Lexus GX550 Overtrail+ decision vs the 2025 4Runner TRD Pro

[Zaki]

I have compared these two very desirable vehicles for several months and have read and watched as many videos as humanly possible.
I am sure there are others who are debating between these two as well.
I compared the GX550 and the 2025 Tacoma interior and exterior in person.
Finally I made the decision this last Friday and purchased a Lexus GX550 Overtrail + in Caviar with Black Nuluxe/Olive Ultra Suede & Black Grained trim.

The main reasons for the decision were these.

Better interior quality of materials and design (subjective) in the GX550.
Quiet.
More interior space due to absence of the traction battery.
Great engine.
Very handsome exterior, able to pull off various duties from off roading to more civil duties.
Better view out the front windshield and sides with large windows.
Better after sales experience at Lexus. This is my 9th Lexus and after sales experience has never disappointed. Every automaker can learn from them, including Porsche, BMW and Mercedes.

The TRD Pro is very handsome in its own right but I wish the interior was distinct and more distinguished from the Tacoma.
The Hybrid setup compromises rear luggage area.
I sat in the Tacoma TRD and the view out the windshield was very limited especially due to the fake hood air intake.
The interior material quality was subpar, very rubbery and hard plastics.
The interior design is very utilitarian. This is likely exactly what many intended owners like. Tough and rugged.
The 4 cylinder engine, according to some reviewers is very harsh and unrefined sounding. This may be subjective. Also, I think the 4 cylinder turbo plus the hybrid system provides significantly improved mpg's and is not without merit.

In the end, neither choice is bad and each with its own merit on the specific type of use and personality of the owner.

Hope to see the handsome 2025 TRD Pro on the roads soon!

 

[mars001]

Did you get a 2024 or 2025 GX?

 

[Zaki]

It’s the last of the 2024 and the reason was to avoid the $3,000 increase in price for the 2025 Overtrail because of a 1” increased height and a built in compressor.
I find the Overtrail plus already has plenty of ground clearance for my intended use.

 

[TRD_GUY]

I have compared these two very desirable vehicles for several months and have read and watched as many videos as humanly possible.
I am sure there are others who are debating between these two as well.
I compared the GX550 and the 2025 Tacoma interior and exterior in person.
Finally I made the decision this last Friday and purchased a Lexus GX550 Overtrail + in Caviar with Black Nuluxe/Olive Ultra Suede & Black Grained trim.

The main reasons for the decision were these.

Better interior quality of materials and design (subjective) in the GX550.
Quiet.
More interior space due to absence of the traction battery.
Great engine.
Very handsome exterior, able to pull off various duties from off roading to more civil duties.
Better view out the front windshield and sides with large windows.
Better after sales experience at Lexus. This is my 9th Lexus and after sales experience has never disappointed. Every automaker can learn from them, including Porsche, BMW and Mercedes.

The TRD Pro is very handsome in its own right but I wish the interior was distinct and more distinguished from the Tacoma.
The Hybrid setup compromises rear luggage area.
I sat in the Tacoma TRD and the view out the windshield was very limited especially due to the fake hood air intake.
The interior material quality was subpar, very rubbery and hard plastics.
The interior design is very utilitarian. This is likely exactly what many intended owners like. Tough and rugged.
The 4 cylinder engine, according to some reviewers is very harsh and unrefined sounding. This may be subjective. Also, I think the 4 cylinder turbo plus the hybrid system provides significantly improved mpg's and is not without merit.

In the end, neither choice is bad and each with its own merit on the specific type of use and personality of the owner.

Hope to see the handsome 2025 TRD Pro on the roads soon!

Can't wait to see some pics, particularly with the seats down in the rear looking inward with the hatch open. Assume it's roomy enough to sleep in the back? Also interested in seeing the view in the cockpit, ease of use with the screen, controls, etc and integration with your phone. Lastly, do you plan on any upgrades - e.g. wheels, suspension, etc?

Thx

 

[kayasaman]

That's interesting to know!

As these things aren't available in my region I am sadly left Google'ing for things and watching YT videos.

I mentioned already that I'm not a fan of the GX550 looks outside or in but perhaps with a good bodykit (if there is one) it would end up looking more rugged and offroad ready.
I did do a Google search but not found much apart from what I posted previously.

It is also interesting that you mention the interior has better materials. Would love to see one up and close but I guess I'd need to book a flight for that one....

 

[Zaki]

 

[Zaki]

Can't wait to see some pics, particularly with the seats down in the rear looking inward with the hatch open. Assume it's roomy enough to sleep in the back? Also interested in seeing the view in the cockpit, ease of use with the screen, controls, etc and integration with your phone. Lastly, do you plan on any upgrades - e.g. wheels, suspension, etc?

