{"id":32477,"date":"2024-03-31T14:38:48","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T18:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=32477"},"modified":"2024-03-31T15:32:02","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T19:32:02","slug":"payne-muddin-in-the-rugged-lexus-gx-yes-lexus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/payne-muddin-in-the-rugged-lexus-gx-yes-lexus","title":{"rendered":"Payne: Muddin’ in the rugged Lexus GX (yes, Lexus)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Holly<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 The steep descent into Holly Oaks ORV Park\u2019s boggy Big Valley via Electric Slide Trail is no picnic. The crest above me, depending on Mother Nature\u2019s mood, alternates sending mudslides or sand runoff onto the trail. The dirt path is rocky, uneven, with a habit of opening up holes that will swallow a vehicle\u2019s front corner. Survive the descent and you\u2019ll still have to navigate the steep\u00a0ascent<\/em>\u00a0up The Troubles on Big Valley\u2019s backside.<\/p>\n

Good thing I was driving a Lexus GX. That\u2019s right, a Lexus.<\/p>\n

The brand known for its pampered dealer service, sippy hybrids and posh rides has long had a gas-guzzling, off-road model hiding in plain sight. But with the 2024 model year, GX gets a proper muscle-shirt wardrobe to match the gym-toned bod underneath. Off-roading is in, and GX embraces Lexus\u2019s inner rock warrior much as the V8-powered Lexus LC 500 gives life to the brand\u2019s sportscar ambitions.<\/p>\n

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The 2024 Lexus GX 550 4WD shows off its impressive suspension articulation as it navigates Holly Oaks ORV Park. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n

My GX shares its rugged ladder-frame truck bones with Toyota\u2019s forthcoming, similarly priced Land Cruiser off-road bruiser, and both look the part for \u201824. From its square corners to its round headlights, Land Cruiser is a Land Rover with a Japanese accent, and the Lexus looks butch as well. With its squared-off fenders and tear-drop grille, the GX might be the love child of a Lexus and GMC Canyon.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s quite a contrast from the softer, more familiar Lexus bod found on GX\u2019s mid-sized stablemate \u2014 the unibody three-row TX that I used to move furniture over the winter holidays.<\/p>\n

Sure, my Overtrail + tester cost an eye-watering 80 grand (like the TX500h F Sport), but the GX\u2019s ripped pecs and biceps beg to be exercised off-road \u2014 especially in its clingy new wardrobe. My tester was dressed in Earth and Black Onyx that matched its natural Holly Oak habitat. Like Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Gladiators, Ford Broncos, GMC Canyons, Chevy Colorados and other native beasts, the GX\u2019s ladder frame is tough as nails.<\/p>\n

WHUMP! WHUMP!<\/em>\u00a0The GX\u2019s frame rails \u2014 lifted 9.7 inches in the air by 33-inch all-terrain Toyo tires \u2014 absorbed the deep ruts of Holly Oaks winter-torn landscape. Not a shudder, not a groan. Fat skid plates under the Lexus\u2019s nose also help absorb impacts.<\/p>\n

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The 2024 Lexus GX 550 4WD shows off its 24-plus inch wheel articulation over Holly Oaks moguls. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s impressive,\u201d said my driving mate Tom Zielinski, who designed Holly Oaks off-road Hellscape and has piloted every vehicle under the sun through here.<\/p>\n

True to its luxury badge, the Lexus brings premium technology to the off-road experience (OK, the rugged Toyota 4Runner has it, too). Dirt-kickers like the Wrangler Rubicon and Bronco Badlands offer (respectively) manual and electronic disconnecting, button-actuated front sway bars for when you want to increase suspension articulation and keep both wheels on the ground over sketchy terrain.<\/p>\n