2024 Lexus GX 550: New ‘Overtrail’ Grade Giving Off Land Cruiser Vibes

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 will be powered by a detuned version of the LX 600’s twin-turbo V6, but a more powerful Hybrid variant is coming!

Boxy SUVs are back in a big way. The Defender and Bronco returned from the dead. The Wrangler and G Wagon never left. And here comes the completely redesigned 2024 GX 550. Built on the same platform GA-F Platform as the LX 600, the all-new GX is 2.75 inches longer and 3.74 inches wider, not to mention bolder and more chiseled, than the outgoing GX 460.

Under the hood of every GX 550, you’ll find a variant of the twin-turbo 3.4L V6 engine from the LX 600. In this form, it produces 349 horsepower and 479 ft.-lb. of torque. Interestingly, that’s similar to the horsepower tuning in the base model Toyota Tundra SR, while max torque matches the tuning in the LX. Lexus has already confirmed a more powerful hybrid that could produce 437 hp and 583 ft.-lb. of torque if Lexus decides to match the Toyota Sequoia’s power levels.

All GX 550 models also boast full-time four-wheel-drive with a Torsen limited-slip center differential, available adaptive suspension dampers, and a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.

Overtrail, Premium, & Luxury Grades

GX 550 Premium

Available in 11 total exterior colors, the all-new GX will offer six grades — Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the all-new Overtrail and Overtrail+.  Expect three-row, six or seven-passenger layouts for the Premium and Luxury grades, while the Overtrail appears to be a four or five-passenger, two-row configuration similar to the 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition.

Which is particularly fitting because the new Overtrail grades appear to be aimed squarely at Land Cruiser fans who are disappointed when the LC was discontinued here in the United States. On the outside, Overtrail GX 550s boast bi-tone exterior paint combos. Pictured throughout, we have the new color Earth paired with a black roof. Other colors include Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, and Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof. On the inside, expect two color options — Chateau with Olive Ultrasuede accents, or Black with Olive Ultrasuede accents.

GX 550 Overtrail+

Overtrail models also feature aluminum skid plates, black overfenders, locking rear differentials, and 33-inch All-Terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels. (Premium models come with 20-inch wheels standard and optional 22s; Luxury models all feature 22-inch wheels.) The Overtrail grade also features a standard Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved wheel articulation as well as Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems.

GX 550 Overtrail+ front seats

Heated and ventilated seats are standard on all GX 500 models, but if one steps up to Overtrail+, it boasts “an exclusive seat design for optimal off-road comfort.” Reading that, it’s similar language to how Toyota described its new isolation seat technology available on the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro. But Lexus representatives declined to comment on whether or not it was exactly the same, or even similar. Second-row 60/40 split bench seats are standard; second-row captain’s chairs are available.

Safety & Technology

No next-generation Lexus is complete without a massive interior and technology upgrade. And the GX 550 is no different. A digital gauge cluster comes standard. As does the Lexus Interface infotainment system with its large 14-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The overall design, as you can see in the above image, appears cleaner and less cluttered than the LX 600, which features a dual-screen center console.

A 10-speaker premium sound system is standard across the board. And, presumably with the + grades, a 21- Speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound is available as an option. Lexus engineers also paid special attention to ergonomics, with GX 550s offering up to 12 cup holders and up to 6 illuminated charging ports.

Last, and certainly not least, for any Lexus… Safety! All GX models include Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. Technologies involved include Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA).

Pricing & Availability

GX 550 Premium

The 2024 GX will be assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan and is expected to go on sale in early 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced.

ClubLexus First Reaction

Naturally, pricing and value will have to be discussed, but this new GX offers a lot of the features, performance specs, and grade offers we would have loved to see on the LX 600. The GX’s interior is less cluttered. Missing features like available massaging seats are present. The Overtrail grade promises genuine off-road performance with a smarter wheel and tire combo. And the whole thing looks rough and tough and ready to go.

It is a shame to see the twin-turbo V6 detuned (although not a surprise), of course. But news of a forthcoming hybrid variant in the future seems like it’ll more than make up for that (presuming the GX gets Sequoia-level power).

In short, the GX is more rugged, capable, powerful, and luxurious than ever before and we can’t wait to drive them all. Especially the Overtrail and Overtrail+ variants. (Although time will tell if Lexus’ new turbo-charged powerplants will boast the same longevity as the outgoing naturally aspirated V8s.)

2024 Lexus GX 550 Specs & Features

Courtesy of Lexus USA…

Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.