Lexus GX 550 Towing Review: Haul with Power & Peace of Mind

The all-new Lexus GX 550 blends opulent comfort with rugged promises, but can it truly handle your boat or Airstream without breaking a sweat? We hitched up to find out if it delivers both power and peace of mind.

The Towing Dilemma: Can a Luxury SUV Truly Replace a Truck?

The age-old question for anyone with a boat, a travel trailer, or heavy gear has always been the same: truck or SUV? For decades, the answer was simple. If you needed to haul serious weight, you bought a body-on-frame pickup truck, sacrificing daily comfort for raw, uncompromising capability. This created a two-vehicle problem for many families. The truck sat idle most of the week, while a more comfortable sedan or crossover handled school runs and commutes. The dream has always been a single vehicle that can effortlessly blend weekend workhorse with weekday luxury, a machine that feels just as at home at a black-tie event as it does at the boat ramp.

The Rise of the “Do-It-All” Vehicle

The modern luxury SUV market is a direct response to this dilemma. Buyers now demand vehicles that don’t force a compromise. They want the plush ride and advanced technology of a premium sedan combined with the rugged, go-anywhere, tow-anything spirit of a traditional truck. This is where the Lexus GX lineage has historically shined. Built on a robust truck-based platform, it has always offered a unique proposition. The all-new GX 550 aims to perfect this formula, promising to eliminate the need for a second vehicle by delivering on both fronts without apology.

• The Problem: Needing a capable tow vehicle that is also a refined and comfortable daily driver.
• The Traditional Solution: Owning a dedicated truck for towing and a separate car for daily use, which is often impractical and expensive.
• The Modern Goal: A single, no-compromise vehicle that excels in luxury, comfort, and heavy-duty capability.
• The GX 550’s Promise: To be that singular solution, merging a powerful new powertrain with the legendary Lexus refinement and off-road DNA.

Body-on-Frame vs. Unibody: The Towing Divide

Understanding the core construction of a vehicle is critical to understanding its towing prowess. Most modern crossovers and many SUVs use a unibody design, where the frame and body are a single piece. This is great for on-road comfort and weight savings but limits towing capacity and long-term durability under heavy loads. The Lexus GX 550, however, retains its body-on-frame construction, sharing its GA-F platform with giants like the Tundra and Sequoia. This design, where the body is mounted to a separate, rigid steel ladder frame, is the gold standard for towing and off-road abuse. It provides superior strength, stability, and resistance to the twisting forces a heavy trailer exerts on a vehicle.

• Unibody Construction: Lighter, more car-like handling, but generally lower tow ratings and less resilient to the stresses of heavy hauling.
• Body-on-Frame Construction: Heavier, more truck-like, but provides a vastly stronger and more stable platform for towing significant weight.
• The GX 550’s Advantage: Its body-on-frame architecture is the fundamental reason it can confidently tow loads that would overwhelm its unibody luxury competitors.

The Contenders: GX 550 vs. The Alternatives

The Lexus GX 550 doesn’t enter the ring unchallenged. The premium SUV space is filled with capable contenders, each bringing a different philosophy to the table. Choosing the right one depends on prioritizing specific traits, from rugged aesthetics to sheer V8 power.

The competition is fierce, but the GX 550 carves its own niche with a brand-new twin-turbocharged engine and a reputation for bulletproof reliability. It aims to be the smart, dependable choice in a field of charismatic rivals.

The British Icon: Land Rover Defender 110

The Land Rover Defender is arguably the GX’s most direct rival in spirit. It combines iconic off-road heritage with a modern, luxurious execution. Its unibody chassis is surprisingly stout, offering a tow rating that nips at the heels of the body-on-frame GX. However, the Defender’s appeal is heavily tied to its image and a more complex air suspension system. While immensely capable, potential buyers often weigh its long-term reliability and maintenance costs against the Lexus’s legendary reputation for dependability.

• Key Strength: Unmatched brand cachet and a sophisticated, tech-forward interior.
• Towing Philosophy: Uses advanced air suspension and a stiff unibody to achieve a high tow rating, offering a supple ride.
• Potential Weakness: Perceived long-term reliability concerns and potentially higher running costs compared to the Lexus.
• Engine Options: Offers a range of powertrains, including mild-hybrid inline-sixes and a powerful V8.

