The Lexus GX has been crowned the best SUV of 2024, combining luxury, capability, and comfort in a way that sets it apart from the competition. As a derivative of the iconic Land Cruiser, the new Lexus GX was designed to excel in both daily driving and off-road adventures. It successfully meets the challenge, offering a blend of rugged durability and refined luxury.
Why the Lexus GX?
The Lexus GX stands out for its sleek, modern design. The once-controversial spindle grille has been reworked into a more stately, refined version, blending seamlessly with the SUV’s squared-off, purposeful body. This is a design that is bold yet understated, making the GX look just as impressive on a city street as it does on rugged trails.
Inside, Lexus has created an interior that feels both functional and luxurious. Unlike some of its competitors that rely heavily on touchscreens, the GX features tactile, easy-to-use buttons, ensuring that drivers can find and use controls without taking their eyes off the road. The cabin is refined, with a well-placed touchscreen that is responsive and easy to navigate.
Under the hood, the Lexus GX is powered by a smooth 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This provides more than enough power to move the GX’s hefty 5,675-pound frame with ease, making it capable of handling both highways and off-road trails with confidence.
Affordable Luxury and Versatility
Starting at $65,285, the Lexus GX offers exceptional value. It undercuts many of its competitors while offering performance that rivals SUVs twice its price. The GX offers multiple trims, including luxury-focused options with massaging seats and 22-inch wheels, as well as off-road versions featuring specialized rock-crawling technology and all-terrain tires. Whether you prefer comfort or adventure, the GX is versatile enough to excel in both areas.
Runner-Up: Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is a strong contender for the title of best SUV, particularly in the electric vehicle category. As one of the first three-row electric SUVs, the EV9 stands out for its impressive range, pricing, and charging capabilities. The rear-wheel-drive “Light” trim starts at $56,395 with a range of 230 miles, while the long-range version offers 304 miles for $61,395. This makes the EV9 a compelling option in the electric SUV market, especially when compared to the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, which offers less range at a higher price point.
The EV9 also impresses with its fast-charging capabilities, charging up to 235 kilowatts, positioning it at the top of its segment. The driving experience is pleasant, though the ride could be improved over high-speed imperfections. The interior offers optional comfort features such as heated and cooled seats, second-row captains’ chairs, and even a massage function for the driver.
Conclusion
The Lexus GX is the best all-around SUV of 2024, offering a perfect balance of luxury, capability, and value. Whether you’re looking for an off-road adventure vehicle or a comfortable family SUV, the GX delivers. The Kia EV9, while an excellent electric option, rounds out the top choices with its impressive range and family-friendly features.
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