The Lexus GX 550 is a reminder that not every luxury SUV needs to pretend it’s a crossover. In an era where most three-row “off-road” vehicles barely want to leave pavement, the GX 550 arrives with a genuinely rugged attitude—and the hardware to back it up. This is Lexus leaning hard into capability, even if it means making a few compromises along the way.
At first glance, the GX 550 makes no effort to be subtle. Its squared-off proportions, upright stance, and commanding road presence make it look every bit the modern luxury off-roader. More importantly, it doesn’t feel like a costume. Beneath the aggressive design is full-time four-wheel drive, a serious suspension setup, and a willingness to get dirty that sets it apart from softer rivals. If you want an SUV that looks like it could survive a remote trail—and actually can—the GX 550 delivers.
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 producing 349 horsepower and a stout 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. On the road, that torque hits early, giving the GX a surprising punch off the line for something this big and boxy. It feels confident merging onto highways and utterly unbothered when tasked with towing—up to 9,000 pounds, no less. For buyers who need real muscle for boats, trailers, or off-road toys, the GX 550 is one of the more capable luxury options on sale.
What’s more surprising is how the GX 550 drives when you’re not climbing rocks. Steering feedback is better than expected, body roll is well controlled for a body-on-frame SUV, and there’s a sense of connection that makes it more engaging than many plush competitors. It’s not sporty, but it’s not numb either—and that alone makes it feel refreshingly honest.
Inside, the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is a clear highlight. It looks modern, responds quickly, and is intuitive enough that you’re not fighting menus while bouncing down a trail or cruising through traffic. Lexus finally feels like it’s caught up in the tech department here, and it shows.
Still, the GX 550 isn’t without its frustrations. The ride quality can be choppy, especially on rough pavement, and there’s no hiding its truck-based roots. The third row exists, but space back there is limited, making it best suited for kids rather than adults. Cargo capacity behind that third row is even more problematic—just over ten inches of space, and not very deep. Tossing in a few grocery bags quickly becomes a game of Tetris, which feels like a miss for a family-oriented three-row SUV.
Fuel economy is another reality check. With ratings of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, the GX 550 isn’t pretending to be efficient. That’s the price you pay for real capability, but it’s something buyers will feel at the pump—especially compared to car-based alternatives.
Then there’s the interior ambiance. While solidly built and functional, parts of the cabin don’t feel as luxurious as the price tag suggests. Materials are good, but not class-leading, and some rivals manage to feel more upscale without sacrificing comfort.
Pricing for the 2025 Lexus GX 550 starts at $66,935. It’s available in six trim levels, including the more off-road Overtrail trim levels.
The 2025 Lexus GX 550 is a luxury SUV that prioritizes toughness over polish, capability over fuel economy, and authenticity over trends. For buyers who want a real off-roader wrapped in a premium badge, the GX 550 delivers in a way few competitors can.
