The Lexus GX 550 is a luxury SUV with two or three rows of seats and real off-road capability. It competes with the Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The GX 550 is redesigned for 2024 with a turbocharged powertrain, a forthcoming hybrid model and a more off-road focused Overtrail model. The upgrades should improve on its predecessor’s TCC Rating of 4.8 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Everything right down to the frame. The frame is a modified version of what underpins the latest Lexus LX 600, Toyota Tundra pickup truck, Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV, and upcoming Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup.
The GX continues to be a body-on-frame SUV, though now it’ll be available with either a second-row bench seat and seating for five or captain’s chairs that limits the total seating capacity to four passengers. A third row will be available on certain trims to seat seven passengers. It’s 3.7-inches wider, 2.8-inches longer, and rides on a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor.
Lexus leaned into the chiseled, blocky, traditional upright SUV profile with the latest GX. The front looks like a pinched version of the larger LX thanks to its narrower dimensions, but the side takes on a character of its own with a strong shoulder line that kicks up as it goes into the punched-out rear fender. The rear end is squared off like a Land Rover and features a full-width LED taillight. The tailgate no longer opens to the side and now swings up like other SUVs, and the rear glass pops open independently for cargo access. Overtrail models roll on chunkier 33-inch tires and 18-inch wheels.
The tried-and-true V-8 engine is gone. Initially the GX will only be offered with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 rated at 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. With a 10-speed automatic transmission, every GX will feature full-time four-wheel drive with a lockable Torsen center differential and 2-speed transfer case. Overtrail models will add a rear locking differential for slippier situations while an electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that disconnects the sway bars for increased articulation will be available. Premium, Premium+, and Overtrail trims will feature a tow hitch and 8,000-pound tow rating.
Lexus hasn’t talked full fuel economy ratings yet, but expect a 17 mpg combined rating. That’s only 1 mpg better than the old V-8 rating.
A hybrid is said to be on the way, but Lexus hasn’t provided any details or timing.
The GX should ride and handle better thanks to a new double-wishbone front suspension, a multilink rear suspension, a longer wheelbase by 2.4 inches, and a 3.7-inch wider stance. Adaptive dampers will be available, but an air suspension will not.
The GX will seat up to seven passengers, but only in certain trims, and Lexus hasn’t detailed which ones, yet. Some GXs will have a 60/40-split second-row bench seat while others will offer second-row captain’s chairs. The available third row will be power or manual folding depending on the trim; it won’t fold flat into the floor due to being mounted on the floor above the solid rear axle. Lexus hasn’t released interior specifications for space for humans or cargo yet, but the automaker noted that luggage space has improved over the outgoing model.
Inside the GX goes digital with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen. The dashboard still features a horizontal design motif, but has been lowered for better forward vision. Off-road controls are grouped on the center console by the shifter. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard while a head-up display will be available.
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control are standard. A surround-view camera system will be available.
How much does the 2024 Lexus GX cost?
Lexus hasn’t talked pricing for the 2024 Lexus GX 550, yet, but expect a starting price around $60,000 and fully loaded models to top $75,000. It will be offered in six trims, including Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, Overtrail+, Luxury, and Luxury+.
The 2024 GX 550 comes with up to 12 cupholders (depending on the trim), six charging ports (only four on Overtrail), a 120-volt AC inverter, and a 10-speaker audio system. A wireless smartphone charger and 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system will be available.
Where is the 2024 Lexus GX made?
The 2024 Lexus GX will be made in the automaker’s Tahara plant in Japan.
