The GX is an exquisite blend of Toyota-quality build and Lexus comfort, boasting multi-hour driving comfort with 10-way driver front seat adjustment – including in/out lumbar support! The driver can enjoy driving their GX in comfort.
Ride quality on small, high-frequency bumps is somewhat stiff and jittery, although adjusting tyre pressures is significantly helpful in improving this issue. A 14.0-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch configurable gauge display is welcome features of this vehicle.
The Engine
GXs may not have been designed as car-based SUVs, but that doesn’t preclude them from handling B-roads with ease and being capable off-road – especially the Overtrail model that boasts a locking rear differential and full suite of Kinetic Dynamic Suspension control systems.
The 10-speed transmission feels smooth, responsive, and well-tuned. Its more aggressive first gear ratios help the GX power uphill quickly while its multiple ratios optimize torque production and fuel economy on highway driving.
Lexus Safety System + offers advanced safety features, including Lane Change Assist for merging onto motorways and Front Cross Traffic Alert to detect vehicles approaching from the side. A BladeScan Adaptive High-beam system reduces blinding by scanning road for other cars before automatically adjusting brightness levels to reduce blinding.
The Transmission
The GX remains unfazed by uneven pavement, easily handling bumps and ruts that would rattle most other SUVs into submission. Although its steering wheel might seem light for those accustomed to Q7s or Volvos, its directness makes up for that difference and keeps cabin noise to an absolute minimum at highway speeds – save for wind noise from tall side mirrors.
The new GA-F platform is 20% more rigid than its predecessor’s, providing greater body control and refinement on and off road. Lexus has added a 10-speed automatic transmission as an upgrade from their V8 transmission, helping optimize power and torque levels more effectively.
The Brakes
Contrary to some 4x4s which have an unfortunate track record for poorly handling brakes, GX 550s have excellent pedal feel and are easy to modulate, while still responding quickly when throttle is applied.
With its truck-like body on frame construction, the 2024 GX boasts plenty of mechanical and electronic off-road equipment. Torsen limited-slip center and rear locking differentials; Multi-Terrain Select with Sand Mud Rock Crawl options; KDSS for better wheel articulation are among them; these help the GX navigate muddy, sandy or rocky terrain efficiently.
Step one for owners looking to optimize the off-road capability of their GX is removing its running boards, as these dangle low and may cause body damage against rocks or obstacles. Furthermore, rear seats may be too snug for adult use and lack of up/down lumbar adjustment on driver seats seems like a cheap exclusion at such an affordable price point.
The Ride
As one would expect from a Toyota/Lexus SUV, its ride quality off-road was comfortable and relaxed. Our long-wheelbase GX easily conquered our challenging hill challenge without showing signs of visual slip or any ATRAC interventions – much quicker and subtler than previous generations.
Lexus steering feels distinct car-like and the addition of a small-diameter wheel helps mask its square truck appeal. While you will still feel body lean on twisty back roads, its handling remains responsive enough for swift manuevers.
The front seats provide support over long drives, and the driver’s seat offers 10-way lumbar adjustment. Unfortunately, however, the second row feels rather soft – we would advise those taller than six feet to avoid sitting there altogether. While its digital dashboard and infotainment controls are easy to use, there are also tactile physical buttons present for added control and functionality.
The Comfort
The cabin of the Lexus NX feels sturdy and Lexus-esque; plastics and rubber are kept to an absolute minimum, as one would expect from an off-road SUV.
GX grades come equipped with both a 12.3-inch configurable instrument display and 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that are easy to use and work well, although their massive touch panel cannot be divided into zones, making it challenging to navigate Apple CarPlay or navigation simultaneously on one screen.
Seating position in this luxury SUV is upright and comfortable, unlike many modern luxury vehicles which promote a loungelike posture. Large windowsills give a commanding view of the road or trail ahead; useful when driving off-road. Furthermore, front row has massage seats which add an additional comfort.