The Lexus GX has long had a split identity. On one hand, it is a luxurious midsize SUV offered by a brand known for its comfortable vehicles. But on the other hand, it has secretly been an off-road monster that shares its underpinnings with the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. For 2024, Lexus has fully redesigned the GX inside and out, making it a far more luxurious vehicle while bringing its off-road nature into the limelight as the first product of the Lexus Overtrail Project. With drivers shopping for a luxurious family SUV now having the option of the all-new Lexus TX, the brand was free to go all-out, transforming the GX into one of the most capable luxury off-roaders on the market.
Unifying a Family of Off-Road Legends
While the outgoing 2023 Lexus GX 460 was based on the European-market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the new 2024 Lexus GX 550 is effectively the luxury version of the recently redesigned Japanese-market Toyota Land Cruiser. It even keeps the solid rear axle for incredible off-road performance. Since the iconic Land Cruiser is no longer available in the American market, this means the GX is now the closest you can get to Toyota’s flagship off-road SUV. Other models that share the same GA-F platform include the 2022 Lexus LX, 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2023 Toyota Sequoia, and 2024 Toyota Tacoma, demonstrating its reliability and capability.
All of these models also share variants of the same powertrain, a modern 3.4L turbocharged V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This is a massive upgrade from the ancient 4.6L V8 engine and six-speed transmission that powered the outgoing GX 460. Instead of the 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque supplied by the old model, the new GX 550 comes with an impressive 349 hp and 479 lb-ft torque. Not only does this prove much-improved acceleration, but it also increases the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle to 8,000 lbs. This is one of the highest towing capacities in the segment, easily exceeding models like the BMW X7 at 7,500 lbs or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L at 7,200 lbs.
Performance and Luxury
However, while the Lexus GX has always been capable under the skin, the new 2024 model is no longer hiding its off-road abilities. This is most clearly seen in the new Overtrail trim, which marks the unveiling of the Lexus Overtrail Project. While the full scope of this project is not yet clear, the GX 550 Overtrail is a serious entry into the world of luxury off-roading. With a wider stance, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential to complement the standard full-time all-wheel drive system and Torsen limited-slip center differential, this trim can take you just about anywhere. It even gets a full suite of off-road electronics, including Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor, and an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.
Despite all these performance features, the 2024 GX is still a Lexus at heart. This means you can also expect a ton of luxury features, including semi-aniline leather seats, power-adjustable seats for all three rows, and a massive 14-inch infotainment screen. A more generous cabin with plenty of small touches, such as 12 cup holders to fit everyone’s drinks, means the new GX is an even better family vehicle than the outgoing model. While the all-new 2024 Lexus TX is worth considering if you are simply looking for a comfortable ride to cart the kids around town, the redesigned 2024 Lexus GX remains an incredible option for anyone with a taste for adventure and luxury.
