Lexus GX550 OVERTRAIL - Is it off-road ready? (Real Reaction)
Will the new Lexus GX550 Overtrail be a contender in the overland / off-road world? We head to a Lexus special event to share our reaction... with an extra twist.
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0:00 Intro
0:40 Who are we?
2:29 SoCal Bound
7:08 Now it gets interesting
9:11 Why the trailer?
11:00 What this is all about
12:56 Interior first impressions!
25:57 Quick shake down
29:58 On the trail action
38:30 But does it TOW?
45:46 Thoughts on the 550
51:48 One more massage for the road
The GX550 is Hands down the GOAT of all the new Toyota Vehicles. Its the dream rig for sure!
It's still a Prado/LC 250 and amazing!
I agree, it's my favorite of all the new platforms.
Common longevity!!! :)
Except for long term reliability of the powertrain. A Toyota mechanic said this powertrain is super complicated and it's going to cost a lot to keep this thing going. Would prefer a V8 powertrain over this twin turbo V6.
@glow4417 time will tell. It is toyota so there is still hope. And I would prefer a turbo 6 cylinder over the 4 cylinder that the land cruiser has.
Love how involved Lexus has become with their consumers, I simply can’t wait to see one in person and what the aftermarket has in store for these. I’m in love with that Earth color for sure. Great video!
I got to catch a quick view of an Earth (I think) Overtrail a couple of weeks ago going the opposite direction here in Honolulu. That is the one I would get to add to my 2023 Tacoma ACLB TRD Off Road to take family & friends around.
Test drove one a couple of weeks back. Not a bad looking bit of kit, but looks better in photos than in real life, IMO. My wife and I walked away with a different Lexus that day. ;)
Yes that's how it should be.
It's super nice, but based on a Toyota mechanic perspective (Not me someone else), the motor is massively complicated. I seriously question long term reliability and cost of ownership for this rig. But no doubt the design is awesome, Toyota knocked it out of park with this one.
@@glow4417 Food for thought. I just did a search on the highest mileage LS500 because these engines started there and found a 2018 with 122,603 miles in only 6 years with an absolutely flawless maintenance history with no defect issues listed. That is proof enough, I’m an Aircraft Maintenance Technician qualified on 9 different Jets so I understand complexities and reliability quite well and them as a fellow maintainer should EXPECT to adapt with changes of the industry. Nothing is perfect but these trucks will do just fine.
Seeing you pull the trailer through those rutted steep hills was truly impressive Kevin! This GX will make a great overlanding rig for sure.
For a stock Lexus it was crazy how well it did in this situation. 👍
Gx 470 can do it same)
It's super cool they let you tow the trailer with it (and your own loaded one, not some empty shell). Usually manufacturers are super strict about what you can do with their press vehicles at these events. I'm impressed by that as much as I am with the vehicle itself lol I also appreciate that this video has moments of just quiet driving without talking or music over it. At 41:00 I loved that 2 minutes of just the sound of vehicle.
Honestly, that blew my mind as well 😲 Such a great opportunity to get a feel for it
“Done”. “Done”. Sounds like you’re getting a GX550 OT.😂
I would certainly love one 😍
@@LifestyleOverland$80,000. And don’t believe what you hear on the news, the economy is tanking. It is time to be conservative now.
@@LifestyleOverland When will you sell Aspenand get this one? :))
Looking forward to picking up our 550 from dealer this week in north Florida and will order another of Kevin’s “Topo Bear” stickers to its backside.
@@barryraven4745 I pay attention to economic including geopolitical threats to world stability as well. Americans spend an average of $1100 a month in inflation taxes. Not a good time to get further in debt 😮
I watched so many reviews/impressions on this vehicle and they were lackluster. I knew you would be bringing a real world impression of this vehicle, thanks for this! You did an excellent job Kevin! We saw this at our local Lexus two months ago and we already knew there will be a markup because they did JUST THAT WELL! I think this will replace our 2009 Jeep Commander.
the others are "lackluster" because they were at press events with a lot of restrictions. it's not the content creator's faults that they can't fully review the vehicles the way they wanted to. just give it a few weeks for the first deliveries to start then you'll see proper real world usage reviews without toyota restricting them.
