2024 Lexus GX

The Lexus GX is a full-size luxury SUV that offers seating for up to seven passengers. It first came to market for the 2003 model year and entered its third generation for 2024. The last time the GX saw a significant update was for the  2010 model year. Following in the footsteps of the rest of the Lexus SUV lineup, the new GX gets a fresh look, more technology, a new powertrain, and the first ever Ovetrail off-road oriented models. The GX now comes standard with a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. That's an increase of 48 horsepower over the outgoing 4.6L V8. It is offered in six grades known as the GX 550 Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. It continues as a four-wheel drive body-on-frame SUV giving it significant capabilities off-road. Towing capacity has increased up to 9,096 lbs.

Prices start at $64,250 and climb to $81,250 for the Luxury+ model. The Lexus GX 550 competes against other luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lincoln Aviator, Infiniti QX80, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90. I spent a week in the GX 550 Luxury model that checked in at $71,455 and here's what stood out...

Exterior Style (+)
I was a fan of the old version but love the new model even more. The new design is fresh from every angle with a more aggressive off-road meets luxury style. The new profile is boxier all-around. From the front, it continues the Lexus spindle body concept with an all-new bold design that also aids in off-roading functionality. To achieve the grounded, stable stance, designers created a taut body with a wide track and fender flares, pulling the front pillar base to the rear. The overall width increases by 3.74 inches (Overtrail by 4.52 inches) compared to the previous-generation GX. Standard Triple-Beam LED headlamps and grille opening have been raised to help avoid impact and the front overhang has been decreased by 0.78 inches for improved clearance. From the side, you'll notice a lower beltline and improved ground clearance. Around back is an L-shaped LED light bar with L-E-X-U-S spelled across the center in lieu of the L emblem. Gone in the swing door hatch and in its place is a standard power liftgate with a pop-out window and an available kick sensor for hands-free convenience.

There are seven colors to choose from and the Overtrail models will also add the option of bi-tone combinations with black roofs. Wheel designs vary with each grade and range in size from the standard 20" six-twin spoke alloys in dark gray on the Premium mode up to 22" twelve-spoke forged alloys in dark gray/machined finish on Luxury + grades. Overtrail models get 18" six-spoke alloys with a matte gray finish wrapped in all-terrain tires.  Regardless of the grade you opt for, the new GX has great proportions and a new look that stands out.

Powertrain (+)
The well-loved, but inefficient 4.6L V8  is officially gone from the GX. In its place is a more fuel-efficient  3.4L twin-turbo V6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition to being more economical, it's also more powerful all around.  Lexus estimates a 0-60 MPH time of 6.5 seconds which is an entire second quicker than the previous model. It has plenty of juice for passing on the highway and does so with class. Four-wheel drive is standard, and it mates to a ten-speed automatic transmission. This is the most truck-like Lexus available providing a rougher ride than one might expect. As someone who owns a Toyota 4Runner, I really enjoyed its trucklike ride, but that may not be the case for everyone considering a Lexus.

It shifts smoothly between gears and handles the road well enough.  It's not as nimble as the RX,  but that's to be expected with a body-on-frame SUV.  Around town the GX feels nimbler than its predecessor and it's easier to park thanks to some new technologies and the change to the rear door/liftgate. There's noticeable body lean making you realize how tall it is. There also isn't much steering feedback and the ride quality isn't as smooth. Opt for models with the smaller wheel/tire package for the smoothest overall ride.  Overall, this is still a quality riding vehicle, you just need reasonable expectations.

Standard Capability (+)
Where it lacks in refined road manners, the GX excels in its capabilities. Towing capacity has increased from 6,500 pounds to 9,063 pounds. Towing is aided with Trailer Sway Control, a function of the Vehicle Stability Control that enhances straight-line tracking. With four-wheel drive standard and a Torsen torque-sensing limited slip locking center differential, it's highly capable of hitting the trails. The four-wheel drive system offers a low range for slow speed off-road driving, and the center differential can be electronically locked. The two-speed transfer case with low range is supported by a wide array of chassis control technology. With Downhill Assist Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Active Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control and available Crawl Control, the GX can roam unpaved roads, trails and steep inclines with confidence. The crawl control system works well to maintain a slow and steady speed over more demanding terrains. It allows the driver to focus on steering while the GX manages the speed and traction.  It comes with 8.9 inches of ground clearance, a 26-degree approach angle, 24-degree departure angle, and a 24-degree breakover angle. This Lexus can go where most other luxury SUVs can't.

For 2024, the Overtrail grades adopt a standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that provides a high level of balance between off-road drivability and on-road handling stability. This system locks and unlocks the front and rear stabilizer bars to assist with control and enhanced wheel articulation. Depending on driving conditions, speed, steering input and the Multi-Terrain Select setting chosen by the driver, the system can independently lock or unlock the front and rear stabilizer bars as needed. I had the chance to drive the Overtrail version on an off-road course and was impressed how well it handled. It forged through water, overcame boulders and climbed some fairly steep hills at the Midwest Automotive Media Association spring rally. It kept up with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco with ease. This is the one Lexus you don't have to feel bad about getting dirty!

