2025 Lexus GX Review

The 2025 Lexus GX steps into the spotlight as a luxury SUV that blends modern comfort with true off-road strength. With updates to its design, technology, and driving features, it now feels more refined on the road without losing its edge on rough terrain.

Motopickers Rating

Motopickers rates the 2025 Lexus GX as a well-rounded midsize luxury SUV that blends rugged strength with modern comfort. It stands out for buyers who want a capable off-road vehicle without giving up the refinement expected in a Lexus.

The GX 550 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine which provides smooth highway driving and strong low-end torque for off-road trails. Inside, the GX offers three rows of seating with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials. Families will appreciate the spacious second row and a usable third row for kids or extra friends, along with the flexible cargo space.

Lexus equips the SUV with a 14.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Standard driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which help make long drives safer and less tiring.

Motopickers Scorecard

Category	Score (out of 10)
Performance	8.5
Comfort	8.0
Technology	8.0
Value	7.5
Practicality	8.5

What’s New / Updates Over Previous Version

The 2025 Lexus GX continues the full redesign introduced in 2024, adding small refinements and pricing changes. The base price now starts at about $65,285, which is slightly higher than last year, and some trims like the Overtrail see increases of up to $3,680.

Lexus equips the GX with the 3.4‑liter twin‑turbo V6 engine, replacing the older V8, offering more torque and better efficiency. Lexus also expanded trim options to give buyers more choices. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims focus on off-road needs, while the Premium and Luxury trims lean toward comfort.

Interior updates include a large 14‑inch touchscreen, modern driver-assist features, and more premium materials. The cabin feels more practical for daily use, with flexible seating and decent cargo space for groceries, luggage, or pet carriers.

Competitors

The 2025 Lexus GX faces strong competition from other midsize luxury SUVs. Buyers often compare it to the Lexus TX, which offers three rows, a smoother on-road ride, and family-friendly features. While the GX leans toward rugged off-road ability, the TX focuses more on comfort and space for up to seven passengers.

Another key rival, the Land Rover Defender 130, provides serious off-road capability with modern styling and advanced tech. Families who enjoy camping or road trips may find the Defender appealing, though it comes at a higher price and with less predictable long-term reliability.

The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE also compete in this segment. Both emphasize luxury, quiet cabins, and strong performance on highways. They may not match the GX’s off-road strength, but they deliver a more refined driving experience for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

Shoppers may also consider the Toyota Sequoia. It is larger, with strong towing capacity and more cargo room, making it practical for families who need space for gear, pets, or sports equipment. Though it lacks the premium Lexus badge, it shares some mechanical roots with the GX.

Exterior Spotlight

The 2025 Lexus GX continues its boxy and rugged design while adding modern touches that make it look more upscale. Buyers can select from various colors and wheel designs to customize the SUV to their style and needs.

Color Options

Lexus offers a mix of classic and bold paint choices for the 2025 GX. Neutral shades like Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, and Caviar give it a refined appearance, while Nori Green Pearl and Incognito Gray add a more adventurous look. For those who want something eye-catching, Nightfall Mica provides a deep blue finish that stands out.

Metallic and pearl finishes appear across most trims, giving the SUV a polished look in different lighting. Families who want a more subtle appearance may prefer lighter tones that hide dust, while outdoor enthusiasts may lean toward darker colors that pair well with the GX’s rugged character.

With nine standard factory colors, the SUV offers enough variety to suit practical needs and personal style. This flexibility allows buyers to choose a look that feels right for daily driving or weekend trips.

Wheel Options

Wheel designs vary by trim, starting at 20-inch alloy wheels on most models. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims come with 18-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires, making them more suitable for off-road use. These tires provide extra grip for camping trips, rough trails, or hauling gear outdoors.

Higher trims feature darker finishes or machined accents that add a premium touch. Buyers who value appearance may prefer the larger wheels for a more upscale presence, while those focused on performance may lean toward the smaller, off-road-ready setup.

The range of wheel options lets drivers balance style with function. Whether used for family errands, long road trips, or outdoor adventures, the GX’s wheels match both lifestyle and terrain.

Interior Analysis

The 2025 Lexus GX blends rugged utility with modern upgrades inside, offering practical features, passenger comfort, and useful storage solutions. It balances off-road capability with a cabin that feels updated and versatile for daily driving and long trips.

