2024 Lexus GX Review - The Best Off-Road Luxury SUV For Your Next Adventure?

Reliability, luxury, innovation; Lexus has stuck to its roots since it debuted in 1989. As the luxury arm of Toyota, it has consistently delivered exceptional vehicles with the latest interior technology and posh features. Then came the Lexus GX.

Luxury On The Rugged 4Runner Platform

The Lexus GX hit dealership lots in 2002, serving as the luxury cousin to the Toyota 4Runner. Drivers who know their Toyota and Lexus SUVs chose the GX for off-road fun, but the previous models lacked trail-ready trims, which the 2024 GX models offer. Most people would never consider driving a Lexus off-road, so the Lexus GX has been a special trail-ready secret for drivers who prefer to defy expectations. Now that the GX has been redesigned and new trims added, the off-road capability won’t be a secret much longer.

The New Off-Road-Ready Overtrail Trims

While all Lexus GX models can handle dirt and trails, the GX 550 Overtrail and 550 Overtrail+ are built with off-road fun in mind. This isn’t your grandmother’s Lexus; this is a premier off-road luxury SUV. When you hop in the 2024 GX 550, you’ll want to hit the trails, rocks, and sand just to appreciate the build quality and suspension. If you plan to take your Lexus GX on off-road adventures, you can’t beat either Overtrail trim. The Overtrail trim has two rows with seating for five. It comes with 18-inch wheels covered in Toyo 33-inch all-terrain tires. (For comparison, Jeep Wrangler off-road drivers often choose 35-inch all-terrain tires). This luxury trail star has an adaptive suspension tuned for trails, crawl control, an electronic locking rear differential, and multi-terrain drive modes.

Drivers who need even more features can choose the Overtrail+. It’s got all the same bells and whistles for off-roading, but it also has massaging front seats, puddle lamps on the exterior mirrors, and rugged exterior accents. The Overtrail trims have 8.9 inches of ground clearance with a 22-degree departure angle. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner has slightly more ground clearance - between 9.0 inches and 9.6 inches, depending on the trim.

The Luxury Trim For Posh Lexus Comfort

If you aren’t driving off-road, the Lexus GX 550 Luxury trim can’t be beat. It has three rows, seating for seven, premium aniline leather seats, and heating, ventilation, and massaging features. This posh trim is quite the dichotomy: it feels like a typical Lexus and can handle trails - just not as well as the Overtrail trims.

Capability To Tow Your Toys

If your weekend plans include toys, the Lexus GX 550 can tow 9,000 pounds. This is quite the upgrade from the 6,000-lb towing capability of previous model years.

Competition For Your Weekend Plans

The 2024 Lexus GX offers a unique balance of luxury and off-road capability. While it doesn’t quite match the ruggedness of the Land Rover Defender or the high-end luxury of the Discovery, the GX strikes a middle ground that appeals to those who want both reliability and versatility.

With its bold styling and dependable performance, the GX presents a compelling option for drivers who value a well-rounded off-road SUV. While some Lexus enthusiasts might miss the naturally aspirated V8 of previous GX models, the new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 more than makes up for it with excellent power and responsiveness. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this setup delivers a surprisingly stable and smooth drive, whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling rough terrain. The power comes on strong right from the start, offering solid off-the-line acceleration that feels both confident and capable. Plus, the cabin is impressively quiet, wrapping you in a sense of calm no matter where you are. Overall, the 2024 GX offers a refined driving experience that’s a big leap forward from its predecessor, blending power and luxury in a way that feels fresh and engaging.