Driven: 2024 Lexus GX Is Luxury With A Wild Side

The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV with a wild side. It has the creature comforts expected of a premium vehicle with the capability to swap pavement for dirt at a moment’s notice. For 2024, it was completely redesigned with an improved interior, upgraded features, and a bold new look that blends luxury with ruggedness.

The refresh for the 2024 model year traded the old V8 engine for a peppy twin-turbo V6 with a trim range that goes from luxury to rough and ready. I spent a week driving the GX 550 Overtrail, a trim that targets off-road enthusiasts who still want a luxury vibe when they aren’t out having fun. It’s a roomy and capable vehicle with a great balance of tech and features that make busy family life easier to manage.

Exterior Looks: Rugged Charm With Modern Polish

The 2024 GX has a look that’s equal parts tough and polished. Its boxy silhouette is nearly 5 inches longer and 4.5 inches wider than the old GX and screams capability, while the spindle grille gets a modern update that’s less fussy. It blends in with the design rather than standing out for all the wrong reasons. There are standard triple-beam LED headlamps with the Overtrail riding on 33-inch all-terrain tires with striking 18-inch matte gray alloy wheels. Black roof rails add to the adventurous styling and ensure you can take along everything you need for the trip. Optional two-tone paint adds even more visual appeal.

• Length: 197.05 inches
• Width: 78.74 inches
• Height: 77.17 inches
• Wheelbase 112.2 inches

Interior & On-Board Technology: Luxury Meets Durability

The GX 550 Overtrail balances Lexus luxury with a rugged edge. The NuLuxe-trimmed seats are plush yet durable, so a little mud and muck after a trail ride are no cause for worry. This trim is offered only with two rows, while the Premium and Luxury trims add a third. The lack of a third row creates more room for cargo in the Overtrail, which is what you want in a vehicle that’s designed to haul you, the kids, and your stuff on family excursions. We drove the three-row trim on the first drive for the GX, and while it adds seating for up to seven, the third row is tight, making it best for kids. This also leaves just 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space when all three rows are in use.

The interior is plush and comfortable with standard heated and ventilated front seats and a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel. Available massaging front seats and heated second-row seats are little luxuries that make a big difference after a long day off-road or a family road trip. A 120V/400-watt AC outlet and six USB-C ports keep gear charged, though rivals like the Land Rover Defender offer more connectivity options and a more plush interior.

Infotainment: Tech That Keeps Up

Infotainment includes a 14-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics and good responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for seamless smartphone integration and the Overtrail’s Multi-Terrain Monitor, which includes under-vehicle views, makes managing challenging terrain easier. The 10-speaker Lexus premium sound system is solid, but audiophiles might miss the optional Mark Levinson upgrade available on other trims.

Performance: Power Meets Purpose

The new GX ditches the old V8 for a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It’s up to the challenge of tackling a trail and can tow up to 9,096 pounds depending on the trim. This is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with full-time four-wheel drive. It’s a big leap forward from the outgoing model’s dated powertrain, and it makes this a far better SUV.

Performance Impressions

On pavement, the engine is responsive for confident passing on the highway with a smooth but not sporty transmission. Off-road, it’s a capable SUV that can handle mud, dirt, and rugged terrain without complaint. It’s a more composed ride than a Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially on the highway. The all-terrain tires do create a bit of noise on the pavement, but it’s not overly intrusive, though wind noise is noticeable, especially in stormy weather.

Ride and Handling

Lexus is a luxury brand, so no matter the capability, it has to stay true to its luxury roots. The GX pulls off this feat nicely, more so in the Premium and Luxury trims, where the Overtrail goes harder toward capability. No matter the trim, it’s a confident and relaxing ride that isn’t overly sporty but still provides a solid amount of engagement for the driver. It’s a great highway cruiser that won’t tax the driver and lets passengers relax. Acceleration is strong, but the sounds of that engine are well-muted to stay in line with its luxury trappings. It’s also pleasant on side roads with a minimum of body roll and a suspension system that soaks up all but the worst bumps in the road.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy of 15/21/17 mpg city/highway/combined trails rivals like the BMW X5, which offers 23 mpg combined. This is definitely not a fuel-sipper and your wallet will take notice if you have a long commute or a vacation road trip. The upside is the strong performance of that turbocharged engine.

Verdict & Pricing: A Luxury Trailblazer

The 2024 GX 550 is a luxury SUV that doesn’t shy away from getting dirty. It blends Lexus refinement with genuine off-road chops, making it a standout against cushier rivals like the X5 or rugged icons like the Defender. Pricing starts at $62,900, not including $1,350 destination, and tops out at $79,900. It’s not cheap, but it is competitively priced.

Lexus didn’t just make a few tweaks to the GX this year, it reinvented its off-roader for a new generation of families. It’s roomy and comfortable with a comprehensive infotainment system and lots of cargo room. It also has good capability, so you can have your luxury SUV and enjoy getting dirty, too. For the adventurous family who want plenty of creature comforts, the 2024 Lexus GX fits the bill.