I even have long been enamored with Lexus SUVs, finding the GX and LX to be unique in that they’re a number of the most reliable vehicles on the road, standing the test of time. Often enough, due to the durability of the GX and LX, you discover lots of them being modified to perform hardcore off-roading duties. Such a notion has been noticed by Lexus, and their answer to it’s vehicles just like the latest GX 550 Overtrail+, which I had a full week to ascertain out.
The brand new Lexus GX is already a winner in my book, as I reviewed it last yr in its Luxury+ trim. Walking away, I used to be pleased to search out a well-designed successor to the outgoing GX. With the whole redesign, the brand new GX goes about things to pave a somewhat unique path, one which will compete directly with vehicles just like the latest Land Rover Defender, but Lexus seemingly does their very own thing with the long-touted reliability aspect – far beyond any Land Rover can dream.
So far as styling goes, the brand new Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ tends to show more heads than I assumed. Wearing its nice Nori Green Pearl paint, my test vehicle and its tall stature had some in latest Defenders wondering in the event that they made the mistaken alternative as they were on the option to the service center – again. Lexus seems to have gotten things right for the boxy and still upright stature of the brand new GX.
Performance and Driving Character
Powering the brand new Lexus GX stays to be a singular task for the brand’s latest 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That power is shipped through a smooth and smartly-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive setup with a a two-speed transfer case throughout all trim levels. Nonetheless, for the Overtrail+ trim in my possession this week it gets not only a Torsen center locking differential but in addition a rear locking differential, an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system (E-KDSS) that’s lifted 1 inch over other trims, and 33-inch all-terrain tires wrapping 18-inch wheels, giving it an edge for its off-roading prowess. Moreover, the Overtrail+ trim gets utility roof rails, making it easy to connect my test vehicle’s optional off-road roof rack, which happens to provide an abundance of wind noise, and the choice of getting the side rock rails as an option – also found on my test vehicle.
By way of performance on the road, the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ does well in balancing its off-roading abilities, yet it gives you a smooth and refined ride quality whilst a body-on-frame SUV. A 0-60 mph run takes about 6.5 seconds, while the GX feels thoroughly damped in its body rigidity and steering feel. Though that nicely weighted feeling doesn’t translate well to its lateral handling, because the GX tends to roll about in hard turns at speed, it seemingly has a nicely tuned stability management system to maintain things mostly in check when the all-terrain tires lose grip. The various drive modes and off-roading management tech do wonders to assist conquer loose terrain or adapt to your chosen ride quality. Nonetheless, Comfort mode tends to place the E-KDSS in an excessively soft setting where the body may drift around to the purpose of concern. In Normal mode, it feels excellent, and within the Sport mode or Customized mode to set the dampers within the firm Sport setting, things tighten up, but to not the purpose of being jarring. In all, the GX 550 Overtrail+ is nicely suited to delicately balance on the road of being a smooth road-going SUV and one which can tackle some serious off-roading terrain without being shy in wearing its luxury badge.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is available in a bit in need of expectations, but after giving it a second thought, the EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined make sense for the GX 550 Overtrail+ and its off-roading disposition. In any case, you’ve gotten 33-inch knobby all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and that wind-noise-producing off-road roof rack to contend with. The 21.1-gallon fuel tank filled with advisable premium unleaded will yield a highway cruising range of about 443 miles.
Interior and Technology
Contained in the cabin is usually what you expect out of a brand new Lexus, with the right refinement, together with impeccable fit and finish. The one small disappointment was that the upper door trim surfaces appeared to be harder than they must be for such a vehicle. Still, the Lexus quality shows through with the central focus being on the newest 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s proven to be very straightforward in its operation, with a brief learning curve to beat.
The digital gauge cluster continues to be somewhat of a confusing feat, but when you get things arrange, you’re good to go. The seating areas are cozy, because the front heating, ventilation, and massaging seats not only look good with their many accents but in addition feel good on long trips without setting in fatigue. The one issue I even have up front is the leg tunnel being somewhat narrow, and taller folks like myself, who’re well over 6 feet tall, find yourself with my legs hitting either side of the tunnel with no extra room to unfolded. Otherwise, the two-row setup on the Overtrail+ omits the third row, has good space, and a big cargo area amounting to only over 45 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks in place. Fold them down and also you’ll have just over 90 cubic feet of storage. Also, you get to tow as much as 9,063 kilos within the GX 550 Overtrail+.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration might be paired up wirelessly or through a USB connection. I do like how Lexus (and Toyota) allow for the infotainment’s core functions to be quickly accessed on a set of function icons on the left while Apple CarPlay is loaded – or you may simply go completely full screen for CarPlay. There’s a convenient wireless smartphone charger as well just behind the standard gear shifter lever.
Safety
Safety stays paramount for Lexus as they include the entire expected energetic safety features, including lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning/emergency braking, rear cross-path detection/emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and even a forward cross-path warning system that usually becomes an annoyance once you’re an astute driver to start with. Once more, I do benefit from the trick 360-degree surround view camera system that records and overlays what’s underneath the vehicle.
Pricing
The totality of what the brand new Lexus GX is all about keeps with the tradition of a body-on-frame midsized luxury SUV that serves many purposes, and within the Overtrail+ trim, can conquer less-traveled trails with luxury appointments in addition. With such, you’ll expect to pay a bit of extra, and that you just do with my test vehicle coming in at $86,365, which incorporates a $1,450 delivery, processing, and handling fee. Though a base GX 550 with the identical powertrain minus the additional locking rear differential and quite a lot of other luxury equipment starts at $66,185 before any fees or options.
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Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice within the automotive media world for over twenty years. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a status for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of all the pieces from latest automobile debuts to high-performance test drives. Captivated with the evolving automobile culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to guide Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
