Driven: 2024 Lexus GX 550
2024 | lexus | lexus gx | off-road | reviews
It’s not every day that we review a vehicle and walk away wishing we could own what we just drove. This is one of those times. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is that good. Redesigned from top to bottom, this adventure-loving SUV is built with off-road capability, first and foremost, complemented by refined driving dynamics and a luxurious and serene environment.
When Lexus set out to create a new GX, the automaker knew they wanted to do something different. Now that it has the Lexus TX to address families looking for a comfortable daily driver, that gave them the freedom to reimagine the GX as a rugged luxury off-roader that can go toe to to with the Land Rover Defender. While the prior generation GX 460 could go off the tarmac, it always felt like Lexus was leaning more towards luxury than capability with that model. The GX 550 flips that equation upside-down, embracing its rugged character throughout its design and features.
Lexus is offering the GX 550 in six different grades at launch. The base trim is the Premium, with the next step up being the Premium +. For those looking for the most capable model, there are the Overtrail and Overtrail+, while the Luxury and Luxury+ are the most upscale. They all look equally great from the exterior, sporting a bold and boxy look that might as well have been chiseled from a block of steel. Our favorites are the Overtrail and Overtrail+, which roll on big 33-inch wheels wrapped around 18-inch rims and have black lower-body cladding and an available black roof. The premium model rides on road-friendly 20-inch rims, while the Luxury has big 22-inchers.
The GX 550 arrives in the U.S. with a single powertrain, and it's a very good one. The V8 of old is gone and replaced with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque. These are significant increases from the outgoing model - 48 more horsepower and 150 more lb-ft. of torque. The difference is immediately noticeable when you push your foot down on the accelerator. The new GX moves without hesitation, shifting smoothly and efficiently thanks to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Having to motivate more than 5400 pounds, it's impressive that it'll go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Plus, it's powerful enough to do some serious towing. The Premium/+ and Overtrail/+ models can pull more than 9000 pounds each. In addition, a hybrid model is due sometime soon, but it's likely to have less power and be focused more on fuel efficiency.
On-road, the GX 550 is smooth and well-balanced. Despite its rugged body-on-frame construction, it doesn't feel like a big truck from behind the wheel and is exceptionally quiet inside. An upright design for the A-pillars and windshield provides excellent forward visibility, while a significant dip in the center of the hood makes it easy to see the trail ahead when off-roading. Lexus also includes a full-size spare tire mounted under the GX, a welcome feature on any trail-ready vehicle.
We were quite impressed with the GX 550 when we got it off the pavement and into the dirt. The Overtrail+ SUV we took off-roading had no problem handling loose rocks, sand, dirt, mud, and moguls. Its 4-wheel drivetrain has a 2-speed transfer case with low and high modes and Crawl Control and Downhill Assist features, which help regulate throttle and braking input so you can focus on steering. Upgrades from the prior-gen 4WD system include a wider chain to provide increased torque transfer, a lower center of gravity, increased ground clearance, and improved torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
The Overtrail and Overtrail+ also get significant suspension upgrades over the Premium and Luxury grades. While the standard double-wishbone front and four-link coil spring suspension in the back provide comfort, it's the adaptive variable suspension that really shines. This system automatically adjusts suspension damping between 650 different levels based on terrain. The Overtrail's E-KDSS (Electric Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) can automatically disengage the stabilizer bars to improve wheel articulation and off-road control. Overtrails offer up to 24.45 inches of wheel travel, keeping your tires planted even when driving through deep ruts and over boulders. Luxury and Premium models are nearly as impressive, with 22 inches of wheel travel. All grades can wade up to 27.56 inches of water. Ground clearance is good at 8.66 to 8.86 inches but can't compete with the 11.5 inches you get with the Defender's optional air suspension.
In addition to the standard drive modes like sport and comfort, Overtrail GXs get modes for dirt, snow, sand, and mud, which help manage traction based on terrain. Unlike the older Multi-Terrain Select system that only worked in 4Lo, this one works in 4Lo and 4Hi. Speaking of which, switching between those two is so much quicker than it used to be. Just put the GX in neutral, flip the switch, and drive, and it's pretty much seamless and nearly instantaneous. A Torseen limited-slip center locking differential is standard on all GX grades to ensure power is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. The Overtrail grades add an electronic locking rear diff, which ensures the left and right rear wheels turn at the same speed.
