Lexus is taking a distinctly different approach to luxury vehicle design than many competitors, and it’s not about sacrificing quality. While brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW push toward ever-larger, integrated digital interfaces, Lexus is doubling down on physical controls —a strategy that might seem conservative, but speaks to long-term durability and user experience.
Why This Matters: The Value of Simplicity
This isn’t about resisting technology; it’s about how it’s implemented. The automotive industry is in a race to see who can integrate the most screens, but Lexus seems to be betting that many buyers value ease of use and reliability over flashy features. This strategy is especially relevant for vehicles like the GX 550, a luxury off-roader that shares engineering with the legendary Toyota 4Runner—a vehicle known for its longevity.
The GX 550 and Land Cruiser have similar engineering, yet Lexus is betting on customer retention through build quality and resale value. Owners of older GXs are seeing them become collectible, proving that a well-built vehicle can hold its value over time.
The Lexus Approach: Buttons Over Touchscreens
Inside the GX 550, the cabin is refreshingly free of overwhelming digital interfaces. The central screen is a reasonable 14 inches, and the instrument cluster is digital, but the focus remains on tangible controls. Climate adjustments, powertrain modes, and even off-road features like electronic suspension disconnect are managed via physical dials and buttons.
This is a deliberate choice. Lexus previously experimented with touchpad-based interfaces that proved frustrating, and they’ve learned from that mistake. The result is a cabin where drivers can adjust settings without taking their eyes off the road, and without relying on software updates to keep essential functions working.
Off-Road Capability Without Complexity
The GX 550 Overtrail+ variant takes this philosophy even further. It features lifted suspension, aggressive tires, and a rooftop rack designed for overlanding. Critical off-road features, like tire deflation/inflation via an onboard air compressor, are controlled by dedicated hard buttons.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about practicality. A driver navigating a challenging trail doesn’t want to fumble through menus to adjust settings. They want immediate, tactile control. Lexus understands this, and the GX 550 delivers.
Long-Term Value: A Contrarian Strategy
Lexus’s commitment to simplicity also extends to its approach to driver controls. Steering wheel buttons are physical, not haptic, and the center stack is organized with intuitive layouts. Even minor annoyances, like a backup monitor falsely identifying a bike rack as a pedestrian, are easily overridden with a single button press.
Ultimately, Lexus is betting that buyers will appreciate a vehicle that is designed to last, both mechanically and functionally. At $80,000, the GX 550 Overtrail+ is priced competitively with other luxury off-roaders like the Ford Expedition Tremor, but its focus on reliability and simplicity may appeal to a different kind of buyer—one who values long-term ownership over fleeting digital trends.
