2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail Mountain Test Course Off-Road Review
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- We finally get the new 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overland on our Mountain Test Course to find out just how capable this vehicle is when compared against the new Land Rover Defender and the Ineos Grenadier.
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Ryan, no one of UA-cam pushes the manufacturer's products more than you do. Showing the truth of product performance comes with risk and possibly being left out of the club but your videos are much appreciated by us views, keep doing what you do.
This channel has been putting good stuff out, we gotta get this to a million subscribers
Definitely one of the best!
It’s criminal that it doesn’t
Really have to agree, this new format has been awesome.
nah once a channel gets too popular it tends to go downhill fast... That's when they really start bringin the scams and lies in.
Your videos turn UA-cam into the University of Off-Roading; thank you for your highly informative yet at the same time highly entertaining work.
This may be the first ever vid where I was actually interested in the sponsor promo. Thanks for the on x offroad suggestion.
We used it for years before they approached us to advertise. A legitimately good service.
It's easy to spec a Bronco over 60k, and the cheapest you can get a Bronco with power seats is 65k; for an extra 4k, you can get a Lexus GX550 with much more towing capacity, a much better interior, and better sound system...doesn't come with 35s and a front locker, but I'll bet 99% of Bronco owners will never use that versus a high percentage of Lexus owners who will tow more that 3500 pounds. If I had over 60k to spend, I would buy this over the Land Cruiser or Bronco Wildtrak in a heartbeat.
Exactly. Especially since probably 90% of Broncos never leave the pavement either. The owners want the coolness of a Bronco and the “image” of living an active lifestyle but never actually use it for what it’s meant for. In fact most of the people that bought the first couple of years of the Bronco are in the upper income bracket. It was the upper income bracket people paying the $20k-$30k mark ups.
We have a outerbanks Sasquatch 4 door with the 3.0 that we daily drive and also wheel occasionally. Problem is the truck sucks to daily drive. Super noisy on highway. Would love a bronco in my 20s tolerate it in my 30s and buy a gx in my 40s
Happily trading the bronco in next month on an overtrail plus. Can’t wait
I'd buy the grand cherokee trailhawk or the new honda passport that also has a good offroad trim
Dude a bronco at the 60 grand mark is fully spec to go offroad and even overlanding if you go with everglades trim but like you said not all bronco owners would go offroad that is why you don't have to spend 65 grand you can get a bronco under 50k and that is not even lexus money. Also broncos competitor is 4 runner and jeep wrangler. While gx550 competes with land rover defender and ineos grenadier.
Have had this video in my tab for the past 5 days. Decided to just watch it and this is the best off roading video of the GX 550 I've seen so far anywhere. US reviews dont usually have someone who truly likes offroading. I usually have to watch from other countries like Kazakhstan or China or Africa but this shows there are great tracks available in the US as well. Thank you so much Sir, I have liked and subscribed.
Perfect timing! Picking up my GX OT+ on Friday! Love the work that you do! 👍🏻💪🏼
By far my most favoirte car review UA-cam channel, especially since I live in Seattle...local guy
I drive a 1995 Corolla with 263,000 miles and that thing will make it up this road. I was once in Kabul Afghanistan with a driver who drove a Corolla like mine to this hill that was like 34 degrees! These Lexus should make it with no issues at all. Even testing it here isn’t necessary
Back to back GX videos with Tinkerer’s Adventure, it’s my lucky day.
@@Neberheim Tinkerer’s video was also informative and should make people rethink altering the suspension geometry in ineffective ways. I think today’s off road test video proves that quite well. The only off road feature the LC 250 and the GX550 is “lacking” is a front locker, which I believe is only available outside of the USA on the LC 250 GR version sold in the Middle East etc.
Love Tinkerer’s videos. Technical masterpieces.
@@rayandolina11 is he an engineer?
@@CJ-rk5eg if he isn’t he’s well on his way.
@CJ-rk5eg yes he's an engineer. He's also responsible for designing the sexiest front bumpers ever put on a FJ Cruiser which i happily own.
