2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Blends Luxury and Off-Road Prowess

Since its U.S. introduction in 2003, the Lexus GX has carved a niche in the off-road luxury SUV category. The latest iteration, launched last year as the 2025 GX 550, represents a significant redesign to meet the growing demand for all-terrain luxury SUVs. I recently had the opportunity to test drive the off-road-oriented Overtrail model and am eager to share my impressions. The growing popularity of outdoor activities has undeniably fueled sales of off-road SUVs. These vehicles offer a unique blend of practicality and ruggedness, capably handling daily commutes and challenging terrains. While popular economy models like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota 4Runner dominate the segment, advancements in off-road technology have allowed manufacturers to expand their offerings into the luxury realm, incorporating features like multi-terrain systems, adaptive suspensions, and advanced safety technologies. This is where the GX 550 Overtrail aims to shine. The 2025 GX 550 Overtrail faces stiff competition from other luxury SUVs offering a blend of off-road capability and premium features. Competitors include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Defender, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Armada. However, the GX 550 Overtrail distinguishes itself with its luxurious appointments, genuine off-road capability, and Lexus's renowned reliability. Stepping into the five-seat GX 550 Overtrail, the immediate impression is one of refined ruggedness. Lexus has carefully balanced luxury appointments with practical off-road features. The cabin is comfortable and well-appointed, with high-quality leatherette and suede microfiber upholstery. The 14-inch infotainment touchscreen has a user-friendly layout, offering crisp graphics and intuitive navigation. Other features include a power-adjustable steering column with a memory function and pre-wiring for auxiliary switches. The standard air compressor is practical for off-road enthusiasts. The Lexus Memory System adds another layer of convenience, and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provides a comprehensive suite of safety features. Exterior styling is distinctive, with a more rugged and aggressive look than previous GX models. The 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires complete the off-road aesthetic. All models have four-wheel drive, and the GX 550 Overtrail handles surprisingly well on paved streets for a vehicle of its size. Its 3.4-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine delivers ample power, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to go off-road, I was impressed by its ability to handle rough city streets. The added 1-inch suspension lift, increasing ground clearance to 9.84 inches, proved invaluable when navigating construction zones. The Multi-Terrain Select system and Crawl Control for off-road drivers can make tackling rocky terrain a breeze. It also has an E-KDSS system that can keep the vehicle stable and composed on uneven surfaces. However, I appreciated how the all-terrain tires handled muddy and snowy conditions. The Lexus GX comes in six trim levels, with the Overtail starting at $72,930 MSRP and the Overtrail+ model around $80,395 MSRP. While not inexpensive, the price reflects the advanced features, capabilities, and overall quality of the vehicle. For those who don’t plan on doing much off-roading, the Premium model has seven seats and a third-row. It offers plenty of features for $65,285 MSRP. Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.