2024 Lexus GX Leans In to Off

The mid-size SUV, launching as the GX550 with a 349-hp twin-turbo 3.4L V-6, aims to back up its tough shape with real off-road cred—especially the new Overtrail trim.

The Lexus GX mid-size SUV, already a favorite among off-roaders and overlanding enthusiasts, enters 2024 looking like Lexus's version of the Mercedes G-wagen. The blocky, squared-off new look emphasizes its tough body-on-frame construction, sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, and Land Cruiser roots, and the new 2024 GX550 will even offer a special new off-road trim level called Overtrail.

Built on the same platform as the larger Lexus LX, the new GX is significantly larger than the old one. In fact, it's only a few inches smaller than the LX in most dimensions and has the same wheelbase, making us wonder why Lexus still plans to offer both models in the U.S. Most versions of the GX come standard with a third row of seats offer seating for six or seven, although the Overtrail is only available as a two-row five-seater for now. The side-opening tailgate is gone, replaced by a conventional power liftgate with a glass section that opens separately. The third row is available with a power-folding function.

Four-wheel drive with a low range is standard across the board, as is a center locking differential. The standard powertrain in the GX550 is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine and a 10-speed automatic. This is the same engine found in the Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, and Lexus LX600, and in the GX550 it produces 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claims a combined fuel-economy rating of 17 mpg, a slight bump over the old V-8 GX460's 16 mpg combined. Lexus says that a hybrid is coming later, and we expect this setup to have a similar configuration as the Tundra and Sequoia's iForce Max, with a bit more horsepower courtesy of an electric motor and slightly improved fuel economy.

The GX's suspension features the same setup as the LX, with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) feature that can disconnect the front and rear anti-roll bars continues on, but it's now done electronically. Adaptive dampers are standard. Upgrades for the Overtrail include a rear locking differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires with 18-inch wheels, and skid plates.

Inside, the new GX's dashboard looks far more modern than before—no surprise given that the previous GX had been around for more than a decade. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominate the driver's view, and the touchscreen runs Lexus's latest infotainment system with improved voice commands. A combination of two physical knobs and touch-sensitive buttons control the HVAC system, and there are switches and buttons on the center console near the shifter for the four-wheel-drive system, drive modes, and differential locks.

The lineup starts off with the Premium and Premium+ grades, and the Luxury and Luxury+ models will presumably add more equipment (Lexus hasn't detailed available features by trim yet). These will be offered with either a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The Overtrail adds the off-road upgrades and comes with other visual tweaks, while the Overtrail+ will come with extra features commensurate with the Luxury trim. The Premium and Overtrail models offer 8000 pounds of towing capacity, while the Luxury trim can tow 6990 pounds and the Luxury+ can tow 6780 pounds.

Eleven exterior colors will be offered, and the Overtrail will be available in certain two-tone combinations with a black roof like the Earth-and-black combination pictured at top. The interior comes standard with faux leather and will be available with semi-aniline leather on the higher trims, while the Overtrail has attractive green suede accents on the seats.

We haven't heard anything on price, but we expect the 2024 GX to go up a fair amount compared with the old model's price range of $59,275–$69,930. It will be built in Japan and is slated to start arriving at U.S. dealerships in early 2024.

Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.

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