The Lexus GX 550 Gets a Mud-Splattered Powertrain

Since the original GX was unveiled 14 years ago, overland and off-road communities have seen exponential growth. Now they boast vehicles, trim levels, and packages specifically tailored for their mud-covered adventures.

Lexus has announced major upgrades for the 2024 GX in order to stay ahead of competition. Their GA-F platform is 20% more rigid than before, leading directly to improvements in body control both on-road and off.

Powertrain

Lexus's GX subcompact SUV has long taken second place to Toyota Land Cruiser models and its own LX luxury versions, but with its all-new powertrain for 2024 GX 550 it aims to regain some of its rough-and-tumble swagger thanks to 349 horsepower from its twin turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 producing 479 lb-ft of torque; that should keep this little guy moving smoothly through any terrain; but only time will tell whether this engine can hold out against its rivals over time.

Full-time four-wheel drive and a locking rear differential make the GX an exceptional off-roader, with its new suspension designed to maximize wheel travel for an unwavering ride over rough terrain. Lexus now also offers its exclusive eKDSS system (electronically controlled sway bar disconnect), enabling drivers to fully relax the front and rear sway bars - which helps the GX scale steep slopes more easily while improving handling in muddy or sandy conditions.

Even on highway driving, the GX 550 feels strong and composed. Its powerful engine and standard navigation systems help ensure you remain confident on course, while premium features like its 21-speaker Mark Levinson(r)* Premium Surround Sound create a relaxing driving environment to make long road trips an enjoyable experience.

The GX 550's rugged exterior design is an intoxicating blend of power and poise, featuring an intricate front grille and headlamps surrounded by LED daytime running lights, large wheels and fender flares, taillights with Lexus' signature L-shaped light bar, as well as Lexus' driver-focused cockpit and the Japanese "Omotenashi" aesthetic. Inside is an atmosphere of peace and quiet created by Lexus' signature driver-focused cockpit as well as the Japanese "Omotenashi" aesthetic.

Technology

Other than its rugged exterior and additional off-road hardware, the GX remains mostly unchanged inside. Seating for seven can be found both leather and fabric; Premium and Overtrail models provide faux leather seating while Luxury grade brings real stuff. Overall, its interior feels premium and is well made; with a low beltline providing excellent visibility out the front windows. Compared with some of Lexus' other SUV models, however, its feel may be less lavish yet still pleasant.

The 2024 GX is built on Toyota's TNGA-F platform, also used by Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks and the Sequoia SUV. This strong but lightweight ladder frame increases body rigidity for enhanced on-road handling stability and wheel articulation during off-road driving - key elements of Lexus driving signature. Featuring double wishbone front suspensions with four link coilover suspension in back for improved cornering on curving roads while maintaining controlled body motions with light steering that's accurate and direct - giving Lexus driving signature feel while remaining lightweight yet rigid!

Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades feature exclusive seating designed to maximize off-road comfort, including driver and front passenger massage seats as well as a power driver's seat cushion extender. Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control are also provided to maximize traction on off-road trails. Both Overtrail grades come equipped with an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which enables drivers to lock and unlock both front and rear stabilizer bars to enhance off-road drivability while improving on-road handling. Optionally available with both Overtrail and Overtrail+ models is a rear seat entertainment system featuring dual 10.2-inch touchscreens capable of streaming video and wireless headphones; two additional HDMI ports enable multiple devices to be connected at once.

Safety

The 2024 GX 550 stands out as an exceptional body-on-frame SUV we've tested, offering comfort, refinement and stability combined with sporty(ish) handling and off-road capability. Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system plays a pivotal role in its smooth driving experience by adapting shock absorber damping rates according to driving modes and conditions for an assured and secure drive experience.

The GA-F platform is 20% stiffer than its predecessor; this gives the GX improved body control on roads and off-road trails alike, staying flatter through corners for greater steering confidence, as well as providing maximum traction and comfort both on- and off-road. In addition, its new double wishbone front suspensions and solid rear axles were specifically engineered to offer maximum comfort during any driving scenario.

