2024 Lexus GX 550 Review: Is It Really the Luxury SUV People Expect?

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 gets a lot of talk. People call it bold, fancy, and tough. But is it really the dream SUV many think it is?

This car is often put side by side with the Toyota Land Cruiser. They share parts, but they are not the same. The GX 550 wants to mix old-school power with new comfort.

In this review, we will not only say nice things. We will also point out the real facts—what works well and what does not. From the way it looks to how it drives, this review will break down the truth.

Some say the GX has top luxury SUV performance, while others complain about its exterior styling redesign. Is it a smart buy or just hype? By the end, you will know what this SUV really offers—good and bad.

First Look – Exterior Design and Road Presence

The first thing people notice is the boxy look. The 2024 GX 550 has a shape that feels both old and new. Some call it “retro-modern.” The big front grille, sharp edges, and squared body make it stand out on the road.

Compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser, the GX leans more toward luxury. The Cruiser looks simple and tough. The GX, on the other hand, looks dressed up. It has chrome touches, fancy lights, and sharper lines. This makes it feel like a city SUV even though it is built for trails too.

Still, bold looks come with problems. The tall body and flat sides are not very friendly to the wind. That means the SUV is less smooth when air pushes against it. On highways, drivers report more road noise and insulation issues than expected from a luxury ride. The wind sound near the mirrors and roof can be loud at higher speeds.

In truth, the GX looks strong and grabs attention. But style is not the same as function. The exterior styling redesign makes it eye-catching, yet some buyers may find the aerodynamics less than perfect. It is a reminder that looks can shine, but comfort depends on more than just design.

Engine and Driving Performance – Power Meets Reality

Under the hood, the 2024 GX 550 uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. It makes 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. On paper, that sounds big and strong. Compared to older Lexus models, this motor is faster and pulls harder.

In a straight line, the GX can do 0–60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. That is quick for a heavy SUV. Around town, the engine feels smooth, and the 10-speed automatic shifts with ease. The power is steady, so passing cars on the highway is not a problem.

But not all drivers love it. Some miss the deep growl of the old V8. The V6 is fast but feels less “soulful.” At higher speeds, the GX also suffers from ride comfort on highway issues. Wind and road sounds creep in, so the luxury feel is not always perfect.

Pros of the engine:

• Strong torque for pulling.
• Smooth power delivery.
• Better fuel economy than older V8.

Cons of the engine:

• Lacks character of V8 sound.
• Highway cabin is not as quiet as rivals.
• Some turbo lag when starting fast.

Engine Comparison Table

Model	Engine	Torque (lb-ft)	Horsepower	MPG (combined)
Lexus GX 550	3.4L twin-turbo V6	479	349	17
Toyota Land Cruiser (2024)	2.4L turbo hybrid	465	326	23
Land Rover Defender 110	3.0L inline-6 mild hybrid	406	395	19

In short, the GX has strong luxury SUV performance, but not the quietest or most fun engine note.

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Off-Road Capability – Marketing vs Reality

Lexus talks a lot about the GX’s off-road skills. There are special trims called Overtrail and Overtrail+. These come with tools like a locking differential, crawl control, and a 4WD low-mode system. On paper, these make the GX look like a pro at rock and mud trails.

The truth is more mixed. Yes, the GX can handle dirt, sand, and steep hills. The electronics help keep the tires moving even when grip is low. But the body itself has limits. The SUV has only 8.7 inches of ground clearance measurement, while the Land Rover Defender offers 11.5. That is a big gap when climbing rocks.

So, is the GX good off-road? Yes, but it is not the best. It will take families to campsites and rough trails. But if someone wants extreme off-roading, other SUVs may be better. Lexus gives the tools, but the size and clearance hold it back.

Bottom line: The GX is tough enough for most adventures, but don’t expect it to be king of the mountain.

Towing and Utility – How Strong Is It Really?

One of the GX’s big numbers is towing. It can pull up to 9,000 pounds. That’s more than the Land Cruiser and even some Land Rover trims. Boats, campers, or trailers are fair game for this SUV.

But towing is only half the story. Inside, space matters too. With all rows up, cargo room is small. Fold the third row, and space improves a lot. Families who pack heavy may need to use a roof box or trailer.

Towing & Cargo Comparison Table

Model	Max Towing (lbs)	Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row	Cargo Space 3rd Row Folded
Lexus GX 550	9,000	10.3 cu ft	46.7 cu ft
Toyota Land Cruiser (2024)	6,000	20.6 cu ft	83 cu ft
Land Rover Defender 110	8,201	34 cu ft	78.8 cu ft

So, while the GX wins at towing capacity specs, it loses in utility and cargo volume compared to rivals. Buyers should ask: “Do I need strength or space more?”

Interior Comfort and Space – Is It Really Luxury?

Step inside the 2024 Lexus GX 550 and you’ll see why Lexus calls it luxury. The cabin has softer touch points, a bigger 14-inch screen, and leather trim that feels rich. The doors close with a solid “thunk,” giving a sense of safety and class.

The driver’s seat is high, with a wide view of the road. Both front seats are soft, heated, and cooled. Passengers in the second row enjoy roomy seats with good leg space. You can pick captain’s chairs or a bench, depending on family needs.

But when it comes to the third-row seating space, things change. The third row is very tight. It feels more like an “emergency seat” than a daily-use one. Kids can fit back there, but adults will not be happy on long rides. This makes the GX less practical than rivals like the Land Rover Defender, which offers more usable rear space.

Ride comfort is also a mix of pros and cons. On city streets, the GX feels smooth and quiet. The suspension eats up bumps with ease. But on the highway, some owners complain about ride comfort on highway trips. Wind noise near the mirrors and roof can get loud, which cuts into the “luxury” feel. This is surprising for a Lexus, since the brand is known for silence.

