(TestMiles) – 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail blends rugged off-road capability with high-end comfort, offering a rare dual personality in the luxury SUV space.
This isn’t your average luxury SUV
Lexus has revived the GX with serious trail-ready hardware and premium refinement, carving out a space between hardcore 4x4s and plush mall crawlers. For buyers torn between dirt roads and valet stands, the GX 550 Overtrail makes a compelling case.
Why does this car matter right now?
Off-road capable SUVs are having a renaissance, and Lexus is finally getting dirty again. The 2025 GX 550 Overtrail isn’t a soft reboot it’s a full-on transformation. It ditches the dated V8 for a modern 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than enough to climb a mountain or tow your weekend escape up to 9,000 pounds, in fact.
It rides on the same TNGA-F platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, so there’s genuine off-road pedigree here. The Overtrail trim is the most trail-focused of the bunch, with standard full-time four-wheel drive, an electronic locking rear diff, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and adaptive suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle as needed. Lexus even added its eKDSS system, which disconnects the stabilizer bars for better articulation , a rarity in this class.
Inside, the GX 550 Overtrail balances rugged practicality with luxury. Two 14-inch screens dominate the dash and infotainment. Faux leather seats shrug off mud, pet hair, and snack explosions with equal ease. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a head-up display, and enough USB-C ports to power a campsite make it both high-tech and family-friendly.
How does it compare to rivals?
The GX 550 Overtrail’s appeal lies in its balance. It’s not as loud or ostentatious as the Mercedes G-Class, nor is it as digitally bloated as some newer EV-based competitors. It beats the Grand Cherokee L in trail hardware and beats the Defender in pricing, starting around $70,000. Load it with options, and you’re still under G-Wagen territory, while enjoying better reliability and Lexus service perks.
Unlike the Toyota Sequoia, which leans heavily on hybrid tech, the GX sticks to conventional power and frankly, that’s part of the charm. It’s a reminder that not every off-roader needs a complicated powertrain to get the job done. And while the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk exists on paper, it doesn’t touch the GX’s off-road readiness or interior polish.
Who is this for, and who should skip it?
This is for people who live on gravel roads or wish they did. For adventurers who want the chops of a 4Runner but the comfort of a Lexus. For families that think “camping” should come with climate control and a curated Spotify playlist.
If you’re just looking for a stylish school-run vehicle with badge prestige, Lexus has other options like the RX or even the LX. And if fuel economy is your priority, this isn’t your truck: the GX 550 Overtrail manages an estimated 17 mpg combined. Also, the side-hinged tailgate great for trails can be awkward in tight urban garages.
What’s the long-term significance?
Lexus hasn’t just updated the GX they’ve given it purpose again. In an era where “luxury SUV” often means soft suspension and polished chrome, the GX 550 Overtrail dares to be different. It embraces its off-road roots without giving up comfort, tech, or refinement. That makes it not only a standout in the Lexus lineup, but a symbol of what modern luxury can look like: confident, capable, and not afraid to get a little muddy.
This is Lexus leaning into its relationship with the Land Cruiser lineage rather than hiding it. And in doing so, they’ve created something rare an SUV that feels equally at home in Moab or Napa Valley. It’s as if James May got invited on a Bear Grylls weekend but packed a headlamp, towel warmer, and wine opener, just in case.
Trims include Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the Overtrail. The Overtrail starts near $70,000 and remains the most adventure-ready of the bunch. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Full NHTSA and IIHS ratings are pending, but its Toyota platform suggests a strong showing in crashworthiness.
Bottom line? The GX is no longer the forgotten Lexus. In Overtrail trim, it’s leading the charge into the wild.