Bonus Capability (+)
Also available on Luxury models is an off-road package that adds a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel tank protector, crawl control, and Multi-Terrain Select. Multi-Terrain Select allows you to choose from multiple surfaces with five modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud and Deep Snow to optimize drivability. This advanced system regulates wheelspin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and brakes, helping improve traction. With the Multi-Terrain Monitor and Panoramic View Monitors, front passengers can view front, rear, side and under (displaying terrain and tire location underneath your vehicle) camera views on the navigation screen, providing a full picture of your surroundings.

Fuel Economy (-)
When it arrived with a full 21.1-gallon tank it offered a range of around 430 miles under ideal conditions.  EPA estimates are 15 MPG in the  city and 21 MPG on the highway. It runs on premium 91 octane fuel and after a week of driving I averaged 19 MPG. While better than the previous model, these numbers are still below average for the class.

Interior (+)
Much like the outside, the interior also receives a major overhaul that feels much more premium and upscale. Sharing design cues with the new RX, the GX now as  a lower, horizontal instrument panel design that caters to the driver. It's a modern, open layout with touches of ruggedness and luxury throughout. Drivers will face an all-digital 12.3" instrument panel behind an updated steering wheel design. At the center of the dash is a standard 14" multimedia touchscreen display with the latest Lexus interface. While most controls are available within the touchscreen, there are also still a few physical buttons and dials for audio and climate. The center console is home to a traditional gear selector and a wireless charging pad.

There is ample passenger room in the first two rows with plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. The seats are supportive and comfortable. It can seat up to seven people with the standard second-row bench seat and six people with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows have comfortable adult-friendly seating, but the third row is short on space and best left for kids. Access to the third row is improved via the folding second row seats or between the captain's chairs.  The third-row seats fold flat providing additional cargo room. Note that the Overtrail models exclusively seat five passengers only.

Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, 8-way power adjustable seats and  front seats. Other available features include genuine leather, semi-aniline leather with massage functions, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power reclining and folding third-row seats, and a heated leather trimmed steering wheel.

Technology (+)
In addition to all the other big changes, the GX finally made its way to 2024 with fresh and current technology that is easy to use. The standard 14" infotainment touch screen integrated wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly. The screen is easy to read and intuitive to operate. There are six USB-C ports, a 10-speaker premium audio system, Lexus app, and intelligent assistant in which you can say "Hey Lexus" and give it various commands.  Also available is Drive Connect capability with cloud navigation and destination assist (via subscription) that is dependent on a 4G network. Within Drive Connect is an available Traffic Jam Assist feature, this technology can monitor surrounding traffic in condensed, low-speed driving situations on limited access highways and automatically move forward and brake as needed to keep a set following distance behind the preceding vehicle. In addition to providing hands-free steering assistance, this system is designed to automatically bring the vehicle to a complete stop, then resume its path of travel as forward traffic begins to move.

Sound can be upgraded to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson  Surround Sound system. It comes with a digital key for a 3-year trial period in which your phone can control the vehicle, but a subscription is required after the trial ends.  

 
Cargo (+/-)
The GX offers a meager 10.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row (primarily vertical space), down from 11.6 cubic feet. There is 40.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 76.9 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. Overtrail models get slightly more space with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.  The rear lift gate no longer opens like a hinged car door as Lexus changed it to a traditional power liftgate (per consumer demand). Additionally, the back glass in the liftgate does lift open separate from the door. The load floor is higher than other vehicles in the segment.

Safety (+)
All GX models are equipped with the Lexus Safety System 3.0 which includes the following driver assist features:

* Risk avoidance emergency steer assist
* Left turn oncoming vehicle detection/braking
* Right/left turn oncoming pedestrian detection/braking
* Dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management
* Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
* All-Speed dynamic radar cruise control
* Lane tracing assist
* Lane departure alert with steering assist
* Intelligent high beams
* Road sign assist
* Blind spot monitor w/rear cross traffic alert
* Emergency driving stop system
* Proactive drive assist

Other available features include a surround-view parking camera system, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane change assist, driver attention monitor,  a digital rear-view mirror, and front cross-traffic alert.

Final Statement
The GX has grown up significantly, but still likes to play in the mud. With two primary grades that focus on either luxury or off-road, you can personalize your GX style. The new V6 powertrain is more powerful all around to deliver a better-quality driving experience. I was, however, disappointed that fuel economy wasn't better. Inside you'll find fresh technology that is intuitive and seating that is plush and comfortable (at least the first two rows). I think Lexus did an amazing job with this full redesign that will broaden the appeal of the GX. I was a fan of the previous version but will definitely consider purchasing this as a next family vehicle.

First Impression Summary:

Test Vehicle: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium +
Exterior Color: Nightfall Mica
Interior Color: Dapple Gray Leather
Options: Head-up Display ($900), Cold Area Package ($200), Digital Key ($375), Tonneau Cover ($110), Traffic Jam Assist ($620)
MSRP as tested: $71,455 (With Delivery/Destination)

Pros: All-new styling inside & out, Overtrail trim & capability, powerful V6, updated technology
Cons: Below average fuel economy, minimal cargo behind the 3rd row