The current Lexus GX has been unchanged since all the way back to 2009. That's an eternity in the automotive industry, and it showed. The styling was dated, the interior was seriously old, and even teh updated tech couldn't change things for the better. The one thing it had going for it was its rare body-on-frame construction, making it ideal for off-roading. Now, the new 2024 GX has been unveiled, and it promises to be so much better than the current vehicle.
The full redesign is about as drastic as we've ever seen, and that's a good thing. Lexus even upped the boxiness of the GX, making it look like a Japanese G-Wagen. The sheet metal is all new, the underpinnings are shared with Toyota trucks, and the V8 engine has been replaced by a twin-turbo V6. The suspension bits come over from Lexus's new LX, and the whole package looks ready to take on just about anything your throw at it while providing new levels of comfort and utility.
All-New Design
The new GX is based on Toyota's GA-F platform and measures 197 inches long, which is almost 3 inches longer than the current model. There are more body creases than just about anything we've ever seen, and this gives the GX a very robust and off-road-ready look. The uptick in the window frame in the rear doors provides added character, and the angular wheel arches complement the boxy look.
The front of the GX shows off a new style of the Lexus spindle grille, flanked by dramatic headlights and DRLs. Even the power portion of the grille frame looks like an extension of the front skid plate. Small fog lights and housings keep things balanced in the front fascia, and dramatic features like the deeply sculpted hood and the big side mirrors add to the rugged look. The tall, upright windshield eschews aerodynamics in favor of what looks like an excellent field of view.
The back end's single taillight element keeps things simple, and styling elements like the deep cutout at the base of the tailgate and the blocky bumper echo the tough look of the new GX. If you hadn't noticed, gone is the swing-out tailgate in favor of a more conventional one. The rear glass can, thankfully, still open separately, so it's not a totally different setup than before, and we're guessing new GX owners will appreciate the change because it's more practical as a result.
The GX's current interior is about as basic as it gets for a luxury SUV. Blocky, basic, and not especially attractive, it was still a very practical interior but a bit low rent for a pricey V8-powered Lexus. All that changes with the new GX in terms of styling, materials, and technology. Big leather seats, way better ergonomics, and a much-improved center console equate to a cabin that befits a big Lexus. Thankfully, the traditional PRND shifter remains, but gone is the weird touchpad that opens up space for an optional wireless phone charger.
The GX's cabin is dominated by the latest "Lexus Interface" infotainment system with a large 14-inch portrait-oriented screen that's present in the current RX 350, and it's beautiful. The climate control knobs are incorporated into the frame, and it makes for a more unified look without totally ditching the climate system's physical controls. We've found the new system to be easy to use, attractive, and responsive. There's also standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Lexus says cargo management has improved for all variants to the point where five suitcases can be loaded into the car with the third row folded (when applicable). We're not sure how big those suitcases are, exactly, but that sounds promising. The up-swing tailgate is the result of customer feedback, Lexus said, and is more versatile and functional than the old swinging door. Oh, and there are 12 cupholders. Cool. Look for the 2024 Lexus GX to hit showrooms early next year.
Under the Hood and Body
As we mentioned before, the GX no longer gets a V8 engine. Now, the only powertrain is a new 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 making 349 horsepower, 48 more than the old V8. The torque rating is 479 lb-feet, and the engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic with standard four-wheel drive. It can also tow between 6,780 and 8,000 pounds, depending on trim. This is thanks to the more powerful engine, better cooling, and a more capable chassis. Somewhere down the line, a hybrid may become reality but nothing has been confirmed.
The photo of the new Overtrail model is the tan-colored model you see here. Overtrail and Overtrail+ models get 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted on trim-specific 18-inch wheels, an electronic locking differential, black fender accents, an aluminum skid plate, special drive modes, and a 3D terrain monitor. The Overtrail trim can also be optioned with Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS)a fully mechanical off-road suspension that can utilize hydraulics to engage and disengage the GX's stabilizers bars for more articulation when the GX's system detects the need. Pretty nifty. The GX also gets a double-wishbone suspension up front and a multilink setup in back.
Pricing has yet to be announced, as is the actual sale date. We'll know more in the coming months. Expect great things from the new GX because it has some big tires to fill. We'll give you our full impressions when we get to drive it.
