The Lexus GX is an SUV that's always been easy to love. Its old school charm, comfort, luxury and capability have won us over time and time again over the years. Even of late, we didn't mind that the current generation was showing its age. Well, about that age thing? That's no more. Because the new GX has arrived - and wow - is it stunning and certainly worth the wait. The 2024 GX will be offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and new Overtrail and Overtrail+.
Here are a few notable highlights::
Ok so there's a lot to talk about here. But let's kick things off with design because Lexus seriously did a great job here. Designers worked to make it both rugged and refined and they've succeeded. It's squared-off shape gives it a more rugged outdoorsy look than previously. The GX receives a wide track and fender flares.
Dimensions wise, the new GX is bigger than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase is a bit longer, and it's wider and longer. There's more ground clearance, too, with the most being offered on the Overtrail.
Lexus says a new spindle grille design aids in off-roading functionality. The Premium Triple Beam LED headlamps and grille opening have been raised to help avoid potential road impact. LED fog and cornering lamps are available for increased visibility.
The tail end sports Lexus' signature unified L-shaped light bar and the LEXUS updated logo.
Also, for the first time ever, the GX will have a standard power rear lift door. Lexus says it's what customer's wanted. It will have a pop-out window and an available kick sensor.
There are 11 color options depending on the grade: Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Atomic Silver, GX-first Incognito, Caviar, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades will offer exclusive bi-tone exterior color combinations including Atomic Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof, and Lexus-first Earth/Black Roof.
Lexus describes the earth-tone focused cabin as calm, lux and modern. The idea behind the earth-tone is again, nature. There are semi-aniline leather and NuLuxe trimmed options in Black, Dapple Gray, or Saddle Tan with black or dark brown grained trim.
It seats up to seven and is inspired by Lexus' other recently designed SUVS like the flagship LX and RX. Lexus says the seats are improved thanks to ergonomic measures to improve driver posture. It's improved the headrests, too. Also the front seat hip point to heel height has been extended 1.18 inches.
There are two options for the second row - captain’s chairs or a 60:40 split-folding bench. Lexus says it's added a one-motion tumble system to make it easy to access the third row or luggage space. The GX also offers a power 2nd-row.
Comfort features include standard heated and ventilated seats driver and front passenger seats, with available heated second-row seats.
Additional options (depending on grade) include: Digital Key, Cool Box, Head-Up Display, Traffic Jam Assist, Cold Area Package and Tonneau Cover.
Overtrail grades are available in a GX-first color combination of Black NuLuxe trimmed interior with Olive Ultrasuede accents or Chateau NuLuxe trimmed interior with Olive Ultrasuede accents and black ornamentation.
The driver-centric cabin is outfitted with Lexus' latest tech -that being a standard 14-inch multimedia touch screen with Lexus' Interface Technology and a 12.3-inch digital driver display. While the cabin is tech-forward, there are still physical dials for things like the A/C and audio volume.
The 2024 GX comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10-speaker premium surround system system is standard. But you can upgrade to an available 21-Speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound.
Six illuminated charging ports (four in Overtrail) are available throughout and a wireless charger is available.
The next GX offers more center console and door pocket storage space, along with up to 12 cupholders placed throughout the cabin. There's also more luggage space for both the second and third row configurations than before. Lexus says the GX can hold up to 5 suitcases with the 3rd row folded. There's also some extra storage areas under the cargo area and a 120V AC inverter has been added for additional power needs.
The new GX is more powerful than the outgoing model. While a hybrid powertrain is coming, the only one available at launch is gas only. It's a twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission. The V6 boosts power to 349 hp, better than the previous generation V8’s 301 horsepower. Torque output also improves to a massive 479 lb.-ft.
A hybrid powertrain will be available in the U.S. at a later date.
The GX shares its platform with the new LX 600. A new developed double wishbone front suspension is paired with a multi-link rear suspension which Lexus says gives it a high level of off-road driving performance as well as on-road prowess. Adaptive Variable Suspension is also available. The GX also adopts Electronic Power Steering for better steering feel.
The new GX continues its legacy of off-road capability. 4WD with a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a locking feature is standard on every grade. The Overtrail adds an electronic locking rear differential. Lexus also says it's faster to switch between 4hi and 4lo than before thanks to improvements to the electronic transfer case.
Rear tread is increased by 3.26 inches for Premium and Luxury grades and 4.06 inches for the Overtrail grades.
Towing capacity has increased to 8,000 lbs. for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch.
The GX is the first Lexus to wear the brand's new Overtrail badge. It falls under the brand's Overtrail Project which could expand to include products, gear and accessories in the future.
Overtrail and Overtrail+ models add a host of features and specialized styling. An eye-catching bi-tone exterior paint combination is available in Atomic Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof, and Lexus-first Earth/Black Roof.
Overtrail grades also feature standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels, black accented overfenders and a standard aluminum skid plate.
On the inside, the natural earth tones continue with Lexus-first Chateau with Olive Ultrasuede accents and a classic Black with Olive Ultrasuede accents for a luxurious touch. Overtrail+ grade get an exclusive seat design for optimal off-road comfort and there will be available driver and front passenger massage seats and driver power cushion extender.
Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems are standard on GX Overtrail grades for optimal traction on the trails, along with an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved wheel articulation. An electronic locking rear differential is exclusive on OVERTRAIL for maximum traction.
For 2024, the all-new Lexus GX includes standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.
The comprehensive suite of active safety equipment provides features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).
The 2024 GX will be assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan. Lexus expects it to go on sale in early 2024.
Photo Credit: Lexus.