Renewed from top to bottom, the 2024 Lexus GX is the deluxe brand’s most adaptable mid-luxury SUV yet, available in a variety of six levels. It’s both a sophisticated urban drive and a durable off-road explorer. It’s been valuable waiting for, putting the Land Rover Defender on alert.
The 2024 GX takes a jump beyond previous GX generations with significant enhancements in user-friendly technology, considerate interior details, and ongoing off-road strength. It operates like a vision with a well-equipped interior and pleasant ride with power to spare, accelerating from zero to 60 in a swift 6.5 seconds. Notable features include a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 generating 349 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque; 10-speed automatic transmission; Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus interface with 14-inch multimedia touchscreen; and an incredible towing capacity of 9,096 pounds.
The 2024 GX adopts the GA-F platform introduced on the current-generation LX 600. This sturdy and lightweight ladder frame boosts body rigidity and enhances on-road handling, fundamental aspects of Lexus Driving Signature. This strengthened frame also enables owners to transport their Lexus dealer available accessories and gear, such as rooftop tents, recovery kits, and additional options available.
This year’s GX delivers an enhanced EPA-estimated highway rating of 21 MPG. The twin-turbo V6 outperforms the previous generation V8’s 301 horsepower, and torque output. Distinguished for its off-road expertise since the outset, the 2024 GX carries on that tradition with standard Full-Time 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential which divides the engine’s power 50:50 for remarkable vehicle stability and control in low grip scenarios and to prevent excess wheel spin.
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ models embrace a standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that harmonizes off-road driveability and on-road handling stability. Crawl Control can be engaged when the vehicle is in low range, letting the SUV to progress or reverse at one of five driver-selected low-speed settings. Crawl Control is a competent assistant, intuitively managing engine output and hydraulic braking pressure to reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior.
The Lexus GX is genuinely a plush all-terrain hero with all sorts of enhancements to make driving more responsive to road conditions. Swapping between high range (auto, dirt, sand, mud, and deep snow) and low range (auto, sand, mud, and rock) modes is now quicker compared to the previous generation GX. When Multi-Terrain Select is activated, a monitor comes into play to assist the driver with increased visibility under and around the vehicle when driving off-road. The Multi-Terrain Monitor employs four cameras within the Panoramic View Monitor System to transpose underfloor, front, side, and rear-view camera images displayed on the 14-inch screen, allowing the driver to check road conditions, blind spots, and obstacles distance.
An unmistakably fierce exterior design bestows the all-new GX with robust good looks that convey the off-road functionality of a sincere body-on-frame SUV. The stable posture is accomplished with a win track, fender flares, and an overall width increase of 3.75 inches (4.52 inches for the Overtrain). Triple-Beam LED headlamps and grille opening have been elevated to help avoid road impact, while the front overhang has been reduced by 0.78 inches for improved clearance.
Lexus listened to customer feedback, so the GX now presents a standard power rear-lift door (a GX first) with a pop-out window and an available kick sensor for hands-free convenience. Inside, a few of our preferred features include the sumptuous interior, the driver-centric cockpit design, 6 illuminated power ports, 10-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, 12 cup-holders, seating for up to seven, and a more spacious front seat with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
And let’s appreciate the lower, horizontal instrument panel design. It’s a substantial enhancement that streamlines the driver and passenger seat experience, providing superb front and side visibility. It also cleared an open space for the optional Head-Up Display (HUD) where the standard 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface technology is found. Physical dials for frequently used controls such as air conditioning and audio volume remain, thankfully, and all available off-road controls are concentrated near the gear shifter to help minimize potential driver distraction.
An Abundance of Tech Choices
The new Lexus GX has an application for everything. It features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and has Android Auto capability, allowing users to access favorite apps and control menus via their mobile device. The wireless capability can register up to five Bluetooth devices, with up to two devices connected at a time.
The 10-year Service Connect and Safety Connect provide maintenance updates, and assistance in case of emergency or vehicle theft. An additional Drive Connect subscription enables other tech features like Cloud Navigation, voice-command assistance, and Traffic Jam Assist. Yet another Remote Connect subscription allows drivers to use their smartphone as a vehicle Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection as a warning system providing emergency braking under certain circumstances.
But wait, there’s more. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist for even more collision avoidance; Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle (daytime only); and All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system for highway use to keep the vehicle at a preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. You’ve never had so many safety-minded assistance thanks to Road Sign Assist, Steering Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and more.
The 2024 Lexus GX arrives soon, priced from $64,250 to $81,250. It’s available in six levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and Lexus’ first-ever Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades with standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. A hybrid powertrain will be introduced at a later date.
Image Source: Zoran Karapancev / Shutterstock
