According to S&P Global Mobility, luxury crossovers, and SUVs accounted for almost 70% of US luxury vehicle sales in 2021. Moreover, Mckinsey & Company also tells us that almost 50% of luxury vehicle customers will likely choose SUVs for their next purchase. This is the highly-competitive segment that the Lexus GX fights in.
Last June 8th, Lexus launched the all-new 2024 Lexus GX not just to retire the nameplate's 2nd generation, but also to elevate the model from being a run-of-the-mill luxury sport utility vehicle. The redesigned GX, as the Lexus positions it, is a "Sophisticated Utility Vehicle."
Since its North American introduction in 2002, the body-on-frame midsize Lexus GX has jockeyed for market share against rugged midsize and large SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, and even its corporate stablemates, the Lexus LX, Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and Land Cruiser Prado. For the past two decades, the body-on-frame Lexus GX quietly contributed to America's luxury SUV population. Last 2022, the GX made up 16% of Lexus USA's SUV unit sales, as well as 1.1% of the total midsize SUVs sold in the country.
SUV fans and industry analysts have been commending Lexus for the 2024 GX redesign, and this rugged midsize luxury SUV is poised to gain a larger customer base when it starts commercial sales in early 2024. If you're shortlisting the candidates for your next (or first) luxury SUV, then this article is perfect for you. Here are 10 great reasons to consider the 2024 Lexus GX for your garage.
10 The 2024 Lexus GX Has The Same Platform As The Legendary Land Cruiser
The 2023 Lexus GX is one of the few midsize (a rather large midsize at that) SUVs still built on a body-on-frame platform, and the all-new Lexus GX will continue this tradition in modern style. The 2024 Lexus GX will use the Toyota New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F) platform – the same foundation employed by the all-new Land Cruiser 300, Sequoia, Tundra, and LX 600. Using lightweight yet sturdy body materials and new powertrains, the TNGA platform will deliver a lower vehicle center of gravity, higher fuel efficiency, and better driving performance over a wide range of terrains.
9 The 2024 Lexus GX Has A New Look - And It's Strikingly Good
For the past decade, the GX has borrowed many design language elements from the Lexus sedan and crossover lineup - particularly the smooth, curvy character lines converging on the spindle grille-focused front fascia. The 2024 Lexus GX, however, deviates from the norm as it comes with several angular body panels that make up a bold and boxy exterior design. Triple-beam LED headlamps, side air dams, and an aggressive lower bumper still flank the unmistakable Lexus spindle grille, although this time with sharp corners instead of undulating boundaries. This new design gained the approval of many SUV enthusiasts, as it emphasizes the all-new GX's rugged character very well.
The 2024 Lexus GX is also bigger than its outgoing model year. The 2024 GX's Luxury and Premium trims are roughly 3.74 inches wider, 1.3 inches taller, and 2.75 inches longer than the 2023 GX. Lexus also increased the wheelbase and tread widths by at least 2.36 inches and 3.26 inches, respectively, for the 3rd-generation GX.
8 The 2024 Lexus GX's Base Engine Is More Powerful Than Its Predecessor's V8
The 2023 Lexus GX comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that cranks out 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. Although the 2023 GX distinguishes itself as the only SUV in its size class with a naturally-aspirated V8 powerplant, this mill is already too outdated to be used for the new TNGA construction.
The 2024 Lexus GX has retired the old V8 and will now draw power from a new 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 powerplant (V35A-FTS engine code) from the TNGA engine family. This new V6, which already resides under the hood of the current-generation Tundra, Land Cruiser 300, and LX 600, will provide 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of twist to the 2024 Lexus GX. With the forced-induction V6 engine, the TNGA-F body construction, and Toyota's new 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission, the all-new Lexus GX gets an 8,000-lb maximum towing capacity, which is 23% higher than the 2023 GX's 6,500-lb tow rating.
