More energy, extra tech, more cash.
Looking on the previous-generation Lexus GX parked subsequent to the 2024 Lexus GX 550, the design modifications are manifestly apparent. From the LED lights to the upright stance, the brand new GX has a extra trendy really feel, but it surely additionally appears prepared for motion–particularly while you catch a glimpse of the brand new off-road-ready Overtrail trim stage, with its 33-inch tires and black fender flares.
The inside of the model’s midsize off-road prepared SUV additionally will get a contemporary improve with its customary 14-inch infotainment display screen and 12-inch digital gauge cluster. You have a digital heart stack and a determined lack of bodily buttons and dials. Climate controls for at the moment are embedded within the touchscreen. But for the reason that new GX additionally will get an up to date Lexus infotainment system, belongings you used to make use of your fingers for can now be dealt with merely with voice instructions.
Thankfully, all which means that the previous-generation’s clumsy touchpad-actuated management system is gone.
Throughout the cabin, a variety of the ending touches seem extra upscale than earlier than, although we’ll say there are few contact factors that don’t fairly dwell as much as the GX’s roughly $65,000 beginning worth. Case in level: The 12-inch gauge cluster doesn’t dazzle–despite the fact that it’s customizable and presents in 4 totally different colours. Also, the steering-wheel controls additionally look dated.
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Lexus considers the BMW X5 and X7, the Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-Benz GLE to be direct rivals for the brand new GX, and by way of cabin appointments, that’s some critical competitors. The new GX, at greatest, rises to that stage, however actually doesn’t exceed it.
The new GX clearly borrows a few of its boxy, upright design from the aforementioned Defender, although it’s architecturally totally different. While the Defender employs a one-piece “unibody” design, the GX relies on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, which underpins quite a lot of rugged-duty merchandise together with the Toyota Tundra and Sequia, in addition to the lately redesigned full-size Lexus LX 600.
Lexus touts this as an enormous benefit as a result of despite the fact that the on-road experience is perhaps stiffer, the off-road efficiency will likely be masses higher. Though I haven’t taken the latest Defender off-road, I can attest to GX being a wonderful off-roader.
We had the chance to guage the GX in deep mud, which it tackled with ease. I used to be moreover impressed with the truck’s means to easy over some significantly rutted unpaved roads.
In phrases of on-road manners, the GX 550 is each easy and peppy. Lots of people are poo-pooing the brand new truck’s customary 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, as they lament the demise of the outdated GX’s tried and true V8.
But I largely need to say these folks ought to recover from it. This turbo V6 delivers a hearty 347 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, that’s 46 extra horsepower and 50 kilos extra torque than the outgoing engine–If you care about that type of factor.
Thanks partially to the facility bump, most towing capability rises to 9,096 kilos on the Overtrail mannequin, and 9,063 for the Premium variations. That’s a whopping 2,500-pound improve in towing capability over the earlier era.
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While the V-6 does ship distinctive energy, I’ll level out there’s a small quantity of turbo lag (a quick delay in energy supply) beneath laborious acceleration from a cease–even when partaking sport mode.
The Overtrail trims fall beneath what Lexus calls the “Overtrail Project,” which is meant to encourage prospects to discover nature. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ thus have some further options to permit homeowners to go off street with confidence. This consists of locking rear and heart differentials. The Overtrail trims even have a particular suspension that gives on-road and off-road driving steadiness, in addition to the model’s Multi-Terrain Select system. Also included is low-speed Crawl Control, which works in ahead and reverse gears, and a digicam system that reveals what’s round and beneath the car at low speeds.
Visually, the Overtrail trims are set aside by bitone coloration mixtures with black fender-flare cladding and a black roof, in addition to a singular “Earth” paint coloration.
Available along with the off-road-focused Overtrail trim stage are Premium and Luxury trims, each with “+” variants that embrace further options.
Pricing for every trim (together with the $1,350 vacation spot price) is as follows:
- Premium: $64,250
- Premium+: $69,250
- Luxury: $77,250
- Luxury+: $81,250
- Overtrail: $69,250
- Overtrail+: $77,250
Overall, I believe the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is very well completed. It appears nice, has superb customary security tech options, and is a cushty cruiser. While there have been a few misses, there’s nothing right here that may be a dealbreaker.
The new GX is assembled in Japan, and it’s anticipated to reach in dealerships early within the second quarter, which suggests we’re taking a look at April-ish.
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2024 Lexus GX 550 Gallery
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Source: weblog.consumerguide.com