When you fold down the third row, cargo space improves a lot. With the third row up, the cargo room is cramped, only good for a couple of bags. Families going on long trips may need to use a roof box or trailer. Compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser, the GX is nicer inside but less flexible with space.

The truth: The 2024 Lexus GX 550 feels fancier than the Land Cruiser inside. But the third-row seats are very small. There is not much room for bags when the seats are up. People should think if having a fancy inside is more important than having space.

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Technology and Safety – Useful or Just Fancy Gadgets?

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 gets major tech upgrades. The infotainment system upgrades include a big 14-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The screen is sharp and quick to respond. Voice commands make it easier to change music or maps without touching the screen.

The SUV also has a long list of safety tech suite features. Lane assist helps keep the car in the middle of the road. Radar cruise control keeps safe distance from the car ahead. Automatic braking can stop the SUV if someone walks in front. These systems add peace of mind, especially for families.

But not everything is perfect. Some drivers say the alerts are too sensitive. The lane assist can beep even on small turns. The radar cruise sometimes slows too early when traffic shifts. While these features are helpful, they may feel annoying during daily drives.

Pros of the system:

• Infotainment system upgrades make driving fun.
• Safety tech suite adds extra layers of protection.

Cons of the system:

• Some alerts are too sensitive.
• Takes time to learn all settings.

The bottom line: Lexus gives the GX top tech and safety features. For many buyers, the upgrades make the SUV feel modern. But some will see them as fancy gadgets that need fine-tuning.

Fuel Economy and Real Costs

Big SUVs are not known for sipping fuel, and the GX 550 is no different. The fuel economy ratings sit between 17–20 mpg, depending on city or highway driving. This is better than the older V8 engine but still not impressive compared to hybrids.

For example, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid gets about 23 mpg combined. That makes the GX look thirsty. If fuel savings matter most, hybrids will win.

Still, Lexus gives good warranty and maintenance cost coverage. The GX comes with a basic 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. The powertrain has a 6-year/70,000-mile warranty. Buyers also get free scheduled maintenance for the first year. This helps offset the high cost of filling up at the gas station.

The truth: The GX 550 is not fuel-efficient. Drivers who want green numbers at the pump should look at hybrid SUVs. But for those who want a mix of power and coverage, it is better than the old Land Cruiser.

Price and Value – Is It Worth the Money?

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is not cheap. Prices start at $64,250 and go up to $81,250.

There are different trims you can choose:

• Premium – basic fancy features.
• Premium+ – adds more tech and comfort.
• Luxury – extra soft leather and big screen.
• Overtrail & Overtrail+ – for light off-road fun.

The GX costs about the same as the Toyota Land Cruiser. But it feels more fancy inside.

Price Comparison Table

Model	Starting Price	Top Trim Price
Lexus GX 550	$64,250	$81,250
Toyota Land Cruiser	$65,000	$85,000
Land Rover Defender	$67,000	$90,000
BMW X5	$62,000	$82,000

The truth? The GX is a bit pricey. But if you like a soft, fancy cabin, it may be worth it. Think about resale value too—Lexus cars keep value well.

Common Complaints and Issues Reported

Even good cars have some problems. Here is what people say about the GX:

• Wind noise gets loud above 70 mph.
• Suspension feels firm on bumpy roads.
• Ground clearance is low for serious off-roading.
• Cargo space is small when the third row is up.

These issues show that the GX is not perfect. Buyers should check if these problems matter for them.

Pros and Cons of 2024 Lexus GX 550

Here is a simple list of what is good and not so good:

Pros:

• Bold, strong design.
• Powerful V6 engine.
• Can tow heavy trailers.
• Fancier interior than Land Cruiser.

Cons:

• Low ground clearance.
• Price is high.
• Not very fuel-efficient.

The bottom line: The GX is strong and fancy, but it is not perfect. People need to decide if power and luxury matter more than space and fuel cost.

What’s New for 2025 Lexus GX 550?

The 2025 Lexus GX 550 has some small updates.

The Overtrail trims got a 1-inch lift. This means the car sits a little higher. It may help on small bumps and light off-road trails.

Some tech features got minor updates. The screens and gadgets are slightly newer. The trims look a bit different too.

Some buyers may wait for the 2025 model. They want the newest features and a slightly taller ride.

The main point: The 2025 GX is not very different, but it has small improvements. People who like fancy trims and updated tech may find it better

FAQs About Lexus GX 550

Is Lexus GX 550 reliable?

Yes. Lexus cars last a long time. Many people drive them for many years without big problems.

Can it tow heavy trailers?

Yes. The GX 550 can tow up to 9,000 pounds. You can pull boats, campers, or trailers safely.

Is it good for off-road driving?

It is okay for dirt, sand, and small hills. But it has low ground clearance, so extreme off-road driving is harder.

Does it have 3rd row seating?

Yes. The third row is small. Kids fit well, but adults may feel cramped on long trips.

What are the differences between GX and Land Cruiser?

The GX 550 is fancier inside with leather seats and big screens. The Land Cruiser has more space for cargo and is slightly better off-road.

Conclusion – Should You Buy the 2024 Lexus GX 550?

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is strong and fancy. It has a bold look, a good engine, and can tow heavy loads. The interior feels very luxurious.

But it also has some problems. The third row is small, cargo space is limited, and it uses more fuel than hybrid SUVs. Wind noise on highways can be loud too.

If you want a mix of luxury and off-road ability, the GX 550 is a good choice. But it is not perfect. Think about what matters more: style and comfort, or space and fuel savings.

Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the author’s research, official manufacturer specs, and real-world reviews. Vehicle performance, pricing, and features may vary by region or model year. Always verify details with your local dealer before making a purchase decision. This content is for informational purposes only and not professional advice.