Reinvented from stem-to-stern, the 2024 Lexus GX is the luxury brand’s most versatile mid-luxury SUV yet, coming in an array of six grades. It’s both a refined urban ride and a rugged off-road adventurer. It’s been worth the wait, putting the Land Rover Defender on notice.
The 2024 GX takes a leap beyond previous GX generations with considerable improvements in intuitive technology, thoughtful interior touches, and continued off-road muscle. It performs like a dream with a well-appointed interior and comfortable ride with power to spare, going from zero to 60 in a quick 6.5 seconds. Highlights include a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque; 10-speed automatic transmission; Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus interface with 14-inch multimedia touchscreen; and an incredible towing capacity of 9,096 pounds.
The 2024 GX shares the GA-F platform introduced on the current-generation LX 600. This strong and lightweight ladder frame increases body rigidity and improves on-road handling, key elements of Lexus Driving Signature. This strengthened frame also empowers owners to carry their Lexus dealer available accessories and gear, such as rooftop tents, recovery kits and more available options.
This year’s GX delivers an improved EPA-estimated highway rating of 21 MPG. The twin-turbo V6 outperforms the previous generation V8’s 301 horsepower, and torque output. Known for its off–road prowess since the beginning, the 2024 GX continues that legacy with standard Full-Time 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential which splits the engine’s power 50:50 for exceptional vehicle stability and control in low grip situations and prevent excess wheel spin.
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ models adopt a standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that balances off-road drivability and on-road handling stability. Crawl Control can be engaged when the vehicle is in low range, allowing the SUV to move forward or in reverse at one of five driver-selected low-speed settings. Crawl Control is a capable helper, intuitively managing engine output and hydraulic braking pressure to reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior.
The Lexus GX is truly a luxurious all-terrain hero with all sorts of bells and whistles to make driving more attuned to road conditions. Switching between high range (auto, dirt, sand, mud and deep snow) and low range (auto, sand, mud and rock) modes is now faster versus the previous generation GX. When Multi-Terrain Select is on, a monitor is engaged to assist the driver with increased visibility under and around the vehicle when driving off-road. The Multi-Terrain Monitor uses four cameras within the Panoramic View Monitor System to transpose underfloor, front, side and rear-view camera images shown to the 14-inch display, allowing the driver to check road conditions, blind spots and distance between obstacles.
An unmistakable aggressive exterior design gives the all-new GX rugged good looks that express the off-road functionality of a true body-on-frame SUV. The stable stance is achieved with a win track, fender flares, and an overall width increase of 3.75 inches (4.52 inches for the Overtrain). Triple-Beam LED headlamps and grille opening have been raised to help avoid road impact, while the front overhang has been decreased by 0.78 inches for improved clearance.
Lexus listened to customer feedback, so the GX now features a standard power rear-lift door (a GX first) with a pop-out window and an available kick sensor for hands-free convenience. Inside, a few of our favorite things are the lush interior, the driver-focused cockpit design, 6 illuminated power ports, 10-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, 12 cup-holders, seating for up to seven, and a roomier front seat with heat, ventilation and massage features.
And let’s hear it for the lower, horizontal instrument panel design. It’s a substantial improvement that simplifies the driver and passenger seat experience, providing excellent front and side visibility. It also cleared an open space for the optional Head-Up Display (HUD) where the standard 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface technology is found. Physical dials for frequently used controls such as air conditioning and audio volume remain, thankfully, and all available off-road controls are concentrated near the gear shifter to help minimize potential driver distraction.
A Wealth of Tech Options
The new Lexus GX has an app for everything. It features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and has Android Auto capability, enabling users to access to favorite apps and control menus via their mobile device. The wireless capability can register up to five Bluetooth devices, with up to two devices connected at a time.
The 10-year Service Connect and Safety Connect gives maintenance updates, and assistance in case of emergency or vehicle theft. An extra Drive Connect subscription enables other tech features like Cloud Navigation, voice-command assistance, and Traffic Jam Assist. Yet another Remote Connect subscription lets drivers to use their smartphone as a vehicle Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection as a warning system providing emergency braking under certain circumstances.
But wait, there’s more. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist for even more collision avoidance; Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle (daytime only); and All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system for highway use to keep the vehicle at a preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. You’ve never had so many safety-minded assistance thanks to Road Sign Assist, Steering Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and more.
The 2024 Lexus GX arrives soon, priced from $64,250 to $81,250. It’s offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and Lexus’ first-ever Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades with standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. A hybrid powertrain will be introduced at a later date.
