Lexus is typically known for being a top-selling luxury brand with the brand making great strides since it originally appeared in the U.S. in 1989. When it’s not coddling passengers in luxury with their products, the brand is also known for occasionally exploring new segments and trends. That included the off-road segment with the original GX starting life as a slightly less capable version of the Toyota 4Runner before finding their purpose on the trail in later years.
The 2024 GX 550 attempts to solidify its trail credentials with a wave of new updates that bring more poise and capability into Lexus’s venerable billy goat. But do all of these updates make the GX better than ever? We were eager to find out.
Blocky styling adds exclamation point to the GX’s personality
The bulk of the GX’s updates are found in its exterior styling with the 2024 model getting a new look that brings the model back to its blocky roots while also adding in plenty of modern touches. The front fascia gets a variation of Lexus’s spindle grille and sleek LED headlights with the hood getting bulges and other rugged touches. The side profile has a boxy shape and it shines a spotlight on the large side windows which are meant to improve visibility. Overtrail models like our example get 33-inch knobby off-road tires and model-exclusive wheels along with additional cladding to help it be a better fit out on the trail.
The rear of the SUV continues to be its most controversial feature with the 2024 model getting an all-new lightbar that runs from one end of the liftgate to the other. The GX continues to offer a trick rear window that can be opened independently of the liftgate which allows the GX to haul bulky items like a surfboard or long pieces of wood. The rear lightbar also likes playing visual tricks on newcomers with the bright red coloring in the lens housing making you think that you left the lights on by mistake the first few times you drive the GX.
That minor quirk aside, the GX is a noticeable visual improvement over the outgoing model which had exterior styling that dated all the way back to 2009 and was really starting to show its age in the face of more modern competition. This bold transformation will be noticed by buyers and look for the GX to potentially bring more young buyers into the brand’s orbit.
Functionality blends with luxury for unique GX experience
Slip inside the 2024 Lexus GX and you’ll find that the cabin has also been given a noticeable makeover. The tired worn out plastics and materials are swapped out for higher quality ones with our tester having a higher percentage of soft-touch materials than the outgoing model. Models like our Overtrail get a large 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a slightly smaller 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Both of these displays are similar to what’s in the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road but the graphics here in the Lexus are dimmer and are not as vibrant as what you see in the Toyota. This weakness is balanced out by sharper software with the infotainment system being faster and slicker than prior units while also adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The rest of the interior focuses on providing maximum visibility to occupants. In addition to the rear side windows, the hood’s reworked sculpting allows the driver and front passenger to have a broad view of the terrain in front of them. The rest of the interior has plenty of room for occupants with taller passengers being able to fit easily in the front seats and even the second-row. Unlike other GX models, the Overtrail does not offer a third-row seat but that’s fine since the live rear axle does make things a bit tight for passengers back there. Rear cargo room is very good but you do have a high liftover which makes itself known when loading heavier items.
GX still has trail ready performance
Performance for the 2024 Lexus GX comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that replaces the V8 and produces 349 horsepower. While it’s slightly less powerful than the LX600’s version of the V6, it’s still a noticeable gain over the outgoing V8. A 10-speed automatic is the sole transmission available and it delivers smooth shifts and also allowed our Overtrail to make the sprint to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds. The Overtrail prefers to show its credentials out on the trail and while that means the GX is not going to set the world on fire with its on-road dynamics, it makes up for it by packing plenty of trail ready features into its ladder frame.
A key feature is the E-KDSS system which is an improvement of the old KDSS system. Unlike the outgoing system which disabled the front and rear anti-rollbars at the same time due to the hydraulic components, the “E” portion of its moniker uses an ECU to disable the two independently. Metro Detroit’s noted lack of trails will ensure that E-KDSS will be behind the scenes most of the time, but the 33-inch tires actually allow the Overtrail to have a smoother ride than other GX models. The ladder frame does bite into handling slightly with the model feeling heavy in sharp corners.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2024 Lexus GX 550 starts at $64,250 which will get you into a base Premium model. Lexus also uses a “+” system for more well-equipped versions of each trim level with the Luxury and the Overtrail also joining the Premium in getting such a model. Naturally plus means more money and stepping into a plus model does require you to go higher up the trim ladder.
Our range-topping Overtail+ had a starting price of $77,250 but optional extras caused our tester to cross over the $80,000 barrier. Accessories and optional extras also define the GX buying experience. In addition to the usual array of optional equipment and tech, the GX also offers an extensive library of outdoor-focused accessories including additional off-road components from ARB and adventure-focused gear like outdoor furniture and accessories. Buyers who like having electric drink coolers will have plenty to think about with Lexus offering six different choices for keeping your drinks cool. In total there are 144 optional accessories to choose from so make some toast and grab a drink before reading (you’ll need it.)
The 2024 Lexus GX is attempting to bring the model back to its rugged origins with the brand putting a renewed emphasis on giving customers the capability they need while also providing enough elegance and coddling to remind them that they didn’t get lost and end up in a Jeep Wrangler. It will be interesting to see how customers will react to the smaller V6 powertrain but look for the GX to still be a potent contender in the off-road SUV sales race.
Carl Malek (@carlmalek) | TikTok
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.