What an exciting time to be an overlander; the 4WD market is burgeoning with impressive offerings and more capability and capacity than ever. Toyota is the world’s largest auto manufacturer (by volume), working hard to retain its dominance as the most prolific and trusted producer of overland-ready models, even extending into their Lexus flagship brand. The Lexus name means something to the traveler: reliability and durability, with the GX holding the top spot for SUV reliability for many years. In fact, for 2022, the GX was the most reliable vehicle you could buy- full stop. And now, they are launching their newest GX, the most capable Lexus ever.
The GX has long been a darling of the overland community, with countless GX470 and 460 units built for long-distance adventure travel. We even built our own GX several years ago and were shocked by how comfortable and capable the vehicle was. The 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail has been redesigned from the tires up, using the impressive GA-F chassis from the Land Cruiser 300 and Tundra. This strong foundation allows for improved capacity numbers (like the 8,000-pound tow rating), better handling, and reduced overall chassis weight.
The specifications get particularly exciting with the Overtrail and Overtrail+ models, designed with the overlander in mind. To start things off with a mic drop, the GX550 Overtrail will have the new E-KDSS Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which uses sensors and couplers to actively connect or disconnect the front and rear anti-roll bars independently (the previous KDSS was all mechanical). For shocker number two, the Overtrail will get the first driver-selectable locking rear differential in a GX and an active torsion-style center differential with locking capability. To minimize front axle wheelspin, they employ advanced traction control via Multi-Terrain Select.
The Overtrail has the most attractive front fascia offered by Lexus in nearly two decades, yet it is still premium and modern. The fascia design will also easily accommodate aftermarket bumpers and hidden winch mount designs. This change also improves the approach angle to 26 degrees and allows room for the standard 33-inch diameter tire (it looks like a 35 will work with minimal modification) mounted to 18-inch wheels. The wheelbase is an ideal 112 inches, the same as every Land Cruiser wagon from the 80, 100, and 200. Even the colors harken adventure, with earth-toned offerings ranging from earth to silver. Even the transfer case has been redesigned to improve torque distribution in all-wheel drive and allow for a faster change between high range and low range.
The story gets even more exciting for the drivetrain, with a significant improvement in horsepower, torque, and economy. The 3.4 Liter twin turbo V6 produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are better than any gasoline or diesel offering in the GX or Prado. All that power connects to a 10-speed automatic, which should yield impressive 0-60 and economy numbers once announced. A hybrid model will be available at a later date.
For international travel, the GX is well suited, as it mirrors many of the components from the new Prado and is made in Japan. It also benefits from the Lexus service infrastructure in 90 countries and a Toyota service infrastructure in 170 countries.
While this is just our first walk-around of the new GX550 Overtrail, it is exciting. The 550 looks robust and purposeful in person, with only slightly larger dimensions than the outgoing model. The interior is intentionally durable and minimal yet retains a premium feel. I could not identify any notable concerns during the initial inspection, but I am surprised by the 17th combined MPG (although still better than the outgoing model). The 2024 GX is the best overland Lexus yet and by quite a margin. We cannot wait to get behind the wheel.
lexus.com | Price to be Announced
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.
