Home » The Chiseled 2024 Lexus GX 550 Is The First GX You’ll Want To Buy New

The Chiseled 2024 Lexus GX 550 Is The First GX You’ll Want To Buy New

Lexus Gs Ts Bluesky
ADVERTISEMENT

“Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken” feels like the defining motto around the Lexus GX SUV. To put things in perspective, in the 19 years after the first one launched, we saw more all-new Popes than all-new GX SUVs. So, when the brand announced the all-new 2024 Lexus GX 550, it felt like a special occasion. This right-sized body-on-frame SUV has attracted legions of off-road fans for years, and now that we’re seeing the new vehicle, it seems like Lexus finally has received the memo and pulled the GX out from the Land Cruiser’s (LX’s) shadows.

By leaning into its heritage, this new SUV is likely to thrill existing GX fans and win over owners of a certain British SUV marque — particularly ones who feel cast aside by that brand’s current product line. After all, the GX 550 doesn’t just feature similar full-frame construction as the dearly-departed LR4, it leans into rugged, blocky looks while the current Discovery went a bit blobby. What are the odds that Land Rover is having a really bad day right now? God this thing looks good.

Vidframe Min Top
Vidframe Min Bottom

2024 Lexus Gx Overtrail+ 005

While the previous-generation GX needed to toe the line between rugged looks and suburban sensibility due to the lack of a three-row Lexus crossover when it was launched, the incoming Lexus TX lets the new GX pull off its mask and expose its Land Cruiser Prado roots. From its flat, upright windshield to its squared-off tail, the new GX is proud of its body-on-frame construction – an anomaly in today’s world of predominantly unibody luxury SUVs.

I’m a huge fan of the simple vents in the body-colored valence below the trimmed-back spindle grille, as they exude retro vibes and a certain honesty that complements the muscular flared wheel arches.

ADVERTISEMENT

Swing-gate: Be Gone

2024 Lexus Gx Premium 003

Around back, owners of current GX models will likely be thrilled to see the change from a swing-out tailgate to a standard power liftgate. Not only was the old setup heavy, it also swung the wrong way for street parking in left-hand-drive countries. While a liftgate may present a problem in constricted spaces, Lexus has thought of this by including separately-opening rear glass that requires less space to swing up than a full tailgate. It’s perfect for loading and unloading small items, and it includes a convenient handle in the rear wiper arm bezel. [Editor’s Note: I still think more luxury SUVs should have drop-down tailgates. -DT]. 

Clearance Approved

2024 Lexus Gx Premium 002

The new Lexus GX is 3.74 inches to 4.52 inches wider than the outgoing model and rides on a 2.36-inch longer wheelbase, thanks in part to the same TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that also underpins the LX 600. Despite boasting an extra 2.75 inches in overall length over the outgoing model, front overhang has been reduced by 0.78 inches for the sake of ride height. Although Lexus doesn’t list ground clearance, the new GX carries approach, breakover, and departure angles of 26 degrees, 23 degrees, and 23 degrees in its base form. Off-road-focused Overtrail trims increase breakover angle to 24 degrees but cut departure angle to 22 degrees, while Luxury trims cut departure angle to 21 degrees. Both Overtrail and Luxury trims retain the same 26-degree approach angle as the base model, so forward clearance should be consistent no matter which trim you choose.

2024 Lexus Gx Overtrail+ 006

ADVERTISEMENT

While those figures just can’t catch the Land Rover Defender 110, they are relatively competitive with a Land Rover Discovery’s standard-height approach and departure angles of 26 degrees and 24.8 degrees. Of course, the Discovery also offers air suspension that can seriously jack up ride height, improving key angles immensely. The flip-side to this is that air suspension often comes with high repair costs as components naturally wear out over time. More importantly, the new GX offers useful improvements over the old model’s 21-degree approach, 21-degree breakover, and 23-degree departure angles (depending on trim). An extra five degrees of approach angle might not sound like much, but it can be the difference between clearing an obstacle and ripping the front bumper off.

