The Lexus GX is one of those rarities - a legend in its own time. It's perfect combination of luxury with ruggedness and true off-road capability continues to captivate the adventure-minded.
The first-generation GX was introduced in the U.S. market in 2002. The all-new GX shares a new platform with the LX 600. New this year, the first-ever Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades, which take its already legendary capabilty to the next level with additional off-road equipment. (The + model is the more luxurious of the two.)
After reviewing the Luxury+ grade in August, I had the chance to take the new GX 550 Overtrail off-roading at the 2024 Texas Truck Rodeo held by the Texas Auto Writers Association in late September. What an experience! Honestly, when I think about all the precise engineering that goes into an off-road vehicle like this one, it's really mind-boggling!
Doused in mud from the day's activities, the GX still managed to shine. The Overtrail lineup adds exclusive style features like this model's two-tone exterior Atomic Silver/Black Roof. Overtrail upgrades also include beefier tires. We're talking standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels. Other features include black accented overfenders and a standard aluminum skid plate. (Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds reviewed the Overtrail earlier this year sans the mud. You can check out his review here.)
So how does the GX Overtrail perform on the off-road course? I hit the the trail in Decatur, Texas with Toyota Motor North America's Greg Thome to find out. Wow did it prove itself more than capable. Power from its 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with 349 horsepower and a fantastic 479 lb.-ft. of torque propelled us up and over a rock feature. It masterfully handled the water feature as well.
The Overtrail benefits from off-road features that include Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, and a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor.
In the cabin, I love the GX's new 12.3-inch digital display, and on this off-roading occasion especially the amazing drive mode select graphics. Another key thing to make note of is that designers gave the GX a new simplified, lower instrument panel design. The result is a flatter dash for better visibility.
Other Things to know:
The Overtail grades add an electronic locking rear differential for maximum traction and Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved wheel articulation. This is on top of standard Full-Time 4WD with a Torsen limited-slip center differential with locking feature. The Overtrail will also tow up to 8,000 pounds with the standard tow hitch.
Big changes under the sheet metal for the entire GX lineup include:
- Newly developed double-wishbone front suspension, paired with a multi-link rear suspension, to achieve both a high level of off-road driving performance and on-road prowess
- New Electronic Power Steering enables increased steering feel on and off-road.
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Toyota says switching between 4hi and 4lo is now faster versus the previous generation due to electronic transfer case enhancements.
While there is one standard powertrain available now, a hybrid powertrain will be available in the U.S. at a later date.
My thanks to TMNA's Greg Thome for riding along with me and sharing some of the highlights of the new GX Overtrail!
To check out my review of the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ click here.