Thx

I added some pictures today and will take one with the seats folded later and post it.

The view from the driver's seat is very open in all directions and confidence inspiring.

I have had three Landcruisers in the past, the first was purchased in 1993 and the last in 2016.
The ride of the GX is superior. The body on the new platform is very rigid and confidence inspiring.
The stance is powerful and I love the tire/wheel combo.

I do not have any plans on any upgrades. This thing is already more capable than I will ever need.

 

[Zaki]

That's interesting to know!

As these things aren't available in my region I am sadly left Google'ing for things and watching YT videos.

I mentioned already that I'm not a fan of the GX550 looks outside or in but perhaps with a good bodykit (if there is one) it would end up looking more rugged and offroad ready.
I did do a Google search but not found much apart from what I posted previously.

It is also interesting that you mention the interior has better materials. Would love to see one up and close but I guess I'd need to book a flight for that one....

You are right, there really is no substitute for seeing in person and possibly test driving one.

 

[kayasaman]

You are right, there really is no substitute for seeing in person and possibly test driving one.

What's kinda difficult for me is that everything is built for a sort of "best of both worlds", kind of like you mentioned already... that it has looks good enough for daily street stuff but can also get you places.

The video from TFL that I posted in a different thread about the GX going bananas on the Switzerland Trail over in Colorado really shows how capable a vehicle it is.

I'm sure someone out there (maybe in Japan?) might have a bodykitted version of it

This is an AI Render but I drove a much more stock version of these things recently, a LandRover Defender 110. It was awful!
The original looks for me are a little bland... when you start changing things like in the image it becomes more attractive (in my view - subjective of course)
but I still wouldn't buy one LOL

But, I completely agree with you; Test Drive is a *must* as it really shows the vehicle personality and characteristics.

We had a Renault Laguna back in 1996 and it was a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder 8-valve engine mated to one of the worst gearboxes I have ever had experience with.
Totally different from the 1993 Vaxhaul (read Opel/GM) Cavalier SRI (Vectra GT) that had a DOHC 16v engine.
150bhp vs. 115bhp for the Renault and man that thing sucked :-(


Ultimately I wonder how the Tacoma compares to the 4Runner feel wise and then there's the GX on top?? Also someone stated 9000lbs of towing. Much better then the 4Runners 6000lbs.

I wish there was a perfect world sometimes to satisfy every criteria

 

[retirementOwl]

It’s the last of the 2024 and the reason was to avoid the $3,000 increase in price for the 2025 Overtrail because of a 1” increased height and a built in compressor.
I find the Overtrail plus already has plenty of ground clearance for my intended use.

I am intentionally waiting on the 2025 OT to get the extra inch of ground clearance and the air compressor. Memory steering, mirrors and seats are also standard on all 2025 trims. An extra $3500 for that stuff is pricey, but WTF. I do dabble in some off-roading, so the extra inch is worth a lot to me. I'd like the OT+, but will be happy with the OT to save some bucks.

I hope you enjoy your new OT+. It looks awesome! I'd be interested if you posted your thoughts here after driving it around for a while.

 

[Zaki]

 

[Zaki]

The pictures above show the excellent all around view from the driver's seat; I particularly enjoy the huge side window which comes down to about halfway to the elbow!
Notice also that the hood is visible in a manner that makes placing the SUV easy.

The ride is firm yet yielding...very satisfying indeed! Taking a turn makes the GX lean deliciously as it rights itself on very fine suspension tuning. Peaceful, authoritative ride, overlooking the traffic, horizon eyes, powerful and healthy sounding engine and buttery smooth gear changes, superb and supportive throne of a driver's and passenger seat make for an event out of every drive.

Very highly recommend test driving this machine.

 

[mars001]

Just saw this on the news: melting mirror housing and trims

https://www.thedrive.com/news/lexus-gx-owners-report-their-shiny-new-suvs-are-melting-in-the-sun

 

[Zaki]

Just saw this on the news: melting mirror housing and trims

https://www.thedrive.com/news/lexus-gx-owners-report-their-shiny-new-suvs-are-melting-in-the-sun

Interesting!
Well, if it is indeed an issue, Lexus will take care of it.

However, the pattern of the "melt" on the rear view mirror housing looks suspicious and at least "weird" to say the least. Almost like someone took a heat gun to the housing to remove a clear coating that may have been applied improperly, for instance.

The details will emerge soon, I am sure.