Inner Sanctum

2024 Lexus Gx 550 Console

Moving to the cockpit of the new GX, Lexus seems to have prioritized ease-of-use with this interior. The driver controls the gearbox through a conventional shifter; there’s a huge button for the exterior camera system to better assess terrain; the glovebox door uses a conventional release; and I don’t spy a capacitive-touch button anywhere. It adds up to a cabin that won’t alienate Lexus traditionalists, but still takes things into the 2020s with recent tech and artful design.

2024 Lexus Gx 550 Infotainment

Standard is a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Lexus’ latest software paired with a 10-speaker sound system, although a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is available and it promises to bump. Prior Lexus experience suggests that you want to go for the Mark Levinson system, as it’s typically a considerable upgrade over the base sound system. Sure, you could keep things cheap and cheerful, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also both standard, as is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for all your virtual instrumentation needs.

2024 Lexus Gx Overtrail+ 004

Of course, being a Lexus, you can load the new GX up to the gills. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, heated second-row seats are optional, and the second-row bench can be replaced by captain’s chairs if you tick the right option box. If the thought of having to drop the third row manually seems exhausting, the wayback can be motorized for convenience, and you customers can spec a digital key option to unlock the GX using their phones. You can even option the GX with a little mini-fridge for all your adventuring needs, although it’s yet to be seen which trim levels will carry that option.

2024 Lexus Gx Premium 004

As for general interior design, it’s aesthetically rugged, yet refined at the same time. The upright dashboard with its relatively flat top offers a hit of nostalgia, but details like the wood-inlaid phone holster and satin metallic trim are lovely enough for discerning luxury shoppers to appreciate. Although stitched materials feature heavily on the console and door cards, Lexus doesn’t seem shy to use tightly-grained plastics on the dashboard to bring out a sense of ruggedness. In an overlanding favorite like this, I’m okay with well-used plastics as they’re easy to clean and require minimal maintenance compared to leather or textile. Consider it built to last.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stock Lockers And Two Meaty Turbos

Gx Joint Teaser Hero Cropped

Power in the new Lexus GX comes from the V35A-FTS 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 out of the Toyota Tundra. This force-fed six is good for 349 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque, a handy boost over the outgoing model. If that’s not quite right for you, Lexus pinky promises that a hybrid variant is coming down the line.

Every Lexus GX 550 comes with a ten-speed automatic gearbox and full-time four-wheel-drive with a locking Torsen center differential, but the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims get an electronically-locking rear differential for added traction in slippery conditions. Those Overtrail trims also get 33-inch all-terrain tires, which are certifiably bitchin’. Look, I don’t make the rules, but luxury SUVs on all-terrain tires are just cooler than those that aren’t. The Overtrail trims also get promising off-road assist systems including various terrain modes, hill descent control, terrain monitoring, and Lexus’ clever KDSS suspension system that can effectively disengage the anti-roll bars under severe wheel travel to give you extra articulation when you need it most. Speaking of rear suspension, Lexus doesn’t mention whether the GX uses a live axle or independent rear suspension, but zooming in on a high-res press shot appears to show a coil-sprung solid rear axle. It all adds up to some intriguing capability.

2024 Lexus Gx Overtrail+ 003

Terrific Towing

Speaking of capability, let’s talk towing capacity. The new Lexus GX can pull a strong 8,000 pounds on Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+ trims, more than a Porsche Cayenne or Land Rover Discovery. That drops to 6,990 pounds on the Luxury trim and 6,780 pounds on the Luxury+ trim, but that’s still enough to safely tow a car, or a well-sized camper.