Features

The cabin features a 14-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital rearview mirror improves visibility when cargo blocks the back window, which is useful for larger families or when hauling gear.

The available head-up display projects key driving information onto the windshield, reducing distractions. Wireless charging, multiple USB-C ports, and a premium Mark Levinson audio system are also available. These features make the GX feel more upscale while still keeping its rugged character intact.

Comfort

The 2025 GX offers seating for up to seven with its third-row seats, though the third row is best suited for children or shorter trips due to limited legroom. The second row provides more generous space and can be configured with either a bench or captain’s chairs.

Front seats are supportive and available with heating and ventilation. Buyers can add a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats, making the SUV more comfortable in both hot and cold climates.

Drivers benefit from an adjustable steering wheel and wide visibility, making long drives less tiring. Climate control zones allow passengers in different rows to set their own temperature preferences. Families will appreciate the quiet cabin, which reduces road noise even at highway speeds.

Cargo

The 2025 Lexus GX balances luxury with true utility. Behind the third row, space is modest, around 10.3 cu ft, perfect for grocery hauls or a couple of backpacks. Folding the third row opens up ~40.2 cu ft.

Fold both rear rows flat, and the GX yields a substantial 76.9 cu ft of flat loading floor (and up to 90.5 cu ft in two-row Overtrail trims), enough for sizeable gear, family vacations, or bulky equipment.

Lexus opts for an upward-opening liftgate, replacing the old side-swing rear door, offering improved access in confined spots like commercial garages or parallel-parking bays. Higher trims add further convenience with a power liftgate, pop-out rear window, or kick-sensor activation, ideal for quick access with hands full.

Power and Performance

The 2025 Lexus GX delivers strong engine output with modern driving technology. It provides more power than the previous generation while maintaining off-road ability and everyday usability.

Engine Specs

Lexus equips the 2025 GX 550 with a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This engine produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, making it a major step up from the older V8 model.

Drivers can tow up to 9,063 pounds (4,110 kg) when properly equipped, making the GX suitable for pulling boats, campers, or trailers for family trips.

Performance Data (0-60)

The GX 550 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in about 6.5 seconds. This is a noticeable improvement compared to the older V8 model, which was slower and less efficient.

While the GX is not designed as a sports SUV, this level of acceleration is quick enough for merging onto highways or passing slower traffic. Drivers will find it responsive without feeling overly aggressive.

A 10-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts on highways and better control on rough terrain. Four-wheel drive comes standard across all trims, ensuring traction in snow, mud, or gravel. This balance makes the GX practical for daily commuting while still capable on long road trips.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy improves compared to the older V8-powered GX. The 2025 GX 550 achieves an estimated 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway (15.7 L/100 km city / 11.2 L/100 km highway).

These numbers are average for a large luxury SUV with a twin-turbo engine and standard four-wheel drive. While not the most fuel-efficient in its class, the trade-off comes with higher towing capacity and off-road ability.

For families or frequent travelers, the GX can handle long drives without constant fuel stops, though buyers should expect higher fuel costs compared to smaller SUVs.

Suspension, Braking, and Handling

Lexus builds the GX on a new platform with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. This setup balances comfort on paved roads with durability off-road.

Lexus also offers adaptive suspension on higher trims, which adjusts damping for smoother highway driving or stiffer control on trails. The ventilated disc brakes at all four corners deliver strong and predictable braking.

The GX handles with stability for a body-on-frame SUV. Lexus tunes the steering for confidence rather than sharp agility, which suits families, pet owners, or anyone hauling gear. Drivers experience a secure and composed feel whether in the city or on rough back roads.

Tech Overview

The 2025 Lexus GX blends modern digital features with practical tools that support both daily driving and off-road use. It focuses on ease of use, clear displays, and technology that adapts to different driving conditions.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The cabin features a 14.0-inch touchscreen that serves as the main hub for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The screen responds quickly and has a simple layout, making it easy for drivers to use without distraction.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, letting passengers connect their phones without extra cables. Multiple USB-C ports are spread across the cabin, so everyone can keep devices charged during long trips.

A premium Mark Levinson audio system is available, offering 21 speakers for a balanced sound experience. Families or groups traveling together will find the system useful for streaming music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

The SUV also includes a digital gauge cluster that shows speed, navigation prompts, and driver-assist alerts. A head-up display is available, projecting key information directly onto the windshield for added convenience.

