Over the past several years, the popularity of off-road vehicles has resulted in less rugged crossovers and SUVs getting more butch with the addition of “go anywhere” styling updates and features. The increasingly capable (yet unibody/all-wheel-drive) Honda Passport TrailSport is a great example of this, but this push for more outdoorsy looks and equipment has worked in the other direction too. The Lexus GX has always been a body-on-frame luxury off-road rig with full-time four-wheel drive. Now in its third generation, the Lexus GX has become more of what it’s always been, especially when you consider the 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ model we tested.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY OVER
The GX was all-new for 2024, from its GA-F platform and angular styling to its fresh interior and 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6/10-speed automatic combo. For the first time ever, Lexus offered the GX Overtrail and Overtrail+ models, which featured more off-road-focused hardware and technology. The following year brought a standard power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, as well as the Lexus Memory System for the driver seat, outer mirrors, and steering column; the Overtrail models received a one-inch suspension lift.
Those updates carry over into the 2026 GX. So do the three core trim levels, Premium, Luxury, and Overtrail, and their better-equipped “+” variants. Prices (updated since the below video review was shot) start at $68,335 for the entry-level Premium model. The Luxury+ has the loftiest starting price of $84,800. According to its window sticker, our Overtrail+ tester had a base MSRP of $81,395. The optional head-up display, 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, premium paint color, Traffic Jam Assist, rock rails, cool box, cross bars, and other options raised the as-tested price to $88,345.
TOTALLY JACKED, BRO
Have you ever seen the “before” photo of a doughy guy and the “after” photo that shows him following months of dieting and getting shredded in the gym? The GX has followed that same timeline. The first two generations had a certain softness to their designs, but GX 3.0 cut out carbs and sugar, so it’s all hard lines and angles now. Aside from the wheels and tires, our Earth and Black Onyx review vehicle could’ve passed for a tank in a sci-fi movie set in the year 2056.
Here in the present day, the Overtrail+ can roll over challenging terrain thanks to its 1-inch lift, 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires, and locking center and rear differentials. If the going gets so rough that the tires need to be aired down, the onboard air compressor can fill them back up once it’s time to hit the road home. The Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System locks and unlocks the front and rear stabilizer bars to provide better wheel articulation on trails and reduce body roll on pavement.
NOT-SO-ROUGHING IT
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the opportunity to go wheeling in the GX Overtrail+, so we didn’t have a chance to use the Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, or Multi-Terrain Select systems. However, we had plenty of time to see how the GX was as a daily driver. Aside from the initially confusing S-Flow ventilation function, which only directed air to the front row, the Black NuLuxe and Olive Ultrasuede cabin was a pleasant place to be. Thanks to features such as the 10.7-inch head-up display, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and 14-inch infotainment screen, it was thoroughly modern (although a digital rearview mirror would’ve been nice). Front massaging seats, a cool box, and a spacious second row with reclining, heated seats and manual sunshades helped keep everyone inside the GX comfortable in the Phoenix summer heat.
WHAT THE TRUCK?!
Given the GX’s rugged underpinnings and dedicated hardware, it was natural to assume it would behave like a truck on the road — in the worst ways. It certainly had the power of a modern truck, allowing us to keep up with Phoenix pickup drivers who freely indulge in the massive amounts of power just under their right feet. The GX’s 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque moved the 5,705 pounds that surrounded them with ease and urgency. But in every other way, the GX wasn’t stereotypically truck-like. When the Adaptive Variable Suspension was set to Comfort mode, it was a little too communicative and lively on bumpy roads, but it was never harsh; the Normal setting was a balance of composure and coddling. The steering was nicely weighted and more responsive off-center than anticipated. Even the brakes were dialed in well: The pedal had the right amount of resistance and did its job smoothly and progressively.
WHAT A CONCEPT!
Back in 2019, Lexus brought its GXOR overlanding concept to the Texas Auto Writers Association’s Texas Truck Rodeo, a media event where journalists and content creators drive pickups and SUVs on- and off-road and crown the “SUV of Texas” and the “Truck of Texas.” Lexus fitted it with gear that would make it capable and comfortable during long trips away from civilization, such as Icon shocks, front winch, snorkel, roof rack, and a mini fridge/freezer combo. It’s hard not to think of the GXOR when looking at the 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+: It has the same spirit of dedication and adventure, and the kind of equipment that can take the GX higher and further into the wilderness — not just macho styling and a set of all-terrains.
To learn more about the 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+, watch our full video review below.
Click above to watch our full video review on YouTube!
