The 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail marks a significant departure from its predecessors. No longer just a luxury SUV that happened to be decent off-road, the new GX is intentionally engineered as a formidable 4×4, a rugged machine from a brand more commonly associated with smooth, comfortable sedans. In a market where adventure vehicles are reaching new price heights, the competitive landscape has shifted, and comparisons to spruced-up Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos become not only relevant but essential. Let me lay it out for you: when you consider these options side-by-side, the 2024 Lexus GX consistently emerges as the superior choice for discerning adventurers.
You might initially balk at comparing a Lexus to a Wrangler or Bronco. Perhaps you’ve seen comparisons to the Land Rover Defender 110 in other automotive publications. Indeed, in a head-to-head comparison by Car and Driver, the GX Overtrail+ (a more lavish version) didn’t clinch victory against the Defender 130, especially with its tested price soaring past $80,000. However, the sweet spot, and where the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail truly shines, is in the standard Overtrail trim, priced around $10,000 less. At this more accessible price point, the GX delivers exceptional value, eclipsing the competition in ways that are genuinely compelling.
If you’re still skeptical about a Lexus outperforming a fully equipped Jeep in the adventure SUV arena, bear with me. I aim to demonstrate why this particular four-wheeler, the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail, proved more alluring and debt-inducing than any other vehicle I’ve recently evaluated.
Delving into the Basics of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
Lexus, historically, hasn’t been synonymous with hardcore 4x4s. Even within their SUV lineup, traditionally, Lexus offerings were perceived as luxury-focused alternatives to Toyota Land Cruisers, not necessarily purpose-built off-road conquerors. The 2024 GX Overtrail shatters this perception, marking a significant win for Lexus in the rugged SUV segment.
Its aesthetic is unlike anything Lexus has produced before, defined by sharp angles and a distinctly boxy silhouette. The almost vertical windshield is immediately striking. “Boxy Lexus” might not have been on anyone’s radar, yet the GX confidently embraces this design, challenging and redefining brand expectations. Remarkably, it even integrates Lexus’s signature Spindle grille—a design element that can appear awkward on some models—with surprising success, lending a handsome and aggressive edge. And the full-width taillight design? Pure modern automotive artistry.
My test model featured a dark-themed interior with synthetic NuLuxe upholstery and distinctive forest green accents. While upgrading to the Overtrail+ trim grants you genuine semi-aniline leather, for a vehicle geared towards off-road adventures, the durability and practicality of NuLuxe are arguably more appealing. The standard Overtrail still boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment screen seamlessly integrated with a digital gauge cluster. Notably, third-row seating is absent in the Overtrail trim, a trade-off for enhanced off-road features. This might be a drawback for larger families needing more passenger capacity.
Stepping into the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail might not feel like an over-the-top luxury spectacle. The interior prioritizes functionality and robustness over opulent flashiness. In fact, its simplicity was a common observation among those I showed the vehicle to. Personally, I appreciated this understated approach. It fosters a sense of usability, eliminating any hesitation about getting the interior dusty or dirty after a day on the trails – a significant advantage for an adventure-focused SUV.
While it may not greet you with elaborate fanfare upon startup, the significantly upgraded interior technology provides a solid foundation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the infotainment system runs on Toyota’s latest operating system, known for its responsiveness and user-friendly interface. For me, that means easily syncing my phone, firing up a podcast or my favorite tunes, and hitting the road or trail.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics of the 2024 Lexus GX
Regardless of the specific 2024 GX model you choose, you’ll find a potent 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine under the hood, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. While a hybrid variant is anticipated, potentially featuring an electrified four-cylinder similar to the new Land Cruiser, the V6 is the engine you want right now. It effortlessly handles highway cruising, providing ample power without straining the engine or driver. The accompanying 10-speed automatic transmission is equally refined and responsive.
Even if your primary intention for the 2024 Lexus GX is off-road exploration, the majority of your driving will likely be on paved roads. Thankfully, the GX excels here as well. I was genuinely surprised by its agility and even sportiness on winding roads. While it’s not going to mimic a sports car, the adaptive variable suspension effectively minimizes body roll when tackling corners. It maintains impressive composure through sweeping curves, and the twin-turbo V6 delivers strong acceleration out of corners. Lexus: 1, Ford and Jeep: 0.
Given my role in testing vehicles in their intended environments, I put the GX through its paces on my family’s property bordering a creek. The terrain consists of loose gravel, ruts, and uneven mounds designed to challenge ground clearance, breakover angles, and traction. While not extreme rock crawling, it presents obstacles more demanding than typical automaker-provided test courses. The initial challenge: ascending a steep, gravelly bank.
The approach angle of the 2024 Lexus GX was immediately put to the test. It conquered the incline, albeit with some scraping of rocks underneath. This is where vehicles like the Bronco or Wrangler, equipped with larger 35-inch tires, gain an edge. The GX’s Toyo Open Country A/T IIIs are 33-inch tires, and its ground clearance is 8.9 inches, less than the Bronco Wildtrak’s impressive 11.5 inches. For truly extreme off-roading, the GX, like many vehicles, would benefit from aftermarket modifications. Score temporarily tied.
