Test-Driving The 2024 Lexus GX550

It was never a secret that the old Lexus GX was fundamentally a more luxurious version of the Toyota 4Runner. While that not-so-sly rebadging wasn’t counted as a negative—the 4Runner has always been celebrated for its off-road prowess, reliability, and strong resale value—it meant that the GX essentially drove like an aging body-on-frame truck. Yet all that changed in the 2024 model year when Lexus introduced an all-new GX model, sharing platforms with the all-new, decidedly more premium, Toyota Land Cruiser.

The new platform retains the rugged body-on-frame architecture and off-road focus, yet it differentiates itself significantly from its Toyota Land Cruiser sibling. While the two may share platforms and a (very similar appearing) boxy exterior, engines, transmissions, suspension, interiors, appointments, and driving dynamics are unique.

Lexus offers six different trim levels of the GX500: Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Luxury+. Pricing ranges from the mid-$60,000 up to about $80,000. For this review, I drove a Lexus GX500 Overtrail+. The Overtrail models are the most off-road capable models in the lineup, thanks to 33-inch AT (all-terrain) tires on 18-inch wheels, a protective skid plate, adaptive suspension with added wheel articulation, crawl-control, and unique modes for different terrains. The Overtrail+ is upgraded with additional luxury features, including heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, premium audio, and a hands-free liftgate.

The base price on my vehicle was $75,900, but a handful of options included an Off-Road Roof Rack, Mark Levinson Premium Sound, Head-Up Display, Rock Rails, and Traffic Jam Assist raised the price. The MSRP, including delivery fees, was $84,575 for this well-equipped vehicle—there’s quite a bit of value in the Lexus, especially when a well-equipped Toyota Land Cruiser is only about $10,000 less.

All GX550 models are fitted with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 (rated at 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque), mated to a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine is more potent than the outgoing GX’s V8 and the hybrid powerplant under the hood of the Land Cruiser—the 0-60 mph sprint takes about 6.3 seconds (also quicker than both vehicles). According to the EPA, the GX550 earns 15 MPG City/21 MPG Highway/17 MPG Combined fuel efficiency ratings. Towing capacity is an impressive 9,096 lbs—far exceeding its predecessor’s rating of 6,500 pounds.

The passenger cabin is well appointed, and using upscale materials delivers a premium feel that blends traditional interfaces (a console-mounted PRNDM shift lever) with modern flat-panel touchscreen displays (the infotainment screen is a 14-inch touchscreen). The two front and split-folding second-row seats are comfortable with four passengers on board, but a fifth passenger must fight the plastic console that eats up their legroom. Large windows eliminate any feeling of claustrophobia and provide a commanding view of the outside world. Lexus offers 5- and 7-passenger cabins, but the Overtrail models are only offered with two rows—that’s just fine, as the third row in the Premium and Luxury models are on the cramped side (adults need not apply).

On the road, there’s plenty of power from the turbocharged V6, but there’s a slight delay as the boost kicks in when pulling away from a standstill (the hybrid Land Cruiser feels quicker off the line). Thankfully, the growl from the engine delivers audible reassurance, and there is ample passing power when needed—I much prefer this engine over the 4-cylinder under the hood of the Toyota. Fuel economy was in the mid-teens, which should be expected from a non-hybrid turbocharged V6 tasked with moving 5,500 lbs.

The benefits of the new platform are immediately apparent from the driver’s point of view, as the GX550 drives well, nearly absent of the unique idiosyncrasies of body-on-frame trucks. The ride is impressive, and the GX handles confidently well, but it will never be mistaken for an agile crossover—lots of mass and a tall ride height deliver body roll, and AT tires lack turn-in precision. The cabin should be quiet thanks to the sound-deadening acoustic front and side glass. Yet, the optional Off-Road Roof Rack howled in the wind above 50 mph (unless you plan on using it regularly, I’d suggest skipping it entirely or finding a more aerodynamic aftermarket solution).

Full disclosure reveals that I was looking forward to spending a week with the all-new 2024 Lexus GX550, and I was not disappointed. The luxury SUV is a near-perfect blend of traditional off-road chassis architecture and a conventional combustion powerplant with modern electronic assistance and innovative cabin technology—the best of old and new. Add commendable Lexus customer service and an impressive warranty (4-year/50,000-mile basic, 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain), and the value proposition will start looking very attractive. The 2024 Lexus GX500 is on my recommended list.