ADVERTISEMENT

2024 Lexus Gx Overtrail+ 001

The New GX Finally Looks Cool Enough To Justify The Pricetag

The GX has always been one of my favorite Lexus vehicles, but it always stood in the Land Cruiser’s shadows and seemed a bit compromised for its underpinnings. Its body-on-frame packaging repelled those looking for a car-like driving experience, but a low-hanging front fascia on the outgoing model limited stock off-road clearance. The new Lexus GX 550, though, has more power, practicality, and capability than ever before; more importantly, it looks incredible, and is now firmly out the LX’s shadows. It’s only a matter of time before we start seeing these things out on the trails; expect pricing to be released closer to January of 2024, when the first examples complete the long trip from Japan to showrooms across America.

(Photo credits: Lexus)

Support our mission of championing car culture by becoming an Official Autopian Member.

Relatedbar

ADVERTISEMENT

Got a hot tip? Send it to us here. Or check out the stories on our homepage.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on whatsapp
WhatsApp
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on reddit
Reddit
Subscribe
Notify of
77 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dan Bee
Dan Bee
1 year ago

Boxy is back!

Oh how, I wish this had the PHEV powertrain Toyota announced for the TX.

And They Called Him Gearhead
And They Called Him Gearhead
1 year ago

So stoked for this. A new GX was overdue and it will only push everyone else to compete; boxy looks and capability wise. Small pedantic correction from a JLR specialist though: the 6-cyl Discovery can town 8,200 lbs.

Juan Butera
Juan Butera
1 year ago

https://toyota-gib.com/eng/models/dual-purpose-type/land-cruiser-prado/land-cruiser-prado-tx-30l-diesel-7-seater-LJ150-GKMEE.html

Read it and weep. In Australia you can get a Prado with a 3L diesel and a 150L (40 gal.) fuel tank. My guess is 25 MPG easy, maybe 28. 1000 – 1100 mile range.

Miguel
Miguel
1 year ago
Reply to  Juan Butera

This is not an Australian site. It’s the site of Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings who prepare and modify Toyotas for NGOs around the world.

Last edited 1 year ago by Miguel
Juan Butera
Juan Butera
1 year ago

The fatal flaw of the GX460 (and Land Cruiser) is poor fuel economy and a small fuel tank. It stinks and is very dangerous to carry fuel cans inside an SUV and moderately dangerous to carry them on the roof.

Squirrelmaster
Squirrelmaster
1 year ago

I… don’t love it. I don’t hate it, but it feels generic and overstyled at the same time, and not in the normal Lexus way. As a GX owner looking to upgrade in a year or two, I was hoping the new GX would add the off-road features they did add, but keep the styling a bit more “soft box” like it has had since the GX has had when it was brought to the USA. Unfortunately, this went more “Land Rover meets Tonka”, and I’m rather indifferent on it. Perhaps it will grow on me before it’s time to replace my GX?

Squirrelmaster
Squirrelmaster
1 year ago
Reply to  Squirrelmaster

Oh, and to echo what others have said, I hope they offer some lighter colors on the interior. They had a nice reddish-brown leather on the RX that I think would look excellent in the new GX.

changedmynameasIworkinadealershipandsomeofourbrandsarentgreat
changedmynameasIworkinadealershipandsomeofourbrandsarentgreat
1 year ago

In my opinion it looks a lot better than the new 300 series Landcruiser. Very dark inside though, looks like the hole that bloke gets kicked into in, well 300

ScottyB
ScottyB
1 year ago

Unless Invasion of the Body Snatchers, I’ll never buy an SUV or crossover, but I actually don’t mind the looks of this. The front end in particular is much better than the horrible grilles that go all the way to the chin spoiler. The size however, is utterly obscene.

Maymar
Maymar
1 year ago

I can’t accept anything 78 inches wide as “right-sized,” however appealing it is otherwise.

Theotherotter
Theotherotter
1 year ago

I like this surprisingly much, and I see it having the possibility to be as long-term a success as the 4Runner has been. The proportions, some detailing and the flat windshield suggest a conscious reference to the 70-series Prado.

