2025 Lexus GX 550 Review: Modern Off-Roader With a Luxury Edge

Powertrain and Performance: Twin‑Turbo Muscle With a Towing Focus

Under the hood, the 2025 GX 550 trades its naturally aspirated V8 for a 3.4‑liter twin‑turbocharged V6, closely related to the engine found in the latest Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. Output is a robust 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque (figures may vary slightly by market), routed through a 10‑speed automatic transmission and full‑time four‑wheel drive. This is a significant torque increase over the previous generation’s V8, and it shows in day‑to‑day driving—especially when merging, passing, or pulling a trailer.

The 10‑speed gearbox is tuned for smoothness rather than aggression, favoring low‑rpm torque and quiet operation. Enthusiasts will notice that the transmission tends to short‑shift under light throttle to keep the engine in its fattest torque band, which benefits fuel economy and towing stability. The GX 550’s maximum towing capacity is up to 9,063 pounds (when properly equipped), placing it near the top of the luxury midsize segment and making it a realistic alternative to full‑size SUVs for those hauling boats, campers, or dual‑axle trailers.

On the road, the twin‑turbo V6 delivers strong midrange punch but doesn’t scream to redline the way some European rivals do. This is a powertrain tuned more for confidence and control than for outright drama. Turbo lag is minimal thanks to the small, quickly-spooling turbochargers, but you can still feel a slight surge as boost builds. For buyers coming from the old V8 GX, throttle response is sharper and low‑end pull is noticeably stronger, especially at altitude or with a full load.

Potential buyers should pay attention to fuel economy expectations versus reality. While the V6 is more efficient than the outgoing V8, this is still a tall, heavy, body‑on‑frame SUV with off-road tires and permanent 4WD in many trims. Real‑world combined mileage in the mid‑teens to low‑20s mpg is realistic, depending on driving style and configuration. Those cross‑shopping crossovers will still see a fuel economy gap, but enthusiasts who prioritize capability will likely consider that an acceptable trade‑off.

Chassis, Off‑Road Hardware, and Ride Quality

The 2025 GX 550 rides on Toyota’s TNGA‑F body‑on‑frame platform, shared with the new Land Cruiser Prado and Tundra family. This is a ladder‑frame design engineered for durability, high torsional rigidity, and excellent off‑road articulation. Permanent four‑wheel drive with a two‑speed transfer case is standard on most trims, and many models include a locking center differential and, in Overtrail trims, an electronic locking rear differential.

Ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and breakover geometry are significantly improved over the previous generation—especially in the off-road-focused Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades. These trims add 33-inch all‑terrain tires, underbody skid plates, more aggressive bumpers, and off‑road‑tuned suspension. Expect approach angles in the mid‑30s degrees and departure angles around 25+ degrees, giving the GX legitimate trail credibility compared to softer luxury competitors.

Lexus pairs these hardware upgrades with advanced off-road electronics. Multi‑Terrain Select tailors throttle, ABS, and traction control behavior to surfaces like mud, sand, and loose rock. Crawl Control functions like a low‑speed off‑road cruise control, modulating throttle and braking to maintain a set crawling speed. Downhill Assist Control adds another layer of stability on descents. For buyers who actually plan to use low range and air down tires, this is a legitimately useful toolkit rather than a spec sheet gimmick.

On pavement, the GX 550 has a notably more composed and precise feel than the old model, thanks to the stiffer frame, refined suspension geometry, and available adaptive dampers. There’s still some body motion—this is not a low‑slung crossover—but ride quality is controlled and well‑damped, even over broken pavement. Larger wheels on premium trims can introduce sharper impacts over potholes, so enthusiasts who value compliance over aesthetics may prefer slightly smaller wheel/tire packages.

Steering feel remains on the lighter side, prioritizing ease of use over feedback. Turn‑in is predictable, and mid‑corner stability is solid for a vehicle of this size and height. The GX is not a canyon carver, but it’s much less truck‑like than its predecessor, and long‑distance comfort is a clear strong point. For family buyers and road‑trip enthusiasts, this blend of robustness and refinement is a key selling point.

Interior, Packaging, and Everyday Usability

Inside, the 2025 GX 550 makes the single biggest leap over the old model. The cabin design is modern, with a strong horizontal dash layout, large central touchscreen, and a mix of soft‑touch materials, available semi‑aniline leather, and metallic or wood trim. Crucially, Lexus kept a healthy number of physical controls: separate climate knobs, dedicated buttons for off‑road modes, and a conventional gear selector instead of a gimmicky electronic shifter.

Front seats are supportive, with generous adjustability and available heating, ventilation, and even massage in higher trims in some markets. Second‑row space is much improved, with more legroom and better thigh support than the outgoing GX. Buyers can choose between a three‑person bench or captain’s chairs, depending on trim and market. Third‑row seating remains best reserved for children or short trips—this is still a midsize SUV, and the upright rear design means headroom is acceptable but legroom is tight for adults.

Cargo space is significantly more useful thanks to the adoption of a conventional top‑hinged liftgate (a major change from the old side‑hinged door). With all three rows up, luggage space is modest, but folding the third row yields a broad, flat load floor suited to gear, dogs, or overlanding setups. Enthusiasts planning to outfit the GX for camping or off‑grid travel will appreciate the generally square, usable cargo section and robust tie‑down points.

