Is the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail a BETTER luxury SUV than a Land Rover Defender?

The GX 550 is finally here and Lexus has brought some big changes. On the outside you will find 18in wheels, 33in off road tires and fixed running boards. On the inside you will b e greeted to an all new interior. Under the hood is a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail a BETTER luxury SUV than a Land Rover Defender?
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[@MrTenhighguy]

Unlike any land rover product the lexus will still be running after 8 years😂😂

[@TheKingAmeer]

You’re most likely poor. Most likely you can’t afford one. Do you really think the business owners care about reliability? Lexus made there cars for poor middle class people. My parents had range rovers ever since I was small and never had a problem since they always lease. My neighbor has a 2013 Range Rover with 140k miles and never left him stranded or never had any problems

[@densepada2848]

@@TheKingAmeer imagine losing to a middle class vehicle like lexus on your land rover,better offroad,better luxury,better comfort & better reliability..😅

[@TheKingAmeer]

@@densepada2848 explain to me what’s better other than reliability? I don’t think most Range rovers go off roading down here in Naples, Florida

[@Eliehbk]

@@TheKingAmeer No need to call him poor and get all rude, it's just a &&^ car! No need to bully him because your parents have a Range Rover. I am happy for them that their's is reliable, but looking at data seems to support his statement. Range Rovers have horrible reliability. So I'd say good for your parents, but no need to be rude!!

[@TheKingAmeer]

@@Eliehbk If they’re so bad in reliability why so many business owners have them.

[@chrisdocksteader6420]

I have had a 2020 Defender for about 3 years now - it has been a COLOSSAL disappointment. I think it's one of the coolest looking, worst built vehicles I've ever experienced. I have had over $35,000 worth of warranty work done and it is at the dealership right now for a new ECM and new wiring harness - they estimate 40+ hours of shop time. I told them I will NOT be picking it up. I'M DONE. Yes, I know mine is a lemon but let's be honest, Land Rover simply CANNOT build a reliable vehicle. They look great but are RUBBISH. I have ordered my GX and although it will likely be a few months before it arrives, I don't care. I'm SO excited to get out of my Defender and into a GX it makes me delirious. When I watch this review, I feel so happy in the knowledge that I'm going from hell to heaven in one quick change!

[@TB_SnEaKy]

I'm sorry mate, I really wanted one of these. Your experience has saved me alot of time, money, and ulcers.

[@wellrounded9757]

me as well. thank you!

[@terrymac6866]

The green looks amazing in the Overtrail.

[@longgrayline8055]

Anything made by Lexus is far better than anything made by 99% of the manufacturers out there. The vehicles are super reliable, super comfortable, and extremely well thought out. I’ll never drive anything else as a daily driver.

[@bluedevil0133]

Unfair to zonk the sunroof on the Overtrail trim. Most of the aftermarket roof racks aren’t compatible with the pano sunroof. It is available on the Luxury trim. The Overtrail actually options a sunroof delete to accommodate full length roof racks and saves you $1,100. My two cents. Agree with all other zonks though. Gotta tuck in that rear wiper up top!!

[@Christian-lw5vw]

Yeah but what if you want the Overtrail trim with a panoramic sunroof? Or a third row? There is no option for that.

[@masterdriveroftoyotazupr4164]

​@@Christian-lw5vw too bad pavement princess, get the Luxury trim.

[@new002one]

@@Christian-lw5vwremember they make vehicles for the masses not for YOU. No one in their right sane mind would want to go off road with that big a** glass roof. You can buy the luxury trim and change the rims if you want that look.

[@aaronbrooks4091]

@@Christian-lw5vwit’s an OVERtrail! Why you want a pano- to just stack stuff over? Or do you want an OVERtrail, while going to Disney? Just get a Luxury, right???

