Lexus is famous for its luxury vehicles, but the automaker has delved into the off-road world with capable fortitude. Not long ago, we field-tested a GX 460 and found it to be a promising platform for overlanders as well as a daily driver trail vehicle. To complement this lifestyle, the new 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail was unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Outdoor Show. The Overtrail project is designed for the new era of off-road trail-worthy sophistication.

In June, Lexus announced the third generation of the GX that will debut later this fall and into the early winter. Hopefully, this new era of GX SUVs builds off the previous generation but adds off-road flair learned from other projects such as the LX 600 “OFFROAD” JAOS.

The 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail Combines Luxury and Trail-Riding

The Lexus SUVs are always unique vehicles because they combine luxurious aesthetics inside and out with the ability to navigate rugged terrain. The GX, for example, can be used to drop the kids off at school and immediately head to rough and remote trails without worry.

The new GX may look familiar to off-road enthusiasts. Lexus, as part of Toyota’s luxury division, has designed and built the 2024 GX off of Toyota’s New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F) program. The TNGA-F is a very structurally sound body-on-frame platform that is currently being utilized on all new Tundra, Tacoma, and any other Toyota truck and SUV, such as the 2024 Land Cruiser.

The GX and the new Land Cruiser share many similarities and even a near-identical side profile. This video breaks it down a lot more than we can.

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The new generation gives the GX a sleeker look with a squarer appearance to resemble other off-roaders like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Ineos Grenadier, and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. From the outside, the 2024 GX Overtrail looks like a mean machine you can take anywhere. But the inside is where it becomes distinctively Lexus.

Inspecting the Lexus GX Overtrail

The flagship trim of the 2024 Lexus GX are the Overtrail and Overtrail+ models. The GX has had off-road capabilities since its debut in 2002, but these editions take it to the next level.

The 2024 GX 550 boasts 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque across all four models. Drivers get 17 miles per gallon with a 3.4L V6 Twin Turbo engine. We prefer a manual option, but the GX 550 will have a 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission in every model. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ feature an 8,000-lb towing capacity, making towing easier for off-roaders hauling mid-size boats, RVs, horse trailers, and more.

A significant difference between the GX Overtrail and its other models is the wheels. Overtrail and Overtrail+ owners will get 18-inch wheels and 33-inch tires. The GX Overtail also receives all-terrain tires, allowing off-roaders to take their rig almost anywhere.

Taking the Overtrail Off-Road

Now, let’s look at the Lexus GX Overtail’s advanced off-road features. We like the ride height of 11.1 inches with an overall height of 76.18 inches. Typically, the GX holds seven people, but the Overtrail models only have two rows to seat five people. The reduced seating makes fitting the neat off-road features in the GX easier.

The Overtrail models have an electronic locking rear differential, making the GX more responsive in various terrains. Its Torsen differential makes the uneven terrain much more manageable by assisting acceleration and traction control.

Off-roaders are also aided with the implementation of the electronic-kinetic dynamic suspension system (E-KDSS), a system in use and highly developed since 2004. The new GX also benefits from improved handling and ride quality over the previous models. 

The Lexus GX Overtrail grade includes a suite of standard off-road features, including Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), which can help to control the throttle and traction, and Crawl Control, which uses sensors to help adjust acceleration and braking on challenging terrains. Overtrail grade also comes with Multi-Terrain Monitor that displays front, side, and rear camera views with just the touch of a button to assist in offroad visibility.

The new GX loses its long-running V8 and is now powered by a 349 hp 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6. For now, the Overtrail and the other models will be gas-powered. Lexus says the GX will have a hybrid powertrain debut later. A hybrid option could provide even more torque on the trails.

Going Off-Road in Style 

The Lexus GX looks to be a formidable off-road vehicle — especially looking at the Overtrail models. We like the electronic locking rear differential and other enhancements to make the ride smoother. A big unknown right now is the price, which could start near the $80,000 mark. We’ll know more details later this fall.