Lexus may be developing a hybrid version of its GX550 luxury SUV, a move that would prioritize improved fuel efficiency amid rising global fuel costs, according to recent trademark filings.
The automaker has filed paperwork for the name “GX550h,” as reported by CarBuzz, suggesting that a more fuel-efficient variant of the off-road-focused SUV is in development. While Lexus has not confirmed details, the naming convention strongly indicates a hybrid powertrain rather than a performance-oriented upgrade.
Car and Driver, which first reported on the trademark, reached out to Lexus for clarification but has yet to receive an official response.
The current GX550 shares its platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser and is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Its Toyota counterpart uses a different hybrid-assisted setup based on a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Industry observers note that Lexus could take multiple approaches with a GX550h. One possibility is a hybridized version of the brand’s larger LX700h powertrain, which pairs an enhanced 3.4-liter V6 with an electric motor and produces up to 457 horsepower. Such a configuration would position the GX as a stronger competitor to high-performance rivals like the Land Rover Defender V8 models.
However, the “550h” designation suggests a more modest goal: improving efficiency rather than significantly increasing output. Analysts therefore expect Lexus may instead adopt a version of the Land Cruiser’s hybrid system or another efficiency-focused setup that maintains similar performance to the current GX while extending driving range between fuel stops. A slight power increase is still possible to differentiate it from the Toyota model.
Lexus has not announced a release timeline for the GX550h, but industry expectations suggest it could arrive within the next one to two years.