First thing I’m going to do when I win the lottery is go get one of these! Love this vehicle.
Excellent channel. This is THE place to go if you need to learn what a car can do offroad.
The GX is back!
Nice review. The GX 550's biggest limitation is ground clearance. Yes it's capable, but only to the extent it can safely clear obstacles. The test course in this review was mostly loose dirt and not big rocks. Out here in Colorado, that rig wouldn't make it very far on the rocky, moderate to difficult trails. I would not take the GX on any trail above a 4 in difficulty and that's probably pushing it.
Best off road Channel on UA-cam. You build proper off road courses to give us great mud/gravel entertainment. GX550 Overtrail is very brave up there. Greetings
GX is one of my favorite cars.
The GX is the one I'd want - 6 cyl and no EV or hybrid. Looking forward to the Land Cruiser-GX comparison video and why you ultimately chose the LC.
Plus more cargo space in the GX
O such thing as an EV hybrid. It’s an EV, a Hybrid, a PHEV, or ICE.
Absolutely impressive. People are constantly trying to kick Toyota/Lexus when they’re down for the slightest thing but they’ll bounce back, they always do and I’ll definitely be in the market for a GX OT in the future.
So $30k engine replacement is a slightest thing? Good to know
@@ph00ny1 yes because the GX isn’t listed under the recall and Toyota is paying for the new engine replacement on their own dime for current recalled vehicles. Your information seems to be lacking like everyone else who tries to bring it up.
@@ph00ny1GX isn’t listed in the recall, you talk like you’re the one paying 30k lol. Doubt you could afford one if that’s your argument. You might wanna do your research before typing nonsense.
Was a catchy intro song but I like this abbreviated intro much better..good choice.
Love these offroad reviews!
It's worth every penny...I am going to miss my 4Runner ...but this would be an excellent upgrade and a keeper
Impressive! Most impressive and @ street tire pressure!
This channel is refreshing. Keep up the good work Sir
GX 550 is my new favorite USED car!
With a more fuel efficient engine 🙂
Could be engine issues; wait a few years
Probably find a lot of city ones with zero off road usage
Pretty capable vehicle! I like that in my Bronco, I can engage the rear locker in 2 high. In 4 low, I can use only the front locker if I want.
This was a lot of fun to watch. I think this is going to be my next vehicle.
Great review, thank you! One correction, the new Defender did not scrape its tow hitch/rear area and is the only rig to not touch in the rear you’ve tested - going either direction.
I canceled my grenadier order after considering the trade-offs with the GX 550
Same. This has it all, plus a robust (and excellent) dealer network to support it.
Plus the Overtrail is about $72k. IG was specd at $88k that I ordered.
Interesting, I did the reverse!
Just recently took delivery of the GX550 Overtrail. Loving it!
@@jesmor3 good luck with the IG! I still follow news about it.
Great review. It is a formidable vehicle, but I'm keen to see your review comparison between the Land Cruiser Prado vs the Lexus GX. I think the biggest factors to consider between the two will be KDSS and what trim you compare each of them with.
Another great off-road review of the GX man i cant wait to get my hands on it and do some trail driving.
The second hand market will use these to their full potential.
Considering that clearance is the main (offroad) issue with the new updated GX and LC, I'd guess we'd all appreciate it if you'd get underneath and show us where the vehicle made contact, how the skid plates did, etc. It really does directly affect how these things are modded in the future (in regard to both bumpers and undercarriage/lift). Too bad Lexus didn't supply a vehicle with rock rails, another question we have (as to their effectiveness/durability compared to their cost).
ground clearance on the LC is only 8.0", which is strangely low for a vehicle that is supposed to be a serious offroader. you can get a 4runner TRD pro with 9.6". wtf.
@@TMS5100 That's likely an early misprint, most are now measuring 8.7" for the LC LC (the 8.0" was likely for the 1958).
@@jeffwarnerPHOTOcom I measured it _in person_ on several different LC on a local dealer lot yesterday. It is 8.0, 100% confirmed.
