Extra energy, extra tech, extra money.
Wanting on the previous-generation Lexus GX parked subsequent to the 2024 Lexus GX 550, the design adjustments are obviously apparent. From the LED lights to the upright stance, the brand new GX has a extra trendy really feel, but it surely additionally appears to be like prepared for motion–particularly once you catch a glimpse of the brand new off-road-ready Overtrail trim degree, 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 commonplace 14-inch infotainment display screen and 12-inch digital gauge cluster. You might have a digital middle stack and a determined lack of bodily buttons and dials. Local weather controls for are actually embedded within the touchscreen. However for the reason that 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.
Fortunately, all which means the previous-generation’s clumsy touchpad-actuated management system is gone.
All through the cabin, numerous the ending touches seem extra upscale than earlier than, although we’ll say there are few contact factors that don’t fairly stay as much as the GX’s roughly $65,000 beginning value. Living proof: The 12-inch gauge cluster doesn’t dazzle–although it’s customizable and presents in 4 totally different colours. Additionally, the steering-wheel controls additionally look dated.
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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 by way of cabin appointments, that’s some critical competitors. The brand new GX, at finest, rises to that degree, however definitely 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 totally different. Whereas the Defender employs a one-piece “unibody” design, the GX relies on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, which underpins various rugged-duty merchandise together with the Toyota Tundra and Sequia, in addition to the just lately redesigned full-size Lexus LX 600.
Lexus touts this as an enormous benefit as a result of although the on-road trip could be stiffer, the off-road efficiency will probably be masses higher. Although I haven’t taken the latest Defender off-road, I can attest to GX being a wonderful 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 capability to clean over some significantly rutted unpaved roads.
When it comes to on-road manners, the GX 550 is each clean and peppy. Lots of people are poo-pooing the brand new truck’s commonplace 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, as they lament the demise of the outdated GX’s tried and true V8.
However I largely wish to say these individuals 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–In case you care about that form 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 onerous acceleration from a cease–even when partaking sport mode.
The Overtrail trims fall below what Lexus calls the “Overtrail Undertaking,” which is meant to encourage clients to discover nature. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ thus have some further options to permit homeowners to move off street with confidence. This contains locking rear and middle differentials. The Overtrail trims even have a particular suspension that gives on-road and off-road driving steadiness, 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 car at low speeds.
Visually, the Overtrail trims are set aside by bitone shade mixtures with black fender-flare cladding and a black roof, in addition to a novel “Earth” paint shade.
Obtainable along with the off-road-focused Overtrail trim degree are Premium and Luxurious trims, each with “+” variants that embody further options.
Pricing for every trim (together with the $1,350 vacation spot price) is as follows:
- Premium: $64,250
- Premium+: $69,250
- Luxurious: $77,250
- Luxurious+: $81,250
- Overtrail: $69,250
- Overtrail+: $77,250
General, I feel the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is very well performed. It appears to be like nice, has wonderful commonplace security tech options, and is a snug cruiser. Whereas there have been a few misses, there’s 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 suggests we’re April-ish.
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2024 Lexus GX 550 Gallery
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