This is the 2025 Lexus GX550 Overtrail Plus, which is Lexus’s top choice for off-roading in the GX lineup. It’s also one of the pricier options. Today, I’m going to put it to the test and see how it handles dirt, rocks, and asphalt.

The Overtrail+ is a fresh trim introduced for this generation, specifically designed for off-road adventures. They’ve removed many of the convenience features, such as the electric running boards and the third-row seat, because Lexus buyers want to go camping and need the additional space. Quite frankly, if you need a three-row vehicle, go for the TX. No need to panic, though the Overtrail+ still keeps many of the luxury features from the GX Luxury+, such as park assist and massaging front seats.

Exterior

When it comes to looks, the GX550 Overtrail+ is a pretty sharp vehicle, and honestly, I think it makes the current Land Rover Defender look a bit awkward. It’s got this low beltline on the windshield and side windows, the way it rises at the C-pillar, and that bold front end along with those bulges on both sides of the hood.

Under The Hood

Regardless of the new GX model you choose, it comes with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of 48 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous V8. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and features a Torsen-based 4WD system.

While there isn’t a hybrid option available just yet, an electrified four-cylinder similar to what’s in the new Land Cruiser may be on the way. Seriously, you’ll want the V6; it handles highway driving effortlessly, putting no strain on you or the engine. The 10-speed automatic transmission is pretty impressive, too, with smooth and seamless shifts.

The GX rolls on Toyo Open Country A/T IIIs, which are 33s 265/70s. It boasts a ground clearance of 8.9 inches. Plus, the GX is equipped with the advanced E-KDSS suspension, which the Land Cruiser lacks. This system automatically disconnects and reconnects the sway bars as needed for optimal articulation. The GX 550 without eKDSS has about 22 inches of total wheel travel, while the Overtrail models with eKDSS exceed 24 inches.

Off-Road Kit

The GX 550 Overtrail+, as standard, has a lockable center and rear differential, Multi Terrain Select, multi-terrain monitor system, crawl control, and downhill assist control. The approach angle is 27 degrees, and the departure angle is 22 degrees. Thankfully, it comes with extra underbody protection.

Driving Off-Road

We headed out to our usual off-road course in the Otay Mountain wilderness area adjacent to the border with Mexico. It provides several trails with varying degrees of difficulty and terrain that consists of rock, dirt, sand, and very little water. We took some challenging routes, and nothing stopped the GX; the  MTS system simply coordinated power to the wheel that needed it, and the crawl control took care of feeding in the power better than any human could.

With up to 24.5 inches of wheel travel, the GX550 managed to keep all four tires in contact with the rock face to easily find the summit without spinning the tires or relying on momentum. At no point did we need to engage the rear locker; maybe if there had been some mud, this may have been needed. The GX romped up and despite the not-so-good ground clearance, we were able to navigate some trickier rocky sections without scraping the underside.

On-Road

What the GX 550 does supremely well is that there are no compromises for being excellent off-road and being excellent on pavement, and I’m not sure which wizard at Lexus designed the seats, but they are truly some of the best seats I have sat in.

As we navigated the winding roads of the San Diego mountains, we were pleasantly surprised by how nimble the GX felt. It was refreshingly light and agile, taking on the curves with grace and a refinement that stemmed from the perfectly weighted steering, the surprisingly stable body motion, and the excellent brake balance.

Given that this is a body-on-frame vehicle, we anticipated a lot of body roll and oversteer, but thanks in part to the electric kinetic dynamic suspension system, the GX manages the asphalt with an ease that’s rare for vehicles of this size.

The GX 550 features an impressive five driving modes: Sports+, Sports, Normal, Comfort, Eco, and Custom. I tried them all, and for in-town driving, Normal is best, and for more spirited driving, it’s best to use Sport, since Sport+ is a tad aggressive for this type of vehicle.

Interior

Upgrading to the Overtrail+ means you get genuine semi-aniline leather, but honestly, if you’re looking for an off-roader, does it even matter? True to Lexus standards, the fit, finish, and touchpoints are all neat and feel fantastic. You’ll find that cheap plastics and rubber are pretty much non-existent, and only show up in spots you rarely encounter.

The 14-inch touchscreen is flat and is not angled toward the driver, but it’s big enough for it not to matter. It runs Toyota’s latest software, and it’s innovative and decently quick, and responsive.

As I mentioned earlier, Overtrail models offer the best factory seats of any 4×4 I’ve ever experienced since they feature taller and softer side bolsters along with a firmer bottom cushion on the front seats compared to the other GX models. This seat design is specifically designed to reduce head toss when navigating rough terrain, ultimately leading to less driver fatigue.

The rear seat offers ok head and legroom, and passengers get vents, power, and a couple of cup holders in the armrest.  A cool feature on the Overtrail+ is the built-in retractable window shades for the rear seat passengers.

Cargo Area

The Overtrail’s lack of a third row is actually a blessing, since you get a lower load floor that creates a significantly larger cargo volume (46 instead of 40 cubic feet) behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. It can also tow over 9,000 pounds.    

Pricing

The base price on the Overtrial + is $75,900. It has a few options, including a head-up display for $900, Mark Levinson Premium Audi for $1,140, premium paint is $500, this off-road roof rack is $1,580, and these rock rails are $990. Add it all up, and you are at a total of $84,575.

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Verdict

The GX isn’t a Wrangler or a Bronco or even a Land Cruiser. It’s a Lexus that slays off-road; it’s nicely appointed, drives like a limo on tarmac, and Lexus delivers this off-road-ready GX right from the dealership floor. I’d have this over a Land Rover Defender any day.

2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ Numbers

BASE PRICE:  $75,900
PRICE AS TESTED:  $84,575
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 3.4 Liter Twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6
POWER: 349 hp @ 5,200 rpm
TORQUE: 479 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION:  10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
0-60 MPH:  6.7 seconds
CURB WEIGHT: 5,517 lb
GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.9 inches 
CARGO VOLUME: 46ft³ behind 2nd row, 90.5 ft³ with 2nd row folded 
FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 17/15/21 mpg
OUR OBSERVED: 19.8mpg
PROS: Tons of torque, thoroughly modernized interior, superb off-road, zero compromises
CONS: Feels big, not much in fuel economy gains.