2024 Lexus GX 550 First Drive Review! (Luxury for the Pavement and Beyond)
No longer just a baby LX, the new 2024 GX 550 is arguably the best body-on-frame Lexus SUV ever made as first-ever Overtrail grades shine.
ClubLexus recently flew to Arizona to spend a day driving the all-new, third-generation, 2024 Lexus GX 550 on and off-road. Lexus not only supplied travel and accommodation but was kind enough to provide access to prototype variants of all six 2024 GX 550 grades as well as one 2023 Lexus GX 460 Luxury for comparison’s sake (read that right HERE). We also interviewed the vehicle’s Chief Engineer, which you can read about and watch by clicking HERE.
Despite the mountain of information gathered and opinions formed, please consider this coverage more of a first-drive or first-look review, as time with each model was relatively short. Additional coverage and testing will follow as the GX becomes available for longer press loans, and after we get to drive the new Land Cruiser, aka Land Cruiser 250.
What do YOU think about the 2024 Lexus GX 550?
Let us know HERE in the forums!
New Generation, Who Dis?
What a whirlwind few years it’s been for Lexus/Toyota trucks and SUVs. Models that lived for a decade-plus are all being reborn on the lighter/more rigid GA-F platform. And so following in the footsteps of the new Tundra, LX, Sequoia, Land Cruiser 300 (overseas only), and Tacoma, we have a new GX as well as a new Land Cruiser 250.
These boxy body-on-frame SUV siblings share several platform, chassis, and even styling components. But they diverge dramatically in two key areas. The Lexus is, naturally, aimed at more of a luxury and luxury-adjacent buyer, costing more. And the GX houses a 349 horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine under the hood (rather than a turbocharged, hybrid 4-cylinder).
The 3.4L V6 in the GX, Lexus told me, is similar to the one found in the LX 600, but features smaller turbos that can spin up just a touch quicker to help with low-speed driving. Despite being down on power, this new turbo-sixer matches the LX’s peak torque rating of 479 lb.-ft. between 2,000 rpm and 3,600 rpm. That’s good for a 0-60 mph run in 6.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the LX 600. That’s almost 50 extra ponies and 150 more lb.-ft. of useable torque than the outgoing model.
Coupled with new styling, additional technology, and the first-ever off-roading focused Overtrail grades, and the 2024 Lexus GX 550 makes a bold statement to GX fans and off-roading enthusiasts alike. It is the quickest, most refined, and most capable GX of all time.
And it’s arguably the best body-on-frame Lexus SUV ever made.
Grades & Color Options
Lexus offers 2024 Lexus GX 550 in six trim levels, aka grades — Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. For Premium and Luxury grades, color options include Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Caviar, Nightfall Mica, Atomic Silver, Incognito, and Nori Green Pearl. The Overtrail grades get not only the exclusive Earth color, but also four two-tone black roof options — Earth, Nori Green Pearl, Incognito, and Atomic Silver. The only color NOT offered on Overtrail? Nebula Gray Pearl.
(Would anyone else like to see a bright red? Just me? Moving on!)
On the inside, Premium models offer NuLuxe faux leather seating while Luxury grades boast semi-aniline leather-trimmed seating. Color options for both include Dapple Gray, Saddle Black, and Tan. In the Overtrail grades, Lexus adds Olive ultrasuede accents to Black and Chateau faux leather seating.
Towing Capacities
For those interested in towing, the GX 550 is now the most capable Lexus SUV ever in the towing department. Here’s how it breaks down by grade —
- Premium: 9,063 lbs
- Premium+: 9,041 – 9,063 lbs
- Luxury: 7,844 – 8,020 lbs
- Luxury+: 7,601 – 7,800 lbs
- Overtrail: 9,096 lbs
- Overtrail+: 9,063 lbs
For context, the previous GX 460 could tow up to 6,500 lbs, while the LX 570 offered 7,000 lbs. and the current LX 600 offers 8,000 lbs.
GX 550 Premium Prices & Features
To fully configure a 2024 Lexus GX 550, head over here to the Lexus USA Build & Price configurator. But here’s a quick overview of the base pricing and standard features —
- Premium — $64,250
The Premium is pretty well optioned from the factory. It includes faux leather seating for seven passengers, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear liftgate, LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, intuitive parking assist, full-time 4-wheel-drive, a locking center Torsen differential, and a 10-speaker sound system that isn’t half bad.
- Premium+ — $69,250
For an extra five grand, Lexus includes everything in the Premium and adds a Panoramic View Monitor (360 camera for backing up and going forward), heated second-row seating, a wireless phone charger, LED fog lamps, ambient interior lighting, intuitive parking assist with rear pedestrian detection, a kick sensor for the power rear door, and access to a few other options.
GX 550 Overtrail Pricing & Features
- Overtrail — $69,250
Or, for that same five large, you can trade a few of the niceties (like the wireless charger, which becomes an option) for added suspension and driving technology. The Overtrail grade features everything on the Premium model, plus 33-inch tires on 18-inch wheels, a locking rear differential, adaptive variable suspension, electronic front-and-rear swaybar disconnects (E-KDSS), extra off-roading focused driving modes (MTS), a multi-terrain monitor, crawl control, and access to options like a cool box or two-tone paint. The only downside? You sacrifice the third row and seating capacity drops to five.