[@fpartidafpartida]

@@masterdriveroftoyotazupr4164Wrong clown. I off road and mountain bike and would absolutely love the panoramic sunroof. Car camping and being able to look up at the sky would rock🤙

[@93ksj]

What a badass machine Joe, telling my brother he needs to buy one lol. Nori Green is stunning

[@donOmar1124]

Facts

[@jasonb4988]

I believe it is a DIRECT COMPETITOR FOR THE DEFENDER. Reliability, technology, resale, overall, a super package. Keep this up Lexus.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right Jason!

[@993mike]

Let’s see - a super reliable Toyota product, or a Defender that will need to be towed to the dealer 2-3 times a year (just like my neighbor has done)? There is only one answer - buy the Lexus. My two GX’s over the last 20 years have been flawless.

[@arkos55]

4th year on my new Defender, 50K miles no problems, pleasure to drive. Most reliable car I’ve ever had in forty years of car ownership.

[@EphemeralThought]

The Lexus will last much longer, is built in Toyota's preeminent factory in Japan, and will maintain resale value like a champ... especially compared to the Land Rovers. Land Rovers are tons of fun, but only if you really have money to burn, in my opinion. :D

[@EphemeralThought]

@@arkos55 Did you only own Fiats, prior? :D

[@leechristensen7387]

Cool review ss always. Im still driving a 1995 ls 400 with 307,000 miles and it doesn't skip a beat. Also been driven in mn its whole life with minimal rust. Keep up the awesome reviews! More drifting in parking lots please! 😂

[@thegoodman3810]

I've fallen in love with it!! 😍 Thx for the review, Joe!!!

[@chrisgelo1425]

I love the color, Joe. Nori Green kinda reminds me of an army tank. I'm sure with GX first drive being here, I'm sure the Land Cruiser isn't far behind!

[@michaelarvieiammicd19bible28]

Man Raiti can sell ANYTHING. The G.O.A.T. of auto reviews.

[@deebee2612]

#FACTS 😂💯🙌🏾

[@jacobsinger97]

Yes

[@kickstand801]

Wow. Havent seen many offroad Lexus vehicles around these parts. Impressive looking machine!

[@TR-xy2bt]

This suv is almost perfect for me. I’m not a fan of panoramic roofs. I’m glad this trim has a traditional moon roof.

[@mbyte84]

Agreed, though $69K for an overtrain is pricey

[@dr.baotran8448]

Thank you for your reviews. I always, love love your reviews, GX has always been my fav (even with the older models) from the Lexus lineup. Have a great day.

[@Re3VxRNxCLAN]

I ordered one today 🎉 overtrail + nori green

[@jessekuchinski1172]

Did you really?? Nice!!!

[@jemo2931]

Congratulations. What's the turn time to actually get it?

[@adriennepeddicord8870]

Depends on which one you get, anywhere between 2- 18 months. There's waitlists everywhere. I ordered one today that will be here in June. I got the ot+ in incognito with black trim. Interior is black with green stitch

[@Mark-de4hj]

Great review of this new Lexus GX Joe. Since you are my #1 reviewer, it stands to reason that I got my twinkies and sat down for this first review! My only wish is that I got to be out there with you and Lori in this one as you tackled that trail. Definitely have this one top of my next vehicle list put probably in the premium+ grade. I want an operable moonroof and luxury+ has a nice one but seems stationary? Also, like my running boards to be usable without having to open the doors/not sure if they can be set in a fixed open position. My only real concern is the gas mileage, so might have to wait and see what the upcoming hybrid model offers.

[@Irishmanbikes]

The GX 550 would make an excellent ski vehicle or beach 4x4 fun. If I could afford on I would definitely buy one!

[@2URLex]

Unacceptable Zonk on the roof. Overlanding vehicles DO NOT need panoramic roofs simply because your heavy equipment will shatter it. The other trims literally exist to compensate that, they’re all different for this reason. Even better yet you can option for No sun roof and save money also adding even more structural support. Great review nonetheless.

