2024 Lexus GX 550

Inside the cabin, the first thing I noticed was the headroom. It feels airy and spacious even before opening the sunroof.

That said, the GX is a little more narrow than I expected. I do feel slightly closer to my passenger than in some other midsize SUVs, so keep that in mind if width is important to you.

Infotainment System

Compared to the Land Cruiser, the GX leans much more digital. Fewer knobs and buttons but Lexus kept the important ones:

• Permanent climate control display
• Physical knobs for heat and volume (thank you)
• Wireless charging
• USB-C ports
• 12V outlet

One surprise? No cool box in this trim — something the Land Cruiser offered. Personally, I’d rather have the storage space anyway.

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Second Row: Car Seat Reality Check

Now for what you really want to know: How car seat friendly is it?

Short answer: It works — but it’s not a three-across machine.

Space & Layout

• Lower anchors on the outboard seats
• Three tether anchors across the bench
• Heated and ventilated second-row seats
• Ceiling vents
• Charging ports

What’s missing?
No built-in sunshades — which is disappointing at this price point.

Rear-Facing Fit

I tested two compact options:

• Britax Poplar
• Nuna Urbn

Both worked well especially the Nuna Urbn since it’s more compact front-to-back. If you’re tall and doing a traditional infant seat with a bulky base, it’s going to be tight.

I would not call this the most rear-facing-friendly SUV on the market. It works with the right seats, but rotating or deeply reclining seats could make things cramped.

And the doors? They do not open wide enough. When you’re lifting a 20-pound baby in and out, that matters.

Big Yikes.

The 2024 Lexus GX is offered in both a two-row and a three-row configuration.

• The two-row version (most commonly found in the Overtrail and Overtrail Plus trims) seats up to five passengers and gives you more cargo space behind the second row.
• The three-row version is available on other trims (like Premium and Luxury) and expands seating to up to seven with a third-row bench. You can hardly fit a gallon of milk in the trunk with the third row up. I would not recommend the three row GX for families who plan to use to the third row often.

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