However, it’s crucial to remember this is a Lexus, a product of Toyota engineering. The focus is on refined capability, control, and understated competence rather than sheer brute force or headline-grabbing specifications. The fundamentals are exceptionally well-executed. Traction is never an issue in the 2024 Lexus GX, and its off-road prowess is delivered with minimal drama. The remarkable E-KDSS suspension (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), unique to Lexus and not shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser, automatically adjusts and disconnects sway bars to optimize wheel articulation. This system provides significant wheel flex, and I frequently found myself pushing the Toyo tires deep into the wheel wells.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail is the sense of complete driver control it provides. I first noted this during my initial test drive of a GX prototype in Japan. I discussed this impression with Lexus President Takashi Watanabe during an interview, and he emphasized this intentional design philosophy:
“On extremely rough roads, driver input should be directly translated to vehicle response, without unexpected reactions from the car,” Mr. Watanabe explained. “It shouldn’t be reactionary. If you press the accelerator, the car should move forward predictably.”
“The ultimate goal is to instill reassurance and stability,” he continued. “While some customers may desire to aggressively ‘manhandle’ the car and exert maximum control, our Lexus approach in extreme conditions prioritizes driver security and minimizing driver workload, while still enabling confident navigation of challenging terrain.”
In essence, the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail isn’t aiming to be a Wrangler, Bronco, or even a Land Cruiser. It’s a Lexus that confidently conquers off-road challenges, and at around $70,000, it’s arguably the more desirable choice. Lexus: 2, the others: 1.
Crucially, the appeal of the 2024 Lexus GX extends far beyond hardcore off-roading. It’s equally at home on everyday commutes. Driving to the movie theater, you’ll appreciate the quiet cabin, free from wind noise or steering wobble. The audio system is excellent, the seats are comfortable, and it’s simply a solid, refined vehicle for daily driving. It attracts attention, but with a sophisticated air, unlike more ostentatious vehicles. Overall, the GX delivers a higher quality experience than comparable Ford or Jeep models, which, while capable, often feel like more basic vehicles made expensive through added features. With the GX, you get substantial capability and genuine Lexus quality in everyday situations. Lexus wins.
Highs and Lows of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
My favorite aspects of the new 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail, in order of preference: Controllability, Styling, and Comfort. Its visual appeal is immediately apparent, and its driving performance lives up to the promise of its rugged design. It’s remarkably livable, a quality shared by some competitors, but the Lexus elevates the experience to a level you’ll genuinely appreciate living with, or, like me, having parked in your driveway.
What are the drawbacks? Standard underbody protection could be more robust. While I avoided major impacts on rocks, the plastic running boards did detach slightly, ideally they would be replaced with steel rock sliders as standard equipment. The GX’s ride height isn’t so extreme that steps are essential, and real rock sliders would significantly enhance its off-road durability, protecting body panels from damage.
2024 Lexus GX Overtrail Features, Options, and Competition
The starting price for a 2024 GX Overtrail is $69,250. Sticking close to this base price is advisable, as it includes the most crucial features. E-KDSS suspension, Crawl Control (low-speed off-road cruise control), Multi-Terrain Select (adjusting wheelspin for various surfaces), and Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree cameras are all standard.
The options list for the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail is relatively concise. Available upgrades include a 10.7-inch heads-up display ($900), a cooled center console ($170), a cargo cover ($110), and a wireless phone charger ($75). Conversely, the range of off-road and lifestyle accessories is extensive, with Lexus offering 155 items. Overtrail-specific rock rails ($990) and a roof rack ($1,580) are worthwhile additions, while the ARB Premium Recovery Kit ($526) might be less essential for most buyers.
Comparing the competition, a top-spec Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon X starts at $63,190, and a four-door Ford Bronco Wildtrak begins at $63,355. These are lower starting prices than the Lexus, but they can quickly escalate with options like the Wrangler’s Sky One-Touch Top ($3,995). The domestic rivals also lag in power; the Bronco’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, and the Wrangler’s 2.0-liter turbo-four offers only 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offers comparable power at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, but a Rubicon X 4xe starts at a higher $72,290.
My ideal 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail would be in its base configuration. My test vehicle included the cooled center console and heads-up display, but these are non-essential luxuries. The core off-road capabilities and inherent Lexus refinement are what truly make the GX compelling.
Fuel Economy of the 2024 Lexus GX
Fuel economy is the one area where the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail falls short. The twin-turbo V6, while powerful and refined, is thirsty, particularly when the turbos are engaged. While the improved power delivery compared to a four-cylinder (like in the Land Cruiser) is worth the trade-off in my opinion, the EPA combined rating of 17 mpg is undeniably low. Toyota and Lexus body-on-frame trucks have historically been fuel-inefficient.
Value and Verdict on the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
While $70,000 is a significant investment for any vehicle, in the context of dedicated 4x4s, the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail comes remarkably close to justifying its price. Its appeal isn’t solely based on extreme off-road prowess or outright luxury, but rather its exceptional blend of both, striking a better balance than any other vehicle in its class. If my budget allowed, the GX Overtrail would be my top choice, without hesitation.
If you’re in the market for a capable and refined off-road vehicle around the $70,000 mark, your search should end here. The 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail is ready to accompany you, your family, and even your dog on backcountry adventures. Don’t forget the gourmet coffee and French press.
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