2024 Lexus GX First Drive Review: The 2024 Lexus GX is a testament to the enduring appeal of a rugged, capable SUV designed for off-road adventures. With a rich heritage and a recent evolution as a luxury off-roader, the GX continues to carve its own path in the competitive SUV market. The latest model year boasts a number of updates and improvements, promising a refined and exhilarating driving experience, both on and off the beaten path.
The GX’s design embodies its dual nature. Its boxy exterior, with its signature Lexus grille, LED headlights, and bold lines, conveys a sense of strength and purpose. Inside, the GX offers a haven of comfort and luxury, featuring high-quality materials, spacious seating, and advanced technology features. Under the hood, a powerful engine delivers impressive performance, while a sophisticated four-wheel drive system, ample ground clearance, and a robust suspension ensure the GX is ready to tackle any terrain.
Introduction
The 2024 Lexus GX is a rugged and capable SUV designed for off-road adventures. Built on a legacy of toughness and luxury, the GX has been a favorite among those seeking a vehicle that can handle both the daily commute and challenging terrain. This latest iteration of the GX builds upon its heritage, incorporating modern technology and design elements while retaining its core strengths.The 2024 GX boasts a number of key updates and features, aimed at enhancing its performance, comfort, and technological capabilities.
These include a new, more powerful engine, an updated interior with premium materials, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.
Key Features and Updates
The 2024 Lexus GX is a significant update to the popular SUV, offering a range of new features and enhancements. Here’s a look at some of the key highlights:
- New Engine: The GX gets a new, more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, replacing the previous 4.6-liter V8. This engine delivers 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, providing a noticeable improvement in performance and fuel efficiency.
- Updated Interior: The interior of the GX has been refreshed with new materials and design elements. This includes a redesigned dashboard, a larger 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and improved seating comfort.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: The 2024 GX comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety and convenience. These features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
- Off-Road Capability: The GX retains its legendary off-road capability, thanks to features such as a locking rear differential, a multi-terrain select system, and a high ground clearance. The new engine provides more power and torque for tackling challenging terrain.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2024 Lexus GX doesn’t shy away from its rugged roots. It boasts a boxy and imposing exterior design that screams off-road capability. This design philosophy sets it apart from the sleek and streamlined SUVs dominating the luxury market.The GX’s exterior is characterized by its strong lines and robust proportions. It’s a vehicle that commands attention, making a statement with its no-nonsense design.
Signature Lexus Grille
The signature Lexus spindle grille, a prominent feature on most Lexus models, is even more imposing on the GX. It’s large, bold, and dominates the front fascia, adding to the vehicle’s aggressive stance. The grille is flanked by sharp LED headlights that provide excellent illumination and contribute to the GX’s assertive look.
Other Design Elements
Beyond the grille and headlights, the GX features other design elements that enhance its rugged appeal. The sculpted hood, pronounced wheel arches, and flared side panels all contribute to its off-road-ready persona. The high ground clearance and short overhangs further emphasize its capability.
Comparison to Competitors
While competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer more luxurious and sophisticated designs, the GX stands out with its unique and functional approach. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes capability over elegance, appealing to those seeking a rugged and reliable SUV.
Interior Comfort and Technology: 2024 Lexus Gx First Drive Review
Stepping inside the GX, you’re greeted by a spacious and comfortable cabin that prioritizes both driver and passenger comfort. The materials used throughout the interior are high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces and premium leather upholstery available on higher trim levels. The GX’s interior offers a refined and luxurious feel that surpasses its rugged exterior.
Technology Features
The GX comes equipped with a range of technology features designed to enhance convenience, safety, and entertainment. The standard infotainment system features a 10.3-inch touchscreen display, which is responsive and easy to navigate. This system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing seamless connectivity with your smartphone. The GX also features a suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
These features help to enhance safety and provide a more relaxed driving experience. For those seeking an even more advanced driving experience, the GX offers optional upgrades like a head-up display, a premium Mark Levinson sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. These upgrades add a touch of luxury and enhance the overall driving experience.
Comparison with Competitors
In terms of interior comfort and technology, the GX compares favorably to its competitors in the mid-size luxury SUV segment. The GX offers a spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials, similar to competitors like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. However, the GX’s technology features are slightly less advanced than those offered by some of its competitors.
For example, the GX does not offer a fully digital instrument cluster or a head-up display as standard equipment. However, the GX’s available technology features, such as the Mark Levinson sound system and the panoramic sunroof, are comparable to those offered by its competitors.
Performance and Off-Road Capabilities
The 2024 Lexus GX is built to handle both the daily commute and the most challenging off-road adventures. Its powerful engine and robust off-road features make it a capable and versatile SUV.
Engine Performance and On-Road Handling
The GX is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for both highway cruising and off-road excursions. While not the most fuel-efficient engine in the segment, it offers a satisfyingly smooth and powerful driving experience. The GX’s on-road handling is comfortable and predictable. The suspension provides a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and dips effectively.
However, the GX’s body-on-frame construction and relatively high center of gravity result in a slightly less agile feel compared to unibody SUVs.
Off-Road Capabilities
The GX is equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case, providing excellent traction and control on challenging terrain. The GX also features a Torsen limited-slip center differential that helps distribute power to the wheels with the most grip.
Off-Road Features
- High Ground Clearance: The GX has a generous ground clearance of 9.2 inches, allowing it to navigate over obstacles with ease.
- Approach and Departure Angles: The GX boasts a 31-degree approach angle and a 24-degree departure angle, which are excellent for tackling steep inclines and declines.
