Extra energy, extra tech, extra money.
Trying on the previous-generation Lexus GX parked subsequent to the 2024 Lexus GX 550, the design adjustments are manifestly apparent. From the LED lights to the upright stance, the brand new GX has a extra fashionable really feel, nevertheless it additionally appears to be like prepared for motion–particularly if you catch a glimpse of the brand new off-road-ready Overtrail trim stage, with its 33-inch tires and black fender flares.
The inside of the model’s midsize off-road prepared SUV additionally will get a contemporary improve with its customary 14-inch infotainment display and 12-inch digital gauge cluster. You’ve got a digital heart stack and a determined lack of bodily buttons and dials. Local weather controls for are actually embedded within the touchscreen. However because the new GX additionally will get an up to date Lexus infotainment system, stuff you used to make use of your fingers for can now be dealt with merely with voice instructions.
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Fortunately, all because of this the previous-generation’s clumsy touchpad-actuated management system is gone.
All through the cabin, lots of the ending touches seem extra upscale than earlier than, although we are going to say there are few contact factors that don’t fairly reside as much as the GX’s roughly $65,000 beginning worth. Working example: The 12-inch gauge cluster doesn’t dazzle–regardless that it’s customizable and presents in 4 completely different colours. Additionally, the steering-wheel controls additionally look dated.
![2024 Lexus GX 550](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/image31.jpg)
Lexus considers the BMW X5 and X7, the Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-Benz GLE to be direct rivals for the brand new GX, and when it comes to cabin appointments, that’s some critical competitors. The brand new GX, at greatest, rises to that stage, however actually doesn’t exceed it.
The brand new GX clearly borrows a few of its boxy, upright design from the aforementioned Defender, although it’s architecturally completely different. Whereas the Defender employs a one-piece “unibody” design, the GX relies on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, which underpins quite a lot of rugged-duty merchandise together with the Toyota Tundra and Sequia, in addition to the not too long ago redesigned full-size Lexus LX 600.
Lexus touts this as an enormous benefit as a result of regardless that the on-road journey could be stiffer, the off-road efficiency can be hundreds higher. Although I haven’t taken the most recent Defender off-road, I can attest to GX being a superb off-roader.
We had the chance to judge the GX in deep mud, which it tackled with ease. I used to be moreover impressed with the truck’s potential to easy over some significantly rutted unpaved roads.
When it comes to on-road manners, the GX 550 is each easy and peppy. Lots of people are poo-pooing the brand new truck’s customary 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, as they lament the demise of the previous GX’s tried and true V8.
However I largely wish to say these folks ought to recover from it. This turbo V6 delivers a hearty 347 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, that’s 46 extra horsepower and 50 kilos extra torque than the outgoing engine–If you happen to care about that sort of factor.
Thanks partly to the facility bump, most towing capability rises to 9,096 kilos on the Overtrail mannequin, and 9,063 for the Premium variations. That’s a whopping 2,500-pound improve in towing capability over the earlier technology.
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Whereas the V-6 does ship distinctive energy, I’ll level out there’s a small quantity of turbo lag (a quick delay in energy supply) below arduous acceleration from a cease–even when partaking sport mode.
The Overtrail trims fall below what Lexus calls the “Overtrail Venture,” which is meant to encourage prospects to discover nature. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ thus have some further options to permit homeowners to go off highway with confidence. This consists of locking rear and heart differentials. The Overtrail trims even have a particular suspension that gives on-road and off-road driving stability, in addition to the model’s Multi-Terrain Choose system. Additionally included is low-speed Crawl Management, which works in ahead and reverse gears, and a digital camera system that reveals what’s round and beneath the automobile at low speeds.
Visually, the Overtrail trims are set aside by bitone colour combos with black fender-flare cladding and a black roof, in addition to a novel “Earth” paint colour.
Accessible along with the off-road-focused Overtrail trim stage are Premium and Luxurious trims, each with “+” variants that embody further options.
Pricing for every trim (together with the $1,350 vacation spot charge) is as follows:
- Premium: $64,250
- Premium+: $69,250
- Luxurious: $77,250
- Luxurious+: $81,250
- Overtrail: $69,250
- Overtrail+: $77,250
Total, I feel the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is rather well accomplished. It appears to be like nice, has superb customary security tech options, and is a snug cruiser. Whereas there have been a few misses, there may be nothing right here that could be a dealbreaker.
The brand new GX is assembled in Japan, and it’s anticipated to reach in dealerships early within the second quarter, which implies we’re April-ish.
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2024 Lexus GX 550 Gallery
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