@@floofy117 I understand that, the ones I referred to were the press release 2 months ago. I understand this but Kevin uses the vehicle in a particular way that most reviewers have no clue about.
Glad you liked it! Super stoked for its future.
Out of the all new models Toyota/Lexus came out with, this 550 takes the cake. Thanks Kevin for this video.
Yes! We Wan you to take both, Aspen and the GX 550 on the trail for a 1 or 2 weeks trip to really test them and highlight the differences and enhancements. I am very happy Toyota / Lexus recognize your work and invited you to test the new GX 550
Thanks! It was awesome after 10 years of using their stuff to get that message
I drove a demo GX550 overtrail + at the dealership yesterday. It was sooooo Goood…now I’m hooked on the idea of having one 🤣 but I also want to keep my truck 😂
TWO KIDS PLAYING WITH A TOY, GOTTA LOVE THAT.
Tell your wife you need one for a long term test for us viewers. I need someone to tell my wife I need this truck! Thanks for the drive and commentary.
I would love to see you put it through the paces given your experience.
Awesome video! Your videos are so easy to watch compared to some other you tuber's. Great job showing the experience of the new Lexus. That appears to be a very capable and comfortable vehicle. Definitely would not be opposed to watching you and your family's travel while driving one of those. Always enjoy seeing the places y'all visit and the work you do on Silver, Aspen and The Beast. Happy you got the opportunity to drive the GX550 and share the experience with all of us.
For me an overlooked feature for a vehicle interior is non reflective surfaces. Amazing how the sun finds that perfect angle to shine glare into your eyes. Crome and shiny surfaces look pretty but are terrible when that glare hit you when you least expect it. Still waiting for a rear view monitor to replace the rear view mirror and side monitors mounted on the A pillar instead of side mirrors. Those side mirrors and huge A pillars create a blind spot that makes it harder to see pedestrians when making left or right turns. Finally, a convent place to mount a fire extinguisher. Love the front facing camera feature and the personal overhead drone view. Great episode, thanks for sharing.
I also hate reflections. I have sensitive eyes, the hood of my ‘23 Tacoma has a concave edge right by the windshield which reflects sun from many angles.
Typing up a paper for my MBA course as I listen and glimpse over at your video on occasion, your videos are peaceful and pleasant. Absolutely fantastic, job well done!
Excellent, very informative video. I've been following your adventures for over five years now and loved all of them. Your channel was my first subscription on KZhead l met you a few years back at the overland event in central Texas and have learned a lot about overlanding from you. I'm 77 years old and have always loved off roading since the 1960's when i built a dune buggy out of a 1955 Oldsmobile for running the dunes on South Padre Island. We removed the body, shortened the frame and put dual wheels on the back. Lots of power but really too heavy for running the dunes. My Grandmother did most of the welding for me. She was lead welder for Douglas Aircraft back in WWII. You've really got me excited about the new GX550 with your evaluation of the vehicle. I've always been a Chevrolet guy but this has me excited about the GX550. Two of my sons drive modified Toyotas; a 4 Runner and a 2006 GX470 and really like their rigs. I think the GX550 would be a good all around vehicle for our needs without a bunch of modifications needed. Thanks again for the excellent video.
Thank you so much for sharing that and for riding along with us for so long! I was also a GM guy for many years but since getting out 4Runner we've fallen in love with Toyota (obviously). 😁
What an awesome video. Love all the different shots captured, the vehicle review - and your thoughts on the Gx.
Awesome! So glad you had a great time. Great video work as usual. It was cool to get eyes on how it articulated through the arroyo.