Adding to the visibility story, Overtrail GX 550s also get a Multi-terrain Monitor system, which uses four cameras to provide a view of the trail ahead, wheel placement, and even the road beneath your wheels. Images are crisp and bright, and the display also shows your vehicle's pitch, roll, and wheel angle.
Inside, Lexus went with a horizontal and upright design for the dashboard and displays. Unlike some vehicles that angle displays towards the driver, this clean, linear approach helps drivers and co-pilots keep oriented when driving on uneven terrain. On the driver's side, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster can be configured to your liking. The center display is a 14-inch touchscreen that provides access to media, navigation, climate, and vehicle settings. Like other recent Lexus models, it's running the recently-released Lexus Multimedia system, which is quick to respond and feature-rich. Most controls are touch-based, so if you're looking for lots of tactile inputs, those are limited to vehicle controls, volume and temperature knobs. We appreciate the traditional shift lever for the transmission and the nearby buttons for drive modes, 4WD range, and differential locks. We're also big fans of the upgraded 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, which sounds spectacular.
While the Premium and Overtrail variants have durable NuLuxe synthetic leather on their seats, the Luxury grades upgrade to buttery-smooth semi-aniline leather. The front seats are quite comfortable and offer excellent support. No matter which grade you go with, you'll enjoy heated and ventilated front seats, but the Luxury, Luxury+, and Overtrail+ also get front massage seats. These seats offer five different massage programs along with an intensity setting. The massage is more subtle than we've experienced on some other vehicles, and it's more relaxing than invigorating. One complaint about the massage feature is that it takes a series of five presses on the touchscreen to activate it. We're hoping Lexus moves this to the homepage in a software update.
Three possible seating configurations are available for the GX 550, offering space for 5, 6, or 7 passengers. Premium, Premium+, Luxury, and Luxury+ grades have three rows, including a second-row bench or a pair of captain's chairs. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ only come in a two-row configuration and solely with the second-row bench. Heated seats are available for the second row in the Premium+, Luxury, and Luxury+. The headroom in the back is excellent, thanks to the boxy shape of the vehicle, and there's plenty of light in the cabin if you go with the moonroof or glass roof option. The latter offers an LCD layer that switches from transparent to opaque with the push of a button. Access to the third row is relatively easy with the captain's chairs, thanks to a slide-and-tilt mechanism. However, once you're in the back row, you'll find no footwell, so passengers with long legs won't be comfortable back there. That space is definitely best for kids. There are cupholders and USB-C ports in the second and third rows, along with zoned climate control.
There's plenty of room for carrying cargo in the back of the GX - assuming you're not using all three rows. The Overtrail is the space champion, with 90.5 cubic feet, while the Premium and Luxury sacrifice a little height for the third row, reducing overall space to 76.9 cubic feet. With the second row in use, you'll get 45.6 cubic feet in the Overtrail and 40.2 cubic feet in the Premium and Luxury. That drops significantly to just 10.3 cubic feet with all three rows in use, so don't expect to carry much cargo when transporting 6 or 7 passengers. One peculiar decision was that Lexus left the third-row cupholders and USB ports in place for 2-row models. We suppose those could come in handy for tailgating. One significant change from prior GX models is the new liftgate design. The old swing-out door looked cool with a tire on it, but it wasn't very practical in garages or when parallel parking. There's now a more conventional power liftgate with a kick sensor. It opens vertically, providing better and easier access to the cargo area. It still has the pop-open rear window like the old GX, which is a nice touch.
If you need to carry more cargo or want to outfit your GX 550 for overlanding, you're in luck. Lexus has partnered with several accessory makers to offer roof boxes, tents, fridges, and other gear that can be ordered directly in the Lexus GX configurator. Those items will be shipped directly to the dealership and installed by the dealer, with pricing set by Lexus. The initial line-up of accessory makers includes ARB, Yakima, Kurgo, Dometic, Carmate, and Pelican. We're hoping to see more in the future, too.
Lexus swung for the fences with the 2024 GX 550 and knocked it out of the park. Its design is a hit with everyone we know, and its powertrain, technology, and off-road capabilities are all major upgrades from the previous generation. Expect high demand for the new GX, with lots of loyal fans waiting a long time to upgrade their older GXs and many new buyers who are sure to come over from other brands.
Pricing starts at $64,250 for the GX 550 Premium, with the top-of-the-line Luxury+ starting at $81,250. The one we want to own is a well-equipped Overtrail+, with a sticker price of $80,915. Maybe Santa will be good to us next Lexus December to Remember and deliver one to our driveway with a giant bow on it.
