One of the most legendary vehicles in the industry, the Toyota Land Cruiser, made its return to the Canadian market this year. If you like the model but are looking for a more luxurious and refined experience, I have the solution for you: the 2024 Lexus GX. It's essentially a dressed-up Land Cruiser, which is what makes it so appealing.
Let me tell you, the model is quite different from last year's version, as the 2024 Lexus GX arrives on the market as a third-generation vehicle. It has been completely redesigned, and its concept is even more compelling than the previous model. It's a vehicle that's more luxurious, capable, and serious than ever before. In my opinion, it is likely to see a significant rise in popularity over the coming years.
Range and Pricing
There is only one version available for the Lexus GX, the GX550 model. Its starting price is $86,422.50, which is surprisingly reasonable for a model in this segment. However, things get tricky when it comes to options. The Japanese manufacturer offers five optional packages, with prices ranging from an additional $9,000 to $22,350. In short, it's easy to push the bill well beyond $100,000 without much effort. Then again, it is a luxury vehicle, so you might as well indulge yourself.
Category and Competition
While the 2024 Lexus GX belongs to the mid-size luxury SUV category with three rows of seats, its direct competitors aren't as numerous as one might think. This is primarily because the Japanese SUV offers serious off-road driving capabilities, which is quite rare in this segment.
Rivals: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, BMW X5, BMW X6, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT6, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, JLR Defender, JLR Discovery, JLR Range Rover Sport, Lincoln Aviator, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90.
Design and Technology
First of all, let me say that I love the design of the new Lexus GX. The Japanese manufacturer has done an incredible job, and the attention to detail is top-notch. Certainly, there are many similarities with the Toyota Land Cruiser, but the GX offers enough unique elements to easily distinguish it from its more mainstream cousin.
The interior of the Japanese SUV is both rugged and modern. You feel like you're in a high-end truck, and that's something I really appreciate. The ergonomics have been well thought out, and there's plenty of storage space. The seats are very comfortable and offer a lot of support, which is essential in off-road driving situations.
Finally, everything related to the vehicle's technology is a real success. The multimedia system is clear, and the navigation is also very smooth. The driver assistance technologies are effective without being too intrusive.
Performance
The 2024 Lexus GX offers only one mechanical option: a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 engine. This engine produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is more than sufficient for the 2.5-ton Japanese SUV. This powertrain is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and 4x4 drive is offered as standard—another significant advantage over the competition. As for fuel consumption, you can expect an average of 15.3 L/100 km in the city and 11.2 L/100 km on the highway, which is typical for this type of vehicle. Finally, what makes the 2024 Lexus GX even more appealing is its towing capacity of 7,600 pounds.
Weak Points
It's a fairly heavy vehicle, and that weight is noticeable when driving. Its large size also makes it difficult to maneuver in tight trails. The price can quickly climb with the various option packages.
Strong Points
Its off-road driving capabilities are simply exceptional. It's a vehicle that lacks nothing in terms of equipment and technology. It clearly turns heads wherever it goes and commands respect on the road.
Signature Element
The Lexus GX is the ultimate luxury SUV for the modern adventurer.
Final Thoughts
I really like what Lexus has done with the new generation of the GX. The Land Cruiser will certainly be more popular due to its price and reputation. However, if you're looking to make the experience even more thrilling, the Lexus GX is the vehicle for you. In my opinion, it's one of the most interesting luxury SUVs on the market right now.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
