The 2025 Lexus GX 550 is still a one-of-a-kind vehicle in the midsize luxury SUV market. It combines Lexus’s well-known high-end style with strong off-road performance. The 2025 model has small but important changes that make it an even better choice for people who want a car that can handle trails and be comfortable to drive every day. This is because the 2024 model was completely redesigned. The GX starts at $65,285 and goes up to $82,050 for the Luxury+ trim. It competes with the Land Rover Defender and BMW X5 by offering a unique mix of rugged style and modern technology.
Design and Style
The 2025 Lexus GX has a tough, sophisticated look with sharp angles. Its boxy shape, nearly vertical windshield, and famous spindle grille, which is now less flashy than on bigger Lexus models like the LX, make it stand out. The sculpted outside, which has narrow LED headlights and a wide LED light bar at the back, combines a modern look with off-road usefulness. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims make the car feel more adventure-ready with skid plates, roof racks, and special two-tone paint options like Atomic Silver/Black Roof or Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof. For 2025, the Overtrail models will also come with a standard one-inch suspension lift, which will raise the ground clearance to 9.9 inches and make it easier to get around obstacles.
Powertrain and Performance
The GX 550 has a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that makes 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. With a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, it performs well, going from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, which is a big improvement over the V8-powered model that came before it. The engine has a lot of low-end torque, which makes it great for towing. Some trims can hold up to 9,096 pounds. But fuel economy is still a problem, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined, which is worse than competitors like the hybrid-powered Toyota Land Cruiser.
Ability to go off-road
The GX is built on the TNGA-F platform, which it shares with the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX. This truck-based, body-on-frame design makes it very strong. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims are the best for people who love to go off-road. They come with 33-inch all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, crawl control, hill-descent assist, and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which makes sure the wheels move as far as they can on rough terrain. These trims are new for 2025 and come with prewired auxiliary switches and an onboard air compressor, which makes them more self-sufficient in remote areas. The GX is great off-road, but it doesn’t ride as well on the road as a BMW X5 or a Mercedes GLE.
Inside and Technology
The GX has a cabin that is both luxurious and useful. The Premium and Luxury trims can hold up to seven people with a second-row bench or six with captain’s chairs, but the third row is cramped, so the Lexus TX is a better choice for families. Standard features include high-quality materials like NuLuxe or semi-aniline leather. Overtrail models also have dark green faux-suede accents. The tech suite is anchored by a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over Wi-Fi. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster adds to the suite. The Lexus Memory System for driver settings and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column are two new standard features for 2025. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 has automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, so safety is very good.
Cost and Worth
The GX is competitively priced, with the Premium trim starting at $65,285 and the Overtrail+ trim going up to $80,395. However, the Overtrail trims saw big price increases of up to $3,680 for 2025. Even so, the GX has a high resale value, and no other car can match its combination of luxury and off-road capability. However, some buyers may be put off by its poor fuel economy and lack of space in the third row, especially those who value efficiency or family-friendly features.
The decision
The Lexus GX 550 is a luxury SUV that can do a lot of things. It works well as a daily driver and as an off-roader. It stands out because of its bold design, powerful engine, and improved off-road features, especially when it’s in Overtrail mode. It doesn’t get great gas mileage or have a comfortable third row, but its rugged charm and Lexus reliability make it a great choice for luxury-loving adventurers. The Lexus TX may be a better choice for people who want a softer ride or more room in the third row, but the GX is still one of a kind in its class.