Thanks so much, guys! Awesome job with coordinating the event 🙌
Just worried about dealerships marking these up to a insane amount.
Thank you again for another great video! I pray every day, that someday I have an amazing family like yours!
Fantastic review! So thorough on things that are important to Overlanders. Hope you get one for your adventures!
through caution to the wind and just get one 🙂 we'll be happy to follow along
thanks for your honesty best review ever keep it up champ
Amazing! What a nice car! Love to have it here in Sweden! Love the masssge in the seat! 👍❤️
Kevin awesome job! Loved your review approach detailed focused and fun. Amazing rig! Can’t wait!!
Thanks so much!
Well done sir!! Loved hearing your honest and thorough opinion! I wanted one before but now I REALLY want one! I’ll sadly have to wait a few years for a used one. But I can tell the wait will be worth it! 😃👏
This was awesome, thank you for making this!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great review, loved that you got to test with the trailer!
Love your approach to review along with the talented storytelling. YES PLEASE! More Lifestyle Overland content on the GX550.
Thanks so much!
I’ve watched every GX 550 video and this is by far my favorite. Thanks for putting out some solid content with great shots.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Really appreciate Kevin doing a review on the passenger seat. I never realized how much I actually don't like my 4Runner's passenger seat until I sat in it for the first time after years of ownership. Also noting how the placement of the 4H/4L select could be problematic.
Cool to see Kurt from XO featured with Lexus here as well as Toyota in XOs videos!
Love these trucks. Planning to get a 2027 model in 2032. 😄
Ditto!! 🤣🙌
Used one will work hands down
Love this rig. Got to preview it last summer at Overland Expo Mtn. West. My favorite of all the new Toyota’s coming to market.
Looking at specs i just need the standard overtrail with the HUD, all weather mats, minus the sunroof. Honestly it comes with everything else 360 camera, heated & ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, blindspot, crawl control and much much more for 70k. Once you option a land cruiser you are at the same price. Guess it comes down to hybrid mpg or the power of a twin turbo 6. I like power myself
New to your channel. This was the best review of the Lexus 550 Overtrail by far. A real off trail user. I cannot believe they let you hook up your own trailer! I would be in favor of you getting more time with one and recording a trip.
This is by far the best review video for off-roaders and overlanders and the GX550. It pretty much answers every questions I had for the vehicle and then some. Great job, Kevin!
Glad it was helpful!
did you make a down payment already?:) (asking for a friend)
Yes put the GX550 through the testing process! Looks like a great vehicle. Also would love to see you compare the GX550 with the new Land Cruiser with the new 4Runner
Thanks for the vote! 🙌 It's on our wishlist.
@@LifestyleOverland Can you turn off the nanny safety feature that watches your eyes???
Awesome unique episode - Very glad you guys got to bring us your perspective on all this. Now get them to give you the keys to the Land Cruiser also ;)
Great review! Ive got a 22 tundra with over 100k miles on it and it still runs as good as the day I bought it with no issues to speak of. Oil field truck that sees lots of rough roads. If i had the money I would not hesitate to buy a GX550.
I was particularly impressed with how quickly the wheel spin stopped in the wheel off the ground the first time it articulated in your video. You were obviously impressed. I bet Sarah was giddy when she saw the video. I would think EKDSS will end up more reliable than the swaybar disconnect. I am concerned the sbd will end up as clunky as the 4WD engage can be sometimes; as it waits for all the players get in line to re-engage, or get out of a bind enough to slide apart.
Yes, it was much more controlled and instant! The EKDSS was also spectacular.
I'm glad you were able to test the new platform and share your opinion with the overland community. For the first time I'm thinking of giving up my Tundra for this rig. Hopefully you can do further research to see what the minimum needs are to get this rig trail ready.
Love the GX 550 so much I hope to be picking up ours this week or next from dealer in north Florida. Would be or 3 rd GX. And I’ve loved them all. Love your segment and will be putting the “ Topo Bear” on its backside soon.
