When it comes to off-roading, Lexus isn’t exactly the first brand that comes to mind. Most of us think of Jeep, Land Rover, or even Toyota. However, many of us overlook the Lexus GX, likely due to its lengthy product cycles, dated designs, and behind-the-scenes marketing approach. But the new third-generation GX aims to change that.

Brand new from the ground up, the new GX retains a traditional, narrow, body-on-frame foundation that also underpins the Toyota Sequoia and Lexus LX 600, but adds a handful of tech to ensure it’s just as competent in navigating rough terrain as it’s cosseting occupants in leather, luxury, and creature comforts. A dual personality, then. Sounds like the same brief as the Mercedes G-Wagon. Seeing how well the latter sells, it’s no surprise many want to follow suit. The Japanese G-Wagon then? Absolutely. Leave the Toyota Land Cruiser to the drivers who actually want to head off the beaten path.

Which wouldn’t be a fair comment to the GX as this new Overtrail+ trim aims to squash all doubt about Lexus and their off-roading prowess. If the narrow dashboard, square side mirrors, and roof racks didn’t give it away, then maybe the 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires wrapping 18-inch wheels will, or the locking rear differential, black wheel arches, transmission skid plate, tow hooks, or front skid plate. The Overtrail+ package costs an additional $18,750 but there are five other trims to choose from, each offering their own personality: Signature, Premium, Luxury, Executive, and Overtrail. These can range from more comfortable variants, such as the Executive with seven-seater capability and semi-aniline leather, to off-road-focused powerhouses with our Overtrail+.

Draped in this Earth paint colour, the GX 550 is nail-bitingly attractive and the best-looking SUV in the Lexus stable. Its upright posture is boxy and commanding, the black roof offers enough visual contrast to the silhouette, and the rear is eye-catching with the rear spoiler and full-width light bar that stretches out its visual width, giving a Tonka toy truck appearance. The dimensions are similar to the Lexus TX 500h we recently drove but the latter is more on-road focused with features catered towards comfort and spaciousness for seven. Of note, Earth is very similar to the new Land Cruiser’s Trail Dust hue but not as yellow or saturated. 

Hop inside and you’ll find a tall but not particularly wide cabin. The short dashboard alludes to its functional layout, much like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but there’s nothing here unfamiliar for those upgrading from a NX or RX SUV. You’ve got the same steering wheel and shifter as the RX, and the same infotainment unit but one housed inside a gargantuan 14-inch touchscreen. It’s a logical unit with a shallow learning curve. There are still hard buttons that operate driving modes and off-roading controls for the differential and transfer case, as well as actual dials for the volume and cabin temperature. However, we still find it silly that it takes five presses through the settings menu just to turn on the massaging seats. It takes an additional three to turn on your passenger’s right after. We wish the window sills were flat instead of triangular-shaped, as it’s rather uncomfortable to rest our arms on. 

The GX is only available with one powertrain, the GX 550, although we surmise that a plug-in hybrid and fully electric variant are in the works. Again, look at the G-Wagon brief. Its 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 is good for 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is then sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system. Lexus also offers a plethora of settings adjustments. There are five driving modes, including a custom mode, and four separate off-road modes with an auto function. 

The V6 delivers decent low-end thrust and feels quick when all cylinders are firing. With hardly any turbo lag or hiccups in the powertrain, it’s a polished unit that picks gears assertively yet shifts with a gentle smoothness. However, the biggest improvement over the previous GX is its on-road manners. Even with off-road tires, the steering doesn’t wander about and the ride is relatively calm and composed. Unsurprisingly, it does not handle vertical oscillations very well, and its wooden ride can suffer over broken roads, faring worse than a similarly off-road-equipped Ford Bronco or Jeep Gladiator, but it’s more tolerable than the Wrangler. On the bright side, threading the GX through narrow streets or cramped parking lots is made easy thanks to its narrow body, light steering, and an army of cameras to keep the guardrails from being painted with the colours of Earth.

There’s a learning curve for those graduating from an NX or RX. You will have to get used to its top-heavy feel around corners, allowing the GX to settle first before powering down and letting the differentials route the torque to the optimal wheel. Slow in and fast out is the best approach. Some may compare the GX 550 Overtrail+ to the Land Rover Defender but the latter has it beat in many areas. The Defender is more spacious, more comfortable, and is a better on-road companion. We think the GX’s other trims will fare better in a direct on-road comparison. 

Don’t expect above-average fuel efficiency numbers either from what is essentially a sandy brick with wheels. We achieved 15.1 L/100 km over an equal mix of city and highway driving, not too far off from other truck-like rigs like the Jeep Wagoneer or Ford Bronco. 

The new Lexus GX 550 is a stately off-roading carriage with a distinct personality that may appear to mimic the G-Wagon, but it’s evident that Lexus took their own path in design and functionality. The powertrain is smooth, the interior is well-crafted with a range of expected premium features, and the exterior boasts enough geometric muscle, with distinctive visual mass, form, and texture. There’s no shortage of desire here.

Specifications:

Model: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+
Paint Type: Earth with Black Roof
Base Price: $83,500
Price as Tested: $102,250
Wheelbase(mm): 2,850
Length/Width/Height (mm): 5,005 / 1,980 / 1,920
Curb weight (kg): 2,570
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 349 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, 4WD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 15.1
Tires: Toyo Open Country all-terrain 33-inch tires; 18-inch wheels