2024 Lexus GX First Look: Boxy Is Back!

The Lexus GX has developed a well-earned reputation for rugged reliability, performance on the trail, and luxurious appointments. But it’s also been roughly the same for a long time, which in some ways has stunted its sales and reputation. The second-generation GX was introduced way back in 2010 as a body-on-frame luxury off-road SUV that shared a platform with the international-market Toyota Prado. Though Lexus has lightly updated the GX multiple times since, it eventually couldn’t mask the SUV’s age, even as it added a large infotainment touchscreen for 2022.

Its growth spurt is finally here. Lexus has overhauled the styling, underpinnings, and technology of the new GX in an effort to help it better take on today’s luxury SUV market. Its highlight feature is a boxy body style reminiscent of old-school SUVs from the late 1980s and early 1990s. But at the same time, its distinctive, tech-forward LED lighting signatures help lend the 2024 Lexus GX a distinctly modern appeal, along with numerous other changes designed to breathe new life into what’s become a staple of the Lexus lineup.

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What Is the 2024 Lexus GX?

Unlike most of today’s luxury SUVs, the 2024 Lexus GX remains a body-on-frame, off-road capable vehicle. Within the Lexus lineup, it sits between the new three-row 2024 Lexus TX and recently redesigned, full-size 2024 Lexus LX SUVs. It’s built off of the Lexus GA-F platform which it shares with the full-size LX600 SUV, and as a result, the new model is longer, wider, and taller than before. For the first time ever, the GX comes equipped with electronic power steering, a departure from the hydraulic power steering it’s had since it first arrived for the 2003 model year.

Measurements for the new model come in at 197.0 inches long, 83.2 inches wide including the mirrors, and 75.59 inches tall compared with 192.1 inches, 74.2 inches, and 74.2 inches for the outgoing model. Wheelbase also grows by 2.36 inches to 112.2 inches total.

2024 Lexus GX Styling and Trims

As previously mentioned, its exterior styling is what pops at first glance. It’s much more bulky and squared off than before, and Lexus has taken steps to deemphasize its signature spindle grille, which has long been criticized for being too large in proportion. All these touches give the 2024 GX a resemblance to off-road SUVs of yore, including the FJ60 Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Montero, though its exterior LED lighting design distinctly identifies it as a modern SUV.

2024 Lexus GX Trim Levels

Lexus will offer the 2024 GX in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The first four trims will blend the GX’s traditional mix of comfort, performance, and off-road capability, while the Overtrail and Overtrail+ models, as their rugged names suggest, have been optimized to better perform when the pavement runs out.

What’s Under the Hood of the New GX?

Lexus outfits the 2024 GX with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that develops 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The outgoing model was equipped with a 4.6-liter V-8 producing 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, so the new powertrain should be a massive improvement.

Although the Lexus GX shares its engine with the third-generation Toyota Tundra, its output varies slightly. Both models make the same amount of torque, but the Tundra develops 389 hp in all guises aside from the base SR grade. Lexus estimates that the 2024 GX will be rated at 17 mpg combined, while the previous-generation model returns an EPA-rated 16 mpg combined for the 2023 model year.

2024 Lexus GX Drivetrain and Hybrid Powertrain

Full-time four-wheel drive comes standard, and every GX is fitted with a Torsen locking limited-slip center differential. Lexus says it has updated the electronic transfer, which allows for quicker shifts between four-low and four-high. Towing is rated at an 8,000-pound maximum for Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+ trims. That figure falls to 6,990 pounds for Luxury models. The Luxury+ grade can tow 6,780 pounds.

Lexus says it will also offer the new-generation GX with a hybrid drivetrain, which we expect to be an adapted version of the Tundra’s i-Force Max setup. The most potent version of the Tundra cranks out 437 hp and 583 lb-ft, but we expect the GX to be slightly detuned based on the power differential between the gasoline-only versions of the GX and Tundra.

