2024 Lexus GX Up Close: Sophisticated Ruggedness

Like its Toyota 4Runner counterpart, the 2023 Lexus GX 460 mid-size SUV is one of the oldest vehicle designs currently on the market — its basic platform dates all the way back to the 2010 model year. Both the 4Runner and GX sell quite well, however, thanks to their build quality and the fact that they stuck with an off-road-capable body-on-frame platform for the last decade or so while most of their competitors shifted to on-road-focused, crossover-style architecture.

Lexus’s challenge in creating an all-new GX was retaining those all-terrain capabilities while providing a much-needed infusion of new technologies and a comprehensive styling makeover. From the looks of the 2024 GX that we got to check out at its reveal event in Austin, Texas, Lexus has done a bang-up job of achieving those goals. (Per our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own airfare and lodging at such automaker-sponsored events.)

Related: 2024 Lexus GX: Over the Trail, No Longer Over the Hill

Doubling Down on Off-Road Attitude

Since Lexus’ on-road-focused SUV lineup is in fine order with the recently redesigned NX and RX and soon-to-arrive TX (also unveiled in Austin), designers elected to really lean into the off-road-adventure mission of the new GX. It’s based on Lexus parent Toyota’s GA-F architecture, a body-on-frame design shared with the larger Lexus LX 600 as well as the Toyota Sequoia SUV and Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks.

The new body design is a pitch-perfect blend of sophistication and ruggedness, and it’s especially striking in person. Its overall dimensions are larger: The wheelbase has been increased by 2.4 inches, overall length by 2.75 inches and width by 3.74 inches. The front overhang has been decreased by 0.78 inch for improved clearance when off-roading, and the beltline is lower, with a distinctive kick-up midway through the rear doors. But the most conspicuous change might be the windshield pillar angle: The pillars have been moved back at the base, creating a more upright windshield for increased visibility, Lexus says. The boxy profile recalls the shapes of some older Land Rovers, but the GX has a personality all its own.

In addition to a crisp rendition of Lexus’s signature spindle grille, the eye-catching styling details include the hood’s depressed center section, smoothly flared-out fenders, black cowl and cleanly integrated black running boards. Out back is a full-width taillight treatment and a proper top-hinged liftgate in place of the previous gen’s often-cumbersome side-hinged rear door. A power liftgate is standard, and a kick sensor for hands-free operation is available. The liftgate’s window opens separately, as well, which makes it easier to stow or retrieve small items. In all, the new exterior is a more focused, cohesive design than the arguably overwrought look of the outgoing GX.

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Overtrail Trim Outfitted to Drive Over Trails

A key addition to the lineup is an off-road-focused Overtrail trim. It gets meaty 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels (in place of 20- or 22-inch wheels on other GXs), black-accented overfenders, an aluminum skid plate (complete with an embossed Lexus script) to protect underbody components and an exclusive electronic locking rear differential. Other Overtrail features include hill descent control, a Multi-Terrain Select system and an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved wheel articulation.

The GX we examined at the reveal event was an Overtrail finished in a trim-exclusive Earth paint (a desert-tan color with a subtle metallic sheen) and black roof. Another slick design detail is slim, gunmetal-colored trim pieces on the roof pillars that separate the two-tone paint colors.

Interior Sports Traditional Layout, Up-to-Date Technology

As with the exterior, the new GX’s cabin is an excellent fusion of simple, almost-retro design and modern technology features, with appropriate upscale materials and fit and finish throughout. The throwback-styled dash gets a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, along with a handy passenger-side storage shelf and handsome satin-finish trim accents.

Though some controls are absorbed by the touchscreen, there are physical knobs for stereo volume and driver/passenger climate-control temperature. The center console houses a substantial-feeling traditional shift lever, an electronic parking brake, dual deep-set cupholders, a wireless charging pad (if equipped), an angled pad that looks to be ideal for holding a smartphone, and physical controls for the drive mode selector and four-wheel-drive system. All the switchgear looks and feels sturdy and high-quality. The GX we sat in was also equipped with the available Cool Box refrigerated center-console bin, which was big enough to squeeze in four 16-ounce plastic water bottles.

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Space for People and Stuff

The tall, upright roofline makes for an airy cabin with good headroom in both the first- and second-row seats. As before, the GX is available with third-row seats, but the example we sat in wasn’t equipped with them. Judging by the manufacturer photos we examined, those seats don’t look to be particularly spacious or comfortable for adults; both the seatbacks and bottom cushions look to be especially short, and the GX’s relatively high floor will likely mean a knees-up seating position.

The first- and second-row seats are perfectly comfy, however, with sufficient legroom for average-sized adults in the second row. The front seats come standard with heating and ventilation, and heated second-row seats are available. Pull-up sunshades in the rear doors are another nice touch. The synthetic leather upholstery in the model we sat in had a supple, high-quality look and feel, with olive Ultrasuede accents that added an appropriately outdoorsy vibe.

The 60/40-split, folding second-row bench seat folds and flips forward easily for access to the third row (if equipped) or to create more cargo space. The load floor is a bit high due in part to the full-size spare tire that mounts underneath the vehicle, but the floor is smooth and the rear liftgate’s opening is nice and wide. Lexus hasn’t listed cargo specs yet, but the GX’s cargo capacity looks to be competitive.

So Long Ol’ V-8, Hello Twin-Turbo V-6

The 2024 GX will first go on sale in GX 550 form, powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD. The engine is rated at 349 horsepower — 48 hp more than the previous generation’s 4.6-liter V-8 — and an impressive 479 pounds-feet of torque. Max towing capacity has been increased to 8,000 pounds when properly equipped, as well. Lexus says that a hybrid powertrain will be available at a later date, which should be a very welcome addition — the GX 550 is estimated by Lexus to get just 17 mpg combined, just 1 mpg better than the outgoing naturally aspirated V-8.

The 2024 Lexus GX is slated to arrive in dealerships in early 2024, so we’ll have pricing and more info closer to its on-sale date. For now, this much is clear: The clarity of purpose Lexus designers had in creating the new GX looks like it’s paid off in an especially appealing vehicle for an off-road-intender luxury buyer.

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