[@Defender_Tom]

😂 Sunroof glass is not structural. Anything you put on the roof is supported by the load bars and pillars. I guess “overlanders” hate seeing the outdoors from inside their vehicles? Makes sense.

[@2URLex]

@@Defender_Tom if your roof rail set up extends further forward to where your equipment covers it then what’s the point of having it? Then you lose head room on by having it as well. If I need to put anything at all on my roof then I don’t want glass there period. You even save a $1000 by optioning for no sunroof. The sky looks the same out of every sunroof ever, your eyes are on the road anyhow.

[@oocel]

@@Defender_TomI got a car with a sunroof 3 years ago because I thought it’d be cool, I’ve maybe opened it 10 times in that period lol

[@jancker06]

Beautiful ride. Great review.

[@jaycrazy2245]

Thanks for this review, I'm thinking about this ride!

[@jngobngo]

Great video as always y'all are great

[@davidp2888]

The color is perfect for this vehicle.

[@cardude1992]

Good luck being as reliable as the previous gen. That platform existed since 2002. I'm happy to see body on frame real suvs continue to exist.

[@guava89flavour15]

Amazing as usual....thanks for sharing dreams 🙌 ✨️ ❤️

[@jwlafferty]

What I love about the Defender is the option for premium rubber floor instead of carpet. No crumbs, nothing in your carpet. Just soak down the Defender floor and you can get every speck of everything off your floor and it looks pristine all the time. And that floor doesn't feel cheap to the touch at all.

[@RaitisRides]

This is a very valid point for sure!

[@arkos55]

The Defender really hits the sweetspot mix of refined driving feel with utilitarian interior and functional features. The GX goes overboard on the soft luxury stuff and really isn’t suited for getting down and dirty.

[@70mjc]

Hard pass, they suck balls…

[@dragorocky]

When it’s your turn to break-down, and another auto-journalist swoops YOU up, I’ll recognize your knees in the shot cuz you always rock shorts. Another fire vid. Beautiful truck. Just beautiful. How the whole thing comes together to meet those 2 squinted eyes in the front. It’s so perfect

[@boonie3]

Love that it looks the business and performs offroad with ease as well. It kind of gives me the old Honda Pilot vibe a little with the design and I loved those old Honda Pilots.

[@cjay1964]

Joe you are the TRUTH in this car review game!! 💯🔥

[@loriraiti4924]

Love it! So pretty

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Amazing review Joe.

[@jdub1139]

Great Review! What’s the suspension setup and shocks for this Overtrail, Jolt’n Joe!??

[@BasementBrandon]

Best car channel on the Tubes!

[@anthonysantos8055]

No Doug demuro-throttle house-savagegeese

[@Mark-de4hj]

I totally second that!

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

This Lexus is really cool! I’d like to get that one. Nori Green is stunning on this car, and plus it’s a luxury brand of Toyota which I’d love to get one mostly because Car Wizard recommended to get one. Thanks for sharing this car with us!

[@Shambles7698]

Great video joe, i really love this Lexus SUV 💪

[@omarh9977]

Great job Joe, I like the design .

[@HoangNguyen-gy1ll]

after watching Joe's video, I will order this exact one tonight...in my dream....!!!

[@LuisUrbieta]

Apostle Joe, I dig the fake vents & I think it give it style as appose to a plain & boring sheet of green metal on the bumper and I think this is a peach of an SUV.

[@michaellui74]

Great video Joe 👍👍beautiful beautiful I want one beautiful nori green my favorite suv👍

[@Glideslopes]

Great review Joe.

[@brianthompson3809]

Really wish they did a 40/20/40 split rear seat like in the 4Runner. Other than that, loving what I'm seeing so far!

[@twebb726]

Great review Joe. I'd say for the price, as you pointed out, there are a few key things missing. Still a great platform.

