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Lexus GX 550 2025 Review: Twin-Turbo Power, Real-World MPG, Overtrail Off-Road Upgrades

By Amit Kulkarni
5 min read
Lexus GX 550 2025

The 2025 Lexus GX continues its evolution as a luxury, body-on-frame midsize SUV that prioritizes off-road capability without surrendering Lexus polish. GX pairs a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque with a 10-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive, and delivers commanding low-end performance at the expense of fuel economy. With an increased starting price near $66,000 and fully-loaded examples approaching $85,189 as tested, Lexus has sharpened capability and added equipment, notably to the off-road-focused Overtrail variants, while keeping the GX's reputation for strong resale and reliability intact.

Lexus GX 550 specifications

  • Engine: 3.4 L twin-turbo V6, 349 hp / 479 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD (center locking diff standard; rear locker available on Overtrail)
  • EPA combined: 17 MPG (manufacturer rating), real-world observed ≈ 14 MPG (mostly city)
  • Towing: Up to 8,000 lb (maximum); ~6,900 lb for Luxury Plus trim
  • Ground clearance (Overtrail): ~just under 10 in (adds 1 in lift vs other trims)
  • Wheels: 18–22 in (Luxury Plus tested with 22-inch alloys)
  • Cargo: 10 cu ft (behind 3rd row) → 40 cu ft (3rd row folded) → 76 cu ft max; Overtrail (no 3rd row) up to 90 cu ft
  • Interior audio: 10-speaker standard or 21-speaker Mark Levinson optional
  • Noise level (tested): 53.2 dB (cruise, fan speed 1)
  • Warranty: 4 yr / 50,000 mi basic; 6 yr / 70,000 mi powertrain; two complimentary service visits
  • Assembly: Japan

What's new for 2025

  • Overtrail trims receive substantive capability upgrades: 1-inch ride lift, metal skid plates, rear locking differential (on select Overtrail models), and other off-road equipment (built-in air compressor, household outlet, spare under bumper).
  • Memory seats and power-adjust features are now standard across the GX lineup for 2025.
  • Pricing increased across the range; Overtrail models rose by roughly $4,000 compared with 2024, while other trims increased by smaller amounts.

Design and exterior: purposeful, rugged luxury

Lexus has doubled down on the GX's boxy, rugged identity while keeping upscale cues. Observers in the tester's week-long review consistently found the styling "handsome", a blend of off-road presence and premium detailing. Notable exterior points:

  • Signature spindle grille with body-color surround on many trims.
  • Full LED lighting (triple-beam headlights, full-length LED taillight bar).
  • Roof rails, available blacked-out roof on Overtrail, and a range of wheel sizes up to 22 in on Luxury Plus.
  • Practical off-road hardware on Overtrail: skid plates, raised ride height, towing capacity aimed at serious users.

Interior and comfort: durable, well-executed, but not ultra-opulent

Inside, the Lexus GX 550 2025 reflects Lexus's pragmatic approach: robust fit and finish, high-grade leather in Luxury trims (semi-aniline), and a restrained application of wood and trim materials. Highlights and caveats:

  • Seating: 12-way power front seats with two-way lumbar and power thigh extension; massage function on Overtrail Plus and luxury trims; memory seats standard.
  • Infotainment: 14-inch center display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; conservative Toyota/Lexus UI.
  • Special features: panoramic dimming sunroof on Luxury Plus (does not open), cooled "cool box" in center console, wireless charging (shape makes some phones tricky to seat), Mark Levinson 21-speaker option.
  • Practicality: Good second-row legroom (~36.7 in) and third-row accommodation (≈31 in legroom), though third row is best suited for occasional passengers. Large load height (≈36 in) and relatively narrow third-row cargo depth mean packing large items requires planning.
  • Critique: testers noted room for more upscale interior materials at the Luxury Plus price point (e.g., more genuine wood, suede headliner options).

Driving impressions and capability

The GX keeps the character of a traditional truck-based SUV: solid, capable, and engineered for off-pavement tasks.

  • Performance: The twin-turbo V6 provides strong, immediate torque, especially noticeable under acceleration, and replaces the previous V8 in spirit with greater torque and similar refinement. Drivers reported smooth power delivery once warmed; cold-start shift behavior can be a little abrupt.
  • Ride & handling: Body-on-frame dynamics remain evident, higher NVH and truck-like vibrations versus unibody luxury SUVs. Adaptive dampers and selectable drive modes tune comfort vs control; larger 22-inch wheels on Luxury Plus soften visual appeal but can degrade ride compliance compared with smaller wheels. The GX is less agile than car-based rivals and exhibits expected top-heavy tendencies and more body roll in softer modes.
  • Off-road readiness: With full-time 4WD, selectable diffs, skid protection, and Overtrail packages, the GX is engineered to perform when taken off-road, a genuine differentiator versus many luxury competitors.

Lexus GX 550 2025 Fuel economy and running costs

  • Manufacturer combined rating: 17 MPG.
  • Test team real-world figure during city-heavy use: ≈14 MPG; projected mixed usage may settle in the 15–16 MPG range.
  • The GX requires premium fuel, increasing operating cost for frequent drivers. Given its weight, drivetrain and capability, fuel economy is a trade-off for torque and towing performance.

Practical ownership considerations

  • Towing: Up to 8,000 lb on certain configurations; Luxury Plus rated around 6,900 lb, competitive in the class.
  • Resale & reliability: Lexus historically ranks high for resale and reliability. Estimate (model methodology disclosed on their site) projects ≈53.8% of original MSRP after 5 years / 60,000 mi, and ≈28.1% after 10 years / 120,000 mi, figures that compare favorably with many European luxury rivals.
  • Warranty: Standard Lexus coverage (4 yr/50k basic, 6 yr/70k powertrain), plus two complimentary services.
  • Lexus GX 550 2025 Price: Base GX pricing is up this year (starting around $66,000); well-optioned Luxury Plus test vehicle landed at $85,189 (including destination).

Who should buy the 2025 Lexus GX?

The 2025 GX will appeal to buyers who want:

  • A capable, traditional truck-based SUV with genuine off-road credentials (especially in Overtrail trims).
  • Lexus reliability and strong resale prospects paired with unmistakable road presence.
  • Spacious second-row comfort and the flexibility of optional third-row seating, with the caveat that third-row and cargo packaging are sacrifices compared with unibody rivals.

Buyers who prioritize the quietest possible cabin, lowest fuel costs, or the most luxurious interior materials for the money may find better value elsewhere; however, for shoppers seeking a combination of capability, torque, and Lexus ownership benefits, the GX remains a compelling choice.

Notable trade-offs/Cons

  • Fuel economy is modest for a modern luxury SUV.
  • Ride comfort reflects body-on-frame geometry; long-distance refinement is good but not class-leading.
  • Interior luxury at high optioned prices could feel conservative compared with European or some American rivals that use more exotic materials.

Bottom line

The 2025 Lexus GX preserves the model's identity: a rugged, body-on-frame luxury SUV that prioritizes off-road capability, torque and proven Lexus dependability. With updated Overtrail equipment, standard memory seats and generous standard safety features, Lexus has strengthened the GX's appeal, but buyers must accept compromises in fuel economy and the traditional truck-like ride to get that capability. For those who value durability, resale value and authentic off-road hardware in a premium package, the GX remains a top candidate.