2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Lexus GX experienced a significant makeover that set it apart from its predecessors. Unlike the 2023 Lexus GX 470, which featured softer and more rounded edges, the 2024 GX 550 embraced geometric styling throughout. The brand’s “spindle” grille persisted but was less dominant in this iteration. Triple-beam LED headlights flanked the less protruding grille, contributing to the vehicle's aggressive new front fascia. The flat hood of the GX rose on either side above each front wheel, aiding off-road drivers in maintaining positional awareness.

The side profile of the Lexus GX was designed to appear as if it were carved from a solid block of metal. Character lines were minimal and predominantly horizontal, while the window beltline sat low to maximize visibility. The lower edge of the window frame ascended slightly ahead of the C-pillar, maintaining a horizontal trajectory to the rear. Standard running boards added to its rugged appeal, with powered variants available on the Luxury+ trim.

Offered in six trim levels—Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+—the Lexus GX aimed to cater to various preferences. The Premium+ trim was expected to be the best-seller, while the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ highlighted the vehicle’s top features. Luxury models showcased 22-inch wheels, illuminated doorsills, and ambient interior lighting. In contrast, the Overtrail versions focused on off-roading, featuring 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery.

The interior of the GX blended luxury with practicality. Heated and ventilated front seats came as standard, with more durable polyurethane-derived touchpoints than typical Lexus interiors. The dashboard was flat and upright, equipped with a large 14-inch touchscreen display surrounded by physical controls and rotary knobs for climate and stereo adjustments. While it wasn’t as opulent as a Land Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the third-generation Lexus GX projected a premium yet rugged persona.

By contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its historic and practical appeal. Spanning nearly 18 feet and 10 inches, the Suburban retained its mammoth dimensions—a feature that wasn’t for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, for individuals prioritizing cargo space, passenger capacity, and towing capabilities, the Suburban presented an ideal option.

Chevrolet offered this full-size SUV in six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. Basic amenities such as automatic windshield wipers, LED headlights and taillights, and tinted windows came standard. As customers ascended the trim ladder, the features became more luxurious. The LS trim started with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the High Country version sat on 22-inch alloys. Yet, even the highest trims had several optional features, such as power running-board steps and a panoramic power moonroof, which could add significantly to the vehicle’s cost.

Inside, the Suburban provided ample space and comfort. While cloth seats were standard only in the base LS trim, all other trims boasted leather upholstery. The Premier and High Country trims could be upgraded with elegant brown leather interiors. Our test model, a High Country, included a heated steering wheel, three-stage heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. However, despite its upscale accents, the High Country’s cabin still felt somewhat ordinary.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 engine to a more contemporary and powerful twin-turbocharged V6. This new 3.4-liter engine generated 349 horsepower and a stout 479 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the older V8, the new powertrain provided impressive torque at low revs, beneficial for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX benefited from a stiffer chassis, offering better on-road stability and off-road prowess.

Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the GX didn’t suffer from erratic shifts. Standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential enhanced the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and an advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved wheel articulation and overall stability.

During tests, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration both from a standstill and at highway speeds. Braking was effective, though conditions were ideal during our review. Despite exceeding 5,000 pounds in weight, the GX managed to control body roll well, offering a surprisingly composed ride. Even though harsh weather conditions prevented us from fully testing its off-road systems, the GX’s performance was impressive.

In comparison, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with three engine options: two V8s and a straight-six diesel. The base 5.3-liter V8 engine, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing a maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering Package. An upgraded 6.2-liter V8 was available on the higher trims, generating 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Despite its lower towing capacity, the 6.2 provided smoother and more effortless acceleration.

For those prioritizing fuel economy and torque, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder delivered 277 horsepower and matched the 6.2-liter V8 with 460 pound-feet of torque. Moreover, it offered better fuel economy and a more affordable price tag on the High Country trim. The Suburban’s 10-speed automatic transmission provided seamless and precise shifts, though its electronic button-style shift mechanism might not appeal to everyone.

Rear-wheel drive was standard except on the Z71, which came with four-wheel drive as a default. The Suburban’s steering, brakes, and height-adjustable air suspension handled urban and suburban conditions effortlessly. Even so, the Suburban’s 6,000-pound weight required careful handling to manage body roll and braking efficiently.

The 2024 Lexus GX’s interior represented a notable shift from the earlier model. The minimalist and sophisticated design reduced the number of physical buttons while retaining essential ones. Tall adults would find the first and second rows comfortable, with 41.2 inches of legroom upfront and 36.7 inches in the second row. However, the third row was tight, suitable only for children despite its 31.7 inches of legroom.

Cargo space was where the GX truly excelled. Though the 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row wasn’t impressive, folding down the seats expanded the cargo volume to 40.2 cubic feet. The Overtrail versions, without a third row, offered even more space. Including up to 45.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet overall.

On the other hand, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was unparalleled regarding cargo capacity. It offered a massive 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, outmatching many smaller SUVs like the Subaru Outback. Folding down the third-row seats increased space to 93.8 cubic feet, and with all seats down, the Suburban provided an astonishing 144.7 cubic feet. This capacity made it an ideal choice for those needing ample storage space for long trips or bulky items.

Beyond cargo, the Suburban boasted a 28-gallon fuel tank, enabling long-distance driving, especially with the diesel engine’s 26-mpg highway rating. This made the Suburban highly efficient for lengthy road trips.

The 2024 Lexus GX incorporated a large 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dashboard. Front-seat passengers enjoyed two USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad, with additional USB-C ports for backseat passengers. Each GX also featured a 120-volt AC electrical outlet in the trunk.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system included Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and Drive Connect subscription service, which offered intelligent voice assistance. Drive Connect and Remote Connect provided an initial three-year trial, after which subscriptions ranged from $15 to $25 monthly. The standard 10-speaker audio system could be upgraded to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo on higher trims. While easy to use, the Lexus interface locked many features behind subscription plans beyond the initial trial period.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's tech was considered slightly behind the curve, especially concerning its expected 2025 updates. A 10.2-inch touchscreen was standard (except for the base LS, which housed an 8-inch screen). Despite its functionality, it felt undersized for the Suburban's large cabin.

Chevrolet’s infotainment system excelled in usability, featuring Google Built-in for seamless access to Google services without pairing a smartphone. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were also standard, supplemented by an optional rear-seat entertainment system featuring twin touchscreens—a useful addition for long trips.

However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system felt underwhelming compared to competitors offering higher speaker counts and more immersive sound experiences.

Safety was a growing concern for the older GX models, but the 2024 Lexus GX received significant updates. The new GX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included pre-collision detection, avoidance and braking systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature further ensured the vehicle’s safety in varied driving conditions. However, the 2024 GX had yet to be crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, despite its larger-than-life feel, garnered a four out of five overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It received four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. The Suburban was equipped with numerous standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims could also feature Super Cruise—a semi-autonomous driving technology that managed speed, steering, and lane changes on pre-mapped roads.