By Otsile Kadiege 

Lexus has taken the wraps off the all-new three-row GX SUV. The bold newcomer is based on the GA-F platform which underpins cars like the new Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX 600. The adventure-ready SUV boasts a rugged exterior design, a lush and modern interior, a comprehensive list of driver assistance systems, and an evolved 3.4l V6 engine to name a few.

GX model derivatives

The 2024 GX will be offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and all-new for Lexus, Overtrail and Overtrail+.

Bold and boxy

Outside, the new Lexus GX presents an unmistakably aggressive exterior design that exudes its tough, rugged persona. Highlights include a box-shaped body, Lexus’ signature spindle grille flanked by Premium Triple Beam LED headlights, LED fog and cornering lights. 

More highlights include hard-to-miss 33-inch tires with 18-inch wheels on the Overtrail grades, functional roof rails and side steps. At the rear, the new GX sports signature unified L-shaped light bar with ‘LEXUS’ lettering nestled above and a contrasting lower bumper.

Premium interior

Inside, the new GX has a modern and upmarket interior which can seat up to 7 people. Highlights include a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display (MID), head-up display, a standard 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface technology, wireless Apple CarPlay Integration and Android Auto compatibility, six illuminated charging ports (four in Overtrail), and a wireless charger. 

The second row is available in two configurations: captain’s chairs or a 60:40 split-folding bench. A one-motion tumble system has been added for convenient access to the third row/luggage space. Heated and ventilated seats are standard in the driver and front passenger seats, with available heated second-row seats. The third row is available in both power and manual seat configurations.

As standard, the new GX is fitted with a 10-speaker premium surround sound system, with available 21- Speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound. Additional options (depending on grade) include: Digital Key, Cool Box, Head-Up Display, Traffic Jam Assist, Cold Area Package and Tonneau Cover. 

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

The new GX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. The comprehensive suite of active safety equipment includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).

Performance

The new GX will be offered in two powertrain options. At launch in the U.S., the GX will come standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission. The twin-turbo V6 produces an improved 349hp (260kW), outperforming the previous generation V8’s 301hp (224kW) and torque output also improves to 479 lb.-ft. (649Nm).

The new GX is built on the GA-F platform which it shares with a few of its stable mates. It has a newly developed double-wishbone front suspension which is paired with a multi-link rear suspension. 

Full-Time 4WD is adopted for consistent responsiveness in varied terrain with a Torsen limited-slip center differential with locking feature. Overtrail grades add an electronic locking rear differential. Towing capacity has increased to 8,000 lbs. (3 629kg) for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch.

The new Lexus GX will be assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan and is expected to go on sale in early 2024.