The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marks a significant leap forward for Lexus, merging cutting-edge luxury with serious off-road capability. Built on Lexus’s long-standing reputation for reliability and refinement, the GX 550 takes things further with its upgraded features, performance, and modern design. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or someone looking for a premium, versatile SUV for both city driving and adventures, the GX 550 offers the perfect balance.
1. A Redesigned Exterior
The exterior of the 2024 Lexus GX 550 showcases a sleek yet rugged look, emphasizing Lexus’s commitment to modern luxury and utility. Lexus has designed this model with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Its sharper, more angular lines make the SUV stand out on the road while improving aerodynamics.
- Grille: The signature Lexus spindle grille is larger and more dominant, giving the GX a bold, aggressive presence.
- LED Lighting: Upgraded LED headlamps and taillights not only enhance visibility but also give the GX 550 a futuristic, high-end appearance.
- Body Styling: Built with an emphasis on aerodynamics, the body has been streamlined, which helps reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency while keeping the rugged, commanding profile the GX series is known for.
The combination of these features makes the Lexus GX 550 look equally comfortable in the city or while navigating rough terrain.
2. Engine and Performance: More Power and Efficiency
The biggest update in the 2024 GX 550 is the powertrain. Lexus swapped the old V8 engine for a more efficient and powerful 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This turbo V6 delivers 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, a marked improvement over previous models, allowing for better acceleration and pulling power.
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission: This helps deliver smoother gear changes and optimized performance in various driving conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: Despite the increase in power, the new twin-turbo V6 provides better fuel efficiency compared to the previous V8 engine, making it ideal for both long highway drives and more fuel-demanding off-road adventures.
3. All-Terrain Capabilities: Built for Adventure
The Lexus GX 550 maintains its reputation as an off-road powerhouse. With its body-on-frame construction, the SUV is designed for durability and strength on challenging terrains. Whether you’re climbing steep inclines, driving through rocky paths, or trekking through mud, the GX 550 is ready for action.
- Full-Time 4WD: The GX 550 comes equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system that provides excellent traction on all surfaces, ensuring you can handle even the toughest trails.
- Crawl Control: This feature helps navigate steep, uneven terrain by automatically adjusting throttle and braking, allowing the driver to focus on steering.
- Multi-Terrain Select: This system allows drivers to choose from different terrain modes, such as mud, sand, rock, or snow, optimizing the vehicle's performance for specific off-road conditions.
- Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS): With the available AVS, the GX 550 automatically adjusts the suspension damping to maintain comfort and stability, whether you're off-roading or cruising on the highway.
- Approach and Departure Angles: Designed for superior off-road capability, the GX 550’s approach and departure angles allow it to handle rough terrains and steep slopes without difficulty.
The combination of these features ensures that the GX 550 isn’t just a luxury SUV—it’s also capable of serious off-road excursions.
4. Interior Luxury and Space
The GX 550 excels in blending luxury with practicality. Step inside, and you’re greeted with premium materials and cutting-edge technology designed for both comfort and convenience.
- Spacious Interior: The GX 550 offers three rows of seating, with the capacity to comfortably seat seven passengers. The second row can be outfitted with optional captain’s chairs, enhancing both space and luxury.
- Materials: High-end materials such as leather upholstery and optional wood trim give the cabin an upscale feel, while soft-touch surfaces provide added comfort.
- Technology: At the center of the dashboard is a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless connectivity.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges, providing a modern, customizable driving interface.
- Climate Control: Multi-zone climate control systems ensure that every passenger enjoys a comfortable environment, regardless of outside conditions.
The interior of the GX 550 is designed to offer a luxury experience, whether you’re on a long road trip or a quick city drive.
5. Advanced Technology and Safety Features
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is packed with state-of-the-art technology and safety features designed to keep both drivers and passengers secure and entertained. The vehicle includes the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which offers a wide array of driver assistance and safety technologies:
- Pre-Collision System: Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and provides automatic braking assistance if necessary.
- Lane Departure Alert: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by issuing warnings or adjusting steering if the car begins to drift.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the car ahead, automatically adjusting speed to ensure smooth highway driving.
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Assists in safely changing lanes by detecting vehicles in the blind spot and warning of approaching vehicles when reversing.
- Multi-Terrain Monitor: This system uses cameras around the vehicle to give drivers a full view of surrounding obstacles, ensuring a safe and easy off-road experience.
With these features, the GX 550 ensures that you’re not only driving in comfort and style but also with confidence and safety.
6. Price and Competition
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is positioned in the luxury SUV segment, with a starting price of around $60,000. As you move up through trims and add optional packages, the price can rise to $70,000 or more. This places the GX 550 in direct competition with other luxury off-road SUVs like the Land Rover Defender, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Where the GX 550 stands out is in its unique combination of off-road capabilities, luxury features, and reliability, which Lexus is renowned for. Unlike some competitors that are more focused on urban driving or on-road performance, the GX 550 gives you the flexibility to handle both city streets and the most demanding off-road conditions with ease.
Conclusion: A Luxury SUV Ready for Anything
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is more than just an SUV—it’s a luxury off-road vehicle that perfectly combines rugged durability with premium features and comfort. Whether you’re exploring difficult trails, driving through challenging weather, or enjoying a smooth highway cruise, the GX 550 excels in every environment. It’s a versatile vehicle designed for adventurers who refuse to compromise on luxury.
With its advanced technology, powerful engine, and off-road prowess, the Lexus GX 550 is well-equipped to handle any challenge, making it one of the most exciting new entries in the luxury SUV market for 2024.