Four-wheel drive with a low range is standard across the board, as is a center locking differential. The standard powertrain in the GX550 is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine and a 10-speed automatic. This is the same engine found in the Toyota Tundra, the Toyota Sequoia, and the Lexus LX600, and in the GX550 it produces 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claims a combined fuel-economy rating of 17 mpg, a slight bump over the old V-8 GX460's 16 mpg combined. Lexus says that a hybrid is coming later, and we expect this setup to have a similar configuration as the Tundra and Sequoia's iForce Max, with a bit more horsepower courtesy of an electric motor and slightly improved fuel economy.
The GX's suspension features the same setup as the LX, with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) feature that can disconnect the front and rear anti-roll bars continues on, but it's now done electronically. Adaptive dampers are standard. Upgrades for the Overtrail include a rear locking differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires with 18-inch wheels, and skid plates.
Inside, the new GX's dashboard looks far more modern than before—no surprise given that the previous GX had been around for more than a decade. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominate the driver's view, and the touchscreen runs Lexus's latest infotainment system with improved voice commands. A combination of two physical knobs and touch-sensitive buttons control the HVAC system, and there are switches and buttons on the center console near the shifter for the four-wheel-drive system, drive modes, and differential locks.
The lineup starts off with the Premium and Premium+ grades, and the Luxury and Luxury+ models will presumably add more equipment (Lexus hasn't detailed available features by trim yet). These will be offered with either a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The Overtrail adds the off-road upgrades and comes with other visual tweaks, while the Overtrail+ will come with extra features commensurate with the Luxury trim. The Premium and Overtrail models offer 8000 pounds of towing capacity, while the Luxury trim can tow 6990 pounds and the Luxury+ can tow 6780 pounds.
Eleven exterior colors will be offered. The interior comes standard with faux leather and will be available with semi-aniline leather on the higher trims, while the Overtrail has attractive green suede accents on the seats.
