The Ultimate Overland Build Guide
Overlanding is more than just off-roading, it’s about self-sufficiency, adventure, and pushing the limits of where you can go. The 2024 Lexus GX550 and the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser are two of the best new vehicles for the job, each offering unique strengths for overlanders.
At CTM Customs, we specialize in transforming both vehicles into unstoppable off-road machines. With years of experience, top-tier aftermarket products, and expert craftsmanship, we provide everything from wheels and suspension upgrades to roof racks, rooftop tents, lighting, off-road accessories and more!
So, which vehicle is better for overlanding? Let’s compare their pros, cons, and the best aftermarket upgrades from the top brands.
2024 Lexus GX550: Off-Road Luxury with Power
The Lexus GX550 brings a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 with 349 HP and 479 lb-ft of torque, a full-time 4WD system, and an Overtrail trim designed for serious off-roaders.
Pros of the Lexus GX550 for Overlanding:
- Powerful Twin-Turbo Engine – High torque for off-road performance
- Luxurious Interior – Perfect for long expeditions
- Advanced Adaptive Suspension – Smooths out rough terrain
- Higher Towing Capacity (8,000 lbs) – More capability for trailers
- Overtrail Trim with 33” Tires, Lockers & Skid Plates – Factory off-road enhancements
Cons of the Lexus GX550 for Overlanding:
- Higher Cost – More expensive than the Land Cruiser
- More Complex Electronics – Advanced tech could be harder to fix on remote trips
- Heavier than the Land Cruiser – Can impact agility on tough trails
CTM Customs Recommended Aftermarket Upgrades for the Lexus GX550:
Wheels & Tires:
• Wheels: Method Race Wheels, Black Rhino, Fifteen52 (beadlock-capable for rugged trails)
• Tires: BFGoodrich KO2, Toyo Open Country AT3, Nitto Ridge Grappler (33” or 35”)
Suspension & Lift Kits:
• Lift Kits: Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Old Man Emu (OME) by ARB, King Shocks (2”-3” lift for clearance)
• Shocks & Coilovers: Fox 2.5, King, Bilstein 6112/5160 for better damping
Roof Racks & Rooftop Tents:
• Roof Racks: Prinsu, Front Runner, Rhino-Rack (modular options for storage and tents)
• Rooftop Tents: iKamper Skycamp, Roofnest Condor, Alu-Cab Gen 3-R
Lighting & Off-Road Accessories:
• LED Light Bars & Fog Lights: Baja Designs, KC HiLites, Rigid Industries
• Armor & Protection: C4 Fabrication, RCI Offroad, Ironman 4×4 (rock sliders, skid plates, bumpers)
Recovery Gear:
• Winches: Warn Zeon 10-S, Smittybilt X20
• Traction Boards: Maxtrax MKII, TRED Pro
• Air Compressor: ARB Twin, Viair 400P
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: Rugged, Efficient, and Reliable
The new Land Cruiser returns with a 2.4L i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain making 326 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque. While slightly less powerful than the GX, it’s lighter, more efficient, and just as capable off-road.
Pros of the Toyota Land Cruiser for Overlanding:
- Proven Toyota Durability – Built to last with fewer complex electronics
- Better Fuel Economy – Hybrid system reduces fuel stops on long expeditions
- Full-Time 4WD & Locking Differential – Great traction and control
- More Affordable Than GX550 – Lower starting price
- Lighter Weight – More maneuverable on technical trails
Cons of the Toyota Land Cruiser for Overlanding:
- Less Power Than the GX550 – Still capable, but lower torque output
- Lower Towing Capacity (6,000 lbs) – Less than the GX550
- Less Luxury – Interior is more practical than the GX550
CTM Customs Recommended Aftermarket Upgrades for the Toyota Land Cruiser:
Wheels & Tires:
• Wheels: Raceline Wheels, Stealth Custom Series (SCS), Icon Alloys
• Tires: General Grabber X3, Yokohama Geolandar MT, Cooper Discoverer STT Pro (33” or 35”)
Suspension & Lift Kits:
• Lift Kits: Dobinsons, Eibach Pro-Truck, ARB BP-51 (2”-3” lift for better clearance)
• Shocks & Coilovers: Bilstein 5100/6112, King Shocks, Fox 2.5 Remote Reservoir
Roof Racks & Rooftop Tents:
• Roof Racks: Baja Rack, ARB Base Rack, Sherpa Equipment Co.
• Rooftop Tents: Eezi-Awn, Thule Tepui, 23Zero Walkabout
Lighting & Off-Road Accessories:
• LED Light Bars & Fog Lights: Diode Dynamics, Rigid Industries, Vision X
• Armor & Protection: Westcott Designs, CBI Offroad, RCI Offroad (bumpers, sliders, skid plates)
Recovery Gear:
• Winches: Warn VR Evo, Factor 55,
• Traction Boards: Maxtrax, ARB TRED Pro
• Air Compressor: ARB Single, Viair 88P
Final Performance Comparison: Lexus GX550 vs. Toyota Land Cruiser for Overlanding
The Verdict:
• Lexus GX550 – Choose it if you want a luxurious, powerful overland vehicle that can tow heavy loads and handle rough terrain.
• Toyota Land Cruiser – Choose it if you want a rugged, efficient, and simpler overlander with classic Toyota reliability.
Build It Right with CTM Customs
Both vehicles can handle anything off-road and overlanding, as long as they’re built right. CTM Customs provides the best aftermarket parts and expertise to make your dream overland build a reality.
From wheels, suspension, and lighting to armor, rooftop tents, recovery gear and so much more CTM Customs ensures your GX550 or Land Cruiser is ready for any adventure.
Click HERE to get your free quote today!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU.
