GX550 Overtrail owners

[kodiakisland]

Any 2025 Overtrail owners here? Thoughts on ownership?

I've been wanting to buy a LC250 for over a year and every time I look at them I'm disappointed. It just feels like I'm not getting what I'm paying for. Just feels like a cheaper vehicle than the price. Then I learned the LC250s have 8in rear ends and the GX550s have 9.5in rear ends. The LCs have the tripod style CVs and the GX have the higher angle/stronger CVs. Plus the GX has the factory 1in lift. Seems like the LC is missing in areas that matter.

Not replacing my Bronco or my Tacoma, just adding a capable family rig I can use on family roadtrips and carting around the grandkids on dirt and snow. Will also allow me to finally remove the rear seat in the Bronco I left in for a grandkid and have it be a permanent two seater.

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[AZ_Craig]

I was considering both a LC and a GX550 Overtrail back when I ended up with my Raptor last year (October 2024). I never got to drive a GX550, but the hybrid system cargo volume hit in tandem with finding the hybrid max powertrain to be mediocre at best was enough to make me sure I'd go GX550 also if I had gone that direction.

I've actually thought about replacing my EV6 next year with a GX550 (to have a better road trip vehicle than my Raptor), but ultimately my thinking is that I'm probably better off saving ~$20K and sticking with something unibody. GX550 fuel mileage is abysmal and unless you really want a truck I personally think there are other vehicles that can serve that role better. The new Explorer Tremor with the 3.0T for instance is very tempting to me (I always liked the ST for instance but the 21" wheels will be a liability for snow and dirt driving).

 

[GoHawks63]

Having owned to full size Land Cruisers in the past (1998 & 2004), I was excited when I heard the LC was coming back, only to be a bit disappointed when I saw the power train, and the styling really didn't do it for me. The downsizing didn't really bother me since I didn't need something as large as the previous generations.

I do like the new GX, a lot! First of all, for the powertrain, then for its capability and styling, but to get one optioned the way I would've wanted was a bit more than what I wanted to spend.

 

[RallyGorgo]

The Land Cruiser is a hybrid and the floor in the back is higher by ~4” from what I’ve read but can’t find anything saying the current GX550 is a hybrid so the storage area shouldn’t be affected, should it? (Edit: I just reread one of the above posts and understand what the author was saying, that they’d go with the GX over the LC because the GX is NOT a hybrid…) I REALLY like the GX550 but, between my Badlands and my Silverado 2500HD diesel, I think I’ve got poor fuel mileage, towing, and number of cup-holders covered.

 

[AZ_Craig]

The Land Cruiser is a hybrid and the floor in the back is higher by ~4” from what I’ve read but can’t find anything saying the current GX550 is a hybrid so the storage area shouldn’t be affected, should it? (Edit: I just reread one of the above posts and understand what the author was saying, that they’d go with the GX over the LC because the GX is NOT a hybrid…) I REALLY like the GX550 but, between my Badlands and my Silverado 2500HD diesel, I think I’ve got poor fuel mileage, towing, and number of cup-holders covered.

This is exactly correct. Original specs reported were 37.5 cubic feet for the Land Cruiser, but 46.2 cubic feet for the GX550 Overtrail (the 3rd row seat does cut into cargo space on the 3 row configuration GX550s).

Strangely, Toyota is now reporting 46.2 cubic feet for the Land Cruiser (which seems to not be subtracting the battery), but total cargo volume is 82.1 cubic feet versus 90.5 cubic feet total for the GX550 Overtrail.

My assumption is the battery system in the LC cuts into the overall available area by over 8 cubic feet then (nearly 20%). At least it's a mostly symmetric increase of load floor height, but to me it makes the cargo carrying capability of the LC quite mediocre despite how big and boxy it is.

 

[THE_SAVSQCH]

My wife wants one. If she wants one is another way of saying she is getting one.

I’ll to her and I’ll drive it sometimes but it’s not a BBR and F it I’ll wave to her in it if I see her on the road.

Spoiler I won’t cause she always makes me drive.

BBR OUT

 

[GoHawks63]

The Land Cruiser is a hybrid and the floor in the back is higher by ~4” from what I’ve read but can’t find anything saying the current GX550 is a hybrid so the storage area shouldn’t be affected, should it? (Edit: I just reread one of the above posts and understand what the author was saying, that they’d go with the GX over the LC because the GX is NOT a hybrid…) I REALLY like the GX550 but, between my Badlands and my Silverado 2500HD diesel, I think I’ve got poor fuel mileage, towing, and number of cup-holders covered.

The GX has a TT V6.

 

[RallyGorgo]

I don’t understand Lexus’ numbering scheme anymore. My son’s ‘04 GX470 has the 4.7 V8, great engine! The GX460 had a 4.6 V8. The GX550 has a 3.4 twin-turbo 349hp V6. Uh, yeah…

 

[AZ_Craig]

I don’t understand Lexus’ numbering scheme anymore. My son’s ‘04 GX470 has the 4.7 V8, great engine! The GX460 had a 4.6 V8. The GX550 has a 3.4 twin-turbo 349hp V6. Uh, yeah…

It's gone this way with pretty much all luxury makes since turbo engines took over. Infiniti, BMW and Mercedes used to also mostly correspond to displacement. At one point it was supposed to correspond to perceived naturally aspirated power but I think it's largely linked to simply identifying higher trim lines now to be honest (despite what manufacturers say).

 

[kodiakisland]

My wife has the GX550 and I prefer the GX to LC250's

Has she been happy with it? This will be a vehicle my wife will use as well. She usually doesn't drive any of mine and I don't drive hers, but I would like something we are both happy to drive. She will want highway comfort, and I will want forest service road capable without stressing the vehicle. Something we can take a 1500 mile trip in with comfort, but then once we are there I can get to the trailheads as far from the highway as possible. We currently use the Bronco for that, but I know I enjoy it much more than my wife does. I think she just goes along for the great company.

I'm only interested in the Overtrail model with no 3rd row seat and the factory lift. I'm planning to leaving it stock for several years, which will be difficult for me. OK, +1 size on the tires, but that's all.

Every time I look at the LCs I just come away thinking they should be $20K lower than what they are. They just seem like budget vehicle at a premium price. I want to feel like I'm getting a premium vehicle at a premium price.

 

[Sloo]

I have a 25 overtrail. It is way better than the LC I looked at but it is not as “luxury” as you would think for the price.
It drives more like a truck than SUV. Very similar to the 4Runner TRD Pro, but nicer with more power and amenities.
The overtrail is the off road level and very capable. I’m very happy with mine and get lots of compliments.
There is GX 550 blog similar to this one you should check out. Lots of photos and info.

 

[kodiakisland]

My GX should be hitting the port in LA any day now. Not sure when I'll actually drive it but it should look good parked next to the Bronco.

 

[rodccar]

My wife got hers. Its really nice. Rides smooth (as it possibly could) on 12.5 x 35's but the MPG is absolutely crap.

It was built off of an OT+.

 

[kodiakisland]

I get 20+ mpg with stock tires on the highway so I’m happy. Lots of times the Bronco doesn’t do that.

 

[popo_patty]

One of them completed the Baja 1000 so that says something.

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