2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Lexus TX

There was no mistaking a 2024 Lexus GX 550 for a 2023 Lexus GX 470. While the outgoing model featured softer, more rounded corners, the newly redesigned midsize SUV embraced geometric styling from headlight to taillight. Although the brand’s trademark “spindle” grille remained a focal point, it was noticeably less pronounced in this generation. Standard triple-beam LED headlights flanked the grille, sitting at the squared-off upper edge of the GX’s front fascia. The new front end stood much more vertically than in the second-generation GX; designers stiffened up a formerly soft chin, giving this new car a more aggressive appearance. The otherwise flat hood rose on the left and right side, each hump positioned above each front wheel to help drivers maintain positional awareness while driving off-road.

Down the side, the GX's design looked almost as if it were carved from a solid metal block. Character lines were minimal and maintained a relatively horizontal path across the SUV’s profile. The window beltline sat low on the GX, again an effort to enhance visibility and awareness when off-roading. Like a mesa rising out of the desert, the lower edge of the window frame kicked up just ahead of the C-pillar before continuing its steady, horizontal journey to the rear of the vehicle. Standard running boards rounded out the bottom edge of the GX, with powered units available on the Luxury+ trim.

Lexus offered the 2024 GX in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The company expected the Premium+ trim to be its best-seller, while the GX Luxury+ and Overtrail+ showcased the SUV’s best features.

Luxury models focused on luxury elements, such as 22-inch wheels, illuminated door sills, and interior ambient lighting. The Overtrail duo, heavily focused on off-roading, opted for 18-inch wheels to accommodate larger sidewalls on 33-inch all-terrain tires. Eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery, known for its durability, covered the Overtrail’s seats instead of the semi-aniline leather found in the Luxury trims. Beneath the sheet metal, the Overtrails featured legitimate off-roading hardware.

All GX models boasted an interior blending luxury appointments (including standard heated and ventilated front seats) with utilitarian materials. Robust polyurethane-derived touchpoints were prevalent, and the dashboard sat flat and upright without tilting toward the driver. A large 14-inch touchscreen display took center stage, with plenty of physical controls below it for off-road-oriented settings, plus rotary knobs for climate control and stereo volume.

It was less luxurious than a Land Rover Defender–certainly less lavish than a Mercedes-Benz G-Class–but the third-generation Lexus GX looked and felt like a premium SUV prepared for a long life of hard use.

Lexus based the new 2024 TX on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet the TX convincingly served as a luxury SUV through distinct features.

The Lexus appeared upscale in contrast to the Grand Highlander’s jumbo-sized RAV4 likeness. The tested model, equipped with Luxury trim, showcased great-looking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, an option that dramatically improved the SUV’s appearance and presence.

The TX’s styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a more conservative, bordering on anonymous, aesthetic. If previous Lexus designs had turned consumers off, the TX presented a favorable alternative.

Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid model series, prices for the new 2024 Lexus TX spanned from $55,050 to $69,350. However, Lexus wasn’t selling the TX 550h+ at that time, and expectations suggested it might start over $75,000. These prices included the $1,350 destination charge.

The TX 350 was likely to be the volume-selling version, available in base, Premium, or Luxury trim. Every TX 350 came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The tested TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim had a base price of $60,950, including the destination charge. Additional features included in the Convenience Package, Technology Package, a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, side puddle lamps, and rear cargo lamps brought the MSRP to $67,869, including destination.

Luxury trim added upgraded ambient interior lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede trim to the TX 350. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown indistinguishable from black, combined with black-grained trim, resulted in a darker cabin even with a panoramic glass sunroof.

Despite this, the TX 350 Luxury model’s interior appeared luxurious enough for the SUV to wear a Lexus badge.

The previous Lexus GX was often likened to a fancy Toyota 4Runner, primarily because it featured a naturally aspirated V8 engine. For 2024, Lexus replaced the V8 with a newer and more advanced V6.

Though the GX’s powertrain lost two cylinders, it gained significantly more power. The twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine delivered 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The impressive torque was available low in the rev range, allowing drivers to easily clear obstacles when driving through rough terrain.

The 2024 Lexus GX was built atop the GA-F truck platform, which underpinned several Toyota and Lexus vehicles including the J300 Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, Toyota Tundra, and new-for-2023 Toyota Tacoma. It featured a significantly stiffer chassis, enhancing stability both on-road and off-road.

Similar to the Tundra, the GX utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, operating confidently and assertively without gear-hunting or frenetic shifting under acceleration. Standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential was included in every GX, allowing both low- and high-range 4WD. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential, splitting engine power between the rear wheels in a 50:50 ratio.

The Overtrail trims benefited from Lexus’s Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). This advanced suspension tech balanced off-road and on-road stability by locking and unlocking the front and rear stabilizer bars as needed. The result was increased wheel articulation (up to 25 inches) and a better chance of keeping all four wheels in contact with the ground while tackling obstacles.

During testing, the GX demonstrated good acceleration from a stop and at highway speeds. The brakes were highly effective under favorable conditions, with temperatures in the 60s and minimal elevation changes mitigating brake fade. At over 5,000 pounds, the GX’s weight required caution on longer, hotter descents.

Despite being a big, body-on-frame vehicle, the new GX exhibited impressive stability, even through twists and turns. Its on-road controlled and relaxed behavior was a pleasant surprise given its off-road capabilities.

However, off-road testing was limited due to washed-out conditions following heavy rainfall, necessitating a less aggressive proving ground to preserve the terrain.

Lexus equipped the TX 350 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Despite initial skepticism about this engine in a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately for typical driving situations with no more than four occupants. The main drawbacks were the grating engine noise and torque steer hints with FWD.

With 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, the engine propelled the TX 350 to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), feeling quicker due to the torque swell during acceleration. However, overall performance was described as merely adequate.

