The 2024 Lexus GX 550 has been redesigned from the ground up, no small feat for a vehicle first introduced to the mid-luxury SUV market two short years ago.
GX was designed to inspire customers to pursue their urge to travel, take am unpaved path, immerse themselves in nature and revel in the joy of driving. That statement is accomplished with intuitive technology, thoughtful interior touches, and continued off-road prowess that Lexus guests have come to expect.
The GX is offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the all-new Overtrain and Overtrail+. My tester was the Overtrail.
Powered by a 3.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission, the combination delivers 349 horsepower, 379 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.
An unmistakably aggressive exterior creates a tough, rugged persona. GX cuts a box-like profile. Tweaks have been made to increase visibility and ground clearance. My tester received a “Nightfall Mica” coat of enamel.
Overtrail is geared toward outdoor enthusiasts with an inclination for off-road adventure. The grades comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels, black over-fenders and a standard aluminum skid plate.
Since my week’s worth of driving did not involve off-roading, I found the GX a beast of burden to drive and park in the city, but a joy on the open road and at freeway speeds.
Multi-terrain select, crawl control, downhill assist control, and 3D multi-terrain monitor systems are standard for optimal traction on trails, as is an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system for improved wheel articulation. An electronic locking rear differential is exclusive to the trim.
Standard full-time four-wheel drive is provided for consistent responsiveness in varied terrain, with a Torsen limited-slip differential. Switching from 4hi to 4lo is now faster versus the previous generation due to enhancement on the electronic transfer case.
On the flip side, the GX 550 interior is nothing less than a luxury SUV, with all of the expected bells and whistles, and then some. With seating for up to seven adults, front and side visibility will impress everyone, as will the seat cushions, setback bolster, and headrests. Heated and ventilated seats are standard for front passengers, and available in the second-row.
Creature comforts include a head-up display, 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six illuminated charging ports, 12 cupholders, 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system, Cloud navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, air conditioning, cool box for beverages, and more.
The rear cargo area is serviceable, but largesse is created with the third-row seats folded flat. The space will accommodate up to five full-size suitcases with two storage spaces added under the cargo area to fit small items that benefit from being hidden.
For added peace of mind, all GX models come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, an integrated suite of active safety equipment and convenience features.
The long list of technology includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, risk avoidance emergency steer assist, left turn oncoming vehicle detection braking, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, emergency driving stop system, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist.
The 2024 Lexus GX is assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan.
Base Price: $67,900
Price As Driven: $71,270
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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