The American Mainstay: Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L represents a different approach. It’s a three-row unibody SUV that pushes the limits of its platform, offering impressive comfort and a respectable tow rating with its available V8 engine. It delivers a premium American luxury experience. The Grand Cherokee L is a fantastic road-trip vehicle and a competent tow rig for many, but it lacks the heavy-duty, body-on-frame foundation of the GX 550. For those towing frequently near its maximum capacity, the fundamental difference in construction can be a deciding factor in favor of the Lexus.

• Key Strength: Excellent on-road comfort and a well-appointed interior with user-friendly tech.
• Towing Philosophy: Maximizes the potential of a unibody platform, relying on powerful engines to do the work.
• Potential Weakness: Does not have the inherent structural rigidity of a body-on-frame design for extreme or frequent towing.
• Engine Options: Primarily the venerable Pentastar V6 and the powerful 5.7L HEMI V8.

The Domestic Heavyweight: GMC Yukon Denali

For those who believe there’s no replacement for displacement, the GMC Yukon Denali is a top contender. It’s a full-size, body-on-frame American SUV that offers massive interior space and the effortless grunt of a large V8 engine. The Yukon often out-muscles the GX in raw towing numbers, but it’s also a significantly larger vehicle. The choice comes down to scale; the GX 550 is a more maneuverable, garage-friendly package, while the Yukon is an unapologetically large rig built for hauling big families and big trailers.

• Key Strength: Cavernous interior space and the smooth, powerful delivery of its 6.2L V8 engine.
• Towing Philosophy: Traditional American approach—a big frame, a big engine, and a high tow rating.
• Potential Weakness: Its large size can make it cumbersome as a daily driver, and fuel economy can be a major consideration.
• Engine Options: Primarily the 5.3L V8 and the potent 6.2L V8, along with a diesel option.

Head-to-Head Towing Showdown: By the Numbers

When the discussion turns to towing, subjective feelings about luxury and style take a backseat to hard data. The specifications on paper provide a crucial baseline for understanding how a vehicle will behave when saddled with thousands of pounds of trailer.

Here, we break down the critical metrics that define a capable tow rig. It’s not just about the maximum rating; it’s about the engine’s torque delivery, the stability of the wheelbase, and the overall payload capacity that truly paint the full picture.

Maximum Towing Capacity: The Headline Number

This is the number everyone asks about first. The all-new GX 550 sees a significant jump over its predecessor, thanks to its new powertrain and robust platform. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims lead the pack with an impressive rating.

While competitors may post similar or slightly higher numbers, the GX’s capacity is firmly in the sweet spot for the most common recreational trailers, such as Airstreams, mid-size boats, and toy haulers. It’s a highly usable and confidence-inspiring figure.

Power and Torque: The Real Muscle

Horsepower gets you going fast, but torque gets the load moving. The GX 550’s new 3.4L twin-turbo V6 is a torque monster, delivering its peak pulling power low in the rev range. This is absolutely critical for towing, as it allows for smooth, effortless starts from a standstill, even on an incline. Compared to the naturally aspirated V8s in some rivals, the GX’s forced-induction engine provides a fat, flat torque curve. This means the power is always available, without the engine needing to scream at high RPMs to get the job done.

• Lexus GX 550: 349 hp / 479 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
• Land Rover Defender 110 (P400): 395 hp / 406 lb-ft of torque
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L (5.7L V8): 357 hp / 390 lb-ft of torque
• GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8): 420 hp / 460 lb-ft of torque

Stability and Control: Beyond the Engine

Power is useless without stability. The GX 550’s long wheelbase and body-on-frame construction provide an inherently stable platform. A longer wheelbase helps resist the “tail wags the dog” effect, where the trailer can push the tow vehicle around in crosswinds or during emergency maneuvers. Furthermore, Lexus includes a suite of standard technologies to aid in towing. Trailer Sway Control is integrated into the vehicle’s stability control system, and an integrated trailer brake controller is available, ensuring seamless and safe braking performance with a compatible trailer.

• Wheelbase: The GX 550’s 112.2-inch wheelbase provides a solid foundation for towing stability.
• Trailer Sway Control: Automatically detects trailer sway and applies individual brakes to help bring it back under control.
• Payload Capacity: It’s crucial to remember that the trailer’s tongue weight, passengers, and cargo all count against the vehicle’s payload. The GX offers a competitive payload capacity to handle these combined weights.

Real-World Performance: Our On-Road Towing Test

Specifications on a screen are one thing; real-world feel is another. To truly understand the GX 550’s towing character, we hitched up a 6,500-pound, 25-foot travel trailer—a common load for a vehicle in this class—and hit a mixed loop of highways, rural two-lanes, and graded hills.

