First Drive: 2024 Lexus GX Shifts Focus to Off-Road Adventure

The GX grew in every dimension. It measures about 5 inches longer and 4 inches wider. Plus it gains a couple inches in height and wheelbase. The result is a larger vehicle with more interior space than before. The added size and capability come with a downside—incremental fuel economy gains—at least until a hybrid powertrain is added in the future.

There are three trims, each offered with a “+” version with added features: Premium ($62,900), Overtrail ($67,990), and Luxury ($75,900). The Overtrail is a fresh addition to the GX range, bringing heightened adventure-inspired styling and off-road equipment. This comes at a time when many SUVs are adding various degrees of off-road-focused editions from the Subaru Outback Wilderness to the Ford Bronco Raptor.

The GX is offered in a number of exterior colors, with the Overtrail and Overtrail+ available with a two-tone paint scheme. Wheels span up to a massive 22 inches. The Overtrail wears 18-inch wheels wrapped in tall 33-inch all-terrain tires.

We rented a well-equipped Luxury+ from Lexus to gain early experience with the GX.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Lexus GX is available to you below. We since purchased our own model, completed 2,000 break-in miles, and put the Lexus GX through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members now have access to the full road-test results.

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What we rented: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ 4WD
Powertrain: 349-hp, 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive 
MSRP: $79,900
Options: Head-up display ($900), Traffic Jam Assist ($620), second-row captain’s chairs ($440), digital key ($375), Cold Area package ($200), cargo cover ($110). 
Destination fee: $1,350
Total cost: $83,895