The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the old three-row Lexus RX L, which had a 3.5-liter V6 engine, 290 horsepower, 263 pound-feet of torque, and a combined rating of 22 mpg. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $1,600, offering slightly quicker acceleration while reducing city and highway fuel economy ratings but maintaining the 23-mpg combined rating. AWD provided enhanced traction in rain and snow and likely mitigated torque steer in FWD models.

The TX 350’s suspension delivered a firm yet compliant ride, allowing drivers to sense the road surface while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate, with proper weighting and responsiveness. Additionally, the interior was quiet on the highway.

A pre-production test vehicle had a soft brake pedal, but it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 GX’s interior represented a departure from its second-generation predecessor. It adopted a minimalist and sophisticated design with fewer physical buttons, though it retained essential ones. Rotary knobs for climate control flanked the touchscreen, with a small volume knob centered between them. Physical buttons for off-roading features like crawl control and the two-speed transfer case remained lower down the center console stack.

Regarding passenger space, the 2024 GX comfortably accommodated six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front seats and 36.7 inches in the second row. The available third row in Premium and Luxury models was suitable only for children, with adults finding the 31.7 inches of legroom inadequate.

When comparing the GX to the Land Rover Defender 110, the Defender 110 offered marginally tighter front-row space, more second-row space, but even tighter third-row legroom at 20.5 inches. The Defender 110 was also about 10 inches shorter in length than the GX, making the third row more cramped.

In cargo space, the GX excelled. It provided 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and offering a total cargo space of 76.9 cubic feet. The Overtrail models were even more spacious, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row (third row not available) and a total cargo space of 90.5 cubic feet.

Previous Lexus attempts at a compelling three-row SUV fell short. The GX focused on off-roading, compromising on-road driving dynamics. The LX had the same issue and was very expensive. The RX L was too small, with a third-row seat limited to children's use.

The 2024 Lexus TX resolved these problems, raising the question: “What took so long?”

The TX 350 Luxury model included premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. It featured a standard second-row bench seat, while heated and ventilated captain’s chairs were optional.

Though comfortable, the front seats did not have a massage function, an expected feature in this class. However, finding a supportive driving position was easy, with the power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel offering comfortable grip.

The second-row seat, with its relatively flat lower cushion, wasn’t as welcoming but met segment expectations. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, dual USB charging ports, and manual side window shades.

Importantly, the TX offered a habitable third-row seat for adults, improving upon the RX L and GX. The third-row seat was not squished against the tailgate, and the TX provided some cargo space even when the third row was in use.

Adjusting the second-row seat slightly forward made room for tall adults in the third row, though it reduced second-row comfort due to limited legroom.

The TX excelled in utility with numerous storage slots, cubbies, trays, and bins. However, many lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

Cargo space in the TX measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, with minimal under-floor storage. Power-folding the third-row seats expanded space to 57.4 cubic feet, providing ample room for a lengthy road trip. Folding the second-row seats further increased the cargo capacity to 97 cubic feet, surpassing any other Lexus SUV and most competitors.

The 2024 GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen stylishly integrated into the center of the dash. Below it, front-seat passengers could utilize a pair of USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. GX Overtrail models included two additional USB-C ports for the back seat, while non-Overtrail models added two more. Every GX model had a 120-volt wall-style AC electrical outlet in the trunk.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and Drive Connect subscription services with an intelligent voice assistant. By saying “Hey Lexus,” users could command navigation, climate control, and stereo settings. Drive Connect and Remote Connect, facilitating remote locking, unlocking, ignition, and vehicle diagnostics, were available with initial three-year trial subscriptions. Post-trial, subscription costs ranged from $15 to $25 per month.

The GX came standard with a 10-speaker audio system, while the Luxury and Overtrail+ trims offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, standard on the Luxury+ trim.

While Lexus Interface was easy to use and visually appealing, post-trial subscription costs might be a consideration for long-term owners.

The Lexus TX offered an optional Technology Package, equipping the SUV with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system.

Opting out of this package might result in better satisfaction. The larger instrumentation display and surround-view camera were beneficial, but the package replaced clearly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to refer to the head-up display, which polarized sunglasses could obstruct.

This approach distracted drivers and led to dissatisfaction, a problem Lexus could have avoided.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen display and complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, was agreeable. Drive Connect included a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition.

The system also featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, easy connectivity options, and seamless switching between smartphone integration and native Lexus systems.

In addition to Drive Connect, the TX offered 10-year subscriptions for Service Connect and Safety Connect, the latter including automatic collision notification, emergency calling, stolen vehicle locator, and more. Wi-Fi Connect provided a hotspot, while Remote Connect enabled app-based remote engine starting, car finder, and digital key access.

The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system offered impressive audio fidelity, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.

Safety had been a concern for the GX, with CarGurus experts rating the 2023 model six out of 10 and the 2022 model four out of 10.

However, the 2024 GX received significant upgrades with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard on every GX. This system included pre-collision detection, avoidance, and braking systems, adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature added braking assistance when adaptive cruise control was in use during tighter highway turns.

Although neither IIHS nor NHTSA had crash-tested the 2024 GX, its modern GA-F architecture and extensive ADAS features inspire greater confidence in its safety.

The TX came equipped with abundant advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) umbrella, these included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, proactively braked to maintain safe following distances and provided steering assistance to avoid obstacles when activated. Though generally smooth, its transparency was inconsistent and it was unclear if brake lights illuminated during automatic deceleration, leading to the feature being turned off during testing.

Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. Options covered front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist for low-speed, hands-free driving on approved highways. However, Lexus did not offer high-speed, hands-free driving assist for the TX.

Overall, LSS+ 3.0 performed smoothly and accurately, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers and slow acceleration back to speed.