It’s remarkable how the Lexus GX has persisted without a total redesign since 2009. Despite undergoing some cosmetic enhancements over the years, Lexus has now unveiled the completely new GX, rebranded as the GX 550, after a span of fifteen years.
While monocoque SUVs have become standard, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 remains committed to its body-on-frame architecture, staying true to its focus on off-road capabilities. The fresh GX showcases a rugged SUV appearance, highlighting its off-road performance. Lexus has stressed that the arrival of the monocoque three-row TX crossover has allowed the GX to concentrate more on its rugged essence without sacrificing its appeal to families searching for a smoother ride in a mid-sized SUV.
The GX 550 exhibits a more angular look in comparison to its forerunner, incorporating creases on the hood intended to indicate the positioning of the front wheels, assisting drivers when navigating rocky terrains or obstacles.
The 2024 GX is constructed on the new GA-F platform, the same body-on-frame base utilized by the Lexus LX 600, Toyota Sequoia, Tundra, Tacoma, and the latest Land Cruiser. The GX bears a notable resemblance to the 2024 Land Cruiser.
The outdated V8 engine with just 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission in the previous GX 460, has been substituted by a more contemporary 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, providing 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The new GX 550 also incorporates a 10-speed automatic gearbox and an increased towing capacity exceeding 9,000 pounds, along with enhanced fuel efficiency boasting a rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.
The new V6 engine delivers improved performance, decreased turbo lag, and a more responsive electric power steering system, upgrading the powertrain. Significantly, the Lexus GX 550 is propelled by a V6 engine, while the latest Land Cruiser adopts a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid power unit.
Being a legitimate off-roader, the GX comes equipped with permanent 4WD and a locking center differential with limited-slip functionality. The Overtail and Overtail+ trims feature a locking rear differential that evenly distributes torque between the rear wheels. Shifting between 4Hi and 4Lo modes now occurs faster, although the transition still necessitates stopping and shifting the transmission to neutral.
The GX features a 360-degree camera system presenting various perspectives under the vehicle or a split view providing enhanced visibility of the surroundings.
The Overtrail models also offer an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that automatically engages and disengages the front and rear stabilizer bars based on the requirement for improved wheel articulation. Lexus has developed an off-road track to demonstrate the capabilities of the GX, and the vehicle adeptly conquered the demanding terrain while preserving cabin comfort.
The interior of the GX 550 mirrors other Lexus models but contains a dashboard oriented horizontally to offer better road visibility for the driver. The dashboard accommodates a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in front of the driver, along with an optional head-up display. The infotainment system, also common in other Lexus and Toyota models, retains physical knobs for frequently used functions like air conditioning and audio volume.
The overall interior design might seem less captivating than the exterior, especially with the option of a full black interior, but there are attractive two-tone selections available. A standard-sized moonroof illuminates the cabin, while a panoramic sunroof is optionally provided.
The GX continues to offer three rows of seating on specific trim levels, with the second row offered as a bench or captain’s chairs. The third-row seats are somewhat confined, prompting users needing more space to consider the TX crossover model.
Pricing for the 2024 GX 550 starts from $65,600 for the base Premium trim and extends up to $82,600 for the top-tier Luxury+ variant, with the Overtrail variant commencing at $70,600.
The primary rival to the GX 550 is the Land Rover Defender, with the four-door variant equipped with a four-cylinder engine starting at $62,075.
Lexus anticipates selling 33,000 GX 550 SUVs in 2024, aligning with the figures from 2023. The limited supply is likely due to manufacturing limitations rather than actual demand, as the reaction to the new GX has been exceedingly positive. Overall, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 distinguishes itself in the midsize luxury SUV category with its tough exterior and unmatched capability, setting it apart from many of its competitors.
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