Following Toyota’s Land Cruiser reboot, discerning SUV enthusiasts wondered if the true spirit of the legendary vehicle had been lost. Enter the 2024 Lexus GX 550, a luxury SUV that not only answers that question but emphatically claims the Land Cruiser legacy. Boasting striking neo-retro aesthetics, a significantly upgraded interior, and a potent V6 engine, the GX 550 emerges as a genuinely desirable vehicle and arguably the rightful successor to the Land Cruiser throne.
Visually, the Lexus GX 550 shares a strong resemblance to the new Toyota Land Cruiser, distinguishable primarily by Lexus badging and a unique grille design. The featured dark olive green paint enhances its outdoorsy appeal, suggesting an owner with a penchant for both luxury and adventure. However, where the Toyota Land Cruiser’s interior fell short of expectations given its price point, the Lexus GX 550 elevates the cabin experience to true luxury SUV standards. While the GX 550 commands a slightly higher price, the investment translates directly into a demonstrably more refined and premium environment. The interior surfaces are noticeably softer to the touch, conveying a sense of substantial quality. A larger infotainment screen and a redesigned center console replace the Land Cruiser’s somewhat underwhelming and less user-friendly button layout. While physical controls are often preferred, the Land Cruiser’s implementation felt flimsy and potentially prone to failure. The GX 550 addresses this with more robust and thoughtfully placed controls, including a centrally located volume knob, easily accessible for both driver and passenger. The interior improvements are not incremental; they represent a significant leap, firmly establishing the GX 550 as a genuine luxury SUV contender where the Land Cruiser arguably misses the mark. Adding to its versatility, the GX 550 includes optional third-row jump seats, expanding passenger capacity for occasional use, although cargo space is significantly reduced when these seats are deployed.
Beyond interior refinements, the Lexus GX 550 distinguishes itself with a superior powertrain. Replacing the Land Cruiser’s somewhat criticized four-cylinder hybrid, the GX 550 boasts a smooth and powerful twin-turbo V6 engine. This engine not only delivers a more satisfying auditory experience with its authentic, guttural sound – a welcome departure from the less inspiring four-cylinder note – but also provides more consistent power delivery. Surprisingly, despite the performance advantage, the V6 in the GX 550 achieves comparable, if not slightly better, fuel economy. During testing, the GX 550 averaged 20 MPG, exceeding the sub-19 MPG observed in the Land Cruiser. This makes the twin-turbo V6 a compelling upgrade, enhancing both driving pleasure and real-world efficiency compared to the Land Cruiser’s hybrid four-cylinder.
While horsepower figures are similar on paper (349 hp for the GX 550 versus 326 hp for the Land Cruiser), the GX 550’s performance feels significantly more robust. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in a brisk 6.2 seconds, a substantial improvement over the Land Cruiser’s 7.7 seconds. The availability of this V6 engine in the Lexus, and its absence as an option in the Toyota Land Cruiser, raises questions. The superior engine alone arguably justifies the step up to the GX 550, offering enhanced refinement and everyday driving enjoyment without compromising fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the GX 550 exhibits a significantly higher towing capacity, rated at 9,000 pounds – a 50% increase over the Land Cruiser’s 6,000-pound rating, adding another layer of practicality to its appeal.
On the road, the Lexus GX 550 and Toyota Land Cruiser share a similar driving feel, but the Lexus distinguishes itself with a quieter cabin at higher speeds. The GX 550’s seats and steering wheel offer superior comfort and a more commanding driving position, enhancing the luxury SUV experience. However, it’s worth noting that wind noise can become noticeable above 70 mph, a consequence of its boxy, less aerodynamic design, exacerbated by the large side mirrors. Driving with windows down at speeds above 40 mph can also become tiresome due to wind buffeting. The suspension leans towards the firmer side, likely a necessary compromise to maintain body control for a vehicle of this type, but it results in improved handling precision compared to previous GX and Land Cruiser generations.
The driving dynamics of the GX 550 are surprisingly refined. Despite its traditional off-road SUV architecture, the GX 550 handles and steers with a thoroughly modern feel. While some might lament the loss of vintage SUV “character,” the result is a more user-friendly and enjoyable vehicle for everyday driving. Steering is well-weighted and responsive, requiring minimal correction to maintain a straight line. Handling is impressively balanced for a large SUV, exhibiting a willingness to change direction and corner with more agility than expected from previous Lexus and Toyota SUVs in this class. The GX 550 delivers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, blending modern driving dynamics with the inherent charisma of its rugged design. Even if it sacrifices some of the old-school quirks of past models, it exudes a unique charm compared to many contemporary, more generic SUVs.
Off-road, the GX 550 inherits the Land Cruiser’s proven capability. While this review didn’t include off-road testing, the GX 550 retains advanced electronic controls, including a locking center differential, full-time 4WD with low-range gearing, and terrain management systems. However, the 8.7 inches of ground clearance remains a limiting factor. While sufficient for moderate off-roading, it’s comparable to a Toyota RAV4 and less than many 4Runners. Thus, while capable, the GX 550’s off-road prowess is somewhat constrained by its ground clearance. Interestingly, even the optional Overtrail package only marginally improves ground clearance to 8.9 inches. In comparison, the Land Rover Defender, another retro-styled off-road SUV, offers a standard 8.5 inches of clearance but can achieve a significantly higher 11.5 inches with its standard air suspension in off-road mode. However, for prospective buyers prioritizing serious off-road adventures, the announcement of a one-inch lift for the 2025 GX 550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ models is significant. These 2025 models promise to address the ground clearance concern for more dedicated overlanding and off-road use.
Ultimately, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is a highly compelling luxury SUV. It rectifies the shortcomings of the Toyota Land Cruiser, presenting a substantial upgrade in areas that truly matter for daily driving and overall luxury experience. While carrying a slight price premium, the GX 550 justifies the cost with its enhanced interior, superior engine, and overall refinement. With a starting price around $65,000 and reaching approximately $85,000 for higher trims (the Premium+ model tested here priced at $71,455), the GX 550 overlaps in price with the Land Cruiser, making the Lexus the unequivocally superior choice within this price range. Beyond a Land Cruiser alternative, the Lexus GX 550 stands on its own merits as a distinctive and luxurious SUV with genuine character and head-turning style.
2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+
- As-tested price: $71,455
- Pros: Stunning exterior design; Engaging V6 engine; Luxurious interior
- Cons: Less than ideal aerodynamics; Limited ground clearance (2024 model)
2024 Lexus GX 550 Photo Gallery