I’m impressed, thanks for sharing.👍👍
After seeing the 4runner, Lexus is going on the back burner
I do like the the look of the 4Runner and that they kept the roll down back window. I probably would also get the T4R over this just because of price and MPG (87vs91 octane too)
Yeah? You like that design better?
@@LifestyleOverland I like both designs but i am 4runner fan boy so 😂 The price tag of the 550 is nuts
The part about Toyota doing turbo engines right the first time is just flat out wrong. Remember the turbo 4 cylinder pickup in the 80s? Lasted 3 model years because it was a piece of junk. Then on the new Tundras, they’ve had nothing but problems with the turbos. Stop the Toyota Fan Boy stuff.
Loved this video and yes some driving impressions of this... the new T4R and the LC250 would be great. same honest format, AND with the trailer! super informative!
Thanks for the feedback! We would love to test those as well.
I like those trails in Hungry Valley, CA. Great review..
Best review on the entire KZhead ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉
Wow, thank you!
I've become convinced that only posers like things the old (hard way). Anyone who is really invested in an activity wants quality of life improvements.
A front winch bumper would make the GX550 Overtrail almost perfect! Thanks for this one.
That would be the chefs kiss 🙌
Im sure Lexus will offer that eventually even if it’s through an 3rd party……..hopefully covered by their warranty. But i share the same sentiment owning an ‘15 GX460 (she’s a pavement princess) that “if its not broke dont fix it” and not needing all the new technology because it could lead to more stuff going wrong but after watching your review being that you guys are true overlanders, made me reconsider. For the most part, other youtubers are just car reviewers not really overlanders so they would never see it from that standpoint but this is the best review i’ve seen so that really made me appreciate what Lexus has done!
Love the review. Have to look into it.
We’re finally getting around to watching this. It seems pretty amazing! Seeing this, I want one, and I have the 200! 🤪
Ditto on hating that word. Thanks for the introduction to the GX550
Clearly a marketing word for corporate discussions. That and "content"; it's like calling beautiful ribeye "protein".
Incredible machine! Toyota tradition. I’d enjoy seeing more. And, 😮s this in the future for LSO? Hmmmm. Eager to watch this journey. Y’all are awesome
No plans to buy one anytime soon but I'd be glad to borrow one for testing purposes 😁
I got to experience a new Tundra TRD Pro, today. It is impressive! I
Best review I seen online. You're more practical
Please do some more testing. I am impressed.
Great video! I have that exact same model and colour pre-ordered but when we see it in Australia is anyone’s guess! Also you’re right about the rigs being tied to the family as I know my daughter would also be upset if I sold our FJ. I for one would love to see you testing the GX550 at a later date on your channel.
You know the look of that new GX 550 kind of reminds me of a cylon warrior from Battlestar Galactica
Yes! ⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this review. At the end you mentioned adding some clearance enhancements. Are you thinking it needs a lift? Will adding a lift mess with the geometry of the suspension in a negative way?
I'm curious to see what aftermarket does with this. Honestly it's never enough lift, lol. But this will do 98% of most trails no problem which is crazy for a stock LEXUS 😲
Great video.
Ecstatic about your thoughts on this platform I am so excited to get my family’s GX550 Overtrail+ that’s is on order. I would love to see the 550 more on your families travels to further hear your opinions on this rig. Loved the video Cant wait to hear Sarah and Caroline’s opinion on the GX too. Stay curious
Excellent video!
That is one sweet rig! I want one. I am curious if the HUD shows the front tire placement like the screen does? That would be perfection for trail work.
Muy buenos los videos, hermosos los paisajes Dios los bendiga saludos desde Córdoba
Great video. I hope to see you test drive the new 4Runner Trailhunter or TRD Pro and give a comparison. Curious if the 4Runner offers heads up display. The EKDSS is a huge plus for the GX vs the 4Runner.
