2024 Lexus GX

Unique among midsize luxury SUVs because of its truck-like architecture, the GX is supremely qualified to tow and an amazing off-roader. But its 7-passenger cabin is seriously luxurious, too. With a full remodel for 2024, Lexus advances the GX’s powertrain to current segment standards and beyond. Likewise, Lexus thoroughly modernized the dashboard and instrument panel as illustrated by the driver’s 12.3-inch multi-information display flanked by a big 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. These are simply the highlights of the makeover of this highly civilized but capable beast.

We’ve driven multiple examples of the new 2024 GX, including the GX 550 Premium seen here in Nebula Gray Pearl.

Virtually everything is new for 2024, which rings in the third generation of this sturdy midsize luxury SUV. Topping the list is a version of the twin-turbo V6 married to a 10-speed automatic transmission found in the 2023 Lexux LX and LS 500. The latest GX is longer and wider with boxier lines than the outgoing GX. New Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades further elevate the GX’s already impressive off-road prowess with a locking limited-slip differential and available Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor, and more.

The GX starts at about the same price as what is arguably its most direct competitor, the similarly at-home-anywhere 2024 Land Rover Defender 110. Looking around the Lexus  dealership, the two-row RX starts closer to $50K, the three-row TX at more like $55K, and the big fella, the Lexus LX, starting on the other side of $90K.

Before buying a Lexus GX, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The Lexus GX has historically returned strong resale value, and we expect the new model will do even better. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

Owners of the previous-generation GX may hardly recognize this one from behind the wheel. Squishy brakes and steering are replaced by crisp responses all around. The new GX still rides on a truck-like, body-on-frame platform for excellent towing and off-road performance, but there’s far less of a compromise in comfort and confidence around town and on the highway. It’s not as car-like as a Lexus RX or TX, of course, but we wouldn’t want it to be, either. A 349-horsepower twin-turbo V6 delivers 48 more horsepower than last year’s V8, and can propel the GX from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Merging and passing won’t be a problem. Every GX is more capable off-road than most midsize luxury SUVs, but the rugged new GX Overtrail version impressed us as especially capable as we negotiated some muddy and rutty trails.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is rated to return 17 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Fuel economy has never been a GX strength — the outgoing model was rated for 16 mpg — and we were hoping for a bigger bump with the move from V8 to V6 power. But considering the new engine delivers 48 additional horsepower, a small increase is perhaps a small win. There’s a hybrid GX on the way, but we expect it will be tuned more for extra power than added efficiency. Still, when you’re starting from 17 mpg, every little bit helps.

We love the bold and adventurous styling of the new GX, but we also like that the inside has a more balanced design. It’s a Lexus interior, just more business-like. The GX is a three-row vehicle that can seat up to seven, although the Overtrail models aren’t available with a third row and top out at seating for five. We found plenty of legroom in the second row. Optional captain’s chairs reduce passenger capacity by one, but they’re more comfortable, and the resulting pass-through makes it easier to climb into and out of the third row. That said, the third row is rather tight and best for occasional use by smaller humans. If you need three rows on a regular basis, and want to be able to load a fair amount of cargo at the same time, you might consider something more accommodating like the Lexus TX, for instance. With the third row in place, there’s only 10.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the GX. Drop the third row and you have a useful 40.2 cubic feet to work with — 45.6 in Overtrail models — which is up to 10 cubic feet more than the Defender 110.

Clearly, Lexus intended to create not only a more rugged-looking GX but also a more high-end one. This is highlighted by the nearly vertical backend with an LED taillight bar running across its entire width. Standard is a hands-free power rear liftgate with a pop-up window. Of course, the front end is dominated by a more subtle and well-integrated version of the iconic spindle grille.

Traffic Jam Assist
Under the right conditions, the Lexus GX can essentially drive itself itself through stop-and-go traffic. The future is here to help.

Overtrail Grade
In addition to big all-terrain tires, a limited-slip locking center differential, and detachable front and rear stabilizer bars, the impressively outfitted GX 550 Overtrail has cool features like Crawl Control (off-road cruise control) and a Multi-Terrain Monitor that provides better visibility of the ground under and immediately around the vehicle.

Proactive Driving Assist
This is one of those features you need to experience to appreciate. In everyday driving, the system can apply subtle steering and braking to slow you down for an upcoming curve or help keep you a comfortable distance from vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. It makes some of the same adjustments you’d make, and lightens your load just a little bit.

21-speaker surround sound
The Mark Levinson audio systems offered across the Lexus line consistently rank among our favorites.

Use your phone as your key
You can lock, unlock, and start the Lexus GX with your phone. The car senses your phone just like a key, so you don’t need to take it out of your pocket. You can even “send” a key to a friend.

Dynamic Sky roof
The range-topping GX 550 Luxury+ has a big panoramic glass roof that changes from transparent to opaque at the push of a button. Choose more stars or less sun on demand, or just impress your friends.

Every 2024 GX 550 is powered by a fantastic 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 pumping out 349 horsepower and a whopping 479 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, and helps deliver an impressive max tow rating of 8,000 pounds.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

On par with other luxury models, the Lexus GX basic warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. At six years or 70,000 miles, the powertrain warranty is better than most European rivals. Plus, you get complimentary maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles.

Safety

The outgoing Lexus GX earned a 4-Star overall safety rating (out of 5 stars) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The new model is sure to do as well or better. Every GX features the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, bundling features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign assist, and more.