After almost a decade and a half, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 has finally arrived, and not a moment too soon. The 2024 GX embodies the long-awaited new generation of the brand’s body-on-frame, off-road-ready midsize luxury SUV. It’s been almost 15 years since Lexus rolled out a new GX, and the most recent iteration is a marked improvement over the outgoing version. But was it worth the wait? The answer is a resounding “YES!”
What’s new?
Almost everything is new on the 2024 Lexus GX, save the platform itself, which debuted on the current-gen LX 600. The 2024 GX rides on the TNGA-F platform like its similar and redesigned Land Cruiser cousin. The boxy styling is purposeful and attractive, offering better visibility and spatial awareness for drivers in on- and off-road situations. The first available engine is a potent 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, making 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque and ample towing capability (more on that later). A hybrid engine option is also expected later this year.
There are six available trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and all-new for Lexus: Overtrail and Overtrail+, each offering increasing levels of luxury and capability.
Also see: The 2024 Lexus RX review: The bestselling luxury SUV offers a serene ride and great resale value
Style and grace
While previous generations provided a more contoured exterior perfect for more conservative audiences, the new GX oozes machismo thanks to its aggressive and functional exterior. The windshield is more vertical due to the movement of the A-pillar and improves visibility in all driving situations. There are two vertical humps on the hood that line up perfectly with the wheels of the vehicle providing visual cues to the driver. To add to the rough-and-ready image, Lexus added wheel arch molding and running board options ranging from automatic retractable boards to available rock sliders.
The interior is unsurprisingly luxurious, with comfortable seats and quality materials throughout. Overtrail models get unique seats made from a memory foam-like material and are exceedingly comfortable in almost any situation. The 14-inch infotainment system has been positioned horizontally for better visibility and functionality on uneven terrain.
There’s plenty of room for your entire tribe as well, with Luxury and Premium trims offering room for up to seven passengers thanks to the retractable third row. That retractable row does take up precious cargo real estate, leaving only a sliver of space when fully deployed. Overtrail models, however, do not offer the retractable third row, leaving the cargo area with plenty of space for whatever you need for your next adventure.
Also see: The 2024 Infiniti QX80 review: the full-size luxury SUV has a smooth ride, V-8 engine and the lowest price in its class
On-road manners
Being behind the wheel of the GX is a pleasure like the rest of the Lexus lineup, where drivers are delivered a smooth ride and handling despite its body-on-frame architecture. Steering feels somewhat soft but is likely what most customers expect from a luxury vehicle. The different drive modes offer varying flavors and add to the experience, with Sport mode being surprisingly peppy and bringing the beefy GX from 0 to 60 in a spritely 6.5 seconds.
The GX also comes with a host of excellent safety and convenience features as part of the Lexus Safety+ 3.0 suite. This includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Emergency Driving Stop System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Plus: These are the SUVs that sold the most in 2023
Off-road prowess
The GX provides off-road capability by the heaps with plenty of features to get you to and from your next adventure easily. A full-time 4-wheel drive is standard across all trim levels, as is the limited-slip locking center differential. The off-road-focused Overtrail trims provide even more versatility thanks to an electronic locking center differential and Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension system, which unlocks the stabilizer bars and provides additional wheel articulation of up to 25 inches.
Avoiding off-road obstacles is no problem thanks to the Overtrail’s ample 8.9 inches of ground clearance (8.66 inches on Luxury and Premium trims). Approach angle is 26 degrees across trims, with departure angles as high as 23 degrees and breakover angles up to 24 degrees. Off-road travel is aided by the Multi-Terrain Select system, which provides nine different modes for whatever topography you might be facing. The high range has five modes (Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow), while the low range has four (Auto, Sand, Mud, and Rock). And just in case a stream or river needs fording, the GX can wade through up to 27.56 inches of water. Noah, eat your heart out.
Check out: The 2024 Lincoln Corsair review: luxurious, comfy, safe transportation that positively pampers
Towing capability
If on-road savvy and off-road poise weren’t enough, the GX offers outstanding towing capability. Luxury trims can tow as much as 8,020 pounds, with Luxury+ pulling a slightly lighter 7,800 pounds. Both Premium trims can lug as much as 9,063 pounds, while Overland trims can haul from 9,063 to 9,096 pounds.
Pricing
Given the capability, luxury, and style of the GX 550, the starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price with delivery processing and handling ($1,350) is a scant $64,250 for the Premium trim, and the Premium+ comes in at $69,250. The robust and trail-ready Overtrail starts at the same price as the Premium+, while the Overtrail+ ups the ante to $77,250. Finally, the Luxury trim matches the price of the Overtrail+, and the top-of-the-line Luxury+ pushes the ticket price to $81,250.
Also on MarketWatch: The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 finds a near-perfect balance between off-roader and luxury SUV
The wrap
Few vehicles come close to the 2024 GX 550 in terms of off-road capability, luxurious style, and practicality. It’s easy to drive and has all the features even the most discriminating overlander could want. I’m not sure how many Lexus customers plan to push their GX to its limit, but rest assured, they will get their money’s worth when they do. They say perfection takes time, and Lexus has indeed taken their time in offering the world an incredible new GX to go exploring in. And it has been worth every second.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
Read the full article here