Yes get a longer term tester so you can deep dive for us.
I don't usually care for these types of videos but this was a good one!
Thanks!
That was superb, I’ll take one 🤩🤣🤣⭐️
I love your review based on your own perspectives. Many others are just talking the same stuff all over. They talk about the same thing with any other cars. Not interesting. Anyway, I hope you have a chance to do the similar video with new 4Runner. I am very curious of its powertrain. I am not quite excited about hybrids, since batteries eat up cargo space. Anyway, keep your own unique perspective. Thanks!
I'm a car guy. I think the first twin-turbo vehicle to come out of Japan was the 1990 Twin Turbo Nissan Z. Previously in 1987, Toyota introduced a turbo Supra however it was a single-scroll Turbo. I am actually burned out with trucks and off-road vehicles after spending 12 years in the Army. I must admit I am drooling over the GX 550, I just earmarked my savings for it. Thanks for the show, you did a great presentation, I first saw the GX 550 in person at the Chicago Auto Show, and I cannot wait to get my hands on one for a rental before purchasing. Thanks again. New subscriber...
The instrument cluster we have all dreamed of since we watched Richard Hammond drive the LFA for the first time on Top Gear.
A manual trailer brake controller is a must for offroad in both hi and low range. It's the difference between being pushed off a cliff or avoiding it.
Would love to see this added to your garage and in future videos. My next off-road buy is going to be the Bronco Raptor but this might be perfect for my wife and a great replacement for her Infiniti.
Quite a far departure from my GX470. But I'm excited about it.
Thank you! This is by far the best presentation of the GX550 to date. Every other media platform has taken it city driving or over extremely mild terrain. This GX550 Overtrail+ is very impressive! If Lexus makes a hybrid version that gets better MPG, I will seriously consider it 🤔 * Lexus Engineers* Moving the 12V from the center console up to the dash cubby-hole would allow the 4L/4H switch to take that location. If the Overtrail is only 2 rows of seats, then the rear seats should have the option to move forward/back with a manual pull handle. The sunvisor Has to be able to move the length of the window or have a separate pull flap. More ground clearance, via suspension or adding AHC, to the Overtrail would be greatly beneficial.
I really like it, I want one now’ I enjoyed a real person that I know’s review. I’ll be curious how it handles bigger tires, and the longevity with that, especially the electric steering! 👌🤘🇨🇦
It's going to be an interesting path forward! If anyone can do it right the first time, it's Lexus/Toyota.
Really wish a 3rd row was an option on the Overtrail trims.
yeah...a side by side, week long trip with Aspen and a 550 would make for a cool video. But I just can't imagine paying that much money for a car...ever. We'll have to replace our Highlander in a few years and we'll have to figure out what we can do. Maybe a base model. Keep up the great work.
They did good with the exterior design. That lack of back seat leg space is kind of nuts. I can wait to see these lifted with 35's and overland front bumpers with light bars and winches built in. I'm going to wait a few years and try to find a nice used lease return. Then I'll build it up and start putting miles on it. Best of all the new Toyota Designs.
I'm definitely looking forward to you making that difficult decision for future adventurers for the channel.🤔
Well of course we want to see you build one out 😂
Awesome vid Kevin. I think that 550 is worth every penny of MSRP.
I'd wish I knew you were at the Longo Lexus dealership. I would have come and said hi.
It would be nice for the Overtrail+ to come with real leather (Saddle Tan), 3rd row seating option, 3-zone climate controls, and heated middle bench seating. That would make it perfect.
