The 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail is a Return to Form

I’m not alone in admitting that I have a bias for luxury, and my loyalties tend to lie with the Germans. Time and time again they’ve proven they’re the gold standard, the benchmark for state-of-the-art technology and automotive innovation. I’m not ashamed of being a fanboy for the six-figure land yachts that BMW and Mercedes pump out yearly, but it’s made me jaded toward other competitors; Lexus being one of them. But the 2024 GX550 Overtrail convinced me to broaden my palette, and that Lexus has tapped back into its roots to deliver an exceptional luxury SUV.

The previous GX sat dormant in the Lexus lineup for nearly a decade, only receiving small cosmetic and interior updates here and there. The revamped GX550 is a much-needed breath of fresh air, sharing its all-new chassis with the returning Land Cruiser. Design-wise, the GX550 is an improvement in every sense. It’s much more refined and sleeker. I’d like to think that this is Japan’s take on the G-Wagon with its blocky off-road inspired looks. It’s quite the eye catcher, and I got a number of compliments from onlookers.

Power comes from a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 making 349 horsepower with a 10-speed automatic transmission; the V8 from the previous gen is long gone. My only complaint is that the new plant could benefit from a bit more torque. Put your foot down and the 2-ton SUV takes a while to get up to speed. I meddled with the seven adjustable driving modes (which include a Sport and Sport F option) to see if I could get a better throttle response. Sadly, I didn’t feel much of a difference. 

Aside from that, the experience of driving the GX550 was an absolute delight. The Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) delivers a smooth comfortable ride, and I was surprised at how responsive the handling was for an SUV of this magnitude. The interior also receives an immense overhaul with NuLuxe messaging leather seats, a 14-inch touchscreen display, and a 21-speaker surround sound system by Mark Levinson.

My journey with the 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail has been one of revelation and rediscovery. The GX550 represents a leap forward for the brand, blending high tech off-road capability with refined luxury in an attention grabbing SUV. Despite my minor quibbles about its power delivery, I’m still impressed by the GX550’s sleek design, advanced technology, and comfortable ride. It’s a testament to Lexus’s commitment to excellence and a reminder to keep an open mind when exploring the world of luxury automobiles.

For more photos, check out my Instagram @morethanatob