This one I like more than the competition, thx
I think this hits a lot of sweet spots for utility, luxury and reliability.
The 3.4L TTV6 is probably the least reliable engine on sale in the North American market right now.
I am a Fan of the Toyota/Lexus Full Time System with the Torsen Diff
It’s amazing in northern climates. Love it!
I love this, I think this is definitely the best value of the 250's. Unless you want the hybrid, IMO it doesn't really make sense to buy the first edition over this, seems like you get more for less money with this.
Also, crazy that the only legit off-road tire that Toyota offers comes on a Lexus.
love the new intro
Thanks for your off road videos. Would you be able to produce a video comparing Lexus GX 550 overtrail with 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner Off-Road Premium Back to Back on same day and same trail? I understand that both respectively have different versions of KDSS and towing capacities among other differences that may be entertaining to compare. Thanks in advance
Key criteria is the 4Runner with KDSS. However Toyota doesn’t give UA-cam reviewers 4Runner with KDSS to test drive
Oh man, I want one badly. Nice video thanks
It would be cool to see a before and after view of the under carriage damage.
those wind turbine are a view killer
Toyota Land Cruiser 150 (Prado) with the KDSS system (as we have called this system in Norway) following in low range are a great system for off road driving.
Thanks for this video. I always enjoy your content.
Good video. You're really good at these.
This v6 is so much better than any hybrid stuff in Prado. This thing need proper 33 inch tires and 2 inch lift, its unstoppable.
Excellent review! Interested to know if there will be a lift kit. Also still stunned the LC First Edition is priced above the GX. And please run the course with a Grenadier Trialmaster! Then we can see how the Defender, GX, and Grenny stack up on stock configurations.
Go tap on the ultra thin hood of the GX 550 then reconsider. Thin as a beer can and flutters in the wind when driving over 45 mph making for a very distracting reflection. We went with the Land cruiser this year
That’s actually pretty common these days. Aluminum hoods.
@@drivingsports this was different from any other similar class vehicle. The land rovers nor the land cruisers don't do this. I made a video about it.
Easy fix for Lexus will be to put some super low density foam or fluff between the hood and the hood liner just to dampen this a bit. It's a fail in my book and I suspect Lexus will address it in the next model year. Once you see it you can't "unsee" it. The reflection distortion while driving is distracting if you sit high in the seat
The only vehicle on the market that I would consider for replacing my LX570. Just need to wait a couple years to see reliability on this new platform. Assuming all is well in a couple years I will pick up a nice used GX550 Overland.
Give me your LX570 when you bored. That's head and shoulders better than the GX550 I tested. And that V8 Toyota power train will outlast this V6TT. The LX570 is bigger version with 3 full rows of the GX550 overtrail that only comes in 2 rows as well as LC250 that only comes in 2 rows in all specs. That's a hard pass. 😮
In the same boat; waiting for a refresh and making sure the engine reliability is solid. I would prefer the 2 row gx550 over my 17 lx570 (3rd row takes up way too much space & i’d prefer to use it for cargo not ppl).
It's a mis-understanding of Torsen to say it distributes power 'evenly front to rear'. The distribution depends on where the traction is and it may be even or it may be very un-even.
Nice to see a challenging test of this vehicle. 👍 Do you have rating estimates of your test trails?
It looks like they used the later Scion xB for the major styling cues. Which is a good thing.
Great vid!!!
Hello there, I have a little suggestion for you to improve your Videos, try to put a little Camera on gauges to known about how AWD or other software systems work!! Thanks in advance
Toyota gauges specifically are only visible from the driver POV. So we'd have to re-run with a rigged camera.
this is the first generation of the GX we've had in Australia, we normally only get the Toyota version. This time around it's largely a question of drivetrain, the Toyota has the same 2.8 diesel as the previous generation, the same one used in the Hilux and now the 70 series Landcruiser as well, but to get a petrol (gas) engine, you have to go with the Lexus. The last time we had the option of a petrol was in 2018 with the 1GR-FE.
Do you get the same twin-turbo V6 as the North American GX?
