convention, but has a different set-up, pairing a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed hybrid automatic transmission, producing a combined 273kW.

However, it’s possible the 550h could be a hybrid version of its turbocharged V6 petrol engine which has yet to be seen. US media points out a version of this set-up already exists in the left-hand drive LandCruiser 300 Series based LX700h, while locally a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol hybrid (V35A-FTS 290kW/649Nm) exists in the US-built Tundra with a combined 326kW mated to a 10-speed automatic.

A similar powertrain will soon join the LandCruiser 300-Series line-up for the flagship hybrid GR Sport and Sahara ZX variants. It is due in the first half of 2026 - but will only be offered in a five-seat layout. Figures like towing capacity, payload, and even fuel consumption are yet to be revealed for the larger LandCruiser.

2026 Lexus GX

It’s worth noting that our trademark search did not bring up a current trademark for GX500h in Australia, suggesting it may be a left-hand drive only proposition focused on the US market - at least for the time being.

The Lexus GX has moved 241 units in the first few months of 2026 - down 15.4 per cent year-on-year, and paling in comparison to the more pragmatic Prado’s 4515 units. Even the Prado is down 46 per cent for the year, however.

Lexus as a brand is down 14.6 per cent year-on-year and is facing fresh competition from new more premium players from China, like the increasingly popular Zeekr, which is up 768.2 per cent from a low base, and Denza, which has already moved 627 units in 2026 despite not existing in Australia last year.

In the case of the GX, many Chinese players will also be muscling in on what was once the turf of Japanese brands, Jeep and Land Rover, with hybrid offerings like the Denza B5 which will be followed-up by hybrid off-roaders from Geely, Chery, and GAC.