Don’t have an account? Create an account
What might come in handy is to know that the GX is the more complicated Lexus edition of the mythical Toyota Land Cruiser, an application vehicle (forget the “sporty” part) that arrived in North America in 1958, evolving over the years from the now-iconic one-door models like the 40 Series, with its flip-up front windshield, white roof and fold-down rear seats; to the rugged 60 Series, which was last sold in Canada in 1989. The rugged off-road Land Cruiser capable of returning to the Canadian market this year, as well as the Lexus GX, with the same GA-F frame body, are getting a long-awaited makeover.
It’s also worth noting that the GX, while sold in small quantities in Canada, is much more popular south of the border, specifically among buyers who appreciate the Lexus’ towing capacity (up to 9,000 pounds depending on the trim point) for hauling their boats. . , horse trailers, etc. Then there’s what Lexus calls the “ground crowd,” the off-road enthusiasts who choose used GX for serious off-the-beaten-path adventures.
A recurring design theme among giant SUVs (think Land Rover Defender 110, Ford Bronco, Mercedes G-Wagen, Jeep Wagoneer, and others) is bold, boxy, and muscular looks, and here the new GX 550 fits the bill perfectly. Nothing complicated about it. And, being a Lexus, it’s incredibly well-designed for tough tasks, while also offering a tranquil cabin environment with the newest elements of comfort and convenience.
At 5,006 millimeters (197 inches) long, the new GX is 127 mm (five inches) longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that is 61 mm (two and a half inches) longer. The overall width increases by 96. 5 mm (3. 8 inches). ) compared to the previous model, 115 mm (four and a half inches) for the Overtrail. Ground clearance is over 226 mm (8. 9 inches) for the Overtrail and 221 mm (8. 7 inches) for the rest of the style range. As an off-roader, the GX is designed with 26-degree approach angles, 24-degree lean, and 21-degree departure angles.
The 2024 GX 550 will come in six trim levels: Signature, Premium, Luxury, Executive and the all-new Overtrail and Overtrail. Overtrails are two-row, five-seater models; the others have 3 rows and seats for six (Executive) or seven (Signature, Premium and Luxury).
At launch, the GX 550 will be featured with a single powertrain, a sleek 3. 4L twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a sleek 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The boosted V6 produces 349 horsepower, a vast improvement over the 301 horsepower. of the previous-generation V8. Torque output also improves to a physically powerful 479 lb-ft. If those numbers sound familiar, look no further than the i-Force engine that powers the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Lexus doesn’t use the i-Name Force, and there will possibly be a few plumbing tweaks here and there, but if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then. . .
A hybrid powertrain will be available in North America “at a later date,” Lexus says.
The new GX is based on the same Lexus GA-F platform built into the existing generation LX 600 flagship. Its fully boxed frame increases frame rigidity and improves handling on and off-road. The GA-F, Lexus says, is designed to take on winding off-road forces while maximizing suspension functionality and creating solid wheel articulation.
It is assisted by a new double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The front suspension is increased compared to the previous GX, with 15mm more rebound for more road following and rough road riding performance. The rear suspension rebound is built up to 20 mm (0. 6 inches) compared to the previous GX. An enlarged cross-section of the upper and lower arm is used to increase suspension and axle strength and allow for the installation of wheels up to 22 inches in size.
As for the two Overtrail models, the details come with 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires (P265/70R18) over exclusive 18-inch wheels; and a 10mm wider wheel track with wide black fender mouldings. Other Overtrail devices come with the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS); Adaptive variable suspension; lockable, electronically controlled rear differential; move slowly, with a twist, take a hand and descend, lend a hand; and multi-terrain selection.
The popular permanent 4WD transmission has been retained, with a Torsen limited-slip centre differential with lock-up function. The Overrail trims feature an electronically locking rear differential. When accelerating through a corner, Lexus discovers that the Torsen differential distributes torque based on the load on the axle. Left and right rear wheels. When driving in a straight line, it reacts to adjustments in road conditions, contributing to the overall stability of the vehicle. Switching to 4Hi is faster than the previous generation thanks to innovations in the electronic movement case. 4Hi comes with selectable dirt, sand, mud, and deep snow modes; while in 4Lo you can choose sand, mud and rock.
Lexus says the designers of the GX 550 intended to “express the off-road capability of a true body-on-frame SUV. “As such, they decided to design a GX that exemplifies the juxtaposition of a resilient exterior with a relaxing, luxurious, and modern interior space. Well, there’s no doubt that what they’ve come up with is an aggressive, boxy macho exterior with a difficult personality, don’t mess with me, an off-roader-oriented person. The LED headlights and grille opening have been raised to prevent any potential impact on the road. LED fog lights and curve lights are available for increased visibility. The front overhang has been reduced by 20 mm (three-quarters of an inch) to improve clearance.
