It’s amazing how the Lexus GX has gone without a redesign since 2009. Despite some styling updates over the years, fifteen years later Lexus has finally unveiled the all-new GX, rebranded as the GX 550.
While unibody SUVs have become the norm, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 remains true to its body-on-frame platform, staying loyal to its off-road focused mission. The new GX boasts a rugged SUV look, reflecting its off-road capabilities. Lexus has emphasized that the introduction of the unibody three-row TX crossover has freed the GX to focus more on its rugged nature without compromising its appeal to families seeking a softer ride in a midsize SUV.
The GX 550 sports a squarer appearance compared to its predecessor, featuring hood creases designed to indicate the front wheel placement, aiding drivers when traversing rocky terrain or obstacles.
The 2024 GX is built on the new GA-F platform, the same body-on-frame platform utilized by the Lexus LX 600, Toyota Sequoia, Tundra, Tacoma, and the new Land Cruiser. The GX shares a significant resemblance to the 2024 Land Cruiser.
The outdated V8 engine with only 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic in the outgoing GX 460, has been replaced by a more modern 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The new GX 550 also features a 10-speed automatic transmission and an increased towing capacity of over 9,000 pounds, as well as improved fuel efficiency with a 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined rating.
The new V6 engine provides improved performance, reduced turbo lag, and a more responsive electric power steering system, modernizing the powertrain. Notably, the Lexus GX 550 is powered by a V6, while the new Land Cruiser adopts a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
As a true off-roader, the GX comes standard with full-time 4WD and a limited-slip locking center differential. The Overtail and Overtail+ trim levels are equipped with a locking rear differential, distributing torque evenly between the rear wheels. Switching between 4Hi and 4Lo modes is now quicker, although transitioning still requires stopping and putting the transmission in neutral.
The GX features a 360-degree camera system providing various viewpoints underneath the vehicle or a split view offering enhanced visibility of the surroundings.
The Overtrail models also offer an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that automatically locks and unlocks the front and rear stabilizer bars based on the need for increased wheel articulation. An off-road course was designed by Lexus to showcase the GX’s capability, and the vehicle effortlessly conquered the challenging terrain while maintaining cabin comfort.
The interior of the GX 550 resembles other Lexus models but includes a horizontally oriented dashboard to provide improved road visibility for the driver. The dashboard houses a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in front of the driver, with an optional head-up display. The infotainment system, also used in other Lexus and Toyota models, retains physical dials for frequently used controls such as air conditioning and audio volume.
The overall interior design may feel less exciting than the exterior, particularly with the full black interior option, but there are appealing two-tone choices available. A standard-sized moonroof brightens the cabin, and a panoramic sunroof is also offered.
The GX continues to offer three rows of seats on certain trim levels, with the second row available as a bench seat or captain’s chairs. The third-row seating is somewhat confined, directing users requiring additional space to consider the TX crossover model.
Pricing for the 2024 GX 550 starts at $65,600 for the base Premium trim level and reaches $82,600 for the high-end Luxury+ version, with the Overtrail version beginning at $70,600.
The main competitor of the GX 550 is the Land Rover Defender, with the four-door version equipped with a four-cylinder engine starting at $62,075.
Lexus anticipates selling 33,000 GX 550 SUVs in 2024, comparable to 2023 figures. The limited quantity is likely due to production constraints rather than actual demand, as the response to the new GX has been very positive. Overall, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 stands out in the midsize luxury SUV segment with its rugged exterior and unparalleled capability, setting it apart from many of its rivals.
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