At long last! The Lexus GX has been completely redesigned. Yet, as different as the new model looks, its underlying chassis serves a familiar mission; one that puts a priority on off-road capability and durability. So what does that mean for us pavement-pounders? Well, the GX’s hardiness still brings several everyday compromises but at least they’re now easier to live with and justify.
The GX 550’s styling first came across in photos as somewhat clunky and brash, but in person, its crisp lines, neatly integrated details, and intriguing use of panel depth leave an impression of an enduring ruggedness. The nearly 33-inch tires and their fat sidewalls are ideal for gripping large rocks off road and they also are adept at absorbing sharp impacts from pot holes and bridge gaps.
The interior’s relatively straight-forward design features premium materials, predictable lines, and a healthy balance of physical and virtual controls.
The large 14-inch touchscreen’s high-definition display makes the most of the surround-view cameras to provide invaluable information of the terrain around the GX and even what’s underneath (along with an approximation of the tires’ placements). It also makes for significantly easier (and more confident) maneuvering in parking lots.
Opening the doors presents the GX’s tall ride height, high floor, and a rock rail that serve to provide the clearance and protection from the from the Rocky Mountains, however, a conscious effort when hopping in and sliding out is necessary to maintain your dignity and a clean pant leg.
Once inside, the GX is ready to reward you for that extra effort with a commanding outward view and supremely comfortable driver’s seat (with an available massaging feature). Rear passengers are provided good amount of space (except for the large floor hump) power outlets, and climate controls. This Overtail trim is limited to two rows, however, a third-row is offered on other trims.
The cargo area is plenty large and its flat surfaces aid with bulky item organization, however, the high load floor and protruding hitch cover make loading and unloading items more of a burden. The same can be said of top-hinged tailgate and its liftgate glass, where its small opening area and tall lift-over height limit the practicality of the (usually sought-after) design.
And seeing several clearly function-forward (instead of form) controls doesn’t seem quiet out of place once learns more of the worldwide-nature of the GX’s design. But for those unfamiliar, the rudimentary door lock plunger and the basic fuel door lever , while easy to use, seem out of place in an $80k SUV.
Another design that might throw one off might is the indiscriminately located and commonly shaped (square) button for the power tailgate. Intriguingly the surround-view button received plenty of development-team attention with its unique shape, prime location, and even a fancy dark chrome surround; purely to achieve a styling symmetry with the passenger side.
On-roaders and off-roaders alike will appreciate the effectiveness and proven reliability of the GX’s hydraulic active roll-bar system – dubbed KDSS – that is exclusive to the Overtrail trim. Paired with adaptive dampers, the GX delivers an impressively stable on-road ride while also allowing the suspension to flex while off-roading for maximum traction and comfort. Of note, the Overtrail is the only model to receive this capable system.
While poking around underneath, one will notice an unusual composite pad attached to the front skid plate, ready to quiet any contact with terra firma while also dampening road noise.
What was possibly the greatest complaint of the previous generation carries forward: poor fuel economy. Expect about 16-17 MPG in mixed driving. That said, the powertrain – a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 (349 HP/ 479 lb-ft) and 10-speed transmission – is plenty powerful for any occasion and refined enough to not draw unwanted attention from within the cabin.
What’s possibly the GX’s greatest success is how it adapts the previous generation’s winning balance of ruggedness, comfort, and luxury while incorporating modern advancements and amenities. Quite simply put, it’s not just a improvement over the old, the GX fills its role with a greater sense of purpose and achievement.