The Very Off-Road Ready 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail and Overtrail+

The Lexus GX has never been a slouch off-road, but Lexus is further beefing up its credentials to better tackle the road less traveled. The Lexus GX Overtrail models come equipped with 33-inch all-terrain tires and 18-inch wheels and are 0.78-inch wider than the standard GX range as a result. There will also be distinctive paint colors available for the Overtrail and Overtrail+ variants in addition to two-tone schemes offered with black roofs paired with Atomic Silver, Incognito, Nori Green Pearl, or Earth hues.

Lexus makes several off-road features available on GX Overtrail and Overtrail+ models, including a Multi-Terrain Select system in addition to crawl control, downhill assist control, and a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor. The automaker has also upgraded the GX’s suspension with its Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which is said to improve wheel articulation. An electronic locking rear differential is also part of the Overtrail package.

Modern Infotainment and Safety Technology

Inside, Overtrail versions of the 2024 GX receive four illuminated charging ports. They’re also offered with available Black NuLuxe scheme trimmed with the automaker’s Olive Ultrasuede material. The result is a cabin that looks upscale and ready for forest exploration duty. Lexus sets apart the Overtrail+ model with a distinctive seat design that combines supportive bolstering, massaging capability, and an extending cushion for the driver’s chair.

Every 2024 Lexus GX model gets a standard 14.0-inch touchscreen that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and a 12.3-inch display serves as the digital instrument cluster. Six illuminated charging ports are standard on all non-Overtrail models, and every GX gets a 120V AC inverter. A 10-speaker audio system is standard, and a 21-speaker version of the brand’s signature Mark Levinson Surround Sound setup is available. Other available features include a traffic jam assist system, digital key mobile device remote entry, a Cool Box beverage chiller, Cold Area package, and a tonneau cover for the rear storage area depending on spec.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

Every 2024 GX also comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which bundles together many of the automaker’s latest active safety features including pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane keeping and tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and the automaker’s Proactive Driving Assist that provides additional active driving alerts. This represents a huge step forward into the contemporary Lexus lineup for the GX compared to the previous iteration.

Interior Appointments

As one would expect from a premier Lexus model, the 2024 GX is sumptuously appointed. Lexus knows the interior of the GX must strike the right chord between being outright luxurious and conducive to use on the trail. As such, the GX pulls elements from the horizontal theme of its little sibling, the midsize RX, but expands the cockpit with more off-road-ready elements.

The interior of the GX is available with either semi-aniline leather or NuLuxe synthetic leather. Lexus says it has buffed up the center console and door pocket storage space. Every GX comes equipped with 12 cupholders, optimal for thirsty folks on a cross-country road trip.

Physical Dials

Lexus still uses physical dials for air conditioning and volume controls. Near the shifter, there are buttons for the off-road controls, which the automaker says is intended to maintain driver focus and minimize distractions. Lexus equips standard heated and ventilated seats for the front row and offers heated second-row seats. The available third row is offered with manual or motorized controls.

Seating Up to Seven

The Lexus GX was historically a two-row SUV, but Lexus now offers seating for up to seven passengers. The second row is offered with captain’s chairs or a three-seat bench with a 60/40 split. For three-row models, Lexus outfits the GX with what it calls a “one-motion tumble system” to allow for more convenient ingress and egress. The automaker claims five suitcases can fit behind the second row when the third row is collapsed.

When Can I Buy a 2024 Lexus GX?

Lexus says it will build the 2024 GX at its Tahara plant in Japan. We anticipate the new luxury off-roader will begin around $65,000 for the entry-level Premium trim. Expect the rugged luxury SUV to arrive in showrooms as early as the beginning of 2024.

2024 Lexus GX Specifications

2024 Lexus GX Front Three Quarter View

2024 Lexus GX Front View

2024 Lexus GX Side View

2024 Lexus GX Rear Three Quarter View

2024 Lexus GX Rear Badge

2024 Lexus GX Rear View

2024 Lexus GX Front Light Banks

2024 Lexus GX Rim

2024 Lexus GX Passenger Side Motion

2024 Lexus GX Rear Three Quarter Motion

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