The "Landcruiser" has been my favorite platform in the Toyota lineup. Over the years it has provided that perfect balance between rugged ability, refinement, and comfort. It was never apologetic, and it was always unique. With this current generation in North America though, Toyota and Lexus have brought the GX even closer to the Landcruiser ... essentially making it the top trim level instead of something truly unique. This is not a criticism, I really like the Lexus GX but it offers all of the strengths and weaknesses of the new Landcruiser rather than being a more unique product.
To put any speculation to rest, I really like the Lexus GX. I loved the Landcruiser 1958 that we also drove recently (review coming soon). Frankly, I like this new generation of GX far more than I did the previous one. While before, it did some stupid things that were designed to neuter the Landcruiser's offroad chops while making it more of a bulky SUV for soccer moms, this time around, I feel like it would be equally comfortable driving out in the desert or down a rough fire trail as it would be picking up kids at lacrosse.
Without a doubt, the 2024 Lexus GX represents a complete redesign of the luxury SUV, marking a significant departure from its predecessor while maintaining its reputation for off-road capability. That's a very good thing as far as I'm concerned.
This comprehensive overhaul brings modern technology, improved performance, and refined aesthetics to the model line. What makes it a little bit sad is that the overall Landcruiser platform isn't as unique as it once was. Today this platform is now shared between 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Landcruiser, and GX. I get it, that's just how things go these days. However, I think it is worth mentioning because for those of us who aspired to one day have something truly unique ... this isn't it anymore.
Engine and Power
The most notable change in the 2024 GX is the switch from the traditional V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 engine. This new powerplant delivers 349 horsepower and an impressive 479 lb.-ft. of torque, representing a significant improvement over the previous generation's 301 horsepower. For me personally, this offered a great experience but my father-in-law poo-poo'd the fact that its not a V8 so it's not true luxury and wouldn't last as long.
While I'm not sure that's accurate, it is worth mentioning that it drives great and offers plenty of power. Like the rest of the vehicles using this engine, it requires premium fuel. This meant that on our road trip from Toledo to Elkhart, we had to pay $1 more per gallon! While this engine is more fuel efficient, I'm not sure that justifies this requirement, but probably few folks picking the GX really care about that anyhow.
Combining that with a 17/21 (combined 15) fuel economy rating will make long road trips expensive.
Interior and Exterior Design
The exterior design embraces a more modern and aggressive approach that defines the current Lexus look, with a square-body profile and horizontal design elements. The vehicle is notably larger than its predecessor, with increases in key dimensions:
- Width: +3.74 inches (standard) / +4.52 inches (Overtrail)
- Length: +2.75 inches
- Wheelbase: +2.36 inches
Despite this though, it doesn't feel bulky or oversized and still drives and parks great.
Inside, the GX offers seating for up to seven passengers with a choice of second-row configurations: captain's chairs or a 60:40 split-folding bench. The interior emphasizes luxury with available semi-aniline leather or NuLuxe-trimmed seats in various color combinations. Notable interior improvements include:
- Lower, horizontal instrument panel design
- Improved visibility through A-pillar repositioning
- Enhanced storage space throughout
- Increased luggage capacity
- Up to 12 cupholders
- Additional underfloor storage in the cargo area
Technology and Safety
The 2024 GX continues to showcase Lexus's commitment to modern technology with a comprehensive suite of features centered around a standard 14-inch touchscreen display running the latest Lexus Interface system. This central command center is complemented by a digital 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display, providing drivers with clear, easily accessible information. The integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless connectivity with mobile devices, while an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system delivers premium audio quality for discerning listeners.
The technological advantages extend beyond entertainment, with practical additions such as multiple charging ports throughout the cabin and available wireless charging. An optional Head-Up Display further enhances the driving experience by projecting essential information directly into the driver's line of sight, reducing the need to look away from the road.
On the safety front, the GX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, representing the brand's most advanced safety package to date. This comprehensive system includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which helps alert drivers to potential hazards and can initiate automatic emergency braking if necessary. The All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a preset distance from vehicles ahead, while Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Road Sign Assist and Proactive Driving Assist round out the safety features, providing additional layers of protection and driver awareness.
hitch placement and trailer brake control - from Landcruiser but same on Lexus GX
Towing
I feel like the customer buying this vehicle will probably be doing at least some moderate towing and trailering. While it features pretty solid specs for this application, they covered up the trailer hitch with a plastic cap that is pretty awkward to remove and looks unsightly if you leave it off. Additionally, the trailer brake control plug is located in an awkward position as well that doesn't make it easy to access. That said, this is probably one of those things that owners will just "get" and after the first weekend won't be an issue anymore.
The 2024 GX demonstrates impressive capability with a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds for Premium, Premium+, and Overtrail grades when equipped with the standard tow hitch. This represents Lexus's commitment to utility alongside luxury, making the GX a viable option for those who need to tow boats, trailers, or other recreational equipment.
The standard Full-Time 4WD system with a Torsen limited-slip center differential ensures reliable performance in various towing conditions, while the new twin-turbo V6's substantial torque output should provide confident pulling power.
Closing Thoughts On The Lexus GX
I dig it ... the new Lexus GX is absolutely an improvement over the previous generation. Any gripes that I have about it really are honestly much less applicable to the GX than they would be to the Landcruiser itself, and ultimately, those gripes are pretty elitist anyhow.
The Lexus GX is a truly enjoyable vehicle to drive and still offers a great experience both on-road and while driving through some rutted dirt roads in search of fall colors here in Michigan.
As I told a friend at Toyota last week, objectively it is a vehicle that I would like to see in my garage. As you know, I'm searching for a new vehicle to buy and while this one is a bit above my budget, my wife and I did talk about ways that we could stretch up from our ~$55k target price since we enjoyed cruising around town in this one. However, priced at about $70k, it's just not the right fit for us and that's disappointing. For those looking in that price range though ... you'll really enjoy checking this one out!
