FYI: Driving the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+ Through California and Oregon Brings Mixed Challenges and Rewards
Road Trip Journey with the Lexus GX 550
BEND, Oregon – "I hope it’s worth the noise!" might have been Richard Lewis’ line in the classic movie Robin Hood, but it perfectly encapsulates my sentiment on a recent road trip from Agoura Hills, California, to Bend, Oregon. This 13-hour drive in the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+ showcased an impressive yet challenging experience with the vehicle’s accessory roof rack installed.
Accessory Roof Rack Decision
As detailed in the first part of my GX Outdoor Adventure Road Trip Story, the Premium and Luxury trims lack Overtrail’s raised roof rails. This led me to choose the $1,580 accessory roof rack over the $440 Lexus cross bar for the journey. Amidst considerations of aesthetics and functionality, the roof rack aligned with a vision often associated with high-end off-road vehicles like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G 550. The main goal was to determine its practicality, especially for carrying a rented kayak in Bend.
Kayak Transport: A Practical Test
Upon arriving at Bend Kayak School and Rentals, a conversation with Daniel, one of their experts, confirmed the roof rack’s utility. The increased surface area provided stability and ease for securing the kayak, making it apparent that the rack wasn’t just for show. Despite challenges posed by the GX’s tall build, loading and unloading the tandem kayak became manageable with some clever methods, including using door sills as steps.
Additional Gear: A Hefty Load
The road trip wasn’t limited to just a kayak. The GX 550 also sported a Yakima Stage Two Heavy-Duty Bike Rack on its standard 2-inch trailer hitch. Despite a hidden hitch panel, the bike rack installed seamlessly, thanks to its user-friendly design. Notably, the GX’s rear pop-up window feature allowed easy access to the cargo area without moving the bike rack, a significant convenience over competitive setups like those of the Land Rover Defender.
Family Comfort and Cargo Space
Meeting my family in Bend meant needing substantial cargo space. The GX’s third-row seat setup accommodated a stroller, bike, and a wide array of adventure gear without issues. Even with one seat folded down to accommodate large items, the space was efficient and spacious. The boxy design of the GX made it feel roomy in the third row, ensuring comfort during long drives.
In-Cabin Storage and Technology
In-cabin storage turned out to be adequate, with sizeable cup holders and adequate door storage. The wireless phone charger and an efficient infotainment system with an over-the-air update for CarPlay added convenience. However, certain design elements, like the wooden trim and passenger-side storage, left room for improvement. Surprisingly, the Lexus infotainment performed well over extended use, and the driver assistance features posed minimal annoyance once properly configured.
Performance and Final Thoughts
Driving the GX 550 exceeded expectations in terms of performance, practicality, and versatility, although it faced limits in its off-road capabilities and fuel efficiency. For regular road adventurers not frequently venturing into rugged terrains, the GX’s strengths might outweigh these concerns. The roof rack, though beneficial during this trip, might not justify its presence for all users, particularly if frequent kayaking or roof tenting isn’t in the plans.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+ proved to be a reliable companion with its blend of luxury and ruggedness, yet some of its features such as the full roof rack might be overkill for average use. Practicality and comfort combined with tech-savvy features made the long drive enjoyable and stress-free. For a full-fledged outdoor adventure, the GX 550 stands tall, both literally and metaphorically, but potential buyers should weigh their genuine needs against the added costs and noise.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