- Overtail+ — $77,250
The Overtrail+ grade costs $8,000 more than the Overtrail and as much as a Luxury grade (see below). It features Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking And Rear Pedestrian Detection, a Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor, front massaging seats, and access to options like the 21-speaker 1800W Mark Levinson sound system.
GX 550 Luxury Pricing & Features
- Luxury — $77,250
For eight thousand more dollars than Premium+ or Overtrail, the Luxury grade includes everything from Premium+ and adds 22-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior seating for seven, front massaging seats, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, a power-folding third row, illuminated door sills, manual 2nd-row window shades, outside mirror puddle lamps, and access to a few more options like the 21-speaker 1800W Mark Levinson sound system.
- Luxury+ — $81,250
Last but certainly not least, we have the Luxury+, which includes everything from the Luxury grade and adds the Mark Levinson 21-speaker, 1800-watt sound system, adaptive variable suspension, digital rearview mirror, cool box, and access to other options like the Dynamic Panoramic Moonroof.
Drive Modes
At the base of the center console, GX 550 you will find a Drive Mode dial. Each mode adjusts a variety of parameters including throttle response, traction control, transmission shifting behavior, steering feeling, and so on. For Premium, Premium+, and Luxury models, here is what each mode means —
- Sport S+ — Sport throttle, Sport steering, Normal a/c
- Sport S — Sport throttle, Normal steering, Normal a/c
- Normal — Normal throttle, Normal steering, Normal a/c
- Comfort — Eco throttle, Normal steering, Normal a/c
- Eco — Eco throttle, Normal steering, Eco a/c
- Custom Mode – Set up in the menu system, pick your throttle (aka Power), steering, and a/c settings
Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+ models add Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to the equation. AVS is an adjustable suspension system that not only adapts in real-time to road conditions, but also offers three tunable firmness settings (Sport, Normal, and Comfort). Here’s how that affects the various drive modes —
- Sport S+ — Sport throttle, Sport suspension, Sport steering, Normal a/c
- Sport S — Sport throttle, Normal suspension, Normal steering, Normal a/c
- Normal — Normal throttle, Normal suspension, Normal steering, Normal a/c
- Comfort — Eco throttle, Comfort suspension, Normal steering, Normal a/c
- Eco — Eco throttle, Comfort suspension, Normal steering, Eco a/c
- Custom Mode – Pick your throttle (aka Power), suspension, steering, and a/c settings
Lastly, Overtrail and Overtrail+ models also feature Muti-Terrain Select modes — Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow — which configure the GX’s suspension, throttle mapping, traction control, and eKDSS behavior based on trail conditions. (Auto analyzes conditions in real-time and adjusts accordingly.) The system also boasts two modes for low-speed driving (under 8 mph). Downhill Assist Control (DAC) activates in High 4, while Crawl Control runs in Low 4, but they effectively do the same thing, allowing the vehicle to maintain a constant speed so you can focus on steering and driving.
Driving the GX 550 Premium (The Base Model) – $66K As Tested
The most affordable basic model at this event. Standard suspension. Slick 20-inch wheels. The only model I saw without the panoramic view monitor (IE, it only has a backup camera whereas every other model had a 360-degree camera). Jumping behind the wheel of the GX 550 Premium, the faux leather seating feels nice, but nothing special. It’s very similar to what you’ll find in any number of Lexus SUVs and automobiles.
The digital screens are well laid out (not cluttered like in the LX) and the basic 10-speaker stereo is pretty good. It’s lacking a little in the bass department but delivers full high and mid tones with clear stereo (and surround) imaging.
Mashing the gas provides authoritative acceleration for an SUV of this size, but it’s not quite as exciting as the hybrid Tundra TRD Pro and Sequoia. The brakes work well enough, with less nose dive than the previous model. On-road manners and handling are quite pleasant and smooth (but we still have to test this in Los Angeles where the roads are more flawed). There’s still a good amount of body roll, but that’s to be expected at this height and weight.
Driving the GX 550 Luxury+ (The Most Expensive Model) – $85K As Tested
Jumping behind the wheel of the most expensive GX at the event, I was surprised by how well the basic model compares. The Luxury+ adds real leather-trimmed seating to the equation, and it’s a definite upgrade, but not a massive one. The leather isn’t quite as good as what you’d find in the LC 500, for example. The 21-speaker Mark Levison sound system was also a bit of a letdown. It boasts more low-end frequency power and upper-volume clarity, but it’s not some kind of revelatory must-have upgrade. Better, but still not great.
