Is the 2024 Lexus GX 550 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

The Lexus GX has long enjoyed a following among fans of big, luxurious SUVs thanks to a well-earned reputation for reliability, rugged capability and a well-appointed cabin. Those buyers are also a patient bunch because the GX hasn’t had a complete redesign since the second generation’s debut in 2009 — until now.

Related: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Review: Go Anywhere, Do Anything

The good news is the long wait was worth it, as the new GX 550 is better in every way while still retaining its core appeal. Everything is new, from its more powerful and fuel-efficient twin-turbo V-6 powertrain to its updated, chunkier style and its more modern, tech-heavy interior. Even its legendary off-road capability is improved with added features and a new overlanding-friendly Overtrail trim.

Cars.com’s West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden sampled the newest Lexus SUV in several different flavors and came away largely impressed; but as good as it is, not all is perfect. Tap the link above to read Golden’s expert review; for a quicker rundown, here are five things we like about the 2024 Lexus GX 550 and two things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Off-Road Ready

Like the previous GX, the new model arrives ready to tackle more rugged off-road terrain than expected of a big, luxury SUV. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and the GX offers up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance and impressive approach and departure angles. A new Overtrail trim cranks things up further, adding a locking rear differential, off-road tires, crawl control, underbody trail cameras, blacked-out off-road wheels and trim, and a selection of off-road driving modes.

2. Loaded With Luxury

Inside, the cabin is more spacious and better packaged than before, with all the soft-touch surfaces and damped controls expected in a luxury vehicle. All trims come well equipped with standard heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, multi-zone automatic climate control, a 14-inch center touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10-speaker sound system. If that’s not enough, options include massaging front seats, a head-up display, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and an air-conditioned “cool box” in place of the standard center console storage bin.

3. Towing Champ

Thanks in part to its rugged truck-based platform and new twin-turbocharged V-6 with a whopping 479 pounds-feet of torque, the GX 550 boasts impressive towing capacity for an SUV. Any new GX can pull at least 7,601 pounds, while opting for the Overtrail trim ups that to an impressive 9,096 pounds; that’s a 2,596-pound increase over the previous-generation GX.

4. Improved Interior

A 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase translates into added second- and third-row legroom, along with an increase in headroom throughout. Three rows of seating for up to seven is standard, or up to six with the available second-row captain’s chairs. The Overtrail trim, however, is only available with two rows of seating for five passengers.

5. Updated Powertrain

The reliable, if thirsty, V-8 engine is gone and replaced with a new twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 that’s both more powerful and fuel-efficient. With 349 horsepower on tap, the new engine outguns the old one by 48 hp, while torque jumps by a notable 150 pounds-feet. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, acceleration is smooth and reasonably swift, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.5 seconds — more than a second quicker than the outgoing model. Better still, Lexus claims highway fuel economy has improved by 2 mpg.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Weighty Issue

The new GX checks in with exterior dimensions only slightly larger than the model it replaces, but there’s a hefty increase in weight. The new model tips the scales at 5,666 pounds, representing a 500-pound increase over the old GX. While that may not be heavy for the class, there’s little doubt you’re driving a large SUV, even though the GX delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with excellent body control. The weight gain may also explain why the more efficient powertrain yields only a modest gain in fuel economy.

2. Fully Priced

All those improvements make for a much better package all around, but they also add up to a significant price increase. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 starts at $64,250 in the Premium trim, marking a $4,025 increase over the 2023 model (all prices include destination). From there, things just go up, topping out with Luxury+ trim at $81,250; for off-road-minded buyers, the Overtrail trim starts at $77,250.

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