The Lexus GX 2024 is definitely very different from anything else the company has made in the past 20 years. Lexus’s body-on-frame SUVs have always been quiet and capable off-road, but this is the first time we’ve seen the company fully accept this rugged nature with an Overtrail option. That is the star model, with 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tyres, 18-inch wheels, eKDSS suspension, two locking differentials, and other features all over the internet since the GX was shown off last night. Lexus wants to add more models to the Overtrail line, which makes things even better. The Drive was there to talk with GX Chief Engineer Koji Tsukaski at a media meeting. Tsukaski didn’t say much, but he did say this: “Because the Overtrail project is being introduced with the GX right now, we’ll see how customers react to it.” But it is on the table. We’re giving it some thought. “We had to set a precedent for Overtrail,” Tsukaski said as a final thought. If F-Sport was shown at launch, it would make the lines less clear, so we have to make an Overtrail with the GX first. When asked if this meant more Overtrail models were coming, Tsukaski said, “Of course, we’ll keep an eye on customer feedback, but yeah, it makes sense.” This includes the LX 600, which in our country is the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series. The higher trail rig, which was shown for the first time at Overland Expo a few weeks ago, is proof that this SUV has already been updated. Even though it looks pretty tough with oversized tires, a better suspension, and rock armour, don’t expect Lexus to go quite as far with a big brush guard and winch. In some parts of the world, you can already buy an LX model with three locking differentials—one in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back. We’ve already shown how well the TNGA-F platform can support Toyota cars, and the much bigger SUV is built on the same base as the new GX. It shouldn’t be too hard to turn it into a high-tech family car. “What vehicle, when,” Tsukaski said, “you know, we can’t say.” He went on to say that Overtrail will only be offered on Lexus cars because Toyota already has four-wheel-drive trims like the new Trailhunter standard, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. Given how well the 2024 GX has been received, it makes more sense to wonder when Lexus will keep making Overtrail cars.