2023 VS 2024 Lexus GX Engine Specs
Lexus GX Gas Engine Specs | 2023 GX | 2024 GX |
|---|---|---|
Engine Code | 1UR-FE | V35A-FTS |
Displacement, Liters | 4.6 | 3.4 |
Configuration | V8 | Twin-turbo V6 |
Horsepower | 301 | 349 |
Torque (lb-ft) | 329 | 479 |
Fuel | Gas | Gas |
7 The 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid May Be The Most Powerful Production GX Ever
Lexus USA has confirmed that the 2024 GX will come with a hybrid variant, although the company has yet to release the hybrid engine's specifications. Based on the existing hybrid models in the Toyota and Lexus lineups, however, the 2024 Lexus GX Hybrid has two possible electrified powerplant options. First, the new GX may use the 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 hybrid system that currently powers the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. This 4-cylinder hybrid system, which will also power the 2024 Toyota Tacoma's hybrid trims, will give the 2024 Lexus GX a few more horses but much less torque than the gas-only 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 will. Of course, the hybrid engine will get the fuel economy advantage.
Second, Lexus may develop its own version of Toyota's i-FORCE MAX hybrid system based on the 2024 GX's V6 engine. Because of the GX's size (which is comparable to the Land Cruiser 300), this V6-based hybrid system, which currently gives the Tundra and Sequoia a total output of 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, might be the more feasible choice. Perhaps the only engineering and marketing concern here is that a hybrid V6 Lexus GX will be more powerful than Lexus' gas-only flagship SUV, the Lexus LX 600 (409 hp and 479 lb-ft from the same V6 engine). Nevertheless, if Lexus releases a hybrid V6 LX, then we may likely see a hybrid V6 GX soon afterward.
2024 Lexus GX Hybrid Engine Specs (Speculative)
Lexus GX Possible Hybrid Engine Specs | From Lexus RX 500h | From Toyota Sequoia |
|---|---|---|
Engine Code | T24A-FTS Turbo Hybrid | V35A-FTS i-FORCE MAX |
Displacement, Liters | 2.4 | 3.4 |
Gas Engine Configuration | Turbo I4 | Twin-turbo V6 |
System Horsepower | 366 | 437 |
System Torque (lb-ft) | 406 | 583 |
Fuel | Hybrid Gas | Hybrid Gas |
6 The 2024 Lexus GX Is Rugged Outside, Yet Sophisticated Inside
Lexus extols the "Yet Philosophy" - a sensible and elegant juxtaposition of seemingly opposite traits - for its vehicle designs. As a new "sophisticated luxury vehicle", the 2024 GX exemplifies this ideology very well. Outside, the 2024 Lexus GX projects a powerful and more rugged character. Inside, however, the all-new GX still gives thoughtful consideration to driver and passenger comfort and convenience through luxurious interior appointments that are befitting of the Lexus brand.
The 2024 Lexus GX comes with a driver-centric co*ckpit design, a tasteful combination of physical and digital controls, heated and ventilated front seats, 2nd-row captain's chairs, premium upholstery materials, and an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, which is an amazing upgrade to the previous generation's already-impressive 17-speaker option. Moreover, the 2024 Lexus GX also gets the nameplate's first-ever power liftgate, with convenient features like a pop-out rear window and a kick sensor for ease of cargo area access.
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5 The 2024 Lexus GX Doesn't Skimp On Tech Features
The 2024 Lexus GX's sophisticated appeal is backed by some of Lexus' most impressive tech-driven features. The GX's new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster allows users to customize the layout of the speedometer, odometer, average fuel economy, hybrid energy monitor, AWD torque distribution, and other important driving and vehicle system information displays. Drivers of the all-new GX will also have increased awareness of their vehicle condition and immediate surroundings due to the digital head-up display (HUD) and the digital rearview mirror.
A huge 14-inch infotainment touchscreen unit (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) sits purposefully and unobtrusively at the top of the center stack. Using the 14-inch infotainment unit in the Sequoia and Tundra as a basis, the 2024 Lexus GX will likely feature panoramic view and multi-terrain monitors, a trailer backup guide, and other external camera-driven driver-assist features.
