Anthony FongaroLexus likes to take the time to overhaul its vehicles. One of their oldest vehicles was the GX. This body-on-frame SUV utilized a V8 but had a dated interior and technology. Now, the GX is all-new and based on the current-generation Toyota Land Cruiser. There’s a significant increase in luxury with a more aggressive body and different trim levels. This 2024 Lexus GX550 was the Overtrail+, the choice for off-roading enthusiasts. Are the changes enough to keep the GX550 competitive?
As a more boxy SUV, the GX550 is far more handsome than the previous generation. At the front, a black spindle grille is flanked by triple-beam LED headlights. Overtrail vehicles come with prominent fender flares. This GX550 came in an excellent Earth/Black Onyx color combination with 18-inch wheels. Door handles, side mirrors, and various trim are in black. The rear hatch’s glass partition can open separately from the electric tailgate. A full-length light bar has Lexus spelled out across, along with GX550 badging. This is a striking and handsome-looking SUV.
If the styling is more bold than the previous generation, the interior is a major glow-up. Hop inside, and there are premium materials throughout the cabin. All seats are heated, with the front seats utilizing ventilation and a massage feature. In front of the driver is a steering wheel with buttons for the audio and safety systems. A digital display is accompanied by an optional head-up display, both are clear and gives all the information you would want. Next to the driver is a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Underneath, the climate control is a combination of digital buttons with physical dials for the temperature.
Various buttons can change the drive modes both off-road and on-road. There’s a large physical shifter with a toggle switch to change the drivetrain from H4 to L4. A wireless charging pad is in front of the center console, which happens to have an optional Cool Box to chill drinks. Various USB-c ports are throughout the cabin. Normally, the GX is a seven-seater but for the Overtrail and Overtrail+, those seats are removed. Although the vehicle is large enough for seven seats, that means there is a vast amount of room in the trunk. Any Lexus isn’t complete without an optional Mark Levinson sound system with plenty of treble and bass. A large sunroof compliments the airy interior. These changes transform the GX 550 into a desirable SUV with excellent tech and comfort.
Powering the GX550 Overland+ is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. With a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel-drive, the GX550 accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds. There are a multitude of drive modes including eco, normal, comfort, sport s, sport s +, and custom. Since the engine makes plenty of power, I kept the GX550 in comfort to maximize its luxurious nature. The GX drives much better than the previous generation with less body roll than before. Although I didn’t take the GX 550 off-road, it did well in an Illinois snowstorm. The engine may be downsized, but it only returned 16 MPG. Safety comes from Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 which has adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and 360-degree camera.
Pricing for the 2024 Lexus GX 550 starts at $64,250 for the Premium. This Overtrail+ starts at $76,000. Options include $350 for the paint, $170 Cool Box, $375 digital key, $900 head-up display, $1,140 Mark Levinson sound system, $110 tonneau cover, and $620 traffic jam assist. All in, this GX came to $80,000. That is aligned with European competition. There is a regular Overtrail which starts at $69,000 along with Premium and Luxury trim levels. Lexus did a fantastic job with the redesign of the GX 550. It’s much more luxurious, drives better, has a premium feel, and looks more handsome.
Photos Courtesy of Lexus
