My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Lexus GX 550

What makes a good luxury SUV?

The answer is complicated these days. Some believe that by designing one that looks like one, then giving it all-wheel drive, perhaps with three rows of seats, and enough cupholders for families to simply and enjoy the supple ride.

Then again, what is an SUV? Is it something like a Jeep Wrangler? Or, something softer with some agility…

The debate goes on.

However, if we trust the overlanding set, then we will witness how the Lexus GX has become its prized rig.

What the overlanders saw was a very capable luxury SUV with good bones and a trust set of engines (in the USA, there was only just engine). Then, they tweak the suspension, ride height, put on all-terrain tires with corresponding wheels, enhance other mechanical parts, add a snorkel for better engine breathing, add a bull bar and a winch, then slap a whole bunch of gear on the roof. 

Lexus noticed that was a thing. The were pleased to see that their pre-owned GXs were getting a new life as an Earth-conquering machine. 

That was when Lexus went back to the drawing board for a new generation GX. They knew it had to be stronger and more durable, while keeping its mission to welcome all families on board. 

The result is the 2024 Lexus GX 550. 

The GX was developed with Toyota by putting their own spin in the TNGA-F platform. In the past, the basic platform and design was shared by Toyota elsewhere around the world as the Land Cruiser Prado. The Prado had a reputation of being a world-conquering machine that offered a nice environment to tackle rougher terrain. This was sold as the Lexus GX in North America and a few other markets. 

On the TNGA-F platform, Lexus was able to get their own distinctive J250 model that would not rebadged as a Toyota. Something that was exclusive to the luxury brand with its own specific touches that set it apart from their Toyota counterparts. 

They worked on the exterior design, which you can clearly recognize it as a Lexus. Albeit more upright, the GX retains their twist on the Spindle Grille and checkmark LED driving lamps. Overall, the front end is blunter to be purpose-built for adventures.

The exterior profile is upright with a few twists on the glasshouse. The windshield has a slight angle, as does the rear end of the roofline. Instead of a side-hinged tailgate, it is now hinged from the top. This makes loading and unloading better. You also have access to the rear cargo hold through the liftgate’s glass pane. 

This Premium+ tester adds 20-inch alloy wheels to finish up the exterior’s design. In all, I prefer this new generation model than the previous ones. It seems more purpose-driven in its mission than before. 

Another distinction the GX offers is a Lexus-specific interior. The dashboard design is very familiar as it is seen cross the brand’s SUV lineup. Not that it has doen before, but this is in line with contemporary design elements. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is clear is read and fully customizable. More, distraction-free information is available on the head-up display. All controls should be familiar to contemporary Lexus drivers, and they do work well. 

Integrated into the dashboard is a 14-inch infotainment touch screen driven by the Lexus Interface system. The system offers multiple connectivity options, including wireless smartphone integration. Sound is emitted through 10 premium speakers throughout the cabin. 

The Nu-Luxe trimmed seats are big and comfortable. There are plenty of adjustments to make yourself at home behind the wheel. Second row seating is exceptional with plenty of leg and head room.

There is a power-foldable third row. When deployed, these seats offer limited space. Perhaps for small children. You can leave the third row down and utilize the huge cargo hold. If you do that, you have 40.2 cubic feet to load up. If fold the second- and third-row seats down, there us 76.9 cubic feet available out back. With all seats deployed, you only get 10.2 cubic feet – just enough for a grocery run or a couple of pieces of luggage.

Another big piece of news on the 2024 GX is the switch to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine. This driveline puts down 349-horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels through a two-speed transfer case and a TORSEN limited-slip differential. 

After driving a number of previous generation V8-powered GX’s, this twin-turbo V6 offers better linear performance and honest grunt. Shifts are much smoother with the 10-speed automatic transmission. It repeated its strong performance off-road, as well as on the highway.

Another big improvement on the GX is fuel economy. We observed an average of 19.8 MPG. 

On the topic of improvements, have you driven the new GX? When you come from the previous generation model, this one is much better! There is a feeling of solidity from the frame upwards and down. You might say it is more civilized than before. The suspension itself offered solidity and security, even on uneven surfaces. While the road became bumpy, the GX managed through by retaining on center through some minor articulation challenges – such as a short, semi-maintained greenlane.

Handling-wise, the GX showed its superiority as it maintained an even keel through evasive maneuvers, sharper turns, and so forth. Roll and lean felt very controlled. 

Praise must be given to the GX’s steering. It made tight maneuvers a breeze. Overall steering feel was just right, as well as on-center feel. Brakes ware quite good in both normal and panic stops, also. Pedal feel and response were also equally good. 

Lexus givs you a choice of six trim levels – including two overlanding ready Overtrail models. Pricing for the 2024 GX 550 starts at $64,250. This Premium+ tester came with a sticker price of $71,455. 

We said it before, and we’ll say it again: The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is a much better, greatly improved luxury SUV. It truly steps up to be a real and formidable SUV. Sure, there may be a few other models that might argue otherwise, but the GX gives you everything you need to get the job done.

The GX retains all of the good things that attracted the overlanding set to its older versions. That is what attracted many adventurous upwardly mobile consumers to this new version. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America

Photos by Randy Stern and George Torline