Lexus Says ‘Yes’ to Accessory Catalog at SEMA

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

Beyond loading one of their nifty new 2024 GX 550 Overtrail models with a raft of burly accessories, the crew at Lexus has also dusted off a couple of older trucks for this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas.


First up, the newest (and best-looking) of this bunch. It’s an open secret around these parts that your author is smitten with the new GX 550 thanks to styling choices which include squared-off body panels and a very upright stance. The truck – because that’s exactly what this is – comes standard with 33-inch Toyo Open Country knobby tires and some underbody armor, to which the team added rock rails, Defender-esque rear window panels shod with rotoPax containers, and a roof ladder. All these items are apparently available in catalogs. In case you need a refresher, this third-gen GX packs a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine making 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

For reasons unknown, the brand is also using a pair of 2022 models to showcase some other parts and pieces from its Associated Accessory Product (AAP) program. The GX 460, which looks instantly dated next to the ’24, has been clad in a Saffron Yellow matte wrap before being piled on with rock sliders, a set of skid plates, a carrying rack, and a 63-quart fridge freezer tucked away. Those tires are, like the ones on its newer sibling, Toyo Open Country hoops.

The other brute is a 2022 LX 600, showing up at the show with an Aquamarine body wrap and subdued exterior trim bits. It, too, gets 33-inch Toyos plus a quick-deploying awning and camp kitchen bundle. The latter offers an easy way to prepare meals whilst out on the trail and is secured by a Yakima EXO SwingBase installed on the SUV’s trailer hitch. As proof this machine is ready to Do Leisure, someone installed stand-up paddleboard and surfboard mounts on the roof rack.


For fun, Lexus is also displaying a few builds completed by private owners, including 2008 and 2009 examples of the GX. I’m still taking the ’24 GX, though.


[Images: Lexus]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • El scotto El scotto on Nov 01, 2023

    Oh Lordy, all sorts of stuff for the nouveau riche to hang off their GX or LX while it's parked at a high-end shopping mall. I would imagine any serious off-roader would LOL at these, and they will be, hideously expensive accessories from your authorized Lexus dealer.


    With all that said a GX or LX will probably be my next vehicle. Buy one, drive it for 15 years. Kind of like my Navy pea coat, switch the buttons and just keep wearing it.


    Unless I hear an LC convertible signing its siren song.

  • Shahidul Islam Shahidul Islam on Nov 01, 2023

    I hope Lexus band is in the world best company.

  • Jeff One less option will be available for an affordable midsize sedan. Not much can be done about GM discontinuing the Malibu. GM, Ford, and Stellantis have been discontinuing cars for the most part to focus on pickups, crossovers, and suvs. Many buyers that don't want trucks or truck like vehicles have moved onto Japanese and South Korean brands. Meanwhile large pickups and suvs continue to pile up on dealer lots with some dealers still adding market adjustments to the stickers. Even Toyota dealers have growing inventories of Tundras and Tacomas.
  • Lorenzo This car would have sold better if there was a kit to put fiberglass toast slices on the roof.
  • Lorenzo The Malibu is close to what the 1955 Bel Air was, but 6 inches shorter in height, and 3 inches shorter in wheelbase, the former making it much more difficult to get into or out of. Grandma has to sit in front (groan) and she'll still have trouble getting in and out.The '55s had long options lists, but didn't include a 91 cubic inch four with a turbo, or a continuously variable transmission. Metal and decent fabric were replaced by cheap plastic too. The 1955 price was $1765 base, or $20,600 adjusted for inflation, but could be optioned up to $3,000 +/-, or $36,000, so in the same ballpark.The fuel economy, handling, and reliability are improved, but that's about it. Other than the fact that it means one fewer sedan available, there's no reason to be sorry it's being discontinued. Put the 1955 body on it and it'll sell like hotcakes, though.
  • Calrson Fan We are already seeing multiple manufacturers steering away from EVs to Hybrids & PHEVs. Suspect the market will follow. Battery tech isn't anywhere close to where it needs to be for EV's to replace ICE's. Neither is the electrical grid or charging infrastructure. PHEV's still have the drawback that if you can't charge at home your not a potential customer. I've heard stories of people with Volts that never charge them but that's a unique kind of stupidity. If you can't or don't want to charge your PHEV then just get a hybrid.
  • AZFelix The last time I missed the Malibu was when one swerved into my lane and I had to brake hard to avoid a collision. 1 out of 5⭐️. Do not recommend.
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