On the look, the A-pillar has been moved back for greater visibility. In fact, front, rear, and side visibility is excellent. The rear tread is higher by 83 mm (3. 3 inches) for the Premium and Luxury trims; and 103 mm (four inches) for overlanes. At the rear, the square position continues with the unified L-shaped light bar. And, based on visitor feedback, the new GX ditched the side-hinged tailgate for a power liftgate with a pop-up window and optional kick sensor for hands-free convenience.
A physically powerful, high-performance sports car desires a physically powerful, high-performance interior. However, being a Lexus, this cabin requires a number of sumptuous elements to make driving easier. The SUV features a new, lower, horizontal tool panel that leads to the tool panel and connects the available head-up display to the center, where the popular 14-inch multimedia touchscreen is located, with the Lexus interface generation. Sprint keeps the dials for used controls, such as climate control and audio volume. And all available off-road controls are grouped near the gear lever. The GX comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a 12. 3-inch virtual multi-information display.
The second row will be available in two configurations: captain’s chairs; or a 60/40 split folding bench. A one-move turn formula has been added to access the third row/loading area. Heated and ventilated seats are popular in the driver and front passenger seats, and heating is available in the second row. Seating. The third row is available with forced and manual seating configurations.
Six illuminated charging ports (four on Overtrail) and a wireless charger are available in the front console tray. The interior storage area has been higher in the center console, door storage compartments and up to 12 cups. The cargo area for two- and three-row configurations has advanced from the last generation: 1,283 liters (45. 6 cu ft) for the rear seat of Overtrail models; and a huge volume of 2,563 liters (90. 5 cubic feet) when the seats are folded down. The other models offer 292 liters (10. 3 cu ft) in the third row, 1,138 liters (40. 2 cu ft) with the third row folded, and 2,178 liters (76. 9 cu ft) with the second and third rows folded.
If I say that the GX 550 drives like a pickup truck, it’s not an insult. This is a rugged SUV meant to do serious things, whether it’s towing a sailboat or an Airstream, or taking you into the woods to spend the fishing at home. favorite place. It’s not meant to be an attack vehicle in suburban malls, as 90% of crossovers and other off-road vehicles are located there.
So no, it’s not as fancy as a RX. La guide is a little numb in the center. Otherwise, the driving dynamics are solid, even exceptional. There is more noise in the cabin through the tires. Acceleration is slow but leisurely, unless you accelerate, as the twin-turbo V6 struggles with curb weights ranging from 2,480 kilograms (5,585 lb) to 2570 kg (5710 lb) depending on the trim.
Off-road, the GX 550 Overtrail is a beast that shows capability — inclines over 30 degrees, equally steep descents, gullies that lift a wheel or two off the ground, and more — with the kind of poise you’d expect. the most identified die-hard athletes such as Wrangler, Defender and Bronco.
A round of applause for the assistance provided by the available and previously mentioned multi-terrain select, crawl control, downhill assist Control, and 3D multi-terrain monitor systems, along with the electronic-kinetic dynamic suspension system. If traversing hill and dale, swamp and desert, is your jam, the Overtrail can be added to the list of worthies.
The Lexus GX 550 may not come cheap. Prices start at $83,500 for the Signature trim and progress to the Premium ($92,500) and Luxury ($101,850) trims before maxing out at $105,850 for the Executive trim. Overrail models start at $92,500 for the base version; to $101,850 for the Overtrail.
GX is like bourbon in small quantities. Small production, more expensive than conventional brands and an acquired flavor for those accustomed to the prestige quo. The GX 550 is a gaming application vehicle that shamelessly emphasizes application, with the ability to take you wherever you want to go to enjoy. the game or recreation you enjoy. But it is utilitarian, not utilitarian; The rugged and charming GX sacrifices little in terms of comfort and joins the LX and new TX as Lexus models offering three rows of seating.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a civilized discussion forum and encourages all readers to share their perspectives on our articles. It can take up to an hour for comments to moderate before appearing on the site. We ask that your feedback be applicable and respectful. We’ve enabled email notifications: you’ll now receive an email if you get a response to your comment, if there’s an update to a comment thread you’re following, or if a user you follow comments. Check out our network rules for more facts and main points on how to adjust your email settings.
365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, AT M4W 3L4
© 2024 National Post, a department of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution or transmission is strictly prohibited.
This uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads) and allows us to analyze our traffic. Learn more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.