Within the 14 years for the reason that Lexus GX 460 debuted, the intercity and off-road communities have boomed. These as soon as area of interest fanatic gamers have turn into mainstays, with OEMs producing trim ranges, packages and whole autos to cater to the mud-splattered mania. The all-new GX 550 is right here to capitalize on that momentum. That appears nice.
The earlier mannequin is sufficiently old to predate the Lexus spindle grille that the model dedicated to again in 2014. The brand new grille design is tailored to match the GX however clearly wasn’t designed for it, with a gaping mouth encasing an in any other case tame physique. Nonetheless, the brand new GX is designed across the grille, with a blocky, tall physique that mimics the extreme angles of the grille. The GX additionally will get new Overtrail trim for off-road use, which options two-tone paintwork and vivid skid plates, 33-inch tires and a rear limited-slip differential.
The GX additionally options Lexus’ Digital-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). That is an digital model of the earlier GX’s hydraulic system, permitting the truck to successfully disengage its stabilizer bar when bucking. This retains street situations underneath management whereas offering elevated most maneuverability. Adaptive variable suspension can be obtainable, however fortunately not commonplace, which ought to make the suspension swap simpler than on the advanced LX 600. The swing-out tailgate is gone, changed with a regular energy tailgate. The tailgate glass might be opened individually for simpler entry.
Nonetheless, this new GX shares its platform with its huge brother. This additionally makes it an in depth brother of the Toyota Sequoia and the 300-series Land Cruiser. A redesigned Land Cruiser Prado – the GX’s extra sensible brother obtainable on the worldwide market – is on the best way, and not less than one rumor suggests it might make it to the US
On this vary of vehicles, Toyota has opted for downsizing and turbocharging the engines, and the GX isn’t any completely different. The outdated 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine is changed by a 3.4-liter V6 biturbo engine. Word that whereas the engine is marketed as 3.4 liters on this utility and three.5 liters within the LX600 and Tundra, the engine is bodily the identical throughout the mannequin line. It’s only a rounding distinction.
Energy will increase considerably from 301 horses within the GX 460 to 349 hp. The torque achieve is even higher: 479 lb-ft versus 329 lb-ft on the outdated mannequin. This, mixed with the rise in wheelbase and general size by 2.36 and a couple of.75 inches respectively, additionally makes the GX a extra highly effective hitch. The 550 can lug round 8,000 kilos on its hitch, 1,500 kilos greater than the final mannequin. Full gasoline economic system numbers aren’t out but, however the achieve appears small. Lexus says the brand new mannequin may have mixed output of 17mpg, up from 16mpg for the 460.
However the greater measurement paid off when it comes to transportation. No matter what number of seats are folded or hooked up, you get extra cargo area within the 550. The second row folds simpler (or you possibly can select captain’s chairs), the door pockets are bigger, there are 12 cup holders, as much as 6 USB ports and an obtainable 120V inverter. The middle console can be bigger and now presents a “Cool Field”. It’s getting chilly sufficient to maintain meat and different perishables on the proper temperature, the GX’s chief engineer advised Street & Observe. The outdated infotainment system has been changed by the brand new technology RX – an enormous step – and by the most recent driver help methods, together with the semi-autonomous Lane Observe Help system for simple motorway driving.
Most method, financial institution and departure angles are 26, 24 and 22 levels respectively for the GX 550 Overtrail, versus 21/23/1 on the earlier mannequin. The Premium trim has a barely greater method angle of 23 levels, which is a results of the bigger spare tire mounted underneath the Overtrail’s rear bumper. The numbers symbolize a big enchancment during the last GX, however are nonetheless properly behind rivals just like the Land Rover Discovery. The rover can deal with 34 diploma approaches, 30 diploma breakovers and 27 diploma departures. Wranglers and Broncos trump even these numbers.
One saving grace, nonetheless, is that the Overtrail’s bumpers and help construction function a multi-piece building. Which means in the event you injury one half, you don’t have to exchange your complete entrance finish like many luxurious off-roaders do.
“We use a ladder body building. We consider that actual off-roaders needs to be constructed on such constructions. It offers us the off-road efficiency, reliability and sturdiness that’s required,” GX Chief Engineer Koji Tsukasaki advised Street & Observe by means of a translator.
That sturdiness is on the core of GX’s enchantment. He didn’t earn his popularity by beating the Wranglers on the rocks, he constructed it as a result of it was the truck you’d need to tackle 1000-mile cross-country journeys by the point you’re 20 years outdated. Let’s hope the brand new one lives as much as that popularity.
Deliveries are scheduled to start early subsequent yr. Costs weren’t introduced.
evaluation editor
Assessment editor Mack Hogan is arguably Street & Observe’s most moody worker and possibly the one one to ever cross an ND Miata with an Isuzu Vehicross. He based CNBC’s Automotive Opinions part throughout his sophomore yr and has been writing about vehicles ever since.