Here’s our GX 550 video on YouTube.
Regarding mid-size, luxury SUVs on the larger side built for rough terrain, it’s tough to beat the Lexus GX. Sure, there are the formidable G-Wagon and Land Rover workhorses, but if we’re forced to narrow it down to non-European models, the Lexus GX has been proving its off-road capabilities for over two decades.
For 2024, the entire GX lineup gets a significant overhaul, entering its next generation. Lexus drops the GX 460 nameplate for the new GX 550 – gaining new looks, improved powertrains, revamped interior, and more.
Release Date: Lexus tells us the new 2024 GX will go on sale sometime early 2024. It will be assembled in Japan, out of the company’s Tahara plant.
GX 550 Performance Specs:
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 |
| Horsepower | 349-hp |
| Torque | 479 lb.-ft. |
| Towing Capacity | 8,000 lbs. |
| Transmission | 10-speed Direct Shift auto transmission |
| Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD |
| Wheels | 18″ alloy |
| Tires | 265/70R18 |
In our view, the best update is the addition of the new 2024 GX 550 Overtrail and Overtrail+. A sophisticated utility vehicle taking its off-road prowess to another level – and a machine we first saw in concept form at the 2023 Tokyo Outdoor Show. From concept to production, this upscale adventurer is now a reality.
The GX 550 Overtrail sits in the middle of the 2024 GX 550 pack, between the entry-level model and range-topping GX 550 Luxury/Luxury+. Lexus blessed it with some distinct features you won’t find on the other trims, allowing customers to add more potential products, accessories, and GX 550 gear sometime in 2025, according to Lexus. Here’s a complete look at all 2024 GX 550 trims available.
Off-road features setting the GX Overtrail apart
Locking rear differential, wider stance, off-road wheels & tires, and an updated suspension
Unlike the other GX trims, the Overtrail rides on smaller, burlier 18-inch wheels wrapped in standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires for optimal traction on the unpaved roads. Furthermore, its rear thread is wider, measuring 4.06 inches, compared to the GX Premium and GX Luxury’s 3.26 inches. That’s a significant difference.
It sits wider as well at 4.52 inches, compared to the regular GX’s 3.74 inch width, and exclusively gets an electronic locking rear differential as standard, for improved traction and control.
Couple this with the GX Overtrail’s Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) and an array of other tech like Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems, it’s safe to say this premium hauler won’t many issues out in the backcountry.
Earthy two-tone exterior colours & chiseled looks
Across the board, the entire 2024 GX lineup looks sharp. It manages to pull off bold, burly proportions while retaining a high dose of luxury in terms of design and exterior styling.
But yes, the GX Overtrail sets itself apart. While the other GX trims will be offered in 11 different, single colours, the Overtrail exclusively gets the bi-tone exterior colour combination treatment. Lexus chose combos that reflect more natural tones and hues, including:
- Atomic Silver/Black Roof
- Incognito/Black Roof
- Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof
- Lexus-first Earth/Black Roof
GX 550 Overtrail Interior
A lower instrument panel, improved button placements, and new black-olive interior colour
Inside all GX 550s, expect a completely new cabin. The redesigned, horizontal instrument panel now sits lower for improved visibility and a better view of the optional HUD. Lexus retained the hard switches and dials for the important stuff, and moved the off-road control closer to the gear shifter.
The Overtrail exclusive stuff:
Overtrail’s interior trims come in a GX-first colour combination of Black NuLuxe trimmed interior with Olive Ultrasuede accents. For a cleaner look: Chateau NuLuxe trimmed interior with Olive Ultrasuede accents and black ornamentation. Another minor difference: all models get six illuminated charging ports; Overtrail finds four.
New 2024 cabin tech:
Standard is a 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3 Multi-Information Display (MID), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various charging ports throughout. Wireless phone charging upfront will cost extra. Also standard is a 10-speaker audio system with the option to step it up to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround system setup.
Power: No More V8
Pushing all new GX models is a 3.4L V6 twin-turbo engine. Yet, the Overtrail grade tows more than the range-topping GX 550 Luxury and GX 550 Luxury+, rated at 8,000 lbs. versus 6,990 lbs. and 6,780 lbs., respectively. Below is a quick look at the outgoing versus the new:
| Spec | 2023 GX 460 | 2024 GX 550 Overtrail |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.6L V8 | 3.4L V6 |
| Horsepower | 301-hp | 349-hp |
| Torque | 329 lb-ft | 479 lb.-ft. |
| Towing Capacity (max.) | 6,500 lbs. | 8,000 lbs. |
Takeaway
This new GX 550 grade is clearly designed for overlanders, off-roaders, and weekend warriors alike. With the opportunity to buy OEM add-ons and aftermarket gear down the road, the only thing stopping most of us will be the GX’s new price, which has not yet been announced.
It’s built to tow with 8,000 lbs. towing capacity, and while the V8 is gone, the new twin-turbo V6 adds way more power, torque, and towing figures than before. We love the way it looks, and the toned-down, two-tone colourways look sharp. We’ll post official pricing here once it is released.
Check out these other 2024 new and redesigned SUVs worth considering.
2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Photos:
