The recently introduced 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail + 4WD is truly striking, characterized by its angular body contours, fashionable headlights, and generous ground clearance.
As I cruised in a ‘Earth’ shaded model to the Luxus 2024 US Open of Surfing event in Huntington Beach, a motorcyclist rode adjacent to me and flashed a thumbs up gesture. Glancing over, he exclaimed, ‘Your vehicle is fantastic.’ I chuckled and replied, “I couldn’t agree more!”
This premium SUV rivals the 2024 Land Rover Defender and 2024 Ford Bronco in elegance, and it’s even more exhilarating to drive. Positioned between the driver and front passenger seats is a refrigerated compartment to chill your water, beverages, and snacks during a road excursion.
Just envisage storing groceries in this compartment on a scorching day for the journey back home. Or populating it with refreshments for the soccer team after a child’s sports practice or match. This feature also proves invaluable for a tailgate gathering to maintain items at a cool temperature before entering an event.
Easily ascending into the driver’s seat using the illuminated door sill and internal grip handle, I appreciated the convenience. There are various Drive Modes available, such as Economy, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom, catering to different driving preferences.
Among the interior features that I admired were the NuLuxe trimmed with suede seats, available in rich black and olive tones. The 10-way adjustable driver and 8-way front passenger ventilated power seats maintained my comfort while transporting the family to the beach amidst 100-degree summer weather in Southern California.
My favorite aspect is the responsive cruise control, allowing me to set a speed with a simple button press and relax with my hands on the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The vehicle also boasts power tilt and telescoping functions for personalized comfort.
The adaptive all-speed dynamic radar cruise control includes curve speed management and lane departure alert with steering assistance. It ensures a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically accelerating and decelerating based on road traffic and conditions. Despite my initial skepticism about the Lexus GX 550’s braking performance, the vehicle consistently responded promptly, stopping precisely when I applied the brakes.
By pressing the + button, the vehicle surged to match the speed of surrounding traffic. It seemed as though the SUV anticipated scenarios ahead of my observation. This driving aid promotes relaxation and reduces stress, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Intuitive Parking Assist offers automatic braking and rear pedestrian detection, along with road sign assistance and lane tracing.
The second row of the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail + 4WD is thoughtfully designed, featuring manual sun shades that can be raised and secured to shield passengers’ eyes from intense sunlight. Although my model contained only two rows, an optional third row can be added to accommodate seven passengers instead of five.
The rear seats are equipped with multiple charging ports, and the middle row can be configured with two Captain chairs, perfect for accommodating children and teenagers who desire personal device charging and protection during car rides.
This exquisite mid-size SUV boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. Equipped for off-road adventures, the vehicle features an electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), electronically controlled locking rear differential, as well as crawl control, downhill assist control, hill-start assist control, and multi-terrain selection.
Noteworthy is the vehicle’s intelligent headlamps, automatically toggling to high beams in the absence of other vehicles. When another car approaches, the headlamps swiftly switch to low beams to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers.
The manufacturer estimates a fuel consumption of 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on highways, with a combined estimate of 17 MPG.
Beginning at approximately $65,000 for the base model, the fully equipped MSRP reaches around $80,000. To experience a test drive, visit your nearest Lexus dealership.
Image Source: The Global Guy / Shutterstock