Bizness Comma Nunya
Bizness Comma Nunya
1 year ago

I’ve never wanted to own a Lexus this much. Still need to see it in-person, but the front end is reminding me of the LX450, which I like.

Still has that awesome (lockable) torsen center t-case (had a 4runner with it, it was the best) combine that with a locking rear?

Waiting for the hybrid probably makes the most sense, but man, I want this truck bad.

J Money
J Money
1 year ago

God bless Toyota/Lexus for not conjuring up some stupid new transmission selector and just keeping it as-is. While it belongs on the column in trucks, this is still better than the goofy-ass rotary dial in Rams or the infuriating turn-signal-like selector in Mercedes.

TJ996
TJ996
1 year ago

Reading the comments, I guess I’m the odd one. I don’t like the styling. It doesn’t look “real” to me. I can’t decide if it a) looks like a generic unbranded SUV from a video game or b) it’s a Lexus that’s missing some pixels, and hasn’t fully rendered yet.

Some people are speculating that there will be a Toyota version of this branded as a Land Cruiser in the US. I think that’s definitely possible. However, does it make sense to sell a 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and GX all on the same platform? Historically the US never got the Land Cruiser Prado because we had the 4Runner instead.

Tyler Durden
Tyler Durden
1 year ago
Reply to  TJ996

The styling seems to borrow some of the boxy, toy-like looks from recent large pickups and SUVs which I generally don’t like, however most of the Lexus products for the past decade have looked terrible to me. So this thing is a good improvement in comparison. Looks aside, the real problem with this thing will surely be the price. I think $25,000 is too much to spend for a vehicle and this is probably 3.5 times that.

Nicholas Adams
Nicholas Adams
1 year ago

It’s making me wish I was irresponsible with money.

Isis
Isis
1 year ago

When these depreciate to $50k or so, I may have to swap out my Raptor. . .

D-dub
D-dub
1 year ago

Somebody at Toyota saw the Telluride’s sales figures and realized what could happen if they stopped beating their cars with the ugly stick.

TheCrank
TheCrank
1 year ago

Yes, please!

TXJeepGuy
TXJeepGuy
1 year ago

Love the interior. The exterior is still growing on me.

Angrycat Meowmeow
Angrycat Meowmeow
1 year ago

I think air suspension reliability is pretty much up to par with standard suspensions at this point. Even standard suspensions have parts that wear out over time. Bushings, shocks/struts (especially electronically controlled ones) etc. all wear out. Back in the 90’s it was a concern, but today reliability shouldn’t be a factor when choosing between air or steel. Air suspension failures are rare on modern VAG products, and this is a LEXUS! There should be no worries here unless the design is really botched.

Pat Rich
Pat Rich
1 year ago

The main problem with any ait springs is a drying out of the bags and repeat wear pattern failures. The compressors and the components are reliable, but the bags themselves are still prone to wearing out every 100k miles or so.

Angrycat Meowmeow
Angrycat Meowmeow
1 year ago
Reply to  Pat Rich

Yeah, but so are shocks and struts. And electronically controlled dampers are not cheap. I think they were $1,200 a piece for my old CTS V sport, and probably similar for my current car.

Isis
Isis
1 year ago

For real, I think with labor I spent $3500 replacing the magnetic dampers on my wife’s MDX. Give me air bags any day, they’re even easier to replace yourself. . .

Nlpnt
Nlpnt
1 year ago

If this is aimed at Land Rover customers, Lexus dealers should let them know they’re welcome to come down and hang out in the service waiting area just for old times’ sake.

MP81
MP81
1 year ago

Ew, gross, no.

niceladybadjeep
niceladybadjeep
1 year ago

Exterior is fantastic. The interior images are like Winterfell in season 8 – I can’t see a thing.

MikeInTheWoods
MikeInTheWoods
1 year ago

I would buy this in 2037 but my AI overlord/boss determined I have no free time slots to enjoy using it and vetoed it already from the future.

77
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x