Owner’s Perspective: 12,000 Miles With the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+
The Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ is a fun vehicle to drive in all kinds of conditions, but it also has at least one big downfall.
The Lexus GX 550 debuted for the 2024 model year, representing a redesign for the long-running model that is about as extensive as they come. In fact, the newest GX shares essentially nothing with its predecessor, whether that be platforms, bodywork, or tech, and the changes go much further than that. The Lexus GX 550 also introduced us to the new Overtrail and Overtrail+ models, which are more off-road focused and come equipped with a variety of updates that make it more capable in that regard.
In this recent video from the YouTube channel DownshiftPass, we get to hear all about how the new Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+, specifically, has held up and performed over the past 12,000 miles. Right off the bat, our host points out that getting in and out of the more rugged GX has proven to be somewhat challenging for older folks, but he also notes that the new, twin-turbocharged V6 – a controversial piece as it replaced a beloved naturally-aspirated V8 – has more than enough power to make that a non-issue.
Ride quality is solid as well, with our host noting that the GX doesn’t exhibit any additional “jitters, shakes, or extreme amounts of roughness.” He’s getting around 16.5 miles-per-gallon overall thus far, which is good but not great for a vehicle like this, but he also adds that it’s fun to drive. There are loads of niceties present inside, but there is one particular issue with the Overtrail, in general – it only has two rows of seating instead of three like other trims, so for those that have larger families, it may not be the best choice.
Along with that, our host also calls cargo space “abysmal,” which doesn’t help in regard to making it more family-friendly, either, and that’s true of even the glovebox, which he calls “tiny.” That seems to be one of the more major complaints that many Lexus GX 550 owners have about their vehicles in general, which tend to simply lack storage space in pretty much every possible area.
Other than that potential major issue, the GX Overtrail+ certainly fits the bill, at least for this particular owner, who finds it to be rather fun to drive both on and off the pavement. It certainly isn’t for everyone, but then again, that’s precisely why prospective shoppers have more than one trim level (and model) to choose from.
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Top Image Credit: Michael S. Palmer
Screengrabs: DownshiftPass
