Believe it or not, the outgoing Lexus GX had been in production for 14 years which is a long time. This may come as a surprise with the previous SUV receiving so many updates, but it was fundamentally the same vehicle from 2009.
The third generation GX was just unveiled, and it is an all-new vehicle built from the ground up. There have been significant changes made to make the GX competitive in today’s market. From a new platform and engine to better technology and safety features, the GX is setting up to be one of the best new vehicles in its segment. This GX may be around for a long time since Lexus/Toyota doesn’t introduce new models so often. Let’s take a look at what we get with this new model compared to the old one.
A New Platform For The 2024 GX
The new GX rides on an all-new TNGA-F platform introduced on the current LX600 and Toyota Land Cruiser. This is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that will be used on all upcoming Lexus/Toyota models. It is still a body-on-frame chassis but it is lighter, stronger, and still maintains its off-road capability.
New double wishbone suspension is used in the front with independent multilink rear suspension. Gone is the old hydraulic unit which is now replaced with Electronic Power Steering. These changes help improve on-road handling and off-road capabilities. Towing capacity has also increased with a max capacity of up to 8,000 pounds, the old GX had a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
A New Rugged Design
Without a doubt, you can tell this is a different vehicle from its exterior design. While the outgoing SUV was getting more aggressive with its facelifts, the initial platform could only allow for limited changes. The new GX has become very boxy and aggressive, it looks like a merger between a G-Wagon, Jeep Wrangler, and the Land Rover Defender.
The aforementioned SUVs look great since they’ve had the same shape since inception and have aged very well. This is a good thing as we expect the GX to be around for a long time and will probably age well too. Its new muscular look also makes it imposing and emphasizes its off-road capabilities. No one will make any mistake about the intent of this car.
Despite its rugged look, there are many modern design elements in the new GX. While the spindle grill is still huge, it has been raised slightly with a shorter front overhang to improve front clearance. The triple-beam LED Headlamp is also integrated seamlessly into the grill giving it a cleaner look. The overall width of the vehicle has also increased by 3.74 inches to achieve a more stable stance. Its wheelbase is now 2.36 inches longer than the previous vehicle which means a bit more room inside the cabin.
Adding to the boxy stance of the GX are 32-inch tires with the option of either 20 or 22-inch wheels which will complement the aggressive looks very well. Although they may be bigger, the designs of these new wheels look very similar to the ones used on the previous-gen, but those only went up to 20 inches. There are eleven exterior colors available but are dependent on the Premium, Luxury, or Overtrail trims.
At the rear, there’s nothing much to talk about except that it looks taller since the tailgate is completely flat. Light bars are the new trend and the new GX has a full-width rear tail light. Due to customer feedback, the new GX now has a pop-out window, power liftgate, and kick sensor for ease of use especially when your hands are full.
A New Engine But It Is Not A V-8
The earlier Lexus GX had a V-8 that made 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque in its most powerful guise. But the new GX does not have a V-8, instead, it has a new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6. This engine makes 349 horsepower and 429 pound feet of torque which is already more power and way more torque than the previous V-8.
But this engine seems to be detuned for this application as it makes 400 horsepower in the LX 600 but maintains the same torque figure. The transmission is also a new ten-speed automatic sending power to a standard full-time four-wheel drive system.
Fuel economy would also improve with this new GX since the old V-8 model was a gas guzzler at 15/19 MPG city/highway. The new GX will offer an estimated 17 mpg combined. Lexus has also announced that there will be a hybrid model to join the lineup later which will further increase fuel economy.
Updated Lexus Interior And Features
Despite looking like a bully on the outside, let’s not forget the GX is a luxury vehicle and has a new interior with updated features for added safety and comfort. Right in front of the driver is a new 12.3-inch full gauge cluster. The all-new instrument panel is now lower which makes the controls easy to reach.
A new 14-inch center touchscreen is now standard with physical climate control knobs, the outgoing GX only had a 10.3-inch center screen. It’s also equipped with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto where the previous-gen used a wire. You still get a gear selector stick with a knob to switch between different drive modes.
Three-row seating is still available with the option of captain’s chairs or bench seat configuration in the second row. Getting into the third row is also made easier with a one-motion tumble system. Six illuminated charging ports are available throughout the interior with a wireless charging pad in the center console and 12 cupholders.
Music lovers will be treated to crisp music from the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, but the 10-speaker surround system comes as standard. Additional options include Heads Up Display, Traffic Jam Assist, and a digital key that can be given to friends and family to access your car through their smartphones. Equipped with Lexus Safety System+, new active safety systems include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Overtrail: A New Off-road Trim
Just like Toyota has the TRD and TRD Pro trim, the new GX has a new Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim which adds some off-road features to the GX. The GX is the first vehicle to receive this trim as part of the “Overtrail Project” which will appear on other vehicles. Lexus also plans to sell factory parts and accessories as well as off-road experiences to support this trim. Black roofs are available with four exterior colors to create a two-tone effect.
33-inch all-terrain tires are standard with 18-inch wheels, black over fenders instead of body-colored, and aluminum skid plate as standard. These are only available on the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim. Off-road systems include Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems which are standard on the GX Overtrail. You also get an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved wheel articulation and an E-locking rear differential exclusively on the Overtrail for maximum traction.
The old GX has been a favorite for people who wanted a rugged Luxury SUV with off-road capabilities. Its old V-8 may be gone, but the new V-6 offers more torque necessary for towing and better fuel economy. The new GX offers a completely new design with a new powertrain and a host of new technology and safety features. It has been improved in every aspect and is already a better vehicle than the old one. Lexus doesn’t change cars often, but when they do, they do a great job.
