While Lexus may not be the first brand that comes to mind when discussing off-roading, its luxury SUVs, such as the LX and GX, are actually well-suited for navigating rugged terrain. Many of us typically think of Jeep, Land Rover, and Toyota as prominent off-road vehicle manufacturers. Despite its reputation for longevity and understated approach to marketing, the Lexus GX often flies under the radar due to its lengthy product cycles and aging designs. With the launch of its brand-new third-generation GX, Toyota aims to shake things up.
Revamped from the ground up, the all-new GX boasts a conventional, sleek body-on-frame foundation, also shared by the Toyota Sequoia and Lexus LX 600, yet injects cutting-edge tech to ensure its off-road prowess matches its opulent accommodations, wrapping passengers in supple leather, sumptuous luxury, and indulgent creature comforts. A doppelganger in a twin persona, eerily identical to the rugged Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen’s temporary appearance. Given the success of the latter, it’s no surprise that many aspire to emulate its approach. The Japanese G-Wagon then? Completely. For those who truly crave adventure and a sense of rugged freedom, the Toyota Land Cruiser is an invitation to leave the beaten track behind and conquer the most daunting terrain.
This wouldn’t be a convincing remark to the GX as its Overtrail+ trim is designed to silence any skepticism about Lexus’s off-roading capabilities? If the slim dashboard, sq. The aspect mirrors, roof racks and 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres wrapped around 18-inch wheels are a giveaway, but it’s the locking rear differential, black wheel arches, transmission skid plate, tow hooks and entrance skid plate that really reveal its rugged nature. While the Overtrail+ bundle prices out at an additional $18,750, it’s worth noting that five distinct trim options are available, each boasting its unique character: Signature, Premium, Luxurious, Government, and Overtrail.
The range includes options for both comfort and adventure, such as the Government trim with its spacious seven-seat capacity and luxurious semi-aniline leather, or the Overtrail+, designed specifically for off-road excursions.
Wrapped in a sumptuous coat of Draped on This Earth paint, the Lexus GX 550 exudes an undeniable allure, standing out as the most captivating SUV within the brand’s esteemed lineup. The vehicle’s stance is imposing, with a box-like profile that exudes authority, while the glossy black roof serves as a striking visual cue against the surrounding silhouette. The rear section is particularly noteworthy, featuring a prominent spoiler and a sweeping full-width bar that accentuates its broad presence, evoking the rugged charm of a vintage Tonka toy truck. While sharing similarities with the Lexus TX 500h, which we recently tested, this scale prioritizes on-road performance, offering features tailored towards comfort and ample space for up to seven passengers. While the tone of our planet, Earth, bears some resemblance to the “Path Mud” shade of a Land Cruiser, it lacks the vibrant yellow undertones characteristic of this color.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin that stands out for its comfortable height, although it doesn’t feel excessively large. While the compact crossover’s dashboard design draws parallels with rugged off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, it doesn’t depart significantly from what users familiar with Toyota’s NX or Lexus’ RX SUVs might expect. The interior design mirrors that of the RX, boasting a similar steering wheel and shifter configuration, while incorporating an enormous 14-inch infotainment touchscreen – housing the same intuitive system as its counterpart. This topic has a naturally intuitive learning path. Despite boasting robust features like driving modes and off-roading controls for the differential and transfer case, along with accurate climate control knobs for temperature and cabin air quality, we find it perplexing that accessing the massaging seat function requires an unnecessarily arduous 5-step navigation through the settings menu. It takes an additional three seconds to show up in your passengers’ proper attire afterwards. We opted for flat window sills instead of triangular ones, as resting our arms on them can be quite uncomfortable.
While the current Toyota Gazoo Racing (GX) lineup is limited to a single powertrain option, the GX 550, it’s likely that future variants will include a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric model. What’s the current status of your Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen? The 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine boasts an impressive output of 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is effectively harnessed by the 10-speed computerized transmission and a sophisticated four-wheel drive system. Lexus offers a wide range of adjustable settings to customize your driving experience. The vehicle features five distinct driving modes, including a customizable option, as well as four unique off-road settings that automatically adjust to optimize performance.
The V6’s impressive low-end torque and responsive acceleration give the impression of rapid velocity even when fully loaded. The transmission’s seamless integration delivers barely perceptible turbo lag and stutter-free performance, effortlessly selecting gears with a subtle yet decisive smoothness. While the largest enhancement over its predecessor lies in its on-road dynamics. Despite boasting off-road tires, the vehicle’s steering remains remarkably stable and true, delivering a surprisingly serene driving experience. While not ideal for vertical oscillations, this SUV still struggles on damaged roads, outperforming only the Wrangler in its poor performance, and significantly surpassing the capabilities of the off-road-ready Ford Bronco or Jeep Gladiator. As a driving force, navigating tight spaces or congested urban areas becomes effortless thanks to the GX’s compact dimensions, responsive handling, and advanced camera system that keeps you safely within lane markings, rendering the perils of close calls a distant memory.
There’s a steep learning curve for those transitioning to a new X from a previous-generation N or R-series model. You’ll need to adjust to the top-heaviness that comes with its rounded corners, allowing the GX to slowly come into equilibrium before unleashing power and allowing differentials to redirect torque to the most suitable wheel. Focusing on rapid output while minimizing initial effort yields optimal results. While some may compare the GX 550 Overtrail+ to the iconic Land Rover Defender, the latter boasts a significant edge in several key aspects. The Defender boasts impressive dimensions, offering ample space and unparalleled comfort, making it a superior choice for on-road excursions. We anticipate that the various trims of the GX will perform more impressively in a head-to-head on-road comparison.
Don’t expect exceptional fuel efficiency from a vehicle that’s essentially a brick on wheels, even if it has a few clever tweaks. Notably, our testing returned a fuel-efficient 15.1 litres per 100 kilometres, a respectable figure considering the blend of metropolitan and highway driving – comparable to other rugged vehicles such as the Jeep Wagoneer and Ford Bronco, which share similar characteristics.
The all-new Lexus GX 550 is an imposing off-road vehicle boasting a distinct personality that subtly references the G-Wagen, yet clearly charts its own course in terms of design and performance. The powertrain presents a pristine condition, while the interior boasts meticulous craftsmanship, replete with an abundance of luxurious amenities. The exterior features a robust geometric presence, characterized by distinct visual cues of mass, kind, and tactile quality. Needs abound here.
2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+
Earth with Black Roof
$83,500
$102,250
2,850
5,005 / 1,980 / 1,920
2,570
3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6
349 hp @ 5200 rpm
479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
10-speed computerized
Entrance engine, 4WD
: 15.1
Here’s an improved version: Toyo Open Country A/T II all-terrain tires, featuring a rugged design and robust construction to handle challenging off-road terrain, paired with durable 18-inch alloy wheels.
