The 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail doesn't feel like a Lexus..is that okay?

#LexusGX #GX550 #4x4 #offroad #landcruiser

This week I've been testing the Lexus GX 550 in the #overtrail trim level with big tires, and tough add-ons to keep this #luxury offroader prestine. What's it been like to drive?

ollowing its much-anticipated debut in 2024, the Lexus GX sees several standard features added to its lineup in 2025, including a one-inch suspension lift now standard on Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades.

Redesigned from the ground up to inspire customers to pursue their urge to travel, take an unpaved path, and revel in the joy of driving, the GX brings intuitive technology, thoughtful interior touches, and continued off-road prowess that Lexus guests have come to expect.

Lexus enthusiasts have long praised the GX’s legendary off-road capability and its ability to tackle rough terrain, taking customers comfortably from errands to remote spaces. The GX is offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail and Overtrail+.

For a full breakdown of the standard and available features by grade, please see the GX

Evolved Engine: 3.4-L Twin Turbo V6 and Direct Shift-10AT
The GX comes standard with a highly capable and efficient twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission, and an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 21 MPG. The twin-turbo V6 produces 349 horsepower, outperforming the previous generation V8’s 301 horsepower, and torque output also rises to a massive 479 lb.-ft. The twin turbochargers deliver steady and consistent acceleration to easily control power delivery in both on and off-road scenarios. Towing capacity is up to 9,063 lbs. for Premium, Premium+, Overtrail+ grades and 9,096 lbs for the Overtrail grade with the standard tow hitch receiver.

Legendary Off-Road Performance
The GX has been known for its off-road prowess since the beginning, and the 2025 GX continues that legacy. Full-Time 4WD is standard for consistent responsiveness in varied terrain and in 2025, a one-inch suspension lift is now standard exclusively on the Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades, increasing the minimum running ground clearance to 9.84 inches.

Critical for off-road activities, the Torsen® limited-slip locking center differential is standard on all GX models, evenly splitting the engine’s power 50:50 to help provide exceptional control in low grip situations and prevent excess wheel spin. When accelerating during a turn, the Torsen® differential optimally distributes the driving force according to the load on the rear left and right wheels to achieve controlled performance. In straight-line driving, it responds well to changes in road conditions, contributing to overall vehicle stability.

For additional coverage, the Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades exclusively offer an electronically controlled locking rear differential, activated by a console-mounted switch, that splits the power evenly between the left and right rear wheel to help the wheels turn at the same speed. And, in certain situations, the locking rear differential is designed to ensure the power is directed to the wheel with traction.

The 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ have standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that provides a high level of balance between off-road drivability and on-road handling stability. This system locks and unlocks the front and rear stabilizer bars to assist with control and enhanced wheel articulation. Depending on driving conditions, speed, steering input and the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) setting chosen by the driver, the system can independently lock or unlock the front and rear stabilizer bars as needed.

Crawl Control can be engaged when the vehicle is in low range (L4) and allows the GX to move forward or in reverse at one of five-driver selected low speed settings. Crawl Control intuitively manages engine output and hydraulic braking pressure to help reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior. The GX has up to a 26-degree approach, 24-degree breakover and 21-degree departure angles.

The MTS system is designed to provide optimized drive power, hydraulic brake pressure and suspension control according to the selected mode. L4 has four modes: Auto, Sand, Mud and Rock. H4 has five modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud and Deep Snow. When MTS is on, the Multi-Terrain Monitor is engaged to assist the driver with increased visibility under and around the vehicle when driving off-road. The Multi-Terrain Monitor uses four cameras within the Panoramic View Monitor System (PVM) to transpose underfloor, front, side and rear-view camera images shown to the 14-inch display, allowing the driver to check road conditions, blind spots and distance between obstacles.

00:00 - GX overtrail is awesome
00:49 - New Engine
02:04 - Exterior
05:27 - Cargo
07:40 - Backseat
09:07 - Front seats
16:59 - Driving Impressions GX 550 Overtrail
22:57 - Cross Shopping GX
27:55 - Ranking the GX 550