The newly redesigned 2024 Lexus GX combines bold styling, uncompromised capability, and sophisticated comfort in a midsize luxury SUV package. As an established icon with a loyal following, the 2024 Lexus GX builds on the model’s renowned strengths while introducing modern updates to increase its family-friendly flexibility.

But in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, the GX faces stiff competition from some similarly capable yet distinctive alternatives like the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, and Lincoln Aviator. So how does the 2024 Lexus GX compare? We’ll analyze the specs, capability, comfort, technology, and overall strengths of the GX versus key rivals to see how they stack up.

Key Comparisons: 2024 Lexus GX vs Competitors

Before diving into an in-depth analysis, here’s a high-level overview comparing key stats of the 2024 Lexus GX versus its closest competitors – the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, and Lincoln Aviator:

As illustrated by the comparison, when it comes to specs like seating capacity, cargo space, and off-road clearance, the 2024 GX is on par or slightly ahead of its rivals. Plus it boasts best-in-class V8 power, towing, and full-time 4WD capability – key reasons loyal enthusiasts rely on the GX year after year.

But competitors like the hybrid XC90 and turbocharged Aviator offer more powerful or more efficient powertrains alongside plush modern cabins packed with more family-friendly and technology features at similar price points. The MDX also impresses with its refined interior and athletic road dynamics.

So while the iconic capabilities and pedigree of the Lexus GX still shine, alternatives like the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 and Lincoln Aviator give midsize luxury buyers some compelling options to consider alongside the freshly updated GX when comparing competitors in this segment.

Let’s take an in-depth look at how these alternatives compare to the 2024 GX across a range of key factors:

Exterior Design and Styling

On the outside, the 2024 Lexus GX cuts a distinctive, truck-based profile compared to its crossover-based competitors. Its traditional body-on-frame construction not only contributes to that rugged aesthetic, but provides the strength, durability, and off-road capability expected in traditional 4x4s.

2024 Lexus GX: The revamped front fascia, redesigned projector beam headlights, and newly optional 21” wheels give the GX a commanding on-road presence, especially in the optional new Nightfall Mica paint scheme. And its traditional upright profile and pronounced wheel wells lend to the capable, truck-based look GX drivers appreciate.

Acura MDX: The latest MDX sports more confident lines and a bolder diamond pentagon grille design resulting in an athletic, modern SUV look. Shapely LED headlights and standard 20” alloys (or optional 21” wheels) also boost its road presence on top of its already commanding size.

Volvo XC90: With its sleek roofline sectioned by window pillars, Thor’s hammer LED headlights and stylish alloy wheels on the top trims, the XC90 has among the most sophisticated designs in class. And for 2023, subtle visual updates keep it looking modern.

Lincoln Aviator: Its confident posture and sharp lines present an athletic, yet upscale aesthetic augmented by smoothly sculpted surfaces. And plentiful chrome brightwork, available dynamic 22” alloys and a prominent mesh grille assert a premium Lincoln presence befitting of the name.

Capability and Performance

As a venerable icon of off-road readiness in the luxury segment, the GX’s truck-based ruggedness gives it an unmatched capability edge versus most rivals. But competitors continue upping their performance, too:

2024 Lexus GX: Its body-on-frame, full-time 4WD architecture with 8.1” of ground clearance provide renowned off-road talent. And the 301-hp 4.6L V8 offers swift acceleration while enabling best-in-class 6,500-lb towing.

Acura MDX: With SH-AWD torque vectoring all-wheel drive now standard plus an available air suspension system enabling over 7” of ground clearance, the MDX boasts impressive all-terrain manners itself while remaining a spacious, 3-row family hauler.

Volvo XC90: The plug-in T8 eAWD powertrain generates 455-hp and an impressive 472 lb-ft torque enabling swift sprints to 60 mph in under 5 seconds – aided by standard AWD grip. An available air suspension and upwards of 8” of ground clearance also add moderate off-road talents.

Lincoln Aviator: Its sophisticated twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine churns out a robust 494-hp and 630 lb.-ft torque in the top Reserve trim, hurtling it to 60 mph in a blistering 5.1 seconds – making it the quickest option here. Standard all-wheel drive helps apply all that grunt, though its road-tuned suspension limits off-road ability.

So the GX keeps its crown for true off-road readiness. But amid today’s demand for road manners and acceleration too, the turbocharged punch of the Aviator and electrified thrust of the XC90 T8 give those two alternatives a performance edge that makes them more well-rounded options overall.

Interior Comfort, Design and Versatility

Part of the 2024 GX update focuses on boosting its flexibility, features and passenger comfort to better fulfill modern family needs:

2024 Lexus GX: The GX now touts standard 3rd row seating and added cargo room, while new touchscreens, Android/Apple integration and Wi-Fi hotspot keep it family-friendly. And options like 4-zone climate control and heated/ventilated front seats maintain its luxury roots.

Acura MDX: The MDX sets a high bar with its richly trimmed, thoughtfully arranged 9-inch HD center display anchoring an overall tech-savvy cabin. Heated front seats, multi-zone climate control, remote start and multiple device charging points cover convenience angles, while available massaging front seats and 25-speaker ELS Studio audio treat occupants.

Volvo XC90: With four-zone climate control now standard and designs like open-pore wood inlays on offer, the XC90 ensures first-class comfort for all three rows. Front passengers can opt for massaging seats and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, while conveniences like wireless charging, power tailgate and hands-free liftgate boost flexibility.

Lincoln Aviator: From 30-way perfect position front seats and soft-touch wrapped dash to three zone climate control, ambient lighting and available reclining 2nd row seats, the Aviator pulls no punches on passenger pampering that aligns with Lincoln’s “quiet flight” ethos. Plus handy touches like a power folding 3rd row and standard hands-free liftgate ease hauling duties.