Noise isolation is a highlight. Acoustic glass, extensive sound deadening, and the inherently stiff frame keep wind and road noise impressively low, even with all‑terrain tires. At highway speeds, the GX 550 feels calm and insulated, which is a major differentiator versus more utilitarian body‑on‑frame SUVs. For families, this translates into less fatigue on long drives and a cabin that feels genuinely premium.

Buyers should, however, pay attention to payload ratings and actual use cases. While the GX can tow and haul, adding passengers, cargo, and tongue weight can quickly eat into payload capacity, like with most modern SUVs. Enthusiasts outfitting the GX with steel bumpers, winches, roof racks, and drawer systems should be conscious of total weight to avoid exceeding GVWR and compromising dynamics or braking performance.

Technology, Infotainment, and Driver Assistance

Lexus equips the 2025 GX 550 with its latest Lexus Interface infotainment system, centered around a large 14‑inch touchscreen on most trims. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over‑the‑air (OTA) updates, cloud‑based navigation in supported markets, and voice assistant functionality triggered by key phrases. Compared with previous Lexus systems, menu structures are cleaner, touch response is faster, and graphics are much more modern and legible.

A fully digital instrument cluster is available, and higher trims offer a head‑up display. These can be configured to show off-road data such as steering angle, wheel articulation, and transfer case status, appealing to enthusiasts who regularly leave the pavement. Multiple exterior camera views, including an under‑floor “transparent” view (stitched together from stored camera frames), assist with placing tires on trails and parking in tight urban spaces.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (or latest market variant) comes standard, bundling adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre‑collision braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. In practice, adaptive cruise is smooth and predictable, though lane centering can feel assertive if you’re not accustomed to it. The system is more refined than some mass‑market offerings but still not as hands‑off as premium semi‑autonomous systems from certain European and American competitors.

Enthusiasts may choose to selectively disable certain assist features—particularly in off‑road scenarios where traction and braking behavior need to be fully driver‑controlled. Fortunately, Lexus provides straightforward menu access and dedicated switches for key off-road and traction systems, reducing the frustration of digging through deep screen menus while on a trail.

One area where the GX 550 starts to feel particularly future‑ready is its electrical architecture. OTA update capability means Lexus can refine software logic for driver assists, infotainment, and even powertrain management over time. For buyers planning to keep the vehicle long‑term, this software‑defined foundation improves the odds that the GX won’t feel obsolete as quickly as prior generations.

Ownership Profile: Who the GX 550 Best Serves

The 2025 Lexus GX 550 is not trying to be all things to all people. It is unapologetically a body‑on‑frame SUV with serious off‑road hardware and a premium badge—aimed squarely at buyers who value durability, capability, and long‑term reliability over razor‑sharp handling or cutting‑edge EV credentials.

For enthusiasts, the GX 550 makes sense if you:

• Regularly drive on unpaved roads, trails, or in poor weather where 4WD and ground clearance are more than a nice-to-have.
• Tow boats, campers, or enclosed trailers and want a refined but mechanically robust platform with strong dealer support.
• Prefer a conventional, physical‑control‑heavy cabin and proven turbocharged V6 over more experimental powertrains.
• Plan to keep the vehicle for 8–10+ years and prioritize resale value and reliability reputation.

For some buyers, however, a unibody crossover may remain the better choice. If your driving is almost entirely urban or highway‑only, and you value fuel efficiency, low step‑in height, and car‑like handling above all, the GX’s capabilities may be underutilized. Likewise, if you need a truly adult‑friendly third row used every day, a larger full‑size SUV may serve you better.

Positioned between utilitarian off-roaders and soft luxury crossovers, the GX 550 occupies a relatively rare niche: a modern, tech‑savvy luxury SUV that still feels engineered for the long haul and remote travel. For Top SUV News readers who want one vehicle that can handle weekday commuting, weekend overlanding, and long‑distance towing in genuine comfort, the 2025 Lexus GX 550 deserves a serious look.

Conclusion

The 2025 Lexus GX 550 is more than a generational update; it’s a strategic repositioning of a long‑standing nameplate. With a torquey twin‑turbo V6, a thoroughly modern chassis, dramatically improved interior, and a full suite of off‑road and safety tech, it finally aligns its on‑paper promise with real‑world execution. It doesn’t chase every luxury trend, and it won’t be the most efficient or the sharpest‑handling option in its price bracket—but that’s precisely why it will appeal to a core group of enthusiasts and pragmatic buyers.

If your ideal SUV combines Land Cruiser‑like resilience with Lexus‑grade refinement, the GX 550 lands squarely in that overlap. The key is being honest about your use case: those who will tow, explore, and keep their SUV for the long term will extract the most value. For that audience, the GX 550 is one of the most compelling new body‑on‑frame SUVs on the market.

Sources

• [Lexus Official GX Page](https://www.lexus.com/models/GX) – Manufacturer specifications, trim details, and official feature descriptions for the latest GX.
• [Toyota Motor Corporation Global Newsroom – TNGA-F Platform Overview](https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/36428915.html) – Technical background on the ladder‑frame architecture underpinning the GX and related models.
• [IIHS – Vehicle Ratings](https://www.iihs.org/ratings) – Crash test data and safety ratings for SUVs, useful for cross‑shopping and understanding safety performance (GX data may be added as testing is completed).
• [EPA Fuel Economy – Light-Duty Vehicles](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) – Official fuel economy ratings and comparisons for the GX and competing SUVs.
• [NHTSA – Vehicle Safety and Recall Information](https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle) – Government database for safety ratings, complaints, and recall history relevant to SUV buyers.