The New Lexus GX Cashes In On The Overlanding Thing With Overtrail Model

The 2024 Lexus GX is back to basics with boxy good looks that made the older Toyota Land Cruiser Prado a mainstay in the off-roading community. But the new GX builds on the SUV's legacy as one of the carmaker's most capable and sophisticated off-roaders with a new Overtrail trim, a first for the Lexus GX.

Clearly, this is Lexus cashing in on the latest off-road and overlanding craze. But the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail and Overtrail Plus (+) grades are, more or less, natural progressions for the GX, which is to say this doesn't seem like a futile exercise in branding.

The Overtrail trims don't just debut the rad two-tone paint of the latest Lexus GX; they also add functional upgrades and mechanical changes. These include an electronic locking rear differential and standard aluminum skid plate, among other things. The lineup of the new model begins with the base Lexus GX Premium, then the Lexus GX Premium Plus (+), Lexus GX Luxury, Lexus GX Luxury Plus (+), Lexus GX Overtrail and Lexus GX Overtrail Plus (+).

The two Overtrails (or is it Overtrailers?) are now the pinnacle of the GX, but unfortunately, we don't know what these will cost yet. For now, let's take a look at what the new trims add to the venerable GX, and peer into the SUV's design.

First things first: two-tone paint, or bi-tone as Lexus refers to it, is radical. It elevates the looks of the bland beige that Lexus chose to showcase the new GX Overtrail. The paint finish will only be available on the two top trims, but not only in the beige and black seen here, officially known as Earth/Black Roof. There will also be options for Atomic Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, and Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof. Who knows what "incognito" means, though.

The Lexus GX Overtrail and Overtrail Plus (+) are also wider than other GX trims. Whereas the overall width of the new GX is 3.74 inches greater than the previous GX, the Overtrail models are 4.52 inches wider. The wheelbase of all GX models is standard at 112.2 inches, which is 2.36 inches longer than before.

The overall length of the new GX is now 197 inches, or 2.75 inches greater than the outgoing model. And these new GXs are all built on the GA-F platform, the same as the current Lexus LX.

The GX Overtrail and Overtrail Plus (+) are also taller than the other trims, sitting at 76.2 inches in height. But that's not a huge difference from the lower trim GXs, which sit between 75.4 and 75.6 inches tall. The Overtrail trims also have slightly different off-road geometry than the rest: an approach angle of 26 degrees, breakover angle of 24 degrees and departure angle of 22 degrees.

The differences in height are partially due to the standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires of the GX Overtrail and Overtrail Plus (+). Both of these will come with dark-colored 18-inch wheels, which almost recall classic off-road wheel designs.

The Overtrail models also get a slightly refined interior, which is saying a lot given the luxe interior of the entire lineup. The differences come mostly from the exclusive seats in the cabin, which feature Ultrasuede Olive-colored accents and are optimized for off-road comfort, according to Lexus.

Thanks, Lexus, for reminding us we're not fancy enough for leather duffle bags. I suppose if I were a Lexus GX owner, I might be. In any case this promo shot is a decent point of reference for the sheer size of the new GX, which has taken on slightly beefier proportions with this redesign.

Two words: light bar. I may not be a huge fan of the simple typeface and spacing of the new GX's rear lift gate — I feel like the SUV is mocking me by reading "L...E...X...U...S" out for me slowly, so that I can understand what I'm looking at. But that light bar more than makes up for it.

All models will be powered by the same 3.4-liter twin turbo V6, which makes 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GX's engine will be paired with a 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission, and it features full-time AWD. Lexus says the estimated fuel efficiency will be a combined 17 miles per gallon.

The GX Overtrail and Overtrail Plus (+) can also tow up to 8,000 pounds, the same as mid-grade GX Premium models but higher than the base GX models, which tow between 6,780 and 6,990 pounds. What follows is a look around at the overall exterior and interior of the new Lexus GX 550, a no-notes redesign.