[@jeffs6090]

Hey Joe, the new Lincoln Nautilus is at dealerships now. Mine has a few in stock with many more on the way. Hopefully you can get to your dealership soon to review it and go on throttle!

[@flubberlane8437]

That Lexus is a nice ride !

[@srgerhart]

What’s the length with the rear seats folded upward? Curious if there is enough length to sleep when camping!

[@phil8761]

Im loving this Lexus! Thanks Joe!

[@BJStreams]

As far as price and quality I'd say this is a great buy :) Always been a fan of Lexus and Genesis SUV designs because they look more premium. Good review my friend

[@justsayin3600]

This is the best look because of the lighting to make the true color pop.

[@HughHarris-cn6lr]

Thank God for all the information you present. This is helping me to make sound decisions on purchasing this car which I look forward buying the GX at the end of 2024 to the beginning of 2025. Your the best.

[@donOmar1124]

Joe is great at car reviews. Love the channel man

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

Does it stay in the drive mode you set it at after starting and stopping the car?

[@tomdrummy4984]

Great job Lexus 👍👍. Looking forward to the hybrid version 🙂. Thanks Joe and Lori ! Is that Lori waving from the back seat ? 😂

[@ReallyBruh1]

Im IN LOVE with the design of this vehicle 😳❤️

[@RaitisRides]

You have great taste!

[@shaggyb9599]

What are the two red lights just above the steering wheel, between the wheel and the gauge cluster? I assume some sort of driver monitoring system?

[@ForgedbyVi]

This is truly the updated version of my 1996 lx450

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

*❤ Fantastic review of the Lexus GX550*

[@oni-one574]

Wondering if those massage seats + upgraded sound system is worth it. As someone who would spend 8-16 hours rock climbing and camping, then having to drive back.... It might actually be worth the extra money...

[@jrbtolentino]

thanks for the detailed review of the new GX 550. Love the aesthetic of this trim and would definitely choose it over the Land Rover Defender. I may wait a year or two and let the bug settles on the engine and tech on this new model. Thanks again for the great content!

[@antermohamed1565]

Thx for the review. I think you’re the best car reviewer out here. You go hard you always have new videos up not like the other guys you deserve the credit I can always count on you l.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for having my back and your support!

[@thiongoa]

Can't wait to see the new 4 runner after this

[@Re3VxRNxCLAN]

It will be comparable to the new Land Cruiser not the 4 runner

[@rorythomson3439]

Hey Joe, im 6 foot 5, will i have enough head room in this?

[@vxmine]

I was looking at the Defender, now this thing has caught my eye. What a nice looking vehicle!

[@romairoblackstock5100]

You should do a separate review for the Lexus GX 550 Luxury + trim. That model addresses some of your complaints.

[@barbouradam]

Joe - I'm happy to confirm (and maybe thanks to you) the gloss black that runs along the wipers is not gloss black on the Overtrail models any more. Is the same material as the fenders! It is gloss on Premium/Lux though..

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

31:52 - cleaning a car in that nanosecond was kind of impressive!

[@beyondhometown]

