2024 GX 550 is the SUV Lexus owners have been waiting for
TUCSON, Ariz. — The 2024 GX 550 Lexus fills one of the few gaps in Lexus’s formidable lineup: a squared-away SUV loaded with off-road hardware and styled to challenge the retro-rectangle Land Rover Defender.
In dealerships shortly and priced from $62,900, the GX 550 even offers two models designed for overlanding, the newly chic — though seldom practiced — pastime of long-range off-roading with multiple nights camping.
In addition to the GX 550’s long list of standard and optional features, expect Lexus to offer aftermarket gear that could be used for rugged endeavors, but will more likely serve refreshments at rec-league soccer games.
The five- or seven-seat midsize SUV’s quiet interior and comfortable ride will be equally at home in the Sonoran Desert or the country club.
In addition to the Defender, Lexus expects the GX to compete with the BMW X5 and X7 and Mercedes GLE 450.
The 2024 GX’s prices start about $4,000 above 2023, but that’s not out of line with that competition, or the new model’s looks and features.
2024 Lexus GX 550 trim levels and prices
GX 550 Premium: $62,900
GX 550 Premium+: $67,900
GX 550 Overtrail: $67,900
GX 550 Luxury: $75,900
GX 550 Overtrail+: $75,900
GX 550 Luxury+: $79,900
Source: Lexus. Prices exclude $1,350 destination charge.
Tough, functional design
Lexus has sold GXs in the United States since 2002, but the 2024 is the first that really looks like an off-roader, with a square stance, strong horizontal lines and a modified version of the brand’s spindle grille, which is more ornate in other models.
Its profile is all horizontal lines, from its hood and flared fenders to a long, level roof and character lines along the doors and rear quarter panels.
Unlike the citified look of previous models, the 2024 GX traffics in right angles, from its high, squared off hood to an upright rectangular rear. The hatchback is now hinged at the top, rather than door-style on its side. That design, common to most SUVs, makes it easier to access cargo, and provides a bit of shade and shelter from the elements
The rear window can open separately from the hatch, another popular feature
Notable elements of the GX’s outdoorsy design:
Upright windshield and A-pillars
Flared fenders
Big wheel wells
Tires up to 33 inches
Short overhangs with wheels at the corners
High, square hood
Bumpers tucked in for ground clearance
Low beltline for good sight lines in crowded terrain
High headlights and grille to avoid road debris
High taillights for visibility when following a GX on a trail
21-degree approach angle (26 degrees for Overtrail)
Architecture shared with tough trucks
The GX uses Toyota’s GA-F architecture, which is also the basis of the Tundra full-size pickup, Sequoia SUV, Tacoma, midsize pickup and Lexus LX SUV.
The new model is 5 inches longer than the 2023 GX, on a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. The base model is 3.8 inches wider, 1.4 inches taller and has 0.6 inch more ground clearance. The Overtrail models are a bit taller, wider and have more ground clearance.
The two Overtrail models — Overtrail and Overtrail+ — come with big all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, increased approach angle and other off-road goodies. They omit the third-row seat to create more space for the cargo demanded by long camping trips.
A 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The engine produces 349 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque — both higher than the 2023 GX’s 4.6L V8.
Towing capacity also increases, to about 9,000 pounds.
Lexus estimates an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Safety and driver assist features
Adaptive cruise control
Trail-view cameras
Surround view
Pre-collision alert and braking with pedestrian detection
Accident avoidance steering assist
Left-turn oncoming vehicle detection and braking
Lane centering
Road sign recognition
Lane departure alert and assist
Driving assistant to slow vehicle entering curves and in traffic
Driving impressions
The GX 550’s pillowy ride and quiet interior are equally adept in suburban neighborhoods and negotiating sudden mud in a desert downpour.
The biturbo V6 engine has plenty of oomph for highway acceleration. Toyota’s proven 10-speed automatic transmission is smooth and unintrusive.
The Overtrail models add off-road features like a locking rear differential, adaptive suspension and automatically disconnecting stabilizer bars. A sudden desert downpour put the GX’s 27.5-inch water fording ability to the test and created gluey mud the SUV navigated with ease. The disconnecting stabilizer bars operated smoothly, providing an extra 2.45 inches of wheel articulation through deep ruts and potholes.
The interior features Lexus’ connected navigation and search capability, a 10-inch head-up display, 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster and 14-inch touch screen. There are physical controls for volume, temperature and fan speed. The touch screen handles most other functions. The base 10-speaker audio system generates 296 watts; the 21-speaker Mark Levinson upgrade, 1,800.
The center console puts controls for drive mode, high/low range and differential locks immediately at hand.
Key off-road equipment on the Lexus GX 550
Full-time all-wheel drive
High- and low-gear ranges
Up to 8.9-inch ground clearance
Adaptive suspension
Electronic locking Torsen center differential
Electronic locking rear differential
Electronic crawl-speed control
Automatic disconnecting sway bars for 2.45 inches more wheel articulation
Hill descent assist
Drive mode selector
Front skid plate
What’s missing from this SUV?
Surprisingly, Lexus doesn’t offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the GX. I’d be surprised if at least one of those doesn’t join the lineup for the 2025 model year.
The third row of seats is relatively easy to get into and out of, but cramped. Consider it for occasional use by small, amenable children. Storage space behind the third row is also minimal.
The front two rows of seats deliver the comfort and quiet Lexus owners expect, but the interior materials and black/gray color scheme look and feel more like what I’d expect in a good Toyota than a Lexus. They’re serviceable, but not a selling point.
Why get a Lexus GX 550?
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is the rugged SUV Lexus owners asked for. Its combination of traditional, recognizable off-roading looks and modern technology will earn it buyers, and keep them happy.
2024 Lexus GX 550 at a glance
Midsize 5- or 7-seat luxury SUV
Standard full-time all-wheel drive
Models tested: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium and Overtrail
Engine: 3.4L twin-turbo V6
Output: 349 hp @ 4,800-5,200 rpm, 479 pound-feet of torque @ 2,000-3,600 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Maximum speed: 109 mph
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Fuel economy: 15 mpg city/21 highway/17 combined (manufacturer’s estimate). Premium fuel recommended.
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 197.1 inches
Width: 78 inches
Height: 75.6 inches
Ground clearance: 8.7 inches (Overtrail 8.9)
Cargo room: 10.3 cubic feet 3-row models; 45.6 cu. Ft. with two rows.
Curb weight: 5,467-5,666 pounds
Towing capacity: 9,000 pounds
Assembled in Tahara, Japan
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2024 Lexus GX 550: Review, when it goes on sale
