Is the 2024 Lexus GX550 Premium Plus BETTER THAN a G-Wagon?

Full review of the 2024 Lexus GX550 Premium Plus to find out if it is, in fact, better than a G-Wagon?
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:59 Trims
1:21 Premium Plus off-road kit
1:48 Approach, Breakover and Departure angles
2:13 Exterior
3:35 Cargo Space
4:16 Towing and Suspension
4:27 Brakes, Wheels and Tires
4:40 Under The Hood
5:17 Pricing
5:47 Rear seats
7:37 Interior and Tech
10:23 Driving
18:18 Verdict


This is the 2024 Lexus GX550 and it has a ladder frame, running gear, and a powertrain that is very similar to the LX600, however, it has been completely redesigned for 2024 and is a considerable improvement over the GX470, which was almost ready to star on the Antiques Roadshow.

You have to think of the GX 470 as a slightly less capable but more luxurious version of the 4Runner, you certainly never saw one on a dirt trail until they were sold to off-road-driving enthusiasts. Before that, most of them spent most of their time at soccer practice and at the mall.

The new GX550 lineup includes three distinct trims, Premium, which is my tester for the week, Luxury, and an Overtrail model. Each one has an upgraded plus variant which offers a few more creature comforts. All models except the Overtail feature optional six- or standard seven-passenger seating.

In this Premium model, you do miss out on the Overtrail’s off-road extras like the fancy E-KDSS suspension, Electronically controlled locking rear differential, Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Downhill Assist, and Multi-Terrain Select but you do get a Torsen limited-slip center differential with locking feature.  It does, however, offer a 26-degree approach angle, a 23-degree breakover angle, and a 23-degree departure angle.

Exterior 

It’s a good-looking car with way more road presence than its predecessor but its boxy upright design makes it seem like a YETI cooler on wheels.  It has a lower beltline and thinner, more vertical A-pillars to aid visibility especially when off-road.

Lexus’ signature spindle grille is much smaller than before,  a welcome change and the hood has a perfectly placed crease that dips in the center, to help provide a better view of the road or the trail ahead. You've probably seen the side mirrors before on Toyota's FJ Cruiser, and they sit low giving great visibility to the side. At the rear, it’s big and boxy and a little reminiscent of the LC 600.

At the rear, it’s big and boxy much like the LC 600, and is only spoiled by a tow hitch cover that is unnecessarily big and if painted red would look like a baboon's behind.

Under The Hood

Under the hood, the GX houses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that’s lighter and more capable than the outgoing V8. It whips up 340hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to its active 4WD system by way of a 10-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 is dispatched in 6.5 seconds. Tread lightly and you can expect 21 mpg on the highway.

Pricing

The Premium starts at $64,250 the most expensive Luxury Plus starts at $81,250 and the off-road oriented Overtrail starts at $69,250.  This one has a few options including a Head-Up Display for $900, a Cold Area Package for $200, a Tonneau Cover for $110, a Digital Key with SmartAccess Card Key for $375, and Traffic Jam Assist for $620 which includes: Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and Driver Attention Monitor. The total price including destination is $71,455.






2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium Numbers

BASE PRICE:  $$67,900
PRICE AS TESTED:  $$71,455
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 3.5 Liter Twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6
POWER: 349 hp @ 5,200 rpm
TORQUE: 479 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION:  10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
0-60 MPH:  6.5 seconds
CURB WEIGHT: 5,517 lb
GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.7 inches 
CARGO VOLUME: 10.3ft³ 3rd row up,  40.2ft³ 3rd row folded, 77ft³ with 2nd row folded 
FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 17/15/21 mpg
OUR OBSERVED: 19.8mpg
PROS: Tons of torque, thoroughly modernized interior, great off-road even in Premium trim. 
CONS: Feels big, not much in fuel economy gains.