Features / Drive Modes

The GX offers several drive modes that adjust throttle response, steering feel, and traction control. Modes include Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, giving drivers flexibility whether they want efficiency or sharper performance.

For off-road trips, the GX includes Multi-Terrain Select, which tailors traction settings for surfaces like mud, sand, or rocks. A Crawl Control system works like low-speed cruise control, helping the driver focus on steering while the SUV manages throttle and braking.

Drivers can select 4WD settings to switch between high and low ranges, improving grip in challenging conditions. These features make it practical for families who enjoy camping, road trips, or outdoor activities where rough terrain may be part of the journey.

Safety Capabilities

The 2025 Lexus GX places a strong focus on passenger protection, blending modern crash-test performance with advanced driver-assistance systems. It combines traditional SUV durability with updated technology designed to reduce risks in both daily driving and off-road conditions.

Safety Ratings

The NHTSA and IIHS have not yet released official crash-test ratings for the 2025 Lexus GX at the time of writing. Lexus typically engineers models for strong structural safety with reinforced frames and advanced restraint systems.

Lexus introduced a new platform for the GX in 2024, increasing rigidity and improving crash energy management. This design disperses force away from the cabin during frontal and side impacts, helping to protect occupants.

Families often value strong rollover protection in SUVs. The GX’s boxy design, combined with stability control, works to reduce rollover risks, which is especially important when carrying kids, pets, or cargo.

Safety Features

Lexus equips the 2025 GX with a wide set of standard safety equipment. Every model includes 10 airbags, including front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags. This ensures coverage for all seating positions.

The SUV also comes with LATCH anchors for child seats, making it practical for parents with young children. Strong seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters further enhance restraint protection in the event of a collision.

Lexus builds high-strength steel and crumple zones into the frame. These features absorb crash energy, keeping the passenger cabin more secure.

Driver Assists

Lexus includes the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard on the 2025 GX. This suite bundles active technologies that help prevent accidents before they happen.

Key features include:

• Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control for maintaining safe distance
• Lane Departure Alert with steering assist
• Road Sign Assist for recognizing speed and warning signs

These systems are especially useful for long drives or daily commutes. For drivers who often travel with family or friends, the added assistance can reduce fatigue and boost peace of mind.

Additional Safety Features

Beyond the core systems, the GX offers extra options for added security. A 360-degree camera system gives a complete view around the SUV, making it easier to park in tight spaces or while towing.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard on most trims. These features make lane changes and backing out of driveways safer and more convenient.

For off-road use, Lexus also includes multi-terrain monitoring. This feature uses cameras to show obstacles near the wheels, helping drivers avoid hazards on trails. Owners who take pets, gear, or adventure equipment will find this especially practical.

Trim Guide

The 2025 Lexus GX comes in several trims that balance off-road strength with everyday comfort. Pricing varies widely, so buyers can choose between a more affordable entry model or higher-end versions with added features.

Trim and Price

The base trim GX 550 Premium starts around $65,285 and offers standard four-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V6, and seating for up to seven. This makes it a practical choice for families who need space without paying for luxury extras.

Moving up, the GX 550 Luxury begins near $77,000. It adds premium leather, upgraded audio, and more driver-assist features. The Luxury+ trim, priced closer to $82,550, includes advanced comfort touches like ventilated seats and extra cabin refinements.

For adventure-focused drivers, the GX 550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims stand out. Starting around $69,000, they include off-road suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. These trims suit outdoor enthusiasts who want rugged capability while still enjoying modern tech and safety features.

Warranty And Maintenance Information

The 2025 Lexus GX offers a standard warranty package that matches what most luxury SUVs in its class provide. Buyers receive a 4-year/50,000-mile (80,467 km) limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile (112,654 km) powertrain warranty. This coverage protects against unexpected repair costs during the early years of ownership.

Lexus also provides complimentary maintenance for the first year or 10,000 miles (16,093 km), whichever comes first. This benefit covers basic services such as oil changes and inspections, making it easier for new owners to keep the SUV in top shape without extra expense.

Lexus includes roadside assistance for 4 years and unlimited miles. This service assists with towing, lockouts, jump-starts, or flat tires, which is especially useful for families or drivers who plan to take the SUV on road trips or off-road adventures.