My assessment is based on what I observed at the Auto Show in California. For comparing this SUV, I recommend examining others. To attend, both my wife and I had to pay a $30 fee, and I was particularly eager to personally see the Lexus GX due to the hype surrounding it as a large off-road SUV. Before I outline the positives and negatives, I want to express my anticipation spanning decades for the GX to unveil a new design. However, I am disappointed with what I encountered. Pros: * The shape is commendable, featuring a perfect boxy design akin to competitors such as the Defender, Jeep Cherokee, and GMC. * While the central infotainment system is not groundbreaking, it maintains consistency with other Lexus models, which is acceptable. * Cons: * There are numerous drawbacks. The model I viewed exceeded $77k and lacked the ML sound system. * The absence of a panoramic sunroof, now a standard feature in modern vehicles, detracts from the luxurious experience. * The panoramic sunroof in the Luxury+ model is underwhelming and seems to mimic the idea from the Venza, which has been on the market for over six years. * The quality of leather and interior falls short compared to other SUVs in the same price range. Even the Toyota Highlander boasts superior interior quality. * The exterior feels excessively plastic, particularly upon contact with the bumper, hood, and other body panels. * Leather quality across all trims is subpar. * Fuel economy poses a significant issue in 2024, averaging only 17 mpg. * Many materials exude a cheap feel, failing to deliver a luxurious experience. * If one opts for all available options on the Lexus GX 550, it may be preferable to choose the LX 600, which offers a higher level of luxury and power. * For a better depiction of luxury, consider examining the Infiniti QX80: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH7ddWqkgbafers I've been a longtime enthusiast of this SUV, but now, even surpassing $80k plus tax, it's hardly worth the investment. In 2024, there's a myriad of alternative options I've contemplated, including the Ford F150 Electric, Rivian, Cybertruck, GMC Denali AT4, Sequoia, and the Volkswagen Atlas Off-Road version, among others, boasting advanced technology and commendable qualities. Toyota and Lexus seem to be marketing very basic vehicles under the guise of reliability. Many individuals I conversed with at the auto show shared my sentiment that the GX 550 pales in comparison to the 460 in terms of quality, feeling cheaply constructed. It appears that KZbin influencers may be sponsored by Toyota and Lexus, with many Toyota dealers hyping these vehicles on social media to attract buyers. This SUV no longer epitomizes luxury, not by a long shot. If you disregard reliability and juxtapose it against brands like BMW, Audi, and Land Rover, it's disheartening to witness its decline. Purchasing this vehicle entails enduring it for another six years solely to mitigate depreciation, while numerous other automakers are already introducing superior and more advanced technology. At present, I must explore alternative options, as this SUV is not worth $85k out of the door, if you're fortunate enough. Best wishes with your new purchase. Just bear in mind, many individuals are compensated for endorsing Toyota and Lexus brands, and I've encountered numerous instances of Toyota dealers leveraging social media to generate interest in these vehicles. In conclusion, this is merely my perspective. Enjoy your new purchase

[@antoniocognato5023]

Would love to see dial exhaust outlets

[@jonboll2066]

Lexus green is the only paint I like in green.. good color

[@FCBoulder]

Really fantastic overview. Too bad for the no panoramic sunroof. Do you think 35s would fit without a lift?

[@JOA_Trades_]

I just want to say Doug Demoro came up for the review of this vehicle and I went to see if Raiti had done one and choose Raiti. Such a better way of reviewing see this channel grow so much and it keeps going 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@ArkVogel]

I like Doug but I felt that his review of the GX was heavily influenced by his (previous) ownership of a Defender

[@c.m.7037]

I really like that green!

[@alanklaus7774]

You probably could have driven a Toyota Previa on that trail. Overall that is a very compelling package however. Looking forward to when you do an on road review with a non Overland version.

[@chadw.6049]

Are the side steps easily removable ?

[@tommy516]

I want one for a dog car but how high is the rear bumper? I’d it higher than the 4Runner?

[@crushbaseball4270]

I saw you mentioned about how you don’t like the gloss black by the windscreen and it should be flat black instead the only thing is what I have learned is I prefer the gloss black because flat black plastic panels tend to not do very good in the sun about a year or two later from new. They get all faded and you have to try to keep them up by putting chemicals on them. I know the land cruiser has flat black plastic in that spot unlike the GX with the gloss black so if I got a land cruiser I would try to put the gloss black from the GX on it. If I could get that panel from parts department or some aftermarket place also I think it would look better if it was a white GX but that’s my opinion

[@aymanlockhartable]

Might not have the driving dynamics as BMW, Range Rover but this will out outlast and still meets your expectations! Differently miss the reliable V-8! When I see built in Japan. I know Japanese take great pride in their work!