The massaging front seats are, however, a lovely upgrade over the standard seating. And the dynamic panoramic moonroof, which first debuted on the Lexus RZ and can flip from opaque to clear with the touch of a button, is a terrific parlor trick. It really opens up the sense of in-cabin spaciousness. Second-row heated captain chairs are quite comfortable, but alas, they don’t slide forward and backward (only tilt), limiting legroom optimization and second/third-row access. Second-row seating is relatively roomy for my six-foot-tall self… untili the driver’s seat automatically moves backward when the driver enters or exits the vehicle. Third-row seating, which is powered in this grade, is also roomy enough for me to squeeze in behind the second row. But there’s far less room and maneuverability than, say, the three-row Lexus TX (which isn’t saying all that much).
Driving the Luxury+, I was struck by how great it felt driving. Stepping up to 22-inch wheels reduces the amount of tire sidewall available to cushion road imperfections. But this AVS system is tuned wonderfully and is a noticeable upgrade over the standard suspension. Comfort is soft and a bit floppy, but Sport stiffens things up and connects you to the road. Normal fits somewhere in the middle.
Also worth noting is that, when flipped into Sport S+ (or Power throttle in Custom mode), Lexus engineers pump in a fake rumbling engine noise through the vehicle’s speakers. It sounds okay as far as faux engine noises go, adding a bit of grunt to sporty driving. But it cannot, at this time, be turned off in the menu settings.
Driving GX 550 Overtrail & Overtrail+ (Off-Roading… A Little) – $72K to $78K As Tested
The inside of the Overtrail and Overtrail+ feel very much like Premium and Premium+ interiors, but the Overtrail+ gets a few features from the Luxury grade (massaging seats) and the ability to snag that 21-speaker sound system. You can tell the Overtails apart thanks to the Ultrasuede Olive green accents and the missing third row (which opens up the cargo space). Lexus engineers also changed the Overtrail seats physically, adding a harder cushion on the bottom, and thicker/softer side bolsters to help reduce side-to-side head movement when off-roading.
But the real trick in these grades is the suspension and driving modes.
Both Overtrail models add 33-inch tires on 18-inch wheels along with AVS, which is otherwise restricted to Luxury+, plus a locking rear differential, and a system that automatically locks and unlocks the front and rear sway bars based on driving conditions. Carving up the canyons in Sport S+ mode, the system stays locked and relatively flat. But, on a trail where you need all four corners to articulate independently, the swaybars unlock for ultimate traction.
On road, the GX Overtrail manages to blend comfort and relatively dynamic handling. It feels just as tight and composed as the Luxury+ in Sport S+ and, perhaps, even more comfortable in Comfort settings. More shocking is how well this sense of luxury and comfortable driving translates into off-road environments.
Alas, we didn’t get to do any truly technical off-roading, and more testing is needed by journalists and owners. Still, Lexus provided a few obstacles to show off wheel articulation, low-speed traction, and approach/departure angles. We also drove several miles on some very pleasant horse/ranch trails that were far from smooth. So while not thoroughly benchmarked, the GX 550 Overtrail still demonstrated a relaxing and comfortable ride in environments that would upset many trucks and SUVs. The overall sense of smoothness extended over every surface, and the vehicle felt very poised and controlled.
My best guess? This is going to impress people who do far more extreme things with their rigs. But time will tell.
Is the GX 550 A Big Upgrade over the GX 460?
Please over HERE for a deep dive into how the new third-generation compares to the outgoing second-gen GX. The TLDR version for those who don’t have time to spare an extra click is this:
Outside of engine sound and pricing, the new GX 550 is a striking update. Not quite as dramatic as the most recent Tacoma overhaul, but pretty close. The new drivetrain and chassis are more powerful and more capable, and ride quality is improved. And for the first time in GX history, Lexus has decided to put together a factory off-road variant for their customers.
Is the 550 worth the extra money? That’s up to you, but probably.
Should you sell your GX 460 immediately? Again, up to you, but the GX 460 is still a terrific SUV with a great engine. It’s just that the new one takes everything it did well, and refined or improved upon it.
Verdict
Out of all the Lexus body-on-frame SUVs I’ve driven — GX 460 & 550, LX 570 & 600 — over the last few years, the GX 550 offers the best combination of ride quality, on-road performance and driving dynamics, and off-roading capability.
Yes, the LX 600 is roomier. And a touch fancier. But the drive quality is subpar, with non-F-Sport models swaying and wobbling at higher speeds that make you feel out of control. This new GX corrects all of that (it is smaller and shorter, after all). And delivers a handsome, boxy SUV, with capabilities for days… Even if the second and third-row seating aren’t especially roomy.
The GX is so good it might even be a candidate for Best Lexus SUV Ever depending on how you feel about its crossover SUV lineup.
Which GX 550 Should I Buy?
Every new GX 550 looks the business and delivers a lot of performance, capability, and standard features. But the Overtrail and Overtail+ grades are the ones I’d recommend. But I’m the type of guy who leans toward suspension upgrades and performance driving. If you plan to mostly mall crawl in your GX 550, any grade will do. For those who want a little extra tuneability, comfort, and capability — all for the same price as a Premium+ or a Luxury grade — the Overtail and Overtrail+ are a better value, in my humble opinion.