@@drivingsports we do, yes.
Nice video. I have been waiting for something like this. I personally would rather have the towing caps and luxury over the LC. Looking to buy the 2025, got to wait a year. First model issues 😅
Struggling is definitely not the impression I got from the Defender video. But we get it, you love Toyota.
Yet another great video though. Good content as always.
Hi sir
If we compare which the last generation gx460 which one is better please tell for you opinion cause you testing much much GX. GX .. please 🙏 drop me some words . Thanks thanks like your
Best regards
Chivse
like it...... now if the dealers order a more off road base overtrail moon roof delete $68150 but they won't , only ones ive seen on dealers websites are $72k -$82k it is the same price as LC premium and first edition
what would you pick for 2025 the Lexus GX550 , Ineo's grenadier or the land rover defender 110 lets say they all cost the same at 80K
Nice rig. Great testing. Are you building a home on that property?
Nope, bought it just for vehicle testing. Drilling a well out there is going to be massively expensive, so it's just a play space.
@@drivingsportsthanks for making this investment and I hope it pays off. Love your content!
@@drivingsports Ok. 👍 Seen some construction going on in the back ground. Thought maybe you were going to put up a garage or something. Maybe just to cover your parking area where you bring your campers.
@@WW-wf8tu Ah! That's my neighbor. He owns the lower section of the hill. He's been working on that cabin for a couple years now.
Can you get a hold on a Jeep Wrangler Sahara and test it? Thanks for sharing.
rock rails and a 1" lift in the front are going to help this out a lot.
We have to see the landcruiser 250 on this trail too
Great vid. Would a non overtrail model make it through all the courses as well?
We only do this course with vehicles equipped with all terrains. Depends on the exact trim and if you change the tires out.
I have enjoyed the series with the Defender, GX and Ineos Grenedier. These are all vehicles I have cross shopped. Would you consider adding a test of the Rivian R1S with off road tire package?
I would if Rivian ever sends us one. My emails to them have gone unanswered.
@@drivingsports thanks for the reply. if you DM an email address, I would write them as an owner and lobby for you to test against these peer vehicles.
@rivian, I hope you'll consider providing an R1S offroad for @drivingsports to test. As a subscriber, I highly value their content, particularly the off-road reviews, which influence my vehicle purchases. They've recently tested vehicles comparable to the R1S, and I believe many potential buyers would appreciate seeing how the R1S stacks up against top ICE competitors. As an R1S quad motor owner, and former 2023 Land Rover Defender owner, I looked at the Lexus GX550 and the Ineos Grenadier before making my purchase. The R1S's efficiency and off-road capabilities were decisive factors for me.
I think something was mis-stated. The Ineos Grenadier model that was tested does not have optional lockers. Lockers are simply not available on the Field Master, you have to change models and get the Trial Master if you want lockers. Can anyone confirm?
I want to lease this beauty so BAD1
At least someone has not screw up a new model! Great video!
would love a comparison with the 2023 460
Love this vehicle but those side mirrors are big enough to sale advertising space like a billboard. LOL.
I just really wish it had physical controls like the Land Cruiser.
I'll get that instead of whatever edition land cruiser!
Could use more ground clearance. But I am eyeing this vehicle.
Well, I guess if A-TRAC is a sledgehammer (8:50 mark), then MTS is a Bob the Builder hammer as it definitely didn't perform as fantastically as you said it was going to...😂
Would true 33’s even fit? It looks like the extra 0.75” for fender clearance is there considering the stock tires are actually 31.5’s.
“True” 33s fit fine.
This car looks is a mixture of Land Cruiser and Defender
Which one do you prefer this or the 2022 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk V6 ?
Essentially the Lexus version of a Toyota, with a twin turbo V6 instead of a turbo 4 cylinder, for less money. Mind boggling.
Lexus is more money, that said the LC hybrid 4 is awesome.
... yeah, the 'Toyota tax' has gotten ridiculous.
@@jaredpowell4108if you search hard enough you can find GX550’s listed for less than the LC’s.
