2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ Built for Real-World Adventure

By A.Giron | June 9, 2025

The Lexus GX has always been a durable, go-anywhere SUV wrapped in premium materials. For 2024, the new generation pushes that reputation further. Now built on a tough new platform and redesigned from the ground up, the GX 550 Overtrail+ specifically targets drivers who want real trail capability with everyday luxury.

This is no pavement-only showpiece. The Overtrail+ model—priced from around $75,900—ditches the third row to make room for adventure gear and drops side running boards to maximize ground clearance. If you spend weekends off the beaten path or frequently tow and haul, this is the GX you’ll want.

What’s New

Under the hood, Lexus replaced the old-school V8 with a modern twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. The result is strong: 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery is silky smooth across a wide RPM range, and the new 10-speed automatic transmission makes the most of it.

All Overtrail+ models include full-time four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and trail-ready tech such as crawl control and multi-terrain select. Grip is enhanced with 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels. In short, it’s ready for everything from sand dunes to snowpack.

Exterior Design

Lexus designers gave the Overtrail+ a purposeful, strong look. Paint colors lean toward earthy, outdoor-friendly tones, while black trim and accents add a modern, athletic feel. The wide stance, squared-off profile, and aggressive front fascia give it a muscular presence that hints at its capabilities.

Roof rails, overfender cladding, and exposed side steps remind you this SUV is more than a pretty face—it’s ready for rough roads and tight trails. It looks just as natural in the backcountry as it does in an upscale shopping center.

Power and Performance

The new turbo V6 brings effortless torque to the table. Whether climbing steep dirt tracks or merging onto highways, the GX delivers power smoothly and confidently. You won’t mistake this for a lightweight crossover—at over 5,500 pounds, it’s a solid-feeling machine—but the powertrain is more than up to the task.

On-road acceleration is respectable, with 0–60 mph coming in around 6.5 seconds. More importantly, off-road control is superb thanks to low-range gearing, a locking center differential, and an available locking rear differential. You can tackle challenging terrain without breaking a sweat.

On the Road

Despite its off-road focus, the Overtrail+ is a surprisingly refined highway cruiser. Lexus engineers fitted it with an adaptive KDSS suspension that reduces body roll and keeps the ride composed. It handles winding roads with confidence and smooths out bumps with typical Lexus polish.

You will hear a bit more tire noise than in the pure luxury GX trims due to the all-terrain tires, but overall, the cabin remains impressively quiet and comfortable. Steering and braking feel appropriately weighted for a large SUV, giving the driver a sense of control and stability at all speeds.

Interior Comfort and Tech

Step inside, and the Overtrail+ balances rugged practicality with Lexus-grade luxury. The five-seat cabin is trimmed in Chateau NuLuxe and Olive Ultrasuede—a durable, upscale combo perfect for active lifestyles. By removing the third row, Lexus creates more usable cargo space for gear-heavy adventures.

Front and center is a large 14-inch touchscreen running Lexus Interface software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are cloud-based navigation and voice control. The available 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounds fantastic in most conditions, though serious audiophiles may notice a slight lack of bass at highway speeds.

A digital gauge cluster, optional head-up display, and 360-degree camera system round out the high-tech experience, making it easy to navigate both crowded streets and tight trails.

Safety and Off-Road Features

Standard safety features include lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with curve speed management, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a full suite of pre-collision systems.

When the pavement ends, the GX 550 Overtrail+ really shines. KDSS adaptive suspension, crawl control, multi-terrain select, and low-range four-wheel drive make this one of the most capable luxury SUVs on the market. Whether you’re navigating a rocky pass or creeping down a slippery slope, this system inspires confidence.

Carsfera’s Verdict

If your ideal SUV must handle ski weekends, fishing trips, off-road adventures, and daily commutes in equal measure, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ hits the mark. It offers genuine off-road ability without sacrificing the comfort and technology luxury buyers expect.

Our well-equipped test model rang in around $81,250, which feels like strong value considering its breadth of capabilities and premium execution. Downsides? Fuel economy is average at best (expect about 15 MPG city, 21 highway), and there’s no hybrid option yet. But for buyers who value go-anywhere ability paired with everyday livability, there are few competitors in this space.

The new GX isn’t trying to be a crossover. It’s a true SUV for modern explorers—and a lot of fun to drive.