The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Might Leave the Competition in a Trail of Dust Behind It

Of course, because it's produced alongside the related 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander in Indiana, the US, it is not surprising the 2024 TX (starting from a little over $55k) was the first to be put into production and arrive across nationwide dealerships. But the wait is almost over for the ritzier J250-based sibling of the 2024 Land Cruiser – the 2024 Lexus GX 550's starting price was recently announced, and the new iteration will start its first deliveries early next year.

For what it's worth, the premium Japanese automaker promises a lot of goodies for the TNGA-F-based GX 550. It is offered in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the all-new Overtrail and Overtrail+. Thanks to the switch to the modular TNGA-F platform, it has a strengthened frame, meaning more accessories and gear can be carried to new adventures. The new double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension combine with the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

An off-road SUV of its time, the 2024 GX also adopts Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and is now more powerful than the outgoing V8 model. However, it swapped the big mill for a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission – the EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating is now 21 mpg. Also, the GX has 349 hp and 479 lb.-ft, a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs. for Premium, Premium+, and Overtrail grades, full-time 4WD with a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, and even an electronically controlled locking rear differential on the Overtrail models.

Both also adopt a standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) and, together with the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, offer up to a 26-degree approach, 24-degree breakover, and 21-degree departure angles. The design is all-new and highly acclaimed, but Lexus also wants the GX to be practical – there's a standard power rear lift door, a first on the GX, along with a pop-out window and "an available kick sensor for hands-free convenience." The color choice includes Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Atomic Silver, GX-first Incognito, Caviar, Nori Green Pearl, and Nightfall Mica. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades feature exclusive dual-tone combinations - Atomic Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof, and Lexus-first Earth/Black Roof.

Moving inside, there's an available Head-Up Display (HUD), a standard 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) in front of the driver. In the rear, the 60:40 split-folding bench can be ditched for a couple of captain's chairs, and the third row is available with powered or manual controls. For audiophiles, instead of the standard ten-speaker premium sound system, there's also the option of a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system. But why are we telling you all that? Well, put it simply, it's because the 2024 Lexus GX 550 – although niched – still faces tough competition in the United States.

For example, instead of paying $64,250 (including delivery fees) for the most 'lackluster' GX 550, you could easily start your configuration from just $42,630 if you want a Jeep Grand Cherokee L. While some people might scoff at the idea of Jeep playing in the premium league, the Grand Cherokee L comes with separate second-row bucket seats and perks like quad-zone automatic temperature control. At the same time, the third row is also powered. The Grand Cherokee can be set up with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and you can even choose it as a 4xe plug-in hybrid, but that means there's no more third-row option. The biggest drawback compared to the GX 550 is that Jeep builds the Grand Cherokee and L mid-size SUVs on a unibody chassis – so they might be less adventurous when hitting the trails.

Secondly, you could always choose a European rival if America doesn't make the cut. The biggest competitor will be, for sure, the Land Rover Defender 110 – which also switched to a unibody platform starting with the reborn L663 iteration but still keeps the allure of an indestructible model thanks to its acclaimed predecessors. A Defender 110 S starts from $60,600, making it cheaper than the GX 550, but that's with a 296-hp inline-four 2.0-liter. Suppose you don't want to compare apples with oranges. In that case, the 3.0-liter Defender 110 S with the inline-six and mild hybrid technology boasts 395 horsepower – more than the 349 ponies featured by Lexus – and is only marginally more expensive at $67,900. If you can get over the fact that Defenders are now unibody, it's a no-brainer, frankly.

Sure, if spending money is no issue, you can always go to the top of the food chain and enjoy a Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUV – this one starts from $139,900 or $179k if you want the mighty AMG G 63. Additionally, you should always take into account that Land Rover doesn't have the best track record in terms of reliability, unlike Lexus or Mercedes, for example. In the end, there is just one more possible foe: Toyota's very own 2024 Land Cruiser, which is said to come early next year, too, from a more affordable starting price point. Yep, the choice is challenging, as always – and although the all-new Lexus GX 550 has a lot going for it, that also doesn't mean its rivals are any lesser.