2024 Lexus GX 550: Luxury Meets Legitimate Off-Road Power
The all-new GX550 marks a bold return to form for Lexus—rugged, refined, and finally ready to get dirty.
Redefined, Not Reimagined
The 2024 Lexus GX550 isn’t another soft crossover in SUV clothing—it’s the return of a true body-on-frame machine. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, shared with the new Land Cruiser and Tundra, the GX550 takes aim squarely at the premium adventure market, combining modern design, powerful performance, and legitimate trail chops.
Under the hood lies a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, pushing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive with a Torsen locking center differential. It’s more power than the outgoing V8, delivered with a smoother, more efficient edge.
For the first time, Lexus is leaning fully into what the GX was always meant to be—a luxury SUV that’s just as comfortable scaling a mountain pass as it is pulling up to a hotel valet.
Design That Means Business
Visually, the GX550 trades soft lines for squared edges and purpose-built presence. Its upright stance, widened track, and near-vertical tailgate shout capability first, comfort second. The new spindle grille is integrated—less ornamental, more armor plate.
Inside, Lexus blends its signature craftsmanship with functionality. A 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, and physical knobs coexist with durable materials designed for actual use. Second- and third-row configurations are available, including an optional captain’s chair setup for those balancing family and adventure.
This is the most honest GX in years—and it shows.
Real Off-Road Hardware
The GX550’s off-road credibility doesn’t end with marketing slides. Beneath its sculpted skin sits the right gear for real terrain:
- Full-time 4WD with low range
- Optional electronic locking rear differential
- Adaptive Variable Suspension with KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System)
- Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control
- Up to 8,000 pounds of towing capacity
Every GX benefits from a more rigid chassis, wider stance, and shorter front overhang for improved approach angles. While the Overtrail trims turn the capability dial to eleven, even the standard GX550 is no pretender.
Luxury Without Losing the Plot
Lexus has always known how to do quiet refinement—but this time, it’s paired with real utility. Noise insulation is top-tier, yet the cabin materials feel ready for heavy use. Think of it as a luxury SUV that finally understands what its customers actually want: comfort on the way to adventure, not instead of it.
For long-distance travel, the GX now offers the balance that once defined the 4Runner and Land Cruiser families—rugged dependability with highway civility.
AutoZealot Take
This is the Lexus off-road fans have been waiting for. The GX550 finally ditches the “mall crawler” reputation and embraces its lineage. With twin-turbo torque, real off-road bones, and a design that looks right at home in the dust, Lexus just reminded everyone it still knows how to build adventure-grade SUVs.
Now, about that GX550 Overtrail—that’s the one we really want to get our hands on.
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