This is the 2024 Lexus GX550 and it has a ladder frame, running gear, and a powertrain that is very similar to the LX600, however, it has been completely redesigned for 2024 and is a considerable improvement over the GX470, which was almost ready to star on the Antiques Roadshow.

You have to think of the GX 470 as a slightly less capable but more luxurious version of the 4Runner, you certainly never saw one on a dirt trail until they were sold to off-road-driving enthusiasts. Before that, most of them spent most of their time at soccer practice and at the mall.

The new GX550 lineup includes three distinct trims, Premium, which is my tester for the week, Luxury, and an Overtrail model. Each one has an upgraded plus variant which offers a few more creature comforts. All models except the Overtail feature optional six- or standard seven-passenger seating.

In this Premium model, you do miss out on the Overtrail’s off-road extras like the fancy E-KDSS suspension, Electronically controlled locking rear differential, Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Downhill Assist, and Multi-Terrain Select but you do get a Torsen limited-slip center differential with locking feature.  It does, however, offer a 26-degree approach angle, a 23-degree breakover angle, and a 23-degree departure angle.

Exterior 

It’s a good-looking car with way more road presence than its predecessor but its boxy upright design makes it seem like a YETI cooler on wheels.  It has a lower beltline and thinner, more vertical A-pillars to aid visibility especially when off-road.

Lexus’ signature spindle grille is much smaller than before,  a welcome change and the hood has a perfectly placed crease that dips in the center, to help provide a better view of the road or the trail ahead. You’ve probably seen the side mirrors before on Toyota’s FJ Cruiser, and they sit low giving great visibility to the side. At the rear, it’s big and boxy and a little reminiscent of the LC 600.

At the rear, it’s big and boxy much like the LC 600, and is only spoiled by a tow hitch cover that is unnecessarily big and if painted red would look like a baboon’s behind.

Under The Hood

Under the hood, the GX houses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that’s lighter and more capable than the outgoing V8. It whips up 340hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to its active 4WD system by way of a 10-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 is dispatched in 6.5 seconds. Tread lightly and you can expect 21 mpg on the highway.

Driving

Settle into the very comfortable and supportive seats and the first thing you notice is the ride doesn’t disappoint, even in Sport mode it’s very well-damped. That provides a quiet cabin and serene forward progress. The twin-turbo six is a little gruff at higher revs but it never sounds annoying and you can always counter it by turning up the standard 10-speaker premium audio system.

The automatic transmission shifts very smoothly and there’s no need to mash the throttle with 479 lb-ft of torque available, it just powers on. The electronic power steering assist is new for 2024 and offers plenty of feedback even though it does feel heavy and very wide once on the move.

Select Sport mode and the GX hunkers down but its suspension is designed for comfort so it rolls quite a bit in the turns but overall it’s very well controlled. Acceleration in the mid-range is brisk and you can get up to high speeds quite quickly without noticing. If there’s anything to complain about it’s the brakes, they feel like they should be a tad bigger; they stop well but at times hauling the beast down from higher speeds felt like an effort and required a firm push on the pedal.

Interior

Just like the exterior, the cabin of the Lexus GX receives a complete redo, including tech improvements, and a much better use of space. It feels much more airy than the slightly claustrophobic GX 470.

Now you get a 14-inch touchscreen with the climate controls neatly integrated just below. The center has been cleaned up, the shifter is not a switch as is the current trend, and you have two cupholders, drive mode selector, and a decent-sized storage space in the armrest.

Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel that is easily customized. It provides all the information the driver needs with little setup.

Pricing

The Premium starts at $64,250 the most expensive Luxury Plus starts at $81,250 and the off-road oriented Overtrail starts at $69,250.  This one has a few options including a Head-Up Display for $900, a Cold Area Package for $200, a Tonneau Cover for $110, a Digital Key with SmartAccess Card Key for $375, and Traffic Jam Assist for $620 which includes: Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and Driver Attention Monitor. The total price including destination is $71,455.

Cargo and Passenger Space

Opening up the powered liftgate with all seats in place, there is 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding down the third row increases the cargo space to 40.2 cubic feet and folding the second row gives you 77 cubic feet of space. It also gets the signature Toyota glass opening.

Clamber into the third row and it’s instantly noticeable that the two seats weren’t built for adults, your knees almost hit your chin and headroom is tight but they see a purpose if you have young kids. The second-row bench on my tester was decently comfortable and the outboard sections were heated. Power, climate controls, and plenty of headroom are on offer.

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Verdict

Overall, the much-improved GX delivers power, style, and off-road prowess even in this Premium trim. The turbocharged engine is quicker than you would expect and it is genuinely fun to drive in Sport mode,  I can honestly say you will never miss the V8.

2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium Numbers

BASE PRICE:  $$67,900
PRICE AS TESTED:  $$71,455
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 3.5 Liter Twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6
POWER: 349 hp @ 5,200 rpm
TORQUE: 479 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION:  10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
0-60 MPH:  6.5 seconds
CURB WEIGHT: 5,517 lb
GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.7 inches 
CARGO VOLUME: 10.3ft³ 3rd row up,  40.2ft³ 3rd row folded, 77ft³ with 2nd row folded 
FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 17/15/21 mpg
OUR OBSERVED: 19.8mpg
PROS: Tons of torque, thoroughly modernized interior, great off-road even in Premium trim. 
CONS: Feels big, not much in fuel economy gains.