What Makes the Redesigned Lexus GX Superior

February 16th, 2024 by

Lexus has long been associated with reliability, durability, and luxury. Lexus has also earned acclaim for crafting robust and capable off-road SUVs, presenting Toyota’s signature reliability in a refined and sophisticated package.

The latest addition to Lexus’s off-road lineup is the 2024 Lexus GX 550, a vehicle that showcases a complete redesign, leaving no component untouched from the oil pan to the roof panel. Although it doesn’t rewrite the rulebook for midsize body-on-frame SUVs, the new GX sets itself apart by seamlessly blending off-road prowess with exceptional on-road handling, making it a standout in its segment and arguably one of the brand’s finest offerings to date.

The transformation begins with the adoption of the more capable and refined TNGA-F platform, shared with the larger Land Cruiser 300 and its Lexus LX counterpart, along with other recently released body-on-frame Toyota models. The new GX is not only lighter but also boasts a 20% increase in rigidity compared to its predecessor, featuring a lengthened wheelbase by 2.36 inches and an overall length increase of 2.75 inches.

Moving to this modern platform promises a distinct driving experience, departing from the decade-old GX 460. The TNGA-F platform, proven in vehicles like the Sequoia, enhances both on- and off-road capabilities, aligning with the expectations for the new GX.

Under the hood, the GX 550 undergoes a ground-up redesign. Departing from the dated 4.6-liter V-8, the new model is equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6, delivering a robust 349 horsepower and a substantial torque increase to 479 pound-feet—a notable improvement of 48 horsepower and 150 pound-feet over its predecessor. The transition to a more efficient 10-speed transmission replaces the old GX 460’s six-speed gearbox.

Despite downsizing, the new GX 550 achieves an EPA-rated fuel economy of 15/21/17 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycles, outperforming the older GX 460, which is rated at 15/19/16 MPG. For those prioritizing efficiency, an upcoming hybrid model is anticipated, likely featuring the i-Force Max 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder parallel hybrid system.

The all-new LExus GX is set to start arriving this spring – click here to pre-order yours. 

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