The immediate impression is one of composure. The GX 550 never feels strained or overworked by the task. It approaches towing with a quiet confidence that is the hallmark of a well-engineered luxury vehicle.

The Powertrain at Work

From the first press of the accelerator, the twin-turbo V6 impresses. The 479 lb-ft of torque comes on early and strong, getting the entire rig moving from a dead stop with surprising ease and no dramatic engine roar. There is virtually no perceptible turbo lag. On the highway, the 10-speed automatic transmission is the star of the show. It finds the right gear quickly and holds it, preventing the annoying “gear hunting” that can plague lesser tow vehicles on inclines. Overtaking slower traffic is a stress-free affair, with the powertrain delivering a confident surge of power on demand.

• Low-End Torque: Makes launching from a stoplight or up a boat ramp feel effortless.
• Transmission Logic: The 10-speed transmission is expertly calibrated for towing, keeping the engine in its powerband without unnecessary shifting.
• Quiet Operation: Even when pulling a heavy grade, the engine remains remarkably refined and unobtrusive in the cabin.

Chassis and Suspension Under Load

This is where the body-on-frame GA-F platform proves its worth. The chassis feels rock-solid and utterly unfazed by the trailer’s weight. On undulating roads, there is minimal porpoising, and the suspension manages the load without feeling floaty or harsh. When passed by semi-trucks on the interstate, the GX 550 remained planted and stable, requiring only minor steering corrections. This inherent stability is a massive confidence booster on long-haul trips, reducing driver fatigue and stress. The available Adaptive Variable Suspension further enhances control by adjusting damping force in real-time.

Technology That Makes a Difference

Lexus has integrated technology that genuinely simplifies the towing experience. The available Towing Technology Package is a must-have, providing a suite of camera views that transform the often-frustrating process of hitching up.

The system makes lining up the hitch ball with the trailer coupler a one-person job. Furthermore, the integrated trailer brake controller is perfectly placed and easy to adjust, providing smooth, proportional braking that makes the trailer feel like a natural extension of the vehicle.

1. Select Trailer View: Engage the panoramic view monitor and select the rear camera.
2. Use Dynamic Guidelines: The screen displays guidelines that predict the path of the hitch ball as you reverse.
3. Align and Connect: Simply steer to keep the guideline pointed at the trailer coupler for a perfect alignment every time.
4. Confirm Connection: A top-down camera view allows you to confirm the coupler is securely latched over the ball.

The Verdict: Is the Lexus GX 550 the Right Tow Rig for You?

After analyzing the numbers and experiencing its real-world performance, a clear picture of the Lexus GX 550 as a tow vehicle emerges. It is not trying to be a three-quarter-ton diesel truck, nor is it a compromised crossover with an optimistic tow rating.

Instead, the GX 550 is a superbly engineered, premium multi-tool. It is designed for the owner who demands serious capability for their weekend adventures but refuses to sacrifice an ounce of luxury, comfort, or technology in their daily life.

Who Should Buy the GX 550 for Towing?

The ideal owner for a GX 550 tow rig is someone whose trailer falls comfortably within the 5,000 to 8,500-pound range. This covers a vast majority of recreational vehicles, from high-end travel trailers to ski boats and horse trailers.

This buyer values the peace of mind that comes with legendary reliability and the refined driving experience that Lexus provides. They want a vehicle that feels just as special on a Tuesday commute as it does pulling their Airstream into a national park on a Saturday.

• You’re a perfect fit if: You need to tow a boat, camper, or toy hauler between 5,000 and 8,500 lbs.
• You’re a perfect fit if: You want one vehicle that can handle family duties, luxury transport, and serious towing without compromise.
• You’re a perfect fit if: Long-term reliability and a quiet, comfortable cabin are just as important to you as raw towing numbers.
• You’re a perfect fit if: You also plan to venture off-road, as the GX’s capability in that arena is world-class.

When to Consider an Alternative

The GX 550 is not the universal solution for every towing need. If your primary requirement is hauling a massive fifth-wheel or a commercial-grade flatbed trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds, you simply need more truck. A heavy-duty pickup like a Ford F-250 or Ram 2500 is the appropriate tool for that job. Conversely, if you only ever tow a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis, the full capability of the GX 550 might be overkill. A smaller, more fuel-efficient unibody SUV like the Lexus RX or Toyota Highlander could serve your needs perfectly well while being more economical to run.

