The Lexus GX is known as a luxury off-roader that’s ready for adventure. But it’s also refined enough for city driving and comes well-equipped with many creature comforts. It’s the type of vehicle that you can take out on the trails during the day, and then head to the city for a concert in the evening. A relatively high starting price and below average fuel economy are drawbacks.
Base Price: $79,345
As Tested: $87,760
Horsepower: 349
Mileage: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway/17 mpg combined
The GX was redesigned for the 2024 model year. It got the same body-on-frame platform of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Previously, the GX had the same foundation as the 4Runner. For 2025, the GX gets only minor tweaks. All trims get some additional standard features, including the Lexus Memory System for the driver’s seat position and steering wheel settings, and the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims get a standard one-inch suspension lift.
The 2025 GX comes in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail and Overtrail+. Starting prices range from $65,585 to $80,695. These are higher than some rivals. Four-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
All trims except the Overtrail and Overtrail+ have three rows of seating and can accommodate six or seven passengers. Second-row bench seating is standard, and heated captain’s chairs are available in the Premium+, Luxury and Luxury+ trims. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims have two rows of seating with room for five.
With its boxy and brawny looks, the GX looks ready for adventure, and it is. While all trims can handle off-roading, the Overtrail and Overtrail+ add more features for going off the beaten path. Multi-Terrain Select lets you choose from several driving modes including snow-covered roads and intensive off-roading. Every Overtrail model comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires and an increased ride height for greater approach, breakover and departure angles. The electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system (E-KDSS) can automatically detach and reattach the swaybars for increased wheel articulation while driving off-road. In the city, this system can help reduce body roll and improve overall ride quality. Crawl Control automatically maintains an optimal slow and steady pace over challenging terrain. The electronically controlled locking rear differential locks the rear axle so that they drive forward in tandem, helping to optimize traction in extreme off-roading situations. And Downhill Assist Control helps keep the GX Overtrail and Overtrail+ at a slow and steady ace on steep downhill descents.
All models get the same engine: a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic.
The GX feels nimble despite its heft. Acceleration is brisk from a stop with little turbo lag – Lexus says it can go from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. There’s also plenty of punchiness at higher speeds when merging and passing on the highway. The 10-speed shifts quickly and smoothly to find the right gear. Steering is light, here’s some body roll when cornering at faster speeds, and the GX doesn’t have as refined a ride as some other luxury SUVs. But considering its off-road prowess, the GX handles well and is pleasant to drive.
The GX also has impressive towing capability. When properly equipped, it can tow from 7,601 to 9,096 pounds.
Fuel efficiency is below average for a luxury midsize SUV. EPA ratings are 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 17 combined. I got 17 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cabin is upscale with high-quality materials. Fit and finish are excellent in all trims, with many soft-touch materials. Seats are roomy, supportive and comfortable, with plenty of space for taller adults. The third row in all trims except the Overtrail models is ok for average-size adults, but best suited for kids. A large 14-inch touchscreen is on the dash.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, the Lexus Memory System (with settings for the driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel), leather-wrapped power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen, navigation, 10-speaker Lexus premium audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six USB ports, Wi-Fi hot spot, ambient interior lighting, household-style power outlet, automatic high-beam headlights, and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof with roof rails.
Available features include a digital key, surround-view camera system, head-up display, rear-camera mirror, semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, power-folding third-row seats, second-row manual sunshades, 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, wireless device charging, thematic ambient interior lighting, a “cool box” center console refrigerator, illuminated door sills, outside mirrors with puddle lamps, and a panoramic “Dynamic Sky” glass roof.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
Available driver assistance technologies include Traffic-jam assist (controls braking, acceleration and steering at slow speeds) and reverse pedestrian detection.
The infotainment system looks great with its 14-inch touchscreen and crisp graphics. It’s very user-friendly with logically arranged menus and icons that are easy to see and reach. The most commonly used climate functions are located at the bottom of the touchscreen, and there are also handy physical controls to adjust things like volume and temperature.
Cargo space is about average for three-row SUVs. For models with three rows, there are 10.3 cubic feet with all three rows in place, 40.2 cubes with the third row folded, and 76.9 cubes with the second and third rows folded. Cargo space is excellent for two-row SUVs. The Overtrail trims with two rows have 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 90.5 cubes with the second row folded. A power liftgate is standard and a hands-free liftgate is available.
The good:
Potent powertrain
Impressive off-road capability
Upscale, spacious cabin
Many standard and available features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Relatively high starting prices
Below-average fuel economy
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $79,345. The Digital Key is $375. The head-up display is $900. The Mark Levinson premium audio system is $1,140. Premium paint is $500. The tonnea cover is $110. Traffic Jam Assist is $620. Bi-tone paint is $170. The cool box center console refrigerator is $170. The ball mount is $80. Rock rails are $990. The all-weather cargo tray is $150. The off-road roof rack is $1,580. The delivery fee is $1,450, bringing the grand total to $87,760.
Bottom line:
There are lots of luxury three-row SUVs and crossovers, but not many that have the off-road prowess and civilized handling of the 2025 Lexus GX. It comes loaded with niceties and tech, and is pleasant to drive on pavement. But it’s also tough, rugged and ready for adventure. Despite its below-average fuel efficiency, the GX is a can-do vehicle that’s worth checking out.
