2024 Lexus GX 3.4L V6 Turbo Engine (V35A-FTS): Problems, Longevity, and Specs

In 2024, the new generation of the Lexus GX appeared in the US. Its box-shaped design and rugged style have been a hot topic for discussion among car experts and enthusiasts for a long time, now we see that the luxury segment is slowly moving in this direction and it's not only about Lexus.

In this article, I'm going to tell you about the 3.4L V6 Turbo engine that is a good substitution for a retired 1UR-FE V8 Toyota engine from the previous generation of the GX. Unfortunately, as of now, the US market doesn't get the 2.4-liter hybrid option. The only available engine is the V35A-FTS twin-turbo machine which looks pretty nice.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2017-2024
• Average lifespan of V35A-FTS:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:combined injection (D4-ST)
• Power range:350-420 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:phasers will obviously cause problems, the timing chain won't live long, you need only premium quality fuel.

What should you know about the Lexus GX new engine?

There is s serious misunderstanding about the displacement of the engine, so some journalists call it 3.5L while it's actually 3.4L having 3,444 cc of real-life displacement.

The engine is not new, it was first introduced in the 2017 Lexus LS500. This is probably one of the less popular Toyota engines but it's certainly worth your attention.

As of now, it has been used in the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Tundra, and Sequoia. Also, Lexus LS and LX have been using this engine among some other available options. So, we already know enough about it.

The model was created to eventually substitute every single Toyota V8 engine in all models of the company. And here's what you should know about it:

• this is the decent V6 engine with 3.4 liters of displacement that develops 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft - even more than the previous V8;
• the engine is equipped with a twin-turbo system where two turbochargers make it more powerful and improve its torque;
• the engine offers the D4ST injection system which is the direct injection with additional port injectors to avoid carbon buildup;
• the engine is all-aluminum, it has phasers on both intake and exhaust camshafts, the timing system is driven by chain;
• this is not a really fuel-efficient machine - the average gas mileage is rated at 17 MPG which is not much better than with the V8;
• the engine is powered by the 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission

This engine serves as a base for hybrid powertrain in the Tundra and Sequoia. But I can't see the hybrid coming to the US right now. Also, in some markets, the new GX is available with the 2.4L hybrid engine which would probably be pretty interesting for the US. But somehow Lexus doesn't offer it here.

Compared to the older V8 engine which was pretty outdated and needed a change, the new V6 twin-turbo machine looks great. It offers more power, higher torque, and also great towing capacity of over 9000 pounds. But I expected this engine to show better fuel efficiency. And maybe the transmission is still causing some questions.

How many miles will this engine cover?

In my opinion, the V35A-FTS engine has the juice to cover over 200,000 miles if it's driven carefully and maintained well. The manufacturer didn't compromise quality for the sake of fuel consumption or some other factors.

But marketing can kill the engine, anyway. It doesn't seem right to tow 9000 pounds with such an engine. Also, when you look at the transmission, you understand that it will suffer under such loads.

The engine itself can run long enough and cause zero problems. Of course, after it reaches about 100,000 miles, you will need to pay attention to different things like complicated injection systems and also timing chain. But it should still run well.

One of my friends called me when he first saw the specs of the GX and said "Have you seen their dual-clutch transmission in the new GX?!" I sprinkled tea onto my computer and after cleaning it, understood that my friend was caught with the phrase "Direct Shift". No, it's not the dual-clutch - it's the simple conventional automatic transmission. But it still comes with some surprises.

Three things will let this transmission last longer than you need: good cooling, good fluid, and low towing weight.

So, the engine-transmission couple will easily last 200,000 miles if not killed on purpose. But maintenance is extremely important.

What are the possible problems with the new GX engine?

So, the engine has been here for over 7 years now since its first debut in the LS sedan. What do we know about its problems? Not a lot.

Fortunately, owners are more than happy with this machine and they only report some minor issues that don't affect overall longevity or experience with this engine.

Still, let's look at some potential issues:

1) The complicated injection problems

While the D4ST injection system is really good and durable, it requires only high-quality and clean fuel. Otherwise, the expensive injectors will refuse to work and you will have to pay thousands for repair.

Also, the fuel pumps are very expensive and almost impossible to repair. If they fail because of fuel quality, you will need to shell out a ton of money for replacement.

2) Turbocharger concerns

The new turbo system offers two parallel turbos working with electronically controlled wastegates. This releases the potential load and energy loss but it's a pretty weak link in the overall reliable system.

Once the control modules or actuators fail, your turbocharger will stop blowing air into the combustion chamber and this will lead to a load of lights and warning messages popping up on the dash and probably limp mode activating.

3) Poor maintenance issue

The warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles. Once you cross one of these thresholds, your warranty is over and you may decide that dealership maintenance is not for you. It's expensive, even the oil itself is three times more expensive than a good oil from some other brand.

But be careful if you decide to service and maintain the vehicle in some other place. The turbos and the variable valve systems require proper lubrication. If one single parameter of the oil is wrong, the engine may eventually die.

Also, don't forget to change oil and filters regularly.

What should you do to prolong the life of the GX engine?

So, the new GX offers a pretty technological and overall great engine - V35A-FTS. But how many miles it will go depends purely on your use and maintenance.

Here's what you should remember:

• use only premium fuel from reputable gas stations;
• change oil and filters according to the intervals or even sooner than stated;
• after about 50,000 miles, ask mechanics for an engine checkup to make sure everything is good;
• after 100,000 miles, check the timing chain - you may need to install a new kit at this time;
• don't ignore any warning lights or error messages - Lexus almost never throws them just for fun;
• avoid towing anything heavier than 6,000 pounds even though Lexus advertises higher capacity.

This is it. Other than that, you will just remember to enjoy your driving. I should say that the GX V6 engine is one of the few really good gas engines that are left on the market right now. And I can recommend it, unlike many other engines offered by many manufacturers, including Toyota and Lexus.

Do you have experience with the V35A-FTS engine? Please share it in the comments below to let other car enthusiasts know!