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- The 2024 Lexus GX 550 changes up the alphanumeric name and drops the 4.6-liter V8.
- Under hood is a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- The ‘24 Lexus GX also adds the Overtrail model to the lineup, with a locking rear differential and 33-inch tires.
The current Lexus GX SUV made its debut back in 2009. If you haven’t been keeping track, a lot has changed since then. To put it into perspective, the full-size SUV arrived some months after the iPhone 3GS hit shelves. Well, the folks at Lexus are finally putting the solid-selling GX out to pasture and are shaking things up with the third generation. As we predicted, the latest GX shares parts, pieces, and trends seen with the most recent Toyota and Lexus body-on-frame vehicles. That means V8s are out, and big screens are in.
Yes, there’s some unfortunate news. Replacing the 4.6-liter V8 is a turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 (the only available powertrain), which throws 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque at the standard 10-speed automatic. Those figures are both improvements over the V8, which made 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque.
While a similar powertrain in the Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX 600 gets a hybrid variant, the GX does not—at least, not at launch. Still, Lexus says the United States will get a hybrid variant down the line. This power heads to the standard, full-time four-wheel-drive system, which is distributed through an electronically controlled transfer case.
The ‘24 Lexus GX also rides on a new platform—at least it’s new for the GX. The same TNGA-F architecture underpins the Lexus LX 600 and Toyota Sequoia. This means a ladder frame, with double wishbone suspension handling the front wheels and a multi-link suspension taking care of the rear axle. That rear axle gets an electronic locker in certain trims, suggesting the GX will have real off-road chops. With the new platform also comes electric power steering.
Alongside the engine shakeup, the squared-up sheetmetal is all-new for ‘24, and the grille is smaller than before. The front end is accented by thin LED headlamps that Lexus has kept high to help avoid any damage off-road.
As vehicles often do with generational shifts, the ‘24 GX is larger than the outgoing model. It’s longer than the current model by 2.75 inches (197.04 inches overall), while the wheelbase has been stretched by 2.36 inches (to 112.2 inches). The new GX is 83.22 inches wide with the mirrors out and is about 3 inches shorter than the LX 600, for context.
The fully revised styling is echoed on the GX 550’s interior. Like the LX 600, the GX now gets a massive touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dash, which is flanked by a digital instrument cluster. The 14-inch touchscreen system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are both standard.
Lexus sticks with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, and physical buttons for the climate control and audio volume, despite the big touchscreen. The stretched shell and longer wheelbase should make passengers in the standard third row slightly more comfortable.
With creature comforts even more in demand than ever, the folks at Lexus stuffed the cabin with up to 12 cupholders, six illuminated USB-C charge ports, and more interior storage than the outgoing model. The rear cargo area can fit up to five suitcases with the third row folded down.
Standard active safety features on the ‘24 Lexus GX 550 include lane-departure alert with steering assist, road-sign assist, proactive driving assist, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
Lexus will offer the GX with six trim levels, starting at Premium and topping out at Luxury Plus. In between those, you’ll find a plus variant of the Premium offering and the new Overtrail and Overtrail Plus variants. These new trims come standard with 33-inch tires wrapping 18-inch rims, a locking rear differential, and a wider stance than the standard GX.
Lexus says these ‘24 GX models will start hitting dealers early in 2024, with production slated for the Tahara plant in Japan. The company hasn’t revealed pricing, but you can assume the GX’s current $59,775 base price is going away. We’re expecting a sizable rise in the GX’s price.
Do you think the ‘24 Lexus GX 550 will improve on the current model? Tell us your thoughts below.