I think Lexus should give you one of these for a 1 year, long term test experience, with some mods to that storage area for a fridge, electric power, an inverter and maybe an on board air compressor too.
i vote for you to test this in the field
yes absolutely do some more testing with this thang. very impressive. and very interesting to think about aftermarket coming on line and what things will, and more importantly WONT be needed on a truck that set up already. id just like to say, on the topic of people not liking all of the new tech and malarkey as he put it, it makes me sad to see so much resistance to things without actually giving it a chance. however i do understand, because whats at the core of that problem is just fear of change. and thats a really valid thing, especially when its things you care about alot that are changing. but we need to be more opened minded, because when you give things a fair chance you will find alot that you like, and alot of things that will make you fall in love with what you care about all over again! i mean cmon, the cameras showing you the trail is just the best. not to say there arent problems with new tech, but their are problems with everything. and hey, atleast you can still enjoy the fact that this company isnt going electric for a while still hahaha. (although the torque will be unmatched when that happens ;) ) great video!
Great comment! Thanks for sharing that. Agree with the general aversion to tech but I also understand why some are opposed. But, if we don't try we'll never get better, right? Pre-production testing is the key.
@@LifestyleOverland yea you're absolutely right because the worst thing about the tech industry is chasing whatever the new trend is and creating complete garbage just to say you're part of it. Then later it gets figured out and set right, like how we now know that people want analog buttons and dash controls for some things, not everything in a touch screen lol
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how quiet the interior was over all those different ruts and off-road scenarios. The 460 was quiet too it’s put together really well, there are some vehicles that feel like they will fall apart on washboard roads. Does the rear locker engage right away like the center diff on the 460? Toyota rear lockers take forever I was wondering if it works better on a Lexus…….
Outstanding review compared to the many others I have watched. It's awesome to actually get a review where you were able to test it out with your trailer albeit not to its limits but still ok. Your real world experience in hauling family and stuff is what makes a huge difference for us that love to do the same. Sooo I will be purchasing a new Toyota/Lexus within the next two years and selling my 05' 100Series LC while holding onto my 04' Tundra. The big question for me is new LC + Premium pkg or GX Overtrail? The price appears to be within $10K or so when you get down to it. In comparison, is the GX fit and finish that much better? Is the GX more comfortable? Capability appear very similar as does internal room/storage? This may sound stupid, but the the most significant difference at this point that keeps the LC in the picture is the hybrid and ~5mpg difference and reg unleaded vs premium as I expect both powertrains to have very good performance and reliability to be equally excellent. If/when GX goes hybrid it seems like a no brainer for me. decisions decisions and thanks again for your insight.
GX OT is best, many added features not available on LC. E-KDSS, adaptive variable suspension, etc. I thought that both GX and LC were premium gas in a video I saw.
I’ve seen both regular and premium for the LC. Something like recommended but not required?
Goooooo for it
4runner guys (me) be like “yeah, but the back glass doesn’t roll down!” 😂 looks pretty sweet! I wouldn’t want to lose the center console to a cool box though. Did it have/did you use stabilizer disconnect? Great video!
I think the coolbox is optional. This has EKDSS so it doesn't need to disconnect like a traditional sway bar. It's a crazy cool design.
Overtrail has eKDSS which disconnects sway bars automatically.
@@spaulagainit not only disconnects it or connects it, it can be set in an analog way, like 25% or 50% depending on the mode used : snow, mud etc. According to a Lexus engineer in a video. All automatically.
Interested in your thoughts on the new 4runner
Great video. Just curious what do you do for a living to afford so many such vehicles?
lol! Aw Kev. You’re kinda screwed! 😂❤
That back seat area looks tight
40:17 the 360°(?) camera lens makes the rear end very rectangular vertically 😂
Yeah, just the lens
Excellent review. I actually cancelled my GX reservation but this video made me regret that decision as we put down a deposit on a Rivian.
Pro tip... Check out M43 cameras. You won't need any storage for them because a 24-300 lens will fit in the cup holder keeping the drinks in the cool box. 👍👍
That’s the rear seat leg room like compared to the 460. Also how do you find using touch buttons for the HVAC when driving compared to having physical buttons?
Yes please test it