Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 Lexus GX 550

If you’ve been waiting for a true luxury SUV that blends off-road toughness with everyday comfort, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 might be exactly what you’re looking for. After years of minimal updates, Lexus has finally reimagined the GX into something that feels both modern and purpose-built. From its twin-turbo V6 engine to a refreshed cabin and impressive off-road capability, the new GX 550 brings back that rugged confidence the Land Cruiser once stood for — but with Lexus refinement.

As an auto enthusiast who’s driven everything from plush crossovers to dirt-loving trail rigs, I can say the GX 550 strikes an excellent middle ground. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it stand out.

2024 Lexus GX 550 Exterior Design

The 2024 Lexus GX redesign shows how serious Lexus is about combining adventure and elegance. The boxy silhouette pays homage to its roots, yet the sharp LED lighting, sculpted grille, and squared-off edges give it a modern “neo-retro” look. It’s a bold SUV that doesn’t try to hide its size or purpose — it celebrates it.

Lexus engineers made sure that the new body structure improves aerodynamics and reduces drag compared to the previous model. Even details like the Lexus GX 550 exterior design highlights, such as the high-mounted headlights and chunky fender flares, add both function and attitude. This SUV looks ready for the mountains, even when parked in front of a luxury hotel.

Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy

Under the hood lies the heart of this new beast — a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It replaces the old V8 but doesn’t sacrifice performance. In fact, it offers smoother acceleration and better efficiency. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 fuel economy and performance numbers are notably improved, thanks to the lighter chassis and advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.

During my test drive through hilly terrain, the power delivery felt seamless, and the GX’s new turbocharged setup delivered torque exactly when needed. Whether merging onto highways or climbing rocky trails, the SUV feels confident and capable. Lexus rates the towing capacity at up to 9,000 pounds, which puts it among the top performers in its class — perfect for those who tow campers or boats on weekends.

On-Road Comfort and Driving Dynamics

Despite its truck-based frame, the GX 550 handles surprisingly well on pavement. The adaptive variable suspension smooths out rough city streets, while steering feels more precise than before. Road and wind noise are impressively minimal — a testament to Lexus’ acoustic glass and upgraded sound insulation.

For drivers like me who split time between city commutes and weekend trips, this balance between comfort and power makes the GX 550 an ideal choice. It’s not a sports SUV, but it’s certainly one of the most composed off-road-oriented models you can daily drive.

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2024 Lexus GX 550 Interior and Technology Upgrades

Step inside, and you’ll instantly notice how Lexus has elevated the cabin. Soft-touch materials wrap nearly every surface, and the 2024 Lexus GX 550 interior and technology upgrades are a world apart from its predecessor. The centerpiece is a massive 14-inch touchscreen paired with Lexus’ latest infotainment system. It’s fast, intuitive, and finally rid of the clunky touchpad that many drivers disliked.

Heated and ventilated seats come standard, while higher trims feature semi-aniline leather and open-pore wood accents. There’s also improved cabin insulation, so even when that twin-turbo engine is working hard, you barely hear it. The third-row seats are still better for kids, but overall space and comfort are improved dramatically.

A few owners who upgraded from older GX models have praised how “tech-friendly yet familiar” the cabin feels — retaining traditional buttons for essentials like climate control, while offering digital displays for convenience.

Off-Road Capability: The True Adventure Machine

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 doesn’t just look rugged — it truly performs off-road. With full-time four-wheel drive, a locking center differential, and an available Overtrail package, it’s designed for real adventures.

In a real-life case study, an off-road enthusiast named Mark Benson from Colorado replaced his older GX 460 with the new GX 550 Overtrail edition. Over a summer road trip covering 1,200 miles — from Denver to Moab — he reported that the improved suspension articulation and Multi-Terrain Select system handled sand and rocky slopes effortlessly. He said the biggest surprise was how comfortable it remained during long highway stretches back home.

Mark’s experience sums up what Lexus aimed for — an SUV that performs like a seasoned off-roader but pampers you with comfort and technology.

Still, ground clearance is slightly lower than some hardcore SUVs, which might limit extreme off-roaders. However, for most owners who explore trails, mountains, or campgrounds, the GX 550’s off-road system is more than capable.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2024 GX 550 comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency steering assist. The driver-assistance features operate smoothly, not aggressively, which keeps the driving experience natural.

These technologies are especially useful on long drives or when navigating through busy city traffic — another reason why this SUV excels as both a family hauler and a weekend warrior.

Pricing, Trim Levels, and Value

Lexus offers several trims, including Premium, Overtrail, and Luxury. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 price and trims start around $64,000 and can exceed $80,000 for fully loaded versions. While this may sound steep, the combination of craftsmanship, capability, and longevity makes the value proposition strong — especially compared to rivals like the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes G-Class.

Many buyers who initially considered the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser have found the GX 550 to be a better buy for the features offered, particularly in terms of interior comfort and towing strength.

Conclusion

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 isn’t just another luxury SUV — it’s a return to form for drivers who want something capable, durable, and refined. Lexus managed to modernize the GX without stripping away its rugged character.

Whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling dirt trails, the GX 550 delivers a level of versatility few SUVs can match. From my personal time behind the wheel, it’s clear this model redefines what it means to own a luxury off-roader. If you’re shopping in this segment, this is one vehicle that deserves to be at the top of your list.

Looking for an electric alternative? Check out our detailed review of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 to see how it compares in innovation and performance.

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