First Review: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Tested Off-Road

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is almost here, and we now get our first look at how the luxury SUV performs off-road.

The current Lexus GX is well overdue for a redesign and that is finally coming in the form of the 2024 Lexus GX 550. We have seen the pictures and read some of the stats, but nothing beats getting the new SUV out on the road, or even better, off the road to see how it performs in the real world. The new GX is not being converted into some sort of crossover soft-roader type of vehicle. It remains an honest body-on-frame SUV with Toyota Land Cruiser Prado underpinnings. So, it should be plenty capable off-road, especially in Overtrail trim which is tested in this video.

The video comes to us courtesy of the Chasing Cars YouTube channel that is based in Australia. They had the opportunity to put the 2024 Lexus GX 550 through its paces on trails in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. We get our best look yet at the inside of the luxury SUV as well, but the fun part is seeing how it hold up on the trails. By the looks of it, this SUV should have no problem getting you anywhere you want to go.

Interior Design

Before we hit the road, we get a look at the interior design of the new Lexus GX 550. It looks well finished like every other Lexus. However, it is not dripping with luxury. It reminds us of the interior of a Land Rover Defender. Straight, squared off, and rugged. Similar to the exterior design. This SUV is not for impressing passengers with thick wool carpets or a quilted leather dash. The inside of the new GX is all about the business of going off-road. And business is good.

Off-Road

This is where the rubber meets the dirt. The GX has plenty of electronic and mechanical features that will help you conquer tough terrain. You get center and rear locking differentials. As well as the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that will disconnect the sway bars to improve articulation. On the electronic side you get Multi-Terrain Select which allows you to choose between drive modes such as Sand, Mud, Rock, and an automatic mode that will sense the terrain for you. There are also multiple camera views to help you navigate your way around obstacles. Crawl Control is also part of the package which helps you slowly climb up or down hills. And visibility is excellent. Power from the 3.4L twin turbo V6 is plentiful as well. These features combined with beefy 33-inch tires allow the GX 550 to handle the course with ease.

On-Road

How does it perform on the road? That is the big question, and one that is still pending as this Lexus was only tested on the off-road course that was designed for this outing. And let’s be honest. 99 percent of Lexus GX 550 owners will never see a course anything like this in the real world. Most of these new vehicles will be used for taking the kids to school and lugging a set of golf clubs to the country club. So, before we can pass judgement on the new SUV, we really need to see it on the road. Hopefully that day will come soon, and we get to have a chance to get behind the wheel ourselves. But until that time, if you are in that one percent group that plans to use the GX to take on some trails, then this is looking like a winner.

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.