The refreshed GX makes big strides in passenger and cargo flexibility, but the richly outfitted MDX, urbane XC90 and unabashedly decadent Aviator still have an edge for stretching out and truly spoiling occupants.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

With safety technology ever-advancing, all four options here provide reassuring systems to aid awareness and help avoid accidents. But nuances in execution make some safety suites more intuitive and effective than others:

2024 Lexus GX: Now armed with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, the updated GX gains new active safety techs like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping technologies. Curtain and front side airbags plus 10 standard airbags provide robust passive protection, as well.

Acura MDX: The AcuraWatch suite bands handy assists like traffic sign recognition, driver attention warning and traffic jam assist to core features like adaptive cruise and lane keeping tech. And larger 10.2” front/rear radar systems plus nine airbags spread safety through the cabin.

Volvo XC90: Central to Volvo’s Vision 2020 goal of zero deaths or serious injuries in a new Volvo is its comprehensive array of driver assists and collision protection. From steering/run-off road mitigation and blind spot systems to cross traffic alerts and more, the XC90 deploys a multi-stage web of awareness aids.

Lincoln Aviator: Lincoln Co-Pilot360 brings expected assists like blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic and lane keeping features, while available upgrades build out the protection: active parking, evasive steer, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go and reverse brake assist stack even more safeguards. Further options like a 360 degree camera and airbag suspension allow seeing and avoiding even more hazards.

Overall, AcuraWatch and Volvo’s expansive approach to accident prevention give the MDX and XC90 the most cutting-edge and potentially lifesaving blend of active driver assists and passive safety systems.

Technology, Connectivity and Convenience

Modern vehicles aim to update cabin tech as quickly as consumer smartphones evolve. So infotainment, apps and device integration prove key areas where rivals try to outshine one another.

2024 Lexus GX: Dual rear seat entertainment screens are now offered alongside the new standard 8” touchscreen. An onboard WiFi hotspot provides web access, while Android Auto/Apple CarPlay become native features instead of needing phones for mirroring apps. And Lexus Safety Connect emergency services plus new trail route import and music storage through Lexus App Drive keep it capable off the beaten path.

Acura MDX: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration to the 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system lets passengers easily stream tunes and apps on the go. Built-in Spotify and Amazon Alexa stunting plus natural voice recognition amplify that connectivity. The available 25-speaker ELS system then turns things up to 1000 watts of immersive 3D audio bliss.

Volvo XC90: Google built-in infotainment lets Android users access services like Google Maps/Assistant without linking phones, while Apple CarPlay optimization keeps iPhone users satisfied. Other notable Volvo tech like battery-powered safety belts and camera-based driver monitoring demonstrate its ambition to push boundaries inside and out.

Lincoln Aviator: The Revel audio setup with its 28 speakers and rear seat concert hall effects highlight Lincoln’s dedication to sensory sanctuaries. A Wi-Fi hotspot keeps everyone online, SiriusXM 360L gives passengers more entertainment control, and the Phone as Key feature enables phones to unlock/start the Aviator for seamless access.

Built-in apps and cloud connectivity now permeate the segment, making it tricky to declare one clearly superior in the tech realm. But with phone mirroring, online services and audio upgrades satisfying different priorities for different people, most buyers can likely find an ideal blend of gadgetry across the GX and its key adversaries here.

Cost and Value Comparison

Base pricing sees the Lincoln Aviator come in priciest among this competitive set. But assessing the value distinction across trims as features accumulate gets more complex:

2024 Lexus GX: Starting at $55,350, the base Premium trim already includes the capable 301-hp V8 4WD drivetrain plus a solid roster of amenities. Higher trims like the $66,805 Luxury primarily pile on more upscale interior appointments with only mild performance boosts available. So you’re paying more for posher accommodations than additional capability with pricier packages.

Acura MDX: With a base price of $49,095 (or $52,195 AWD), it slightly undercuts the GX to start while ladling on ample premium features like leather seating surfaces, open pore wood trim, an ELS Studio sound system and AcuraWatch safety suite. However from there, the top $61,695 Advance trim with air suspension, massaging front seats, 25-speaker ELS audio and more accounts for a $12,600 upcharge – giving the MDX one of the widest value spectrums in segment.

Volvo XC90: At $56,850, the XC90 Momentum kicks off just above GX territory, but balances that with one of the most generous standard feature sets around: leather seating, navigation, hands-free liftgate, blind spot monitoring and more leave little lacking. Around a $15,000 gap then exists up to the $72,550 Inscription Expression plug-in hybrid model with its added thrust, luxury and driver aids. So while not inexpensive, you do clearly get more for the extra money.

Lincoln Aviator: It opens as the priciest option at $58,305, but already treats drivers to a long roster of upscale amenities and technology as standard equipment. Stepping up to the pinnacle $90,860 Grand Touring indulge both driver and passengers further with the peak powertrain, ultimate luxury, and every tech extra Lincoln can provide. Given all that’s included though, Aviator pricing follows a value arc consistent with its lavish ethos.

The Lexus GX and Acura MDX bookend this group with AWD models starting just below $55K and range topping versions cresting $60K. The Volvo and Lincoln take two different approaches on pricing versus extravagance between trims, but arguably follow logical value stepping stones befitting their brands. Ultimately all provide reasonable bang for the buck depending on priorities.

The Verdict: Which Luxury Midsize SUV Is Right For You?

The 2024 Lexus GX brings valued upgrades to capability, passenger room and connectivity while upholding the brawny, go-anywhere persona its loyal drivers expect. But as the most road-focused, family-tailored alternatives here demonstrate, buyers prioritizing interior luxury, passenger pampering and acceleration over off-road talent may find better balances elsewhere.