[@socko1019]

Great looking vehicle!!! Defender for the image and overall quality.Lexus for reliability -made in Japan is the huge deal.Japan made car runs forever!!!Nice to see modern ,easy to drive vehicle with combustion engine in 2024.Love the way,thatToyota not pushing the electric vehicles .Thanks for vehicles like this.🥇

[@roadrider04]

Off-road vehicles don’t need sunroofs in the event of a rollover. I like it. I have to decide in the 550 or 460. I’m buying one soon. Great job joe

[@whocaresjustdoit]

Idk I really want this, but at the same time I love my 4Runner TRD Pro in Lime Rush 😅. More luxury is nice for sure. Such a tough decision. Nice work as always Joe!

[@Mfam777]

Everyone else was in Arizona reviewing this- but I came for your Zonks and how many Twinkies and Big Gulps you can fit in that thing! Can we see your reactions when you’re driving it? I think that would be super funny

[@Nvaus1]

If you want to mount a rooftop tent you don't want a panoramic sun roof.

[@Rick_Iz]

Great review, Joe. I need to have this if it drives half as good as it looks. I've been between GLE and Denfender but, this looks like the one.

[@RaitisRides]

Wait until you see it in person!

[@lord8187]

I’ve been waiting for this for so long wondering to get this or the LX 600

[@vinnb.9863]

between toyota sequoia TRD pro and lexus GX550 Overtrail , there's both same price 80k , which one would you chose ?

[@edwardcm9175]

What a beautiful vehicle, im digging the Nori green color ❤

[@michaellui74]

Great video Joe 👍👍😄is there a hybrid gx coming ?? Thank you

[@mackrocket]

GREAT JOB AS ALWAYS JOE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MICHAEL K

[@wsaut]

Just one word Awesome wish i could afford it. This vehicle will be around long after the land rover quits

[@fenrirslip]

I genuinely want to know Lexus' reasoning for why the rear wiper is visible and not tucked under the spoiler. Especially when you consider the fact that the wiper from the second generation of GX was hidden. It's very conflicting for something that's so simple. xD

[@waleeeeeed11]

Yes , the answer is Yes

[@runnerxa]

Even though the GX came out in 2003 in NA, it always was a capable off-roader since it is essentially a Lexus badged Land Cruiser Prado. However most people don't know about it until the mid 2010's when overlanding became popular. Similar to Land Cruiser 80/LX450, Land Cruiser 100/LX470, LC 200/LX570, and LC300/LX600. Not a rock crawler like Jeep Wranglers, but it can hold its own on most trails. MotorTrend even had a 2004 Trail Lex GX470 they took to Rubicon in 2004.. So it isn't like this is Lexus' first foray into luxury off-roader. Just that the 3rd gen GX is the first generation that has a specific trim dedicated to those overlander/off-roaders.

[@braalo07]

Worth the prices, even if it’s not better than the Defender in terms of off-road performance, it’s a better vehicle for reliability and resale value

[@jamesreynolds2746]

Great review and yes the price of this trim level is competitive.

[@Pablo0007xft]

Great review Joe? The gloss black on the hood has got to go for sure😮

[@nfareview]

@30:54 ok now that's cool as hell!

[@MarroquinVidal]

I like the design, it makes me me excited to see how the redesigned 4runner will look like.

[@bigrr64]

Wow that is a beautiful looking vehicle.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@barryhamilton3112]

How well did the messaging seats work??

[@fooslinger]

The width is perfect, IMO. You can wheel it, take it on tight trails. It can pull a trailer with tent and dirtbikes. I just sat in one today. I hope everybody else goes to LandRover. Less demand when I go to pick up my GX Overtrail.

[@Niles-Guy]

Great review . Heard a hybrid version is coming out soon for GX. Is it true Raiti you were a high school teacher? 😂

[@bishoprrac]

Gonna check this out. They finally offer a vehicle without the spindle grill so checking this one out for sure.