By: Peter Gregorian
October 26, 2024
The 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail+ is the ultimate expression of luxury and off-road capability in the midsize SUV segment. Building upon the already impressive GX460, the GX550 Overtrail+ adds a host of features designed to tackle the toughest terrain while coddling its occupants in opulent comfort. After spending a week with the Lexus GX550, thanks to Toyota Canada Inc., there is a lot to love about the Overtrail+ and the completely redesigned GX.
The GX550 Overtrail+ boasts a rugged yet refined exterior that sets it apart and commands the attention and respect of other vehicles. A unique front grille, along with contrasting matte and gloss black trim against the “Earth”-colored paint, creates a do-anything, go-anywhere aura that is far from pedestrian.
The skid plates that protect the undercarriage from damage help ensure you’re never left stranded on the trail. The Overtrail+ rides on beefy 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires for maximum traction in even the wettest and muddiest of conditions. The attention-grabbing design is rugged with a touch of sophistication, which means business whether pulling up to a golf course or the start of a trail.
Step inside the GX550 Overtrail+, and you’ll find a cabin that rivals some of the finest in the luxury off-road segment. Perforated two-tone “Chateau” NuLuxe Synthetic Leather adorns the seats, while wood and aluminum trim add a touch of elegance to harder surfaces. The comfortable and nicely appointed cabin features easy-to-use physical controls and delivers the fit and finish you would expect from a higher-end model like the GX.
It was a nice surprise to discover that the front seats are not only 10-way adjustable, heated, and ventilated, but also feature a massage function to soothe tired muscles after a long day on the trail. This feature was well-used during the test, but it was disappointing that Lexus buried the settings for this function deep within the menus. Furthermore, this function would only stay activated for around 30 minutes, necessitating re-activation through a cumbersome process – a small but notable gripe for those who appreciate accessibility to added luxuries.
The second-row seating offers ample legroom, and while the seats are unable to fold flat, when folded and tucked behind the front seats, cargo space increases from 1,291 liters (45.6 cubic feet) to 2,563 liters (90.5 cubic feet). From a cargo loading perspective, the update from a swing door to a liftgate is a welcome improvement, making loading items in and out of the trunk easier. Retaining the opening rear glass hatch allows for easy access to the trunk, which is purposeful with a larger trailer, camper, or boat in tow.
Adding to the ambiance within the cabin, the 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system delivers crisp vocals and deep bass, with double-paned windows contributing to an insulated cabin that enhances acoustics within the cabin while also reducing outside noise.
The Overtrail+ package takes the already capable GX550 to new heights with a host of performance upgrades. The twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine receives a power boost to 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. When comparing this new powertrain to the 4.6L V8 of the last generation, it is prudent to mention that the motor does not feel as refined, falling short in the responsiveness and engine sound department. Despite this, the powertrain is robust and hauls the GX550’s 3,250-kilogram (7,165-pound) mass with relative ease. It can even tow up to 4,111 kilograms (9,063 pounds).
A two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing and locking center and rear differentials ensures that no obstacle is too tough to overcome. With Multi-Terrain Select, a feature carried across generations, an Electronic Kinetic Damper System (E-KDS) controls the sway bars and optimizes traction control for different surfaces like sand, mud, and rocks. Furthermore, Crawl Control also works to maintain a constant speed over rough terrain. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) alters suspension dampening to suit different situations and contributes to suspension articulation on trails, meaning more wheels stay on the ground and retain traction.
While drive modes can be useful in some instances, the GX550 Overtrail+ has far too many street-focused drive modes, including Custom, Sport Plus, Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Eco, which can be overwhelming even to the savvy driver. Reducing this option set from six modes to three would be a welcome change. Drive modes aside, the relative on-road performance of the GX550 Overtrail+ can best be described as neutral. While the electric steering in the GX550 is marginally less direct than the unit from the previous generation, it still offers adequate feel for a vehicle of this size and weight.
In the technology department, the GX550 Overtrail+ features a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. A 360-degree camera system with multiple views, including a front-facing trail camera and “underfloor” side cameras, is helpful for navigating parking lots and tight trails alike. Other notable features include a wireless charging pad, a color head-up display with off-road-specific information, a customizable 12.3-inch TFTI display, and a center console “Cool Box” for keeping water bottles chilled.
The Lexus Safety Suite delivers several features to keep drivers and occupants out of harm’s way. One noteworthy observation is that this version of the system nags the driver far too frequently without the ability to turn it off completely. Notifications and constant reminders for things like Front Cross Traffic alerts when making turns or driver inattention warnings when the driver detection sensor is obstructed serve to distract, annoy, and detract from the experience behind the wheel.
With its focus on off-road performance and a drag coefficient of 0.40, the GX550 Overtrail+ isn’t the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. Fuel economy figures are claimed at 15.3L/100KM in the city, 11.2L/100KM on the highway, and 13.5L/100KM combined; however, real-world combined fuel mileage across city, highway, and mild off-road driving revealed that it is only marginally better than the GX460 from a fuel efficiency perspective at 16.0L/100KM on the premium fuel it drinks. For those who prioritize capability over economy, however, the trade-off is well worth it.
Pricing for the GX550 Overtrail+ starts at $105,190.08, representing an $18,350 premium over the base GX550. Additional options on the unit tested included the $400 exterior paint job and $514 Pro Series Paint Protection Film. Additional options are plenty and range from Blackout Badges at $263.90 all the way up to off-road accessories such as Rock Rails ($1,419.50) and Roof Racks ($1,719.50).
The 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail+ is the ultimate expression of what a luxury off-road SUV should be. With its powerful engine, advanced four-wheel drive system, and premium interior appointments, it’s equally at home on the boulevard as it is in the backwoods. It retains many of the pluses from previous generation GX models while furthering the promise of perfection. Not often do cars make you feel like the king of the road, but the GX550 does that even despite its minor imperfections and grievances. Where other vehicles are stopped in their tracks, the GX550 gracefully glides past them.
