The 2024 Lexus GX 550: A Bold Redesign Ready for Overlanding Adventure
For years, the Lexus GX has occupied a unique space in the luxury SUV market. It offered the ruggedness of a body-on-frame construction with the refined comfort and reliability expected from the Lexus brand. However, its design had become dated, and it lacked some of the modern features found in competitors. Enter the 2024 Lexus GX 550, a complete reimagining of the model that promises to elevate its off-road prowess and luxury appeal in equal measure. With a striking new design, advanced technology, and a focus on overlanding capabilities, the GX 550 is poised to become a top choice for adventurers seeking a capable and comfortable vehicle for exploring the great outdoors.
A Design Revolution: Modern, Rugged, and Purposeful
The most immediately noticeable change is the GX 550’s exterior design. Gone are the soft curves of the previous generation, replaced by a boxier, more angular aesthetic that exudes confidence and capability. The front fascia features a prominent grille with the "Lexus" name spelled out across the top, flanked by distinctive LED headlights that create a modern and aggressive look. The upright stance and squared-off wheel arches further enhance the vehicle’s rugged appeal.
The rear of the GX 550 also receives a significant update, with a full-width LED light bar that emphasizes its width and creates a modern, premium appearance. The overall design is a successful blend of luxury and ruggedness, signaling that this is a vehicle equally at home on city streets and remote trails.
Under the Hood: A Powerful and Efficient Powertrain
The 2024 GX 550 replaces the previous generation’s V8 engine with a new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant increase in torque compared to the old V8, which is crucial for off-road performance and towing. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and efficient power delivery.
While some purists may lament the loss of the V8, the new V6 offers several advantages. It provides better fuel economy, lower emissions, and a broader torque curve, making it better suited for a variety of driving conditions. Additionally, the increased torque output ensures that the GX 550 can confidently tackle challenging terrain and tow heavy loads.
Overlanding-Focused Features: Ready for Adventure
Lexus has made it clear that the GX 550 is designed with overlanding in mind. Several features enhance its off-road capabilities and make it a more practical choice for adventure travel:
-
Body-on-Frame Construction: The GX 550 retains its robust body-on-frame construction, which is essential for durability and off-road performance. This design allows the vehicle to withstand the stresses of rough terrain and provides a solid foundation for modifications.
-
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive: The GX 550 comes standard with a full-time four-wheel-drive system that provides excellent traction in all conditions. The system includes a Torsen limited-slip center differential that can distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed.
-
Electronic Locking Rear Differential: The Overtrail trim level adds an electronic locking rear differential, which can lock the rear wheels together for maximum traction in extreme off-road situations.
-
Multi-Terrain Select: The Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose from different driving modes (such as Rock, Mud, and Sand) that optimize the vehicle’s settings for various types of terrain.
-
Crawl Control: Crawl Control is a low-speed cruise control system that helps the driver navigate challenging obstacles by automatically controlling the throttle and brakes.
-
Downhill Assist Control: Downhill Assist Control helps the driver maintain a controlled speed when descending steep hills.
-
Increased Ground Clearance: The GX 550 offers improved ground clearance compared to the previous generation, allowing it to clear obstacles more easily.
-
Approach and Departure Angles: The GX 550 boasts improved approach and departure angles, which are crucial for navigating steep inclines and declines.
-
Overland-Ready Trim Levels: Lexus offers the GX 550 in several trim levels, including the Overtrail and Overtrail+, which are specifically designed for overlanding. These trims include features such as:
- Standard 33-inch All-Terrain Tires
- 18-inch Wheels
- Electronic Locking Rear Differential
- Aluminum Skid Plate
- Unique Exterior Styling
Interior Comfort and Technology: Luxury in the Wilderness
Despite its rugged exterior and off-road capabilities, the GX 550 doesn’t compromise on luxury and comfort. The interior is appointed with high-quality materials and features a modern design. The dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Other notable interior features include:
- Premium Leather Seats: The GX 550 offers comfortable and supportive seats upholstered in premium leather.
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: Heated and ventilated front seats are available to provide optimal comfort in all weather conditions.
- Heated Steering Wheel: A heated steering wheel is available for added comfort in cold weather.
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Tri-zone automatic climate control allows the driver and passengers to customize the temperature to their liking.
- Mark Levinson Premium Audio System: A Mark Levinson premium audio system is available for audiophiles who demand the best sound quality.
- Advanced Safety Features: The GX 550 comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Customization and Aftermarket Support: Making it Your Own
One of the great things about the Lexus GX is its strong aftermarket support. There are numerous companies that offer aftermarket parts and accessories for the GX 550, allowing owners to customize their vehicles to suit their specific needs and preferences. Popular modifications include:
- Lift Kits: Lift kits increase ground clearance and allow for the installation of larger tires.
- Off-Road Bumpers: Off-road bumpers provide better protection for the vehicle’s front and rear ends and often include mounting points for winches and other accessories.
- Rock Sliders: Rock sliders protect the vehicle’s rocker panels from damage when traversing rocky terrain.
- Roof Racks: Roof racks provide a convenient way to carry extra gear, such as tents, kayaks, and bicycles.
- Auxiliary Lighting: Auxiliary lighting can improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Conclusion: A Compelling Choice for Adventure Seekers
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a bold new design, a powerful and efficient powertrain, and a host of overlanding-focused features. Its combination of luxury, capability, and reliability makes it a compelling choice for adventure seekers who want a vehicle that can take them anywhere they want to go in comfort and style.
Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a cross-country overlanding expedition, the GX 550 is ready to tackle any challenge. With its robust construction, advanced technology, and extensive aftermarket support, the GX 550 is poised to become a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and luxury SUV buyers alike.
