2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail AWD: The Brand’s All-New Roomier Third-Gen Midsize SUV

Highlight: The GX 550 offers over 9,000 lbs of towing capacity.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $82,995 (Base MSRP: $64,250) 

Seating Capacity: 5 to 7 (depending upon trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; back up camera; a stability control system; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection system; a radar activated cruise control with a curved management system; lane departure with steering assist; intelligent high beam headlamps; a front collision warning system; a road sign assist; an automatic braking system; blind spot electronic monitor with a rear traffic alert system.  

Standard Equipment Overtrail Plus: 33-inch all-terrain tires; a 5-seater vehicle; driver/front passenger heated/ventilated seats; pseudo leather front seats; front massaging seats; heated/leather trimmed steering; leather steering wheel; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; wireless phone charging; illuminated door sills; second row manual sunshade; power moonroof; fixed running board; power rear door with kick sensor; tow-hitch; outside mirror with puddle lamps;  a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a navigation; headlamp washer; Black utility roof rails; crawl control feature; an electronic dynamic suspension system; and power folding outside mirrors

Options: a heads up display; 22-speaker Mark Levinson audio system; premium paint; tonneau cover; a traffic jam assist system; bi-tone paint; cool box; carpet floor mat; cargo mat; ball mount; key glove; rock rails; and wheel locks

Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Luxury

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD/CD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 miles

Standard RX 450h Engine/Horsepower: 3.4iter, 6-cylinder engine/349-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Mileage: 15-city/21-hwy

Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,063 lbs (towing capacity)

What’s New:  The all-new third-generation GX SUV wears a new design for the 2024 model year.

Why: 

New design

Body on frame vehicle

Great power and acceleration

Power folding outside mirrors

Roomy interior

Cool Box (a built-in cooler)

A 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is available

A high-end Mark Levinson Audio System

Heated and ventilated front and rear seats

A radar active cruise control system with co-pilot assist

A low-speed hands free traffic assist driving system

Heads Up Display (HUD)

Wireless Apple Carplay

The optional digital rearview mirror increases one field of vision

Wireless phone charging

A high level of safety driving aids

A variety of driving modes

A true off-road vehicle w/an automatic crawl control feature

18-inch wheels/33-tires

More towing power than any of its competitors

Headlamp washer

Extra cargo space (when configured without the third row)

Heads up display (available)

Tourneau cover (available)

But: 

Rides and handles like a truck

No third row (on test model); third row available on some models

No 8-cylinder engine

Less total driving range and smaller tank than the outgoing model

Base MSRP is approximately $4,000 more than the outgoing model

Only one powertrain

No electrified model

Toyota’s voice activated infotainment system doesn’t always recognize one’s voice

Verdict: The third generation Lexus GX is all-new for the 2024 model year. Lexus is one of a handful of luxury brands offering a midsize body on frame SUV in their lineup. For a comparable luxury vehicle, one must look to the Land Rover Defender.

And for those looking for a non premium model, one must consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Armanda and the Land Cruiser.

Like the vehicles noted, the boxy GX 550, which rides on an all-new platform and lacks electrification, is a body on frame vehicle. Thus, in laymen’s terms this means the utility vehicle rides and drives like a truck. It also offers more towing capacity and road-roading abilities than today’s bevy of carlike crossovers.

This year’s GX is priced about $4,000 more than its predecessor, at a starting price around $64,000. And depending upon the trim, the GX 550 can top over $80,000, as in the case of Overtrail Plus trim we tested.

While the 2023 model trades its V-8 engine for a standard V-6 engine, the gas mileage is relatively the same. However, horsepower increases and the smaller tank size leads to a slightly lower driving range.

Moreover, the all-new GX, with its gigantic infotainment system, is available in several trims. Depending upon the trim, one can accessorize the SUV with such features as a panoramic power sunroof, a third-row seat, automatic retractable side steps, HUD (heads up display), leather seats or a high-end 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Lastly, our test model is an all-new trim for the 2024 model year. The Overtrail Plus is designed for those seeking a luxury brand to take off-road. Our truck-like riding SUV, which offered a host of driving modes, including one designed for crawl control and massive towing capabilities In fact, the 9,000 plus towing capacity outworks all of the segment competitors.

Competition: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2024 Land Rover Defender

Non Premium Competitor: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2024 Nissan Armada