2024 Lexus GX 550
It’s been quite a while since Lexus updated their GX off-road luxury SUV. There was not a need to, thanks to its popularity among the overlanding set.
It is because of its overlanding prowess that brought Lexus back to the drawing board. This time, they wanted to create a vehicle that can do it all, while being more efficient and focused as a luxury off-roader.
Lexus delivered on a new 2024 GX. Built from the ground up and ready to tackle everything in its wake.
However, they needed the new GX to still be a Lexus. Delivering the brand’s luxury and performance benchmarks for a new generation model.
How did they do?
The 2024 GX continues with a tall profile that is easy to access from the surface. Running boards help in stepping into the GX's cabin without ruining the side profile. Doors open wide and glass is large and deep to see out of. Because of its overall height, you might appreciate the new design and how it evolved into fusing the brand’s newest design with the GX’s profile.
Our Premium+ tester adds 20-inch alloy wheels to finish up the exterior’s look. We also mention that the tailgate now opens upwards instead of off to the side as they have in earlier GX models.
The cabin is new, as well. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is fully customizable, as well as the head-up display. The new dashboard integrates the 14-inch infotainment touch screen with multiple connectivity options and is easier to use overall. The GX also offers plenty of tangible controls that are easy to use and understand.
The cabin itself offers a lot of space for adults to sit in the first two rows. The Nu-Luxe trimmed seats are big and comfortable up front. Second row room is exceptional with plenty of height to see over the driver.
The foldable third row offers limited space for small children. You can leave the third row down and utilize the huge cargo hold. You can access the cargo space through the rear door’s glass. That cargo area is ultimately expandable to 76.9 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded down.
Power for the GX comes from a 349-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 with 479 pound-feet of torque. It is a very smooth and powerful engine, capable of towing up to 9,041 pounds. A 10-speed automatic connects to the V8, sending power to all four wheels all the time through a TORSEN limited-slip differential.
Engine and driveline performance s greatly improved. The twin-turbo V6 provides the same smoothness as the previous V8. Shifts are also much smoother with the new 10-speed transmission. We also saw an improvement in fuel economy. Overall, we averaged 19.8 MPG in our care.
There is a vast improvement in the way this new GX drives. It is smooth, civilized, and well dampened to handle all road conditions, as well as roads that do not exist. You do get nominal roll and lean in the corners at speed. It is very stable, overall
The steering is connected to a good rack, which offers easy work for tight maneuvers. However, the GX has an excellent on-center feel that minimizes play when going down the middle of the lane. Brakes are quite good in both normal and panic stops, also.
Pricing for the 2024 GX 550 starts at $64,250. You have a choice of six trim levels available. Our Premium+ tester came with a sticker price of $71,455.
While we think that the Lexus GX is a unique offering among premium branded SUVs, you may be surprised that it has some company. Competitors include the Range Rover Sport, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE. BMW X5, Lincoln Aviator, Cadillac XT6, Acura MDX, Genesis GV80, and Infiniti QX60.
The Lexus GX is vastly improved vehicle that wants to go anywhere you can take it. If you want to go overlanding, Lexus offers the GX in an Overtrail model that can fulfill your mission with the right starting point of equipment, Otherwise, the GX is a nice vehicle to have if you aspire to do more than just go from point A to B.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
