The current Lexus GX inventory shortage is a double-edged sword for the brand. It’s good that the GX is selling so fast, but Lexus is missing out on some sales.

There’s no denying that the automotive industry can be fickle. One year, a small hybrid car is among the most popular vehicles, and during other years it’s a luxury SUV with plenty of power and off-road capabilities. Currently, Lexus is facing a problem most automakers would love to have; they can’t build the Lexus GX fast enough. This means impressive numbers as Lexus prepares to announce record sales again for 2025, but also that some sales could be missed because the GX isn’t sitting on the lot waiting for the right customer.

GX shortages cause unexpected luxury SUV wait times

Walk into a Lexus dealership looking for a GX, and you might leave with just a deposit receipt. The luxury SUV brand is closing out 2025 with record sales topping 360,000 vehicles, but popular models like the GX are practically ghosts on dealer lots. Some showrooms report less than three days of inventory nationwide, pushing buyers to pay sticker price and search dealerships in other states just to find one. The three-row TX and longtime favorite RX continue moving fast too, proving that Americans can’t get enough of Lexus SUVs right now. Production constraints from Japan aren’t helping matters, even as Toyota works to ramp up output.

How did they top the 2024 sales numbers?

Generally, when any company records its best year, especially in the entire history of a brand, the following year shows a slight downturn compared to the previous year. Although there is a Lexus GX inventory shortage, the expected figures from the brand for 2025 show an increase of 5% over 2024, which was the best year in the brand’s history. That is incredible, especially considering the limitations put on many foreign automakers thanks to the tariffs imposed by the federal government. Toyota luxury vehicle demand is at an all-time high, making Lexus nearly the best-selling luxury brand on the market, which won’t be solidified until the official numbers are released, but things look promising.

The Lexus GX inventory shortage among highly popular SUVs

Lexus is proof that American buyers are now more interested in SUVs than ever before. Currently, Lexus dealer inventory numbers are extremely low, which is good news for most dealers, but it can make selling vehicles challenging. Some customers might not want to wait for the GX and will look to the Lexus RX midsize SUV or boost the Lexus TX sales by turning to this relatively new and popular three-row SUV. During the first three quarters of 2025, the RX reached more than 80,000 units sold, and the TX was close to 40,000 units. Without the G on the lot, customers who want to drive away in a new vehicle will look to these two models to satisfy their desires.

The Lexus plan worked extremely well

Instead of going all-in on electric vehicles, as some brands did, Lexus focused on SUVs and hybrid powertrains. Currently, the lineup has seven SUVs for consumers to choose from, making it easy to find an SUV that meets your needs. Despite the Lexus GX inventory shortage, other models are available to purchase. Of course, shoppers who are set on driving the GX can put a deposit on the vehicle they want, choose the exact specifications desired, and wait for the production of that vehicle to arrive at their dealership.

The hybrid plan has been a big hit for Lexus drivers. Toyota ditched V8 engines a few years ago and continues to build strong powertrains using either twin-turbocharged V6 engines or hybrid models, or a combination of the two. The current Lexus LX comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain that delivers 457 horsepower and is much more efficient than the previous V8 models could ever offer.

The refreshed lineup leads to the Lexus GX inventory shortage

The short window of GX models on the lot (three days or less right now), is a sign of success for the brand and the vehicle. The GX and LX were aging platforms that have been revamped and revitalized with new hybrid technology, improved comfort, and impressive Lexus tech and safety items.

It seems Lexus is on the right track, and when production catches up with demand, the numbers for 2026 could dwarf the previous two years, showing strong brand presence for Toyota’s luxury arm.