2024 Lexus GX 550 Review: A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Off-Road Capability

The all-new 2024 Lexus GX has arrived, marking the third generation of this luxury SUV that has long balanced rugged off-road prowess with premium comfort. Redesigned from the ground up, the new GX introduces bold styling, upgraded tech, and a powerful new engine, positioning itself as a top contender in the luxury off-road segment. In this review, I’ll walk you through my impressions of the 2024 GX 550 after spending a week behind the wheel, taking a close look at its design, interior, driving dynamics, and off-road potential.

Exterior Design: Rugged and Refined

The 2024 Lexus GX adopts a more squared-off and muscular design, giving it a stronger road presence compared to its predecessor. The new boxy aesthetic is a welcome change, emphasizing both its off-road capability and luxurious intent. From the front, the familiar spindle grille remains, but it’s now more seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s design, paired with triple-beam LED headlights that not only look sharp but also improve visibility in various conditions.

The side profile reveals wide fender flares, a lower beltline, and an increased overall width—3.74 inches wider than the previous model (4.52 inches in the Overtrail trim). These changes contribute to a more planted, stable stance that enhances both on-road comfort and off-road maneuverability. At the rear, the new GX continues its aggressive look with a unified L-shaped light bar that spans the width of the vehicle, while a power rear lift door adds practicality when accessing the cargo area. Overall, the 2024 GX strikes a perfect balance between rugged, off-road-ready design and refined luxury.

Interior and Technology: Lexus Comfort Meets Modern Tech

Stepping inside the 2024 Lexus GX is like entering a well-appointed sanctuary. Lexus has done what it does best—delivering an interior that combines high-quality materials with thoughtful design. The 14-inch multimedia touchscreen dominates the center stack, providing easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The interface is intuitive, with a mix of physical buttons and dials for frequently used functions like climate control and audio, ensuring everything is within reach without being distracting.

The seats are luxurious and chunky, offering excellent comfort on longer trips. My test vehicle, the Luxury+ trim, featured semi-aniline leather seats that are soft to the touch and supportive, especially during extended drives. Heated and ventilated seats in both the front and second row add to the comfort factor. However, the third row, while functional for occasional use, is tight and best suited for children or short trips.

While the GX is a 3-row SUV, I found the cargo space behind the third row to be quite limited. With all seats in use, you might struggle to fit much more than a few grocery bags. However, folding the third row significantly increases the available cargo space, offering up to 64 cubic feet for larger loads. The tech is rounded out with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, making it easy to stay connected on the go.

Driving Dynamics: Power and Presence

The heart of the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is its new 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, the GX delivers smooth and consistent power, making it feel confident both on highways and in more rugged environments. The twin-turbo setup provides a steady flow of torque, making accelerating—even with a full load of passengers—effortless.

On the road, the GX feels tall and commanding, much like a luxurious 4Runner or its Toyota Land Cruiser cousin. The steering is responsive for a vehicle of this size, and the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) helps to smooth out bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride, even on less-than-ideal surfaces. While the GX is built for off-road adventures, it remains composed on the pavement, offering a driving experience that feels both truck-like and refined. The GX can tow up to 9,096 pounds, which is perfect for those looking to haul boats, trailers, or larger recreational equipment.

Off-Road Capability: Proven Performance

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to take this new GX off-road during my week with it, I’ve taken the previous generation off-road at various Truck Rodeo events over the years, and it was always surprisingly capable. Based on how the 2024 model feels on the road, combined with the new Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Torsen® limited-slip locking center differential, I have no doubt that the GX would excel off-road. The addition of the E-KDSS suspension system in the Overtrail trims further enhances its off-road ability, allowing for better wheel articulation and stability on rough terrain.

For those seeking serious off-road adventures, the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims come equipped with 33-inch all-terrain tires and 18-inch wheels, providing even more ground clearance and rugged capability. Whether you’re tackling rocky paths or steep inclines, the GX is ready to handle it.

Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection

Lexus has equipped the 2024 GX with its Safety System+ 3.0, an integrated suite of active safety features designed to keep you and your passengers safe. Key features include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. These technologies work seamlessly to monitor your surroundings and provide assistance when needed, whether you’re on the highway or navigating tricky off-road conditions. The Multi-Terrain Monitor is especially useful in off-road situations, providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle to help navigate obstacles.

Price and Trim Levels

The 2024 Lexus GX is available in six trims, each offering a range of features and capabilities. The base Premium trim starts at $64,250, while the Luxury+ trim I tested climbs to around $85,000. For those looking for serious off-road capability, the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims offer rugged performance enhancements and start around $74,000. 

Final Thoughts: A Luxury SUV for Every Adventure

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 impresses as a luxury SUV that refuses to compromise on capability. It’s rugged enough for off-road adventures while offering the refinement and comfort expected from Lexus. While there’s plenty of competition out there—from the Land Rover Defender to the Jeep Grand Cherokee—the GX holds its own by blending luxury, reliability, and serious off-road chops. Whether you’re commuting through the city or planning your next overland trip, the GX is a versatile and compelling option that delivers on its promise of adventure and luxury.