4 The 2024 Lexus GX's Off-Road Prowess Is At Its 20-Year Best
The 2024 Lexus GX's rugged exterior design is backed by real off-road capabilities. Lexus USA has yet to disclose the 2024 GX's official ground clearance, but the increase in the approach, break-over, and departure angles confirm that the all-new GX will ride higher off the ground compared to its predecessor.
2023 VS 2024 Lexus GX Approach, Break-over, and Departure Angles
Slope Specifications | 2023 GX | 2024 GX |
|---|---|---|
Approach Angle, degrees | 21 | 26 |
Break-over Angle, degrees | 23 | 23-24 |
Departure Angle, degrees | 21 | 21-23 |
The 2024 GX comes standard with full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential to improve traction on tarmacs and trails. A new double-wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, and an electronic power steering system will keep the 2024 Lexus GX agile, planted, and responsive to driver inputs. Finally, the 2024 Lexus GX offers an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system for continuous damping across different terrains.
RELATED: 10 Reasons To Buy A 2024 Toyota Tacoma
3 The 2024 Lexus GX Has Bigger Shoes To Match Its Bigger Body
The 2023 Lexus GX currently uses 30.5-inch tires for both the 18-inch and 19-inch stock rim options. Although these wheel-and-tire combinations may be sufficient for optimal on-road handling, passenger comfort, and fuel economy for the outgoing model year, they will be sub-par and undersized for the bigger and brawnier 2024 Lexus GX.
Lexus designers gave the 2024 GX lineup 3 new sets of wheel-and-tire combinations that are appropriate for the all-new GX's size and trim specializations. The Premium and Premium+ trims will get 31.5-inch tires with 20-inch rims, while the Luxury and Luxury+ trims will wear 32.4-inch tires wrapped around 22-inch wheels. The new 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail grade will get the biggest and beefiest tire option: 32.6-inch tires (okay, some qualify them as 33's) mounted on 18-inch off-road rims.
2023 VS 2024 Lexus GX Tire Sizes
Lexus GX Model Year | Tire Specification | Diameter, Inch | Tread Width, Inch | Sidewall, Inch | Rim Size, Inch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 GX | 265/60/R18 | 30.5 | 10.4 | 6.3 | 18 |
265/55/R19 | 30.5 | 10.4 | 5.7 | 19 | |
2024 GX | 265/55/R20 | 31.5 | 10.4 | 5.7 | 20 |
265/50/R22 | 32.4 | 10.4 | 5.2 | 22 | |
265/70/R18 | 32.6 | 10.4 | 7.3 | 18 |
2 The 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail Is An Overlanding Specialist
The new Toyota Trailhunter truck grade debuted as part of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma lineup to appeal to the growing overlanding community. Not one to overlook this growing niche market, Lexus also launched the new Overtrail SUV grade for the 2024 Lexus GX. The GX Overtrail distinguishes itself on the outside with a 2-tone, black-top exterior paint scheme, beefy 33-inch off-road tires, a wider body (0.78 inches wider than other 2024 GX trims), and overlanding features like bigger roof rails and an aluminum skid plate. Inside the cabin, the Overtrail grades ditch the 3rd-row seats for more luggage capacity and overlanding comfort. The posh Lexus GX Overtrail+ trim, in particular, will come with exclusive seat designs and seating layouts, as well as an available driver seat cushion extender and a seat massage function.
The 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail trims will get an exclusive electronic locking rear differential to complement the locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. For optimal off-road and overlanding performance, the Overtrail trims will come with Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Crawl Control, and the Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved flex or axle articulation.
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1 The 2024 Lexus GX Has The Most Modern Lexus Safety System To Date
For 2024, the all-new Lexus GX will get the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) suite, which is currently the automaker's most modern collection of safety features. In addition to passive safety features like the 10-airbag system, the LSS+ 3.0 provides the 2024 Lexus GX with active driver support features like the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Intuitive Parking Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).
