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Pros
Cons
The 2025 Lexus GX 550 is proof that opulence and off-road capability can coexist in a body-on-frame SUV.
Completely redesigned for 2024, the GX features some minor updates for this model year, including a power-adjustable steering wheel in all trims. It starts with the GX 550 Signature at $88,220, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,205. Five trims are available, including this Premium tester that’s $96,958 before tax. The lineup tops out with the Executive trim at $114,603.
Styling 8 / 10
The GX 550 is a cousin to the Toyota Land Cruiser, which has the same profile but a better-looking nose. The GX 550 Premium rides on black 20-inch wheels, while higher trims get even bigger alloys.
Inside, the GX has a chunky design that looks functional but also handsomely high-end. Oddly, cowhide upholstery is only included at the Luxury and Executive levels. The Premium’s faux-leather looks fine, but it’s surprising to see in a vehicle that’s tapping very close to six figures.
Safety 8 / 10
The GX 550 hadn’t been fully crash-tested by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time of this writing, although that latter agency had run a side-crash test and awarded the top five-star rating; and the already-tested Land Cruiser got five stars overall. Standard driver-assist features include emergency front braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. The Premium trim adds a panoramic camera, head-up display, and rear parking sensors with pedestrian detection and reverse automatic braking, but it’s another step to the Luxury to get front cross-traffic alert and traffic jam assist.
Features 7 / 10
Standard features include running boards, a sunroof, auto-levelling headlights with washers, and driver’s-side auto-dimming mirror. Inside, you get a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a cargo privacy cover.
The Premium adds power-folding third-row seats, heated second-row seats, a hands-free tailgate, and mirrors tied to the driver’s seat memory — all of which I really would have expected in the base Signature trim at $88,220 instead of needing another $8,738. The Luxury and Executive trims get 21-speaker audio, rear sunshades, panoramic sunroof with dimming feature, and power running boards. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ packages are more outdoor-oriented, and can include a cool box, tow hooks, skid plates, and locking differentials.
User-Friendliness 7 / 10
Most functions are simple, with dials for temperature, volume, and drive modes; and icons within the screen, such as fan speed and seat heating, are large and easy to use. The gear selector is a conventional one, and the steering wheel controls are intuitive as well.
It gets a little less friendly behind the first row, though. It takes strong hands to release the second-row seats so they tumble forward for third-row access; and when you put them back up, the seatbacks don’t return to their original position and you must pull another lever to do that. The third row is powered both up and down in the Premium, but it’s very slow.
Practicality 7 / 10
The GX 550 has the usual practicality of a three-row SUV (save for the Overtrail+, which doesn’t include the third row) so two extra passengers can come along if need be. However, there’s almost no cargo space if that third row is up, so you’ll have to travel very light. The tailgate window opens for tossing stuff in.
Small-item storage up front is adequate if not spectacular, although there’s a handy bin on the passenger side of the dash for stashing light items. Towing capacity across the lineup ranges from 3,538 to 4,125 kg (7,800 to 9,096 lb), with the Signature rated at 4,110 kg (9,063 lb); and a trailer brake controller is standard across the lineup.
Comfort 8 / 10
The front seats are supportive and stay that way even after a few hours of driving; and while the second-row chairs are flatter, they still have enough cushioning that passengers back there will be fine. As is usually the case, the third row is for short-term use, with hard cushions and limited legroom. Those in the rear seats get their own climate controls, which includes an automatic mode.
Power 8 / 10
The GX 550 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 that makes 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission (you may also see it listed as a 3.5L; the actual displacement is in the middle). It’s a really sweet engine, strong and with smooth, linear torque that gets you up to highway speeds with ease, and is easy to modulate in traffic. The standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) can be driven on all surfaces, but there’s also low-range gearing if you want to go off the pavement. While it’s a cousin to the Toyota Land Cruiser, that model comes only with a hybrid powertrain, which isn’t offered here.
Driving Feel 8 / 10
The GX rides on a truck-style frame and it’s tall and heavy, but still does a good job of getting around curves without an overabundance of body roll. It responds well to steering input, with nice steering weight and more feedback from the front wheels than Lexus usually puts into its SUVs. The ride is firm and while heartier road imperfections make their presence known, it’s generally smooth and well-composed.
Fuel Economy 7 / 10
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the GX 550 at 15.3 L/100 km in the city, 11.2 on the highway, and 13.5 combined; and in my week with it, I ended up at 14.6 L/100 km. This is basically the same engine and power output as in the Toyota Tundra; but that truck also offers a hybrid that makes 583 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined. There may be good reasons why it couldn’t have landed in the GX as well, but it could have been a good addition. And while the Tundra takes regular-grade gas, the Lexus insists on premium.
Value 7 / 10
Nothing’s inexpensive in this segment, but with a price close to $97,000, it seemed odd to get faux cowhide instead of the real stuff in the Premium trim; and at the entry level of more than $88,000, you have to add heated rear seats and a hands-free tailgate as options.
The Verdict
The 2025 Lexus GX 550’s makeover into this new version was a considerable upgrade, and it’s well-done in how it drives and performs, as well as its overall comfort. Just note that you’ll likely want to add one of the option packages to get the full luxury experience, which can also add considerably to the price. Be sure you’re getting exactly what you want when you’re checking the boxes on yours.
