2012 Lexus GX: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The most important change for the 2012 Lexus GX is that premium audio became standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with only a minor appearance update for the GX 460.

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About the 2012 Lexus GX

2nd generation (2010-2013 pre-refresh), third model year before the 2014 facelift

The GX is Lexus’ midsize, body-on-frame luxury SUV, positioned between the car-based RX and the larger LX. Lexus markets it as a rare mix of family comfort and real off-road ability: a quiet cabin, seating for seven, strong towing, and full-time 4WD with low-range hardware. Its main draw is simple: it gives buyers Lexus comfort and durability in a vehicle that can still handle trails, bad weather, and trailer duty better than most luxury crossovers.

The 2012 GX is a seven-seat luxury SUV built for family comfort and genuine trail use, with a V8, full-time four-wheel drive, and a low-range setting for difficult terrain. The GX 460 has heated and ventilated front seats and a power-folding third row, while the Premium adds softer ride-control hardware, upgraded leather, heated second-row seats, and three-zone climate control.

What changed, by category

Tech

Premium audio changed from optional to standard across the lineup.

Styling

The GX 460 gained chrome-accented body-side molding.

2012 Lexus GX specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Lexus GXGX 4601 in stock	2012 Lexus GXGX 460 Premium0 in stock
Engine	V8, 4.6 Liter	V8, 4.6 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft	Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas
MPG City	15 mpg	15 mpg
MPG Highway	20 mpg	20 mpg
Horsepower	301 hp	301 hp
Torque	329 lb-ft	329 lb-ft
Max Towing	6500 lb	6500 lb
Trunk/Cargo	91.9 cu-ft	91.9 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	29.3 in	29.3 in
Seats	7	7
Doors	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic High Beams
Driver Attention Assist Monitor
Lane Departure Warning
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Third Row Seat
Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2013 Lexus GX compares

The 2013 Lexus GX is a carryover year with no major changes. It keeps the same two trims, V8 powertrain, full-time four-wheel drive, styling, safety equipment, and cabin technology as the 2012 model.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Lexus GX a major update over the 2011 model?

No. The 2012 Lexus GX is mostly unchanged from 2011, with standard premium audio across the lineup and chrome-accented body-side molding added to the GX 460.

Did the 2012 Lexus GX get a new engine or four-wheel-drive system?

No. The 2012 GX retains its 4.6-liter V8, six-speed automatic transmission, and full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range setting and locking center differential.

What audio change did the 2012 Lexus GX receive?

Premium audio became standard across the 2012 Lexus GX lineup rather than remaining optional.

What changed on the 2012 Lexus GX 460 trim?

The GX 460 gained chrome-accented body-side molding for 2012. Its main mechanical features carried over unchanged.

How does the 2012 GX 460 Premium differ from the standard GX 460?

The 2012 GX 460 Premium adds upgraded leather, heated second-row seats, three-zone climate control, adaptive suspension, rear air suspension, and adjustable ride height while keeping the same V8 and full-time four-wheel-drive foundation.