Lexus often goes long stretches between model redesigns and refreshes, so no surprise that its new GX luxury midsize crossover has been a long time coming.

As many mothers have repeated over the years, “Good things come to those who wait.” The 2024 GX 550 marked a major stride in the legendary nameplate with a boost in power and physical presence: It’s bigger in most every dimension — 5 inches longer, 4.5 inches wider and 2 inches taller. Even ground clearance increased to nearly 9 inches.

Yet it’s easy enough to get in and out. Standard power-retractable running boards deploy whenever the door opens. They can be left open indefinitely or, for taller folk who find them a shin-kicking nuisance, can be left in the closed position and out of the way.

GX also brings better off-road chops this year with a more rigid chassis and greater approach and departure angles. If that’s a priority, the two-row Overtrail version is your ride with 33-inch all-terrain tires, six terrain modes, crawl control and Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension. The Australian-developed system adjusts front and rear stabilizers that sense when a wheel leaves the ground.

Most will keep their Lexus on solid ground and they will prefer the three-row GX 550 in Luxury and Prestige trims, but don’t sell them short on the hills and mud. The rugged, boxy GX rides on the same new platform as the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV.

The GX grille was raised for off-roading, and the front windshield is nearly upright like a Jeep. LED headlights, fog lights and running lights are bolder. On the sides, fender flares wrap around hexagonal wheel openings while an LED light strip stretches across the rear.

Standard power comes from a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, which replaces the previous year’s V-8. No worry because the V-6 actually offers more power with 349 horsepower, and far more torque at 479 pound-feet. Delivering the power is a new, smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. And, every GX gets full-time four-wheel-drive with a locking limited-slip differential.

Acceleration is punchy: 0-60 mph comes in at 6.5 seconds, and the quarter-mile in around 14.5. It stays lively around town and during highway passing thanks to its broad torque curve.

Steering is accurate, brakes are responsive, and the GX holds corners and twisty roads well for the tall, boxy animal it is. The stiffer chassis helps, while an adaptive variable suspension responds to changing road conditions to keep bumps and dips out of the cabin. Drive modes for the Luxury and Premium include Normal, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Custom (for tweaking the ride to your preference).

Off-roaders get six terrain modes, including Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, Rock, plus Auto for those who want to leave the job to Lexus. The Overtrail also has a class-leading tow capacity of up to 9,096 pounds. The Luxury+ is less capable but still strong at 7,601 pounds.

With more power and heft comes, as expected, a combined mileage figure in the teens. The EPA estimates 15 mpg round town, 21 highway for a combined average of 17 mpg.

The Luxury+ cabin is elegant with top-notch materials throughout and exclusive features like a Dynamic Sky Panorama glass roof which can be clear or go opaque and block out some sun, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and even a cool box in the center console. There also are 14 preset themes for ambient lighting.

Leather-trimmed seats are heated/ventilated and offer the driver 10-way power adjustments and massage feature. Seats are firm enough yet comfortable for all-day driving.

Captain’s chairs in the second row limit capacity from seven to six but are well worth it. They recline some and offer more head- and leg-room than before. Window shades keep out the rising or setting sun. The third-row remains snug with higher floor and lower cushions, and is best left for kids.

Improved tech up front includes a new 14-inch touchscreen to house the infotainment system. It replaces the awkward touchpad-controlled system from last year but, fortunately, left the radio volume knob. The system uses Lexus’ Drive Connect navigation but also is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Driver tech includes a 12.3-inch driver information display plus a 10.7-inch head-up display projecting key data like speed, signage and navigation directions.

Before you leave on a trip, advise the family to pack light. While overall cargo space improves, with the whole gang along, there’s only 10.3 cubic feet in back — and that’s mostly vertical space. Power-down the third row for 40.6 cubic feet of space, and drop both back rows for nearly 77 cubes.

It’s easier to get to with a new power lift gate that replaces the barn door from last year. There’s also a convenient rear window within the lift gate that opens independently.

The safety package has been upgraded to Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise with curve-speed management, lane keep and lane center assists, and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection. It also has traffic-jam assist and surround-view cameras.

So, yeah, the GX was worth the wait with its tougher look, more power and better performance and safety technology. A hybrid is on board for 2025.

2024 Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ w/AWD

GX base price: $64,800

As tested: $82,545 (Includes Mark Levinson audio, panoramic glass roof, auto-power running boards, cool box in center console, cold-climate package with quick-heat cabin, second-row captain’s chairs, head-up display, adaptive variable suspension and optional traffic jam assist)

What's all the excitement about? Long-awaited redesign brings more power, tougher off-road chops, refrigerated console box, amazing glass roof that changes from clear to opaque.

Powertrain: 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine replaces last year’s V-8 but it’s more than enough with 349 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. Matched with 10-speed automatic which delivers power to all four wheels

How's the performance? Holds the corners admirably for tall, boxy build; adaptive suspension keeps it smooth and comfortable; 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds; off-road improves with 6 multi-terrain drive modes and Crawl Control technology

Fuel economy: Not a high point: EPA says 15 mpg city, 21 highway, for combo of 17 mpg

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