A modern, classic SUV with a passion for off-road

There’s a reason the Lexus GX was one of the most anticipated redesigns of the year. This popular and best-selling SUV hadn’t been redesigned in over a decade. Although its interior and technology seemed outdated, its off-road capabilities and seating for up to seven passengers made it a fan favorite.

For 2024, Lexus has finally given the GX a complete makeover, although the new look is more of an evolution than a revolution. The GX’s shape became boxier with sharper edges, as is the trend with SUVs, and the front spindle grille became less angular – and hopefully less controversial. And it became more truck-like in its looks and appeal, taking aim at the GX fanbase with the Overtrail edition, giving fans more options for accessories and customization.

Priced from $64,000 to about $77,000, and topping out at about $80,000 for the top-of-the-line Premium+ model with all the options, the 2024 Lexus GX is a surprisingly accessible and versatile luxury SUV.

A familiar redesign inside too

The interior of the Lexus GX offers the comfort we expect from Lexus, plus additions that bring it into the modern age: leather seats, a well-organized front center console, a gearshift lever—a refreshing detail in an era of knob-and-stick gear selection—and options like captain’s chairs in the middle row, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The SUV’s tech has been updated to include Lexus’ latest multimedia system with a 14-inch touchscreen and voice-activated assistance. Just say “Hey Lexus” and the system will activate to carry out your command. The cloud-connected system offers more features for the price; after a three-year trial period, buyers can subscribe to advanced navigation updates, user services and more.

Three equipment variants, each with “+” option

For 2024, Lexus will stick with three trim levels, with Premium now the entry-level model; Luxury remaining the top-of-the-range model, and Overtrail in between, designed specifically for off-road driving.

Each trim level has a Plus option that adds or enhances certain features depending on the trim level. Premium+ adds power-folding third-row seats, enhanced ambient lighting, heated second-row outboard seats, and a wireless cell phone charger. Luxury+ adds a digital rearview mirror, a center console cooler, a panoramic sunroof, and power running boards (the other models have a single-panel power sunroof).

The Overtrail Edition inspires off-road fans

At the heart of the lineup is the Overtrail edition, an off-road model. Overtrail comes with synthetic leather upholstery, 33-inch all-terrain tires, running boards, increased ground clearance and all the off-road tech that Toyota TRD Pro is known for: crawl gear, hill descent control, off-road driving modes, limited-slip rear differential, limited-slip center differential and adaptive suspension. The “+” model adds massaging front seats and window shades for the rear seats. The attractive price starting at $69,250 allows for some of the numerous accessories that Lexus offers, from floor mats and roof racks to cooler boxes and off-road tools.

What it doesn’t offer is seating for seven; there’s only a two-row, five-passenger option in the Overtrail. The idea is to leave more room for cargo: 13.6 more cubic feet behind the front seats and 5.4 additional cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the three-row models.

For 2024: One engine and standard all-wheel drive

To make things easier for the Lexus customer, there is one engine option, a 349-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that replaces the V8 of previous generations. And all-wheel drive is standard. This single engine option was something of a surprise, since most other Lexus models have hybrid powertrains and Toyota has garnered a lot of attention in recent years with its iForce Max hybrid engines. But perhaps the GX will offer a second option in the future.

Improved visibility makes the adventure behind the wheel even more exciting

Lexus has worked hard to give drivers better visibility both on and off road. Two principles are used: A hood that is lower in the middle and higher on the sides; this allows the driver to estimate where the tires are on the sides of the hood, but has better visibility in the middle of the hood. A lowered driver display and a center screen expand the driver’s field of vision.

The improved visibility is welcome, even in this high-slung SUV. Behind the wheel, in both the driver and passenger seats, there is an impressive feeling: you sit high and have a wide, clear view of the road and the horizon.

That tall stance and body-on-frame construction can, however, make speed bumps a real head-shaker. Even in Comfort mode, speed bumps were clearly felt in our Overtrail test model, which felt more like a truck than a car, as we’re used to from most SUVs. Still, with comfortable seats and a solid perspective, speed bumps are part of the adventure.

An outstanding SUV that brings joy on the road

More than once during my test drives – and I was lucky enough to get to do a few laps in the Lexus GX – people stopped and stared. They took photos. People remarked on how good it looks on the outside, especially when you’re sitting in a sea of ​​crossovers. The Lexus GX is the guest that turns heads in expensive sneakers and a leather jacket when everyone else is wearing suits and skirts. And then it delivers on its promises. It accelerates beautifully, handles confidently, and protects passengers and cargo with care. It’s easy to see why its fans love it so much, and why they’ll like this redesign even more.