- Crawl Control: The GX’s Crawl Control system is a low-speed off-road cruise control feature that automatically adjusts engine speed and braking to maintain a steady pace on challenging terrain.
- Multi-Terrain Select: The Multi-Terrain Select system offers various driving modes, including Rock, Mud, and Sand, that adjust the vehicle’s settings for optimal performance on different surfaces.
Comparison with Other Luxury SUVs, 2024 lexus gx first drive review
The GX’s off-road capabilities rival those of other luxury SUVs known for their off-road prowess, such as the Land Rover Defender and the Jeep Wrangler. While the Defender and Wrangler offer a more rugged and minimalist experience, the GX provides a more refined and luxurious cabin while still delivering impressive off-road performance.
Driving Experience and Handling
The Lexus GX’s driving experience is a harmonious blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. While it’s not the most agile or sporty SUV in its class, the GX prioritizes a smooth and refined ride, making it an ideal choice for long journeys and tackling challenging terrain.
On-Road Comfort and Ride Quality
The GX’s suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The ride is generally smooth and composed, even on rough surfaces. The cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road noise and providing a peaceful environment for passengers. This focus on comfort makes the GX an excellent choice for long road trips or daily commutes.
Steering and Handling
The GX’s steering is relatively light and provides good feedback at low speeds. However, it can feel a bit vague and less responsive at higher speeds. The overall handling is predictable and stable, but the GX doesn’t offer the same level of agility as some of its competitors. The GX’s high ground clearance and body-on-frame construction do contribute to a slightly less refined ride than some unibody SUVs.
Braking Performance
The GX’s brakes are powerful and provide confident stopping performance. They offer a linear and predictable feel, allowing for precise control.
Comparison to Other Luxury SUVs
Compared to other luxury SUVs in its class, the GX prioritizes off-road capability and comfort over outright performance and handling. It doesn’t match the agility or sportiness of SUVs like the BMW X5 or the Porsche Cayenne, but it excels in providing a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize those qualities.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
The 2024 Lexus GX, a rugged and capable SUV, doesn’t prioritize fuel economy as much as some of its competitors. However, its practical features and spacious interior make it a compelling choice for families and adventurers.
Fuel Efficiency
The GX’s fuel efficiency is a trade-off for its powerful engine and off-road capabilities. It achieves an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. This is lower than many other luxury SUVs, but it’s in line with other body-on-frame SUVs known for their off-road prowess. While the GX’s fuel economy might not be ideal for daily commutes, it’s important to consider its purpose and target audience.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The GX’s practicality shines through in its spacious interior and versatile cargo area. With a third-row seating option, it can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The second-row seats fold flat, expanding the cargo space significantly. The GX offers a total of 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down, which is ample for hauling luggage, camping gear, or other large items.
Comparison with Other Luxury SUVs, 2024 lexus gx first drive review
Compared to other luxury SUVs in its class, the GX’s fuel economy falls short. Vehicles like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer better fuel efficiency thanks to their more efficient engine options. However, the GX compensates with its superior off-road capabilities and spacious interior.
Safety Features and Technology
The 2024 Lexus GX prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a robust construction designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The GX’s safety features are designed to provide drivers with an extra layer of protection and confidence on the road. These systems use a combination of cameras, sensors, and radar to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver in avoiding potential hazards.
Safety Ratings and Crash Test Performance
The GX has received high safety ratings from independent organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The GX’s safety performance is highlighted by its five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and its Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. These ratings demonstrate the GX’s ability to protect its occupants in a variety of crash scenarios.
The GX’s safety performance is further enhanced by its robust construction and advanced safety features. The GX features a high-strength steel frame and a comprehensive suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags.
Comparison to Other Luxury SUVs
The GX’s safety features are comparable to other luxury SUVs in its class. For example, the GX offers a similar suite of ADAS features as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Audi Q7. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.However, the GX stands out with its off-road capabilities and robust construction, making it a compelling choice for drivers who prioritize safety and off-road performance.
The GX’s off-road capabilities are enhanced by its standard features, including a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. These features allow the GX to navigate challenging terrain with confidence, providing drivers with an extra layer of safety in off-road situations.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lexus GX is a compelling off-road SUV that blends luxury, capability, and ruggedness. It’s a vehicle that’s built for those who want the best of both worlds: the comfort and refinement of a luxury SUV and the off-road prowess to tackle challenging terrain. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, and its high price tag and fuel inefficiency might make some buyers hesitant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The GX’s strengths lie in its impressive off-road capabilities, comfortable and spacious interior, and luxurious features. Its powerful V8 engine and robust construction make it a true off-road warrior, capable of tackling even the most challenging trails. The interior is well-appointed and offers ample space for passengers and cargo.However, the GX also has some weaknesses. Its fuel economy is poor, especially compared to its rivals.
The outdated infotainment system and lack of advanced safety features are also drawbacks. The high price tag also puts it out of reach for many buyers.
Final Verdict
Overall, the 2024 Lexus GX is a capable and luxurious off-road SUV that’s well-suited for buyers who prioritize off-road capability and comfort. Its rugged construction, powerful engine, and comfortable interior make it a standout choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path. However, its high price tag, poor fuel economy, and outdated technology may be dealbreakers for some.
The 2024 Lexus GX stands as a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV that can handle both the daily commute and the occasional off-road escapade. Its blend of comfort, capability, and refinement makes it a worthy contender in a crowded segment. Whether you’re seeking a vehicle to conquer challenging trails or simply want a stylish and luxurious SUV to navigate city streets, the GX offers a unique and satisfying driving experience.