2024 Lexus GX550 Review Video: Is it the Best Luxury SUV?

In the world of luxury SUVs, the 2024 Lexus GX550 has entered the space with a bang. Boasting a completely new and edgy redesign, advanced tech throughout, and a nice blend of rugged off-road capability and upscale comfort, the GX550 aims to make a strong statement. But does it hit all the right notes, or are there compromises hidden behind its new sleek facade? Let’s dive right in and see what Lexus’ latest offering is all about.

A Bold New Look

Lexus has finally brought the GX into the modern age with its 2024 redesign. The angular, boxy aesthetic is both fresh and rugged, drawing inspiration from Lexus’ larger LX sibling while retaining its own unique character.

Exterior Design:

• Aggressive spindle grille with intricate mesh design
• Sharp LED headlights and taillights
• Boxy silhouette for more of a classic SUV presence
• 18- or 22-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim

The 2024 GX550 looks equally at home in urban settings as it does in the wilderness, a balance many SUVs struggle to achieve.

Power & Performance

Under the hood, the GX550 features a powertrain designed to handle tough terrain while keeping things smooth on the road.

• Engine: 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6
• Horsepower: 349 hp
• Torque: 479 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Full-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case

Whether you’re towing a boat, climbing rocky trails, or cruising the highway, the GX550’s powertrain delivers performance and versatility.

Off-Road Capability

For those looking to leave the pavement behind, the GX550 comes equipped with serious off-road tech:

Off-Road Goodies:

• Multi-Terrain Select for various surface conditions
• Crawl Control for low-speed off-road navigation
• 8.1 inches of ground clearance
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (available on higher trims)

This SUV isn’t just for show—it’s a genuine adventurer at heart.

Luxury Meets Functionality

The interior of the GX550 is a masterclass in blending luxury with practicality. Lexus spared no expense in ensuring the cabin feels quite upscale while accommodating family or cargo needs.

Interior Highlights:

• Three-row seating for up to seven passengers
• Premium leather upholstery with wood and aluminum trim
• 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Mark Levinson premium audio system (available on higher trims)
• Multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging

Cargo & Storage Space

• 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space (well, with the second and third rows folded)
• Power-folding third-row seats for convenience

Pros & Cons

Every vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the GX550 is no exception. Here’s a few…

The Pros:

• Bold new design that stands out in its class
• Off-road capability that rivals dedicated trail SUVs
• Luxurious and tech-laden interior
• Impressive towing capacity of up to 8,000 lbs

The Cons:

• The twin-turbo V6, while efficient, lacks the V8 grunt and charm of its predecessor
• Fuel economy could be better (estimated 17 mpg city / 21 mpg highway)
• Price tag escalates quickly with higher trims

GX550 Competitors: How Does it Compare?

The luxury SUV segment is jam-packed with strong contenders. Let’s see how the GX550 measures up to some of its key competitors:

Land Rover Defender 130

• Price: Starts around $69,000
• Engine: Inline-six with mild hybrid assistance (395 hp)
• Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs
• Why It’s a Competitor: Rugged off-road capability with a modern British design.
• GX Advantage: More refined interior and smoother on-road handling.

BMW X5 xDrive40i

• Price: Starts at $65,200
• Engine: Turbocharged inline-six with mild hybrid tech (375 hp)
• Towing Capacity: 7,200 lbs
• Why It’s a Competitor: Brilliant road manners and premium tech.
• GX Advantage: Superior off-road capabilities and a more rugged appeal.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

• Price: Starts at $89,995
• Engine: 6.4-liter V8 (471 hp)
• Towing Capacity: 9,850 lbs
• Why It’s a Competitor: High-end luxury and unmatched towing.
• GX Advantage: More affordable and off-road-ready right out of the box.

Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC

• Price: Starts at $66,450
• Engine: Turbocharged inline-six with EQ Boost (362 hp)
• Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
• Why It’s a Competitor: Smooth luxury with high-tech features.
• GX Advantage: Better off-road credentials and rugged design.

GX Pricing & Trims

The 2024 Lexus GX550 comes in a variety of trims, catering to different needs and budgets.

• Base: Starts around $60,000 with essential features
• Premium: Adds more luxury touches and tech, priced at $67,000
• Overtrail: Adventure-focused trim with extra off-road gear, starts at $75,000
• Luxury: Fully loaded trim with all the bells and whistles, crossing $80,000

So, is the 2024 Lexus GX550 Worth It?

If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that can handle school drop-offs and weekend camping trips with equal ease, the GX550 is an exceptional choice. It strikes a balance between rugged capability and upscale comfort that few competitors can match and won’t break the bank on future maintenance costs as Lexus is one of the most reliable brands.

However, it’s not without its trade-offs. Some buyers may miss the V8 grunt of the previous generation, and the pricing for higher trims can climb quickly into six-figure territory. The GX550 is a testament to Lexus’ ability to innovate while staying true to its roots, and it’s clear this luxury SUV is here to make a lasting impression. Whether or not it’s the right SUV for you ultimately depends on your priorities—luxury, capability, or a mix of both.

Now let’s cut to the chase.  Would you take the 2024 Lexus GX550 over its competition, like the Land Rover Defender or the BMW X5? Or do you think Lexus’ latest effort is still playing catch-up? Let us know your thoughts below!