I can't help but worry that this engine will soon be effected by the machining debris debacle.
💯. Only fools buy these first year production models.. i’d wait for a refresh.. better safe than sorry!
Great video! I used to own a 100 series LC and was stoked for the return of the LC250 (and to a lesser extent a GX550 overtrail). Issue is I need more space for kids. How would you compare the 4WD system of the LC/GX to a Yukon AT4? The Yukon does not have a selectable rear locker but the eLSD seems decent and you can run the Yukon in 2WD, 4WD auto, 4WD hi, and 4WD lo. Strikes me as comparatively capable off-road albeit bigger. Appreciate any input!
IIRC the Yukon has that G80 auto-locker... which is... okay? Also, correct me if I'm wrong since I haven't tested one in a while, but I think that's just an auto transfer case. So you're not getting that power variability that you get with a Torsen. In short, I prefer the latter. But the new Yukon does look great aesthetically.
@@drivingsports, thanks for the input. It's been hard to find clear info on the Yukon AT4 setup. The Yukon offers both a mechanical LSD option (G86, which I assume is a later version of the G80) and an electronic LSD option (G96). The best description I can find for the eLSD states "The difference between the eLSD and mechanical LSD discussed here can be boiled down to the way in which wheel slip is detected and mitigated, with an eLSD utilizing onboard sensors (vehicle speed, throttle position, steering angle, yaw rate, etc.) to determine the locking torque value, as opposed to a mechanical LSD which uses internal mechanical components to distribute torque and limit wheel slip."
My interpretation is that the eLSD uses a computer to achieve a similar effect to a torsen differential. Either way, I imagine that switching to 4WD hi or lo should lock the AT4's center differential in the same way as one would lock the center differential on an LC/GX. But again, this is all speculation on my part. It's my attempt at convincing myself to buy an AT4 for practicality even though I'm in love with the LC. :)
If you want a proper 3 row off road suv, get the redesigned 2025 suburban or tahoe z71 with 3L diesel engine. Your welcome 😮🙏
Cant wait to see how the Land Cruiser 1st Edition compares on the same trails but with worse tires.
As fun as that would be, we only take vehicles with "real" all-terrain tires on the mountain course since we re-designed the main trails. So the LC isn't hitting it until the tires get upgraded.
@@drivingsports okay, that makes sense. Thanks for sharing!
Will it be available in Europe?
Lexus holds its value well.
the new 2025 GX 550 overtrail will have increased ground clearance. Might be worth checking out again given it was a major complaint by prospective buyers and owners.
Is maintenance and longevity a concern with the clutch based 4wd systems compared to part-time systems?
No it’s a proven system.
I will take the Lexus GX550 over any LC any time...in fact I am waiting to get mine
Had Toyota settled the main bearing issue?
What? No air suspension?
How to scratch up a new 70k Lexus. (Fixed the title for you) 😂
Probably $83k as equipped here
Where is your course? It’s only fair to put the Grenadier Trialmaster on the Anaconda if you’re using the Overtrail 😊 I volunteer my Grenny as tribute.
...No 3rd row for the Overtrails is an unfortunate deal breaker ....will wait for the Armada Prox4 or get the Defender..
Crawl control on my 2010 LX is incredible, but a bit noisy.
I had that engine in a 2022 Tundra 1794. Good power but LOUSY fuel milage, and there is always that bearing issue....
No front locker ?
Nope! Rely on MTS for software locker.
Thanks
"EPA rates the GX550 at 17 mpg in town".... when did this happen? It's rated at 15 mpg in town now... 17 combined and 21 highway.
Whats the difference between a central and front diff locks?
Center diff locks 50% front 50% rear, front locks the two front wheels at the same speed
@@chibbyyloloh i see. 50 50 f r distribution. thank you
Substantially cheaper? I prefer substantially less expensive! 😊
😂😅
Try the 2025 MDX
Honda ain’t what it used to be.. neither is toyota or lexus these days lol
Torn between a new Defender 110 I6 vs Overtrail