2024 Lexus GX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end, with large headlights, gave it a distinctive and commanding presence on the road. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design was more about rugged capability, with short overhangs and a wheelbase of 2,789 millimetres, making it appear ready for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium status, though it did offer features like heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a more geometric and aggressive design, moving away from the softer lines of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front a more vertical and assertive look. The new GX's side profile was sleek, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The interior was more minimalist, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. The 2024 model offered a single trim level with five packages, focusing on luxury and off-road capabilities, with features like 22-inch wheels and eco-friendly upholstery. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and robust controls for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't boast the most impressive figures on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its fuel economy was less appealing, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen limited-slip differential for improved traction in various conditions.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a more advanced 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This new powertrain provided more power and torque, with the latter available low in the rev range for better off-road performance. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the 2024 GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with additional off-road features in the Overtrail packages. The Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) enhanced off-road capability, while the GX's on-road behaviour was surprisingly composed. The new model's weight of 2,570 kilograms was a consideration, but its performance and handling were impressive.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep centre console bin. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The decision to retain physical buttons was a plus for those who preferred tactile controls, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a bench seat option, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door was inconvenient, and cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the third row and 1,832 litres with all seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 millimetres in the second row. The third row was tight, with 810 millimetres of legroom, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 1,291 litres in total.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over its predecessor, with standard features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player, but its real strength lay in its off-road capabilities, with a robust 4WD system and various driving aids like downhill assist and crawl control.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, with additional ports in the rear for Overtrail packages. The Drive Connect subscription service provided an intelligent voice assistant, though it required a paid subscription in Canada. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, the subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX offered modern safety features, though it lacked some top-end options like lane-tracing assist.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition. The new proactive driving assist feature added an extra layer of safety. While crash tests were pending, the modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS made the 2024 GX a safer choice.