The Final Word on Capability and Comfort

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 successfully walks the tightrope between rugged utility and premium luxury. Its new twin-turbo V6 provides modern, efficient power, while its body-on-frame chassis delivers the unshakable stability needed for confident towing. It is a premium, purpose-built machine that finally delivers on the promise of a true “do-it-all” luxury vehicle. For the discerning buyer with a substantial trailer and high expectations, the GX 550 is not just a contender; it is one of the most compelling and well-rounded choices on the market today.

Final Towing Specifications & Checklist

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to safe towing. This section provides a quick-reference guide to the Lexus GX 550’s key specifications and a practical checklist to run through before you hit the road.

Always consult your owner’s manual and the specific decals on your vehicle and trailer for exact weight limits and instructions. Never exceed the manufacturer’s specified ratings for your vehicle, hitch, or trailer.

GX 550 Towing Specifications at a Glance

This table outlines the crucial numbers for the 2024 Lexus GX 550. Note that towing capacity can vary slightly by trim level due to differences in equipment and weight.

Your Pre-Departure Towing Checklist

Running through a consistent checklist before every trip is the best way to ensure safety and peace of mind on the road. It takes only a few minutes and can prevent major problems down the line.

1. Check Tire Pressure: Inflate tires on both the GX 550 and the trailer to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for towing (this may be higher than the normal pressure).
2. Secure the Hitch: Confirm the trailer coupler is securely latched onto the hitch ball and the safety pin or lock is in place.
3. Connect Safety Chains: Crisscross the safety chains under the hitch and securely attach them to the vehicle’s receiver.
4. Plug in Wiring: Connect the trailer’s wiring harness to the vehicle’s socket.
5. Test All Lights: With a helper, test the trailer’s turn signals, brake lights, and running lights to ensure they are all functioning correctly.
6. Set Up Brake Controller: If your trailer has electric brakes, adjust the gain on the GX 550’s integrated trailer brake controller. Perform a low-speed test to ensure proper braking action.
7. Check Mirrors: Adjust your side mirrors to provide a clear view down the sides of the trailer. Consider tow mirrors for wider trailers.
8. Secure Your Load: Ensure all cargo inside the trailer and vehicle is secured and will not shift during transit. Check that the trailer’s tongue weight is appropriate (typically 10-15% of total trailer weight).

Frequently Asked Questions about lexus gx 550 towing review

How does the GX 550 actually feel when towing near its maximum capacity?

It feels surprisingly planted. The new global platform provides a level of rigidity the old GX simply couldn’t match. You will certainly know the weight is back there during acceleration and braking, but there’s a distinct lack of the “tail wagging the dog” sensation that can plague body-on-frame SUVs. It manages the load with a quiet competence rather than audibly struggling against it.

Does the new twin-turbo V6 have enough low-end grunt, or will I miss a V8?

This was the central question hanging over the new generation. While the old V8 was legendarily smooth, it often felt like it was working hard. The new twin-turbo V6 delivers its substantial torque much lower in the rev range, which is exactly what’s needed for getting a heavy load moving from a standstill. You trade the classic V8 soundtrack for immediate, usable power for merging and climbing grades. For the task of towing, it’s a clear step forward in capability.

How does its towing stability compare to a dedicated half-ton truck?

A modern half-ton truck, with its inherently longer wheelbase, will always have a physical advantage in straight-line stability, especially when dealing with crosswinds. That’s just physics. However, the GX 550 closes that gap considerably. Its shorter wheelbase and tighter turning circle make it far more maneuverable when positioning a trailer in a tight spot. On the open highway, it’s exceptionally stable for an SUV, but it doesn’t completely erase the fundamental benefits of a truck’s longer footprint.

Is the luxury experience diminished when you’re actually using it as a tow vehicle?

The cabin remains remarkably quiet, isolating you from much of the mechanical strain and the added wind noise from a large trailer. The powertrain is smooth under load, and the integrated technology, like the trailer views on the large screen, feels like a natural part of the Lexus interface, not an agricultural afterthought. The main trade-off is in ride quality; even with the sophisticated suspension, you will feel the trailer’s inputs more than you would on a solo commute. The serenity is largely preserved, but the physical connection to the work being done is undeniable.

Ricardo Diaz

I was ringside for PWG’s ‘Eleven’ anniversary show and have been documenting the SoCal indie scene ever since. My reviews aren’t about star ratings; they capture the storytelling, in-ring psychology, and the evolution of performers from their early PWG days.