OFF-ROAD OR ON ROAD, 2024 LEXUS GX550 IS A DELIGHT!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

So, you fancy going off the beaten path, but you want to do it in style and luxury? There aren’t a whole lot of choices on the road (Land Rover Defender is one) but the redesigned 2024 Lexus GX550 instantly comes to mind. Except for possibly height, this year’s Lexus is bigger than its predecessor in all respects. And don’t for a minute believe that the 5,710-pound-weight is a drag on this body-on-frame SUV. Zero to 60 is an impressive 6.5 seconds with top speed at 109 mph as you take a seat around opulence. Towing capacity is fine at 7,800 pounds. Noticeably new for 2024 is a standard power rear lift door with pop-out window. Undoubtedly, the squarish ride is a blast to drive, responding with quickness in any driving situation while stacked with lavish treats.

Under the hood rests a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine blasting off 349 horsepower @ 5200rpm and 479 pounds-feet of torque @ 3600 rpm. It is mated to a smooth 10-speed auto gearbox. Showing off a muscular posture, the GX550 sports a massive spindle mesh grille flanked by triple-beam LED headlights and daytime running lights; step to the rear and the updated Lexus emblem atop the signature integrated L-shaped light bar is plenty unmistakable. Step into the airy and well-furnished cabin and slide into the spacious 60/40 second-row bench; the 50/50 third-row seat folds flat via the touch of a button. A 12.3-inch TFT LCD screen displays speedometer, tachometer, and smaller fuel and temp gauges. Clearly labeled audio, nav and climate buttons make it a breeze to use the 14-inch infotainment screen. Some goodies include tri-zone auto a/c, 10-way power front cooled/heated seats, power tilt/telescopic steering column/running boards and moon roof, 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and second-row manual sun shades. Lest we forget, there is a cooled box in the center console for your favorite soda cans.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, panoramic view monitor, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. For enhanced protection, there is also the standard Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 – a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane departure alert with steer assist, smart beam headlamps and dynamic cruise control. A subscription service called Traffic Jam Assist triggers steering, gas and brake pedals under 25 mph.

If in the market for a full-size, rugged but luxury SUV, that can tackle the tough landscape (thanks to full-time all-wheel drive) with confidence, the GX550 fits the bill. You won’t be disappointed as long as the steep price tag is within your reach!

LEXUS GX550 AWD (LUXURY+)

Tires: P265/50R22

Wheelbase: 112.2 inches

Length: 197 inches

Width: 77.9 inches

Height: 75.3 inches

Suspension: double wishbone front, 4-link rigid rear

Steering: power-assist rack and pinion

Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons

Mileage: city 15, highway 21

Base price: $81,250

Web site: www.lexus.com