2024 Lexus GX Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Lexus GX, the brand's mid-size, off-road SUV, has been overdue for a redesign, and it's finally happened for the 2024 model year. Riding on an all-new platform with an updated powertrain and a load of more modern features, the new GX550's rugged appearance is about the only thing that ties it to its outdated forbear. The new model's boxy, Land Cruiser-inspired exterior looks like it will age well—a good thing since the GX has a history of lengthy product cycles. The 2024 GX550 rides on the same body-on-frame platform as the Toyota Sequoia and the Toyota Tundra and will be available with a twin-turbo V-6 powertrain—offered with and without hybrid assist—rather than the V-8 of the outgoing model. It slots into the Lexus SUV lineup between the flagship LX luxury off-roader and the TX SUV, the latter of which is similar in size but focused more on interior space and on-road refinement.

What's New for 2024?

The GX is one of Lexus's oldest nameplates and is admired by off-roading enthusiasts, so Lexus is smart for continuing to offer it with a host of terrain-tackling hardware. We expect to see the GX550 in Lexus showrooms in early 2024.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The GX has two personalities: luxury on-roader or trail-conquering off-roader. For buyers who plan to spend the majority of their time on asphalt, we'd suggest the Luxury trim, as it classes up the GX550's interior with plenty of nice-to-have features, including semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way adjustable front seats with massage, heat, and ventilation, illuminated door sill plates, and second-row window shades. It also comes with larger 22-inch wheels which better fill the GX's large wheel wells for a more upscale look. For the same price, the Overtrail+ trim provides a more rugged appearance and more capability for off-roading, but the compromise is that it eliminates the GX's third row of seats and some of the luxury items listed above. But if you're planning outdoor adventures, it is worth consideration.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine is standard in the GX550. At 349 horsepower, the blown V-6 makes more power than the previous generation GX's V-8. A 10-speed automatic is also standard and all models come with four-wheel drive. Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims are decked out with more off-road goodies than the standard trims, including 18-inch wheels with 33-inch All-Terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, an adaptive suspension system with more wheel articulation, a crawl-control feature, and selectable drive modes for differing terrains. On the road, performance is plentiful and the GX550 feels punchy off the line. The ride is stiff, especially on the available upsized wheels. Steering is crisp and the GX's handling is appropriate for the tall, boxy SUV that it is, but the Lexus truly shines off-road. Outward visibility is excellent, which is especially handy when navigating tight trails. We had the chance to try out the Overtrail model's advanced off-road tech during our initial test drive of the GX550 and came away impressed. The transfer case allows the driver to select the low-range gearset without locking the center differential, which allows for a tighter turning radius, and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS ) can disconnect the front or rear anti-roll bars independently of one another to help improve stability and reduce head-toss.

0–60-MPH Times

At our test track, the GX550 Premium hit 60 mph in a respectable 6.2 seconds. That's a full second quicker than the previous-generation GX managed at our track.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The GX550 can tow up to 9096 pounds, which is far more than crossover rivals such as the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5. A towing capacity for the upcoming hybrid powertrain has not been revealed.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite downsizing from a V-8 to a twin-turbo V-6, fuel economy doesn't improve much over the 2023 model's EPA estimates, which came in at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The EPA estimates the GX550 will deliver 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, and on our 75-mph highway route, the GX500 Premium we tested delivered on its 21 mpg estimate. For more information about the GX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Despite the GX's rugged exterior styling, luxurious environs await you inside. Faux- or genuine- leather upholstery is available in a variety of colors, and Overtrail variants offer faux-suede accents in a dark green shade. Premium and Luxury trims offer three rows of seats with space for up to seven with the standard second-row bench; a pair of captain's chairs is optional and brings the seating capacity down to six. The Overtrail models are strictly two-row affairs with seating for up to five. The GX's third row offers the option of power controls. A cooled storage bin, a head-up display, and a digital key fob are all available as optional extras.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All GX models come with a 14.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a separate 12.3-inch digital gauge display that can be reconfigured to show a variety of information to the driver. Most models come with six USB-C ports throughout the interior, but Overtrail and Overtrail+ models get just four; a wireless smartphone charging pad is optional. A 10-speaker stereo is standard but audiophiles can upgrade to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The GX comes equipped with driver-assistance features that can help you avoid accidents. The safety gear includes automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. For more information about the GX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

When it comes to warranty coverage, Lexus outpaces rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs