2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was marketed as a significant addition to Toyota's diverse lineup of crossovers and SUVs. Placed strategically between the traditional Highlander and the larger Sequoia, it was built on the TNGA-K platform which it shared with the Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry. This crossover was not a body-on-frame vehicle like the Sequoia, and therefore had a towing capacity capped at 5,000 pounds. With a length of 201.4 inches and a wheelbase of 116.1 inches, the Grand Highlander surpassed major competitors like the Kia Telluride in terms of size and spaciousness.

While not designed for serious off-roading, the Grand Highlander’s aesthetics drew from rugged inspirations. Its boxier build resembled models like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot more than its curvier smaller sibling, the Highlander. With three trims — XLE, Limited, and Platinum — the Grand Highlander offered interior materials that catered to various tastes, ranging from Softex synthetic leather on the lower trims to genuine leather on the higher trims. Additional comfort features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats were standard, with the Limited and Platinum offering more luxurious touches like ventilation and a heated steering wheel.

On the other hand, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 had undergone a significant redesign, shedding the softer lines of the previous model for a more geometric and aggressive appearance. The iconic spindle grille was toned down, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The squared-off front fascia and flattened hood emphasized a robust, off-road-ready look. The GX was built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with other rugged Toyota and Lexus models, and combined luxury elements with utilitarian design.

Offered in six trims — Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+ — the GX catered to both luxury seekers and off-road enthusiasts. The luxury trims featured high-end amenities like 22-inch wheels and interior ambient lighting. In contrast, the Overtrail trims prioritized functionality with 18-inch wheels on 33-inch all-terrain tires and durable Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The interior was a mix of luxury touches and robust materials, with a 14-inch touchscreen taking center stage while still retaining physical controls for essential functions.

The Grand Highlander provided three engine choices. The base engine was a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivered 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option produced 245 combined net horsepower, focusing more on fuel efficiency. At the top tier, the Hybrid Max powertrain combined a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with hybrid technology to generate a notable 362 combined net horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. While both gas and hybrid engines offered FWD and AWD options, the Hybrid Max was available exclusively with AWD.

Despite its size, the Grand Highlander’s driving experience was honest but not exceptional. Its road manners, while competent, couldn’t mask its bulk, making maneuvering through tight spaces a bit challenging. Body roll was present but not overly significant, and the steering was somewhat numb, lacking the feedback enthusiasts might desire. However, the brakes were dependable, offering a linear pedal feel and sufficient stopping power. Toyota provided three primary drive modes (Sport, Eco, and Normal) and additional modes for AWD models, enhancing versatility for different driving conditions.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a naturally aspirated V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The advanced engine delivered power smoothly, with ample torque available at low revs, making it effective for off-road challenges. The GX’s chassis, part of the GA-F platform, enhanced stability both on-road and off-road. Its 10-speed automatic transmission functioned seamlessly, unlike the sometimes erratic Tundra, providing a composed and confident drive.

The GX featured full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential and, on Overtrail trims, an additional locking rear differential. The Overtrail models also included the sophisticated Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), optimizing wheel articulation and maintaining off-road stability. During tests, the GX impressed with its composed on-road handling and competent off-road capability, despite the limitations posed by weather conditions on the test route.

The 2024 Grand Highlander impressed with its extensive dimensions, being longer and more spacious than direct competitors like the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. Offering a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet, with 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet behind all three rows, it provided ample storage options. This made the Grand Highlander an ideal choice for those requiring substantial cargo space without stepping up to a minivan.

The interior’s design prioritized comfort and usability. The spacious cabin provided generous head- and legroom in all seating rows, making the third row viable even for taller adults. The thoughtful layout ensured good outward visibility and ease of access to the third row, reinforcing its family-friendly appeal.

In comparison, the 2024 Lexus GX offered a refined cabin with minimalist design elements. With significantly fewer physical buttons, the GX relied heavily on its 14-inch touchscreen for most controls but retained essential physical controls for off-road functions. The interior space was comfortably suited for six-foot adults in the first and second rows, but the available third row was tight, best suited for children due to its limited legroom.

Despite this, the GX excelled in cargo space management. It offered 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet with all seats down. The Overtrail models, lacking a third row, provided even more cargo capacity at 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet overall, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and gear-heavy trips.

The Grand Highlander’s technological features were anchored by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, representing a significant upgrade over previous Toyota interfaces. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A connected-services subscription enhanced the system further, adding an intelligent assistant, cloud-based navigation, and live agent assistance. The 11-speaker JBL stereo available on higher trims delivered a well-balanced audio experience. While the system was robust, it required careful consideration of subscription costs to maximize its capabilities fully.

The Lexus GX featured a larger 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dashboard, complemented by multiple USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface provided wireless smartphone integration and was supported by the Drive Connect subscription service. This included an intelligent voice assistant capable of handling navigation, climate, and stereo commands. With a three-year trial for Drive Connect and Remote Connect, consumers could enjoy remote vehicle management features before committing to subscription fees. The upscale trims offered a luxurious 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system, elevating the audio experience to match the GX’s premium status.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard across all models, although crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS were not available at the time. TSS 3.0 included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was enhanced with four following-distance settings, improving its utility in various driving conditions.

The safety concerns surrounding previous Lexus GX models were addressed with the 2024 GX, which received Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-tracing assist, and lane-departure warning. New features like proactive driving assist added to its safety profile, although crash-test data from NHTSA and IIHS were pending. The modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS suite gave confidence in its safety performance.