GX models feature an impressive suite of safety features and innovations, such as Blind Spot Alert, Road Sign Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. Motorway drivers also can utilize Lane Change Assist which allows them to change lanes using Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Change Assist features for motorway driving. Finally, all GX models include a Pre-Collision System which detects pedestrians to help detect and avoid collisions.

Safety features for drivers include eight SRS airbags and an exceptional passenger safety cell, providing ample protection to the driver. Drivers can upgrade to Safety System + for semi-autonomous driving functions like Intuitive Parking Assist and Road Sign Assist with Intelligent Clearance Monitor.

Overtrail grades provide optional features, including a heated steering wheel and the off-road capable E-KDSS system that electronically disconnects sway bars to provide up to 25 inches of front and 21 inches of rear articulation - more than most crossover SUVs are able to. Lexus has partnered with accessory makers so customers can customize roof boxes, tents and more using an online configuration tool for overlanding their GX 550s.

Design

With an eye-catching design reminiscent of Land Rover's Defender or Ford Bronco, sitting atop an established Toyota chassis, the 2024 Lexus GX makes an immediate impact and stands out as one of the brand's boxy body-on-frame SUVs. But its successor outshines it in nearly every way.

The new GX is built on the TNGA-F platform used by other international models like Land Cruiser, LX, Tundra, Tacoma and Sequoia for maximum structural rigidity and handling capability. A double-wishbone front suspension combined with multi-link rear suspension along with CRAWL control, eKDSS and AVS provide both off-road capabilities as well as dynamic on-road driving dynamics.

One advantage of the GX's robust new architecture is that it makes the vehicle less truck-like. Steering has become lighter and more precise since before; body motions on twisty roads are effectively managed; hauling trailers or climbing steep inclines has never been a worry with this car!

Engineers have employed several creative measures to reduce the weight of the GX. One solution employed by engineers was using "tailored blanks", sheets of steel laser-welded together in different thicknesses for added strength without adding bulk. A larger fuel tank helps further lower curb weight while an engine design with reduced displacement reduces engine size while increasing efficiency, saving on gas costs and saving drivers money at the pump.

As expected of a luxury SUV, the GX boasts luxuriously appointed accommodations inside its cabin. For instance, its driver-focused cockpit boasts an intuitive infotainment system with 14.0-inch center screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; an upgrade offers 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system. Passengers enjoy two spacious rows of comfortable seating in back. Those who spend lots of time off-road will appreciate its innovative rear cargo area which allows easy loading without opening full liftgate or opening full liftgate fully!

Comfort

The GX is an elegant vehicle, so its ride is smooth. Road noise is barely perceivable; all that remains when inactive are tire rumble and air compressor noises.

Toyota's TNGA-F platform shared by both its Tacoma pickup and Sequoia SUV is substantial enough to ensure that the GX remains planted on rough trails, while the suspension aids it further; unlike its dated GX 470 counterpart, this vehicle does not ride like a truck and create dramatic body motions when taking corners; steering response is light yet accurate and direct.

Front-seaters enjoy comfortable and supportive thrones, while second-row passengers have 36.7 inches of legroom. Luxury+ and Overtrail+ models feature massaging front seats that reduce available knee space but offer exceptional support; additionally, rear seats fold flat for easier packing in large loads into the cargo hold.

Lexus has teamed up with several accessory makers to offer roof boxes, tents, and refrigerators that you can order directly through its online configurator. You can even add winches and bumpers if you intend on outfitting your GX for off-roading adventures!

Though the 2024 GX looks similar to its aging forbearer, its new powertrain and technology make it much more appealing off-roader. Although it cannot match Land Rover Defender in off-road prowess, its capability makes it an excellent value proposition for families or those needing both on- and off-road capability - particularly as an alternative to more costly premium SUVs from BMW and Mercedes. Toyota engineers tell me it plans a turn assist feature for 2025; it remains unclear if that feature will include its Overtrail variant.