San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Lexus offers impressive line of luxurious SUVs
Going into 2024, Lexus has once again fielded a complete lineup of premium sport-utility vehicles, with a diverse variety of models to fit just about every lifestyle and need.
The biggest news is the introduction of the newest generation of the GX midsize SUV, beginning at just over $64,000, and the rollout of the all-new TX three-row crossover utility vehicle, starting just over $55,000, both for 2024. These follow the arrival of the new Lexus LX 600, the brand’s largest SUV, which is based on the same architecture as the Toyota Land Cruiser. It starts around $93,000, and ranges as high as $134,000.
It replaced the previous LX 560 in the lineup, and as the Lexus flagship, it offers the ultimate in luxury, performance and capability for a full-size model.
As for the new GX, Lexys says that even though it’s smaller than the LX, it’s based on the same vehicle architecture. Other Lexus SUVs/crossovers include the RX, NX and UX.
Lexus GX 550
The Lexus GX midsize sport utility enters its third generation for 2024 with a complete makeover and a pair of powertrains, while also losing the previous “460” designation in its name. It now becomes the GX 550. It’s offered in six trim levels: Premium, Premium-Plus, Luxury, Luxury-Plus, and all-new for Lexus, the Overtrail and Overtrail-Plus.
Both the LX and GX are traditional truck-style body-on-frame sport-utility vehicles, unlike the crossover models, which are car-based and use a unibody design that incorporates body and frame in one unit.
The 2024 GX shares the GA-F platform introduced on the current-generation LX 600, Lexus says, noting that “This strong and lightweight ladder frame increases body rigidity and improves on-road handling.”
It’s also “optimally engineered to withstand twisting off-road forces, maximize suspension performance, create stable wheel articulation and consistent tire contact, all while maintaining incabin stability,” the automaker says.
To go with it, there are dealer-available accessories and gear, such as rooftop tents, recovery kits and more.
The new GX is offered in two powertrain options to meet the needs of customers.
Standard is an efficient twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission.
This engine produces 349 horsepower, outperforming the previous generation V-8’s 301 horsepower, and has a massive 479 foot-pounds of torque.
Towing capacity has increased to up to 9,063 pounds for Premium and Premium-Plus models, and 9,096 pounds or the Overtrail grade with standard tow hitch.
Coming soon will be a hybrid powertrain. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, along with the Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, evenly splitting the engine’s power 50-50 front to rear to help provide exceptional control in off-road and low-grip situations and prevent excess wheel spin.