A Legacy Revived: The All-New Lexus GX
It’s been over 20 years since the Lexus GX first made its way to American shores, and since then, the GX nameplate has become synonymous with rugged luxury. Yet, it’s been a long 15-year gap since we’ve seen a major redesign—until now. The all-new 2024 GX, with its bold Overtrail trim, is not only ready to embrace its off-road heritage but also redefine it.
The Texas Truck Rodeo, hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association at Eagle’s Canyon Raceway, provided the perfect playground to put this machine to the test. Challenging terrains, muddy trails, and rocky inclines—this event was as tough as they come, and the GX 550 Overtrail was more than ready to show off its upgraded capability.
The Powertrain – A Twin-Turbocharged V6 Roars to Life
The GX nameplate has a loyal following, but Lexus has evolved this model to meet modern demands. Under the hood lies a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, replacing the aging 4.6-liter V8. This new powerplant brings with it 349 horsepower and a robust 479 lb-ft of torque—a significant leap of 48 horsepower and a staggering 150 lb-ft more torque than its predecessor. Combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it feels far more responsive and capable both on and off the road.
Performance-wise, the Overtrail delivers a 0-60 mph time of 6.49 seconds, right on par with Lexus’s claim of 6.5 seconds, even at an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level. And while the engine provides a strong punch when needed, it does so with the quiet refinement you’d expect from Lexus, whether you’re cruising city streets or ascending steep off-road inclines.
Exterior Styling – A Bold New Identity
The moment you lay eyes on the GX 550 Overtrail, it’s clear this is a new chapter for Lexus. With rugged yet refined design cues, the GX boasts a commanding presence on and off the road. The Nori Green Pearl paint—a deep, metallic green reminiscent of seaweed—adds a touch of sophistication to its aggressive stance.
The Overtrail trim features a unique front fascia, with a smaller spindle grille, raised cooling elements, and an off-road skid plate. The GX has evolved from the old model’s multiple facelifts to a thoroughly modern and imposing design. At a length of 197.4 inches, the GX is five inches longer than its predecessor, and it sits wider and taller for a stronger road presence. Its robust proportions, combined with 8.9 inches of ground clearance, signal that this SUV means business.
Tires and Suspension – Built for Adventure
Off-roading is where the Overtrail comes alive. With 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires, this SUV is ready to tackle any surface. The body-on-frame construction and an independent front suspension provide stability and comfort, while the solid axle design in the rear maintains that classic off-road feel.
The Overtrail’s upgraded four-wheel-drive system, complete with locking center and rear differentials, keeps the vehicle stable and confident when navigating treacherous trails. With the adaptive variable suspension and kinetic dynamic suspension, you get a balance of comfort and rugged capability—whether you’re rolling over rocks or gliding through mud.
Interior Comfort and Luxury – A Perfect Blend
Step inside the GX 550 Overtrail, and you’ll find an interior that mirrors Lexus’s commitment to luxury, with just the right amount of ruggedness for the adventure-bound. The two-tone cabin, a mix of olive green ultra-suede and light tan synthetic leather (NuLuxe), creates an inviting environment, whether you’re cruising the highway or traversing rough terrain.
Luxury is in the details. The seats in the Overtrail Plus trim offer heating, ventilation, and even a massage function—a first for the GX and a welcomed comfort after a long day of off-roading. Despite its focus on capability, the Overtrail doesn’t compromise on Lexus’s tradition of plush seating and convenience. However, some enthusiasts may wish for a touch more leather and wood on the dash to further elevate the cabin’s tactile quality.
The cockpit also includes Lexus’s modern tech suite: a 14-inch touchscreen interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display. The controls remain physical where they matter—like volume and climate adjustments—retaining that traditional Lexus touch, which keeps things simple and familiar.
Road Manners and Drive Experience – From Trail to Pavement
Taking the GX 550 Overtrail on the road reveals a refined driving experience, despite its body-on-frame construction. With seven drive modes ranging from Sport Plus to Comfort, the adaptive variable suspension makes the transition between firm, responsive handling and smooth, plush comfort seamless.
In Sport Plus mode, the GX’s dampers firm up, and the engine sound gets amplified, providing a sporty and engaging drive. But for those longer hauls, the Comfort mode softens the suspension, offering a serene and controlled ride. While not as silky smooth as some unibody competitors, the GX’s live rear axle gives it that authentic truck-based SUV character that appeals to off-road enthusiasts.
The cabin remains impressively quiet, even with all-terrain tires and body-on-frame design, allowing for a luxury experience that many competitors struggle to match. And with features like the standard sunroof, panoramic glass roof (available on higher trims), and massaging seats, comfort is always a priority.
Off-Road Prowess – Confidence in the Mud
The off-road trails at Eagle’s Canyon Raceway put the GX’s capability to the test, particularly since unexpected rainfall turned dry trails into mud pits and rivers. Yet, the Overtrail shrugged off these conditions, with the four-wheel-drive system smoothly transitioning through differentials and terrain modes.
Driving through water up to a foot deep, sliding across slick mud, and navigating uneven paths were made easy thanks to the GX’s adaptive suspension and electronic systems. Lexus’s decision to design hood bulges that indicate the position of the front tires helped greatly in maneuvering the vehicle precisely. Even when facing obstacles that required a wheel lift, the GX maintained stability and composure, making it feel like the off-road challenges were as easy as a drive to the store.
Final Thoughts – Lexus Reclaims the Off-Road Luxury Throne
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail isn’t just a redesign; it’s a revival. It’s a luxury SUV that provides an uncompromising off-road experience while delivering on-road comfort and the latest tech. Whether you’re a die-hard off-roading enthusiast or a family looking for a rugged yet refined daily driver, the GX is a compelling choice.
With prices starting at $64,250 for the Premium trim and the Overtrail slotting between the Premium Plus and Luxury trims at $69,250, Lexus offers an attractive range of options. The Overtrail Plus trim—offering massaging seats, upgraded interior features, and added off-road capability—lands at around $77,600, and fully loaded, comes just under $81,000.
As the GX 550 Overtrail arrives in dealer showrooms in early spring 2024, it stands ready to reclaim its place as a leader in the luxury off-road segment. It’s clear that Lexus has taken its time to craft an SUV that is both capable and comfortable, rugged and refined—a true evolution of the GX lineage.
Author’s Note:
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- Legend/Footnote: The Texas Truck Rodeo is an exclusive annual media event organized by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). This event brings together automotive journalists, manufacturers, and experts to evaluate and test the latest trucks and SUVs on challenging terrains, providing in-depth insights into vehicle performance and features in real-world conditions.
