2025 Lexus GX

Is the 2025 Lexus GX a Good SUV?

"The GX has been squeezing three rows of seats into its midsize body since the 2000s, and that tradition continues today. For many families, that tight-but-useful third row will be a godsend, because it means there's no need to throw in the towel and buy a depressing three-row crossover. In return for accepting less space in the way-back (plus subpar fuel economy), the GX rewards you with delightful styling, formidable towing and cargo capacities, real off-road chops and satisfying thrust from its turbo V6 engine. You can also opt out of the third row via the two-row GX 550 Overtrail variant, which is somewhat pricier but comes standard with 33-inch off-road tires, a lockable rear differential and electronically detachable anti-roll bars for improved suspension articulation on uneven terrain. The great thing about the GX is that you really can't go wrong, since every model comes with the turbo V6 and four-wheel drive."—Ranked #2 out of 11 Midsize Luxury SUVs

"Hold on, this isn't even the GX's natural habitat; how did it end up at the top? A third seating row does comes standard, but it's more of a bonus in the Lexus than a central feature. Well, we blame the competition, first and foremost, for mostly not providing roomy third-row seats. If you're gonna be stuck with space limitations back there, we figure, why not get the one that goes anywhere and looks like a Japanese G-Wagen? But the GX had to be awesome on its own merits, too, and that it most definitely is, from its high-quality interior and fully contemporary touchscreen to its satisfying turbocharged V6 engine. Just brace yourself for underwhelming fuel economy."—Ranked #1 out of 10 Midsize 3-Row Luxury SUVs

Which 2025 Lexus GX Should I Buy?

MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Lexus GX that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.

1. 2025 Lexus GX 550 (3.4T 3-Row)

• Base Price: $64,235
• MPG Combined: 17
• Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
• Engine: 3.4-liter V6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 349 
• Torque: 479 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 6.5 sec
• Weight: 5,585 lbs
• Length: 197.1 in
• Towing Capacity: 9,063 lbs

The 2025 GX 550 is one of the world's most desirable luxury off-roaders, vaulting to the head of the luxury midsize SUV class on the strength of its satisfying turbo V6, well-appointed cabin and killer styling. You could argue that it's a Japanese G-Wagen on the cheap and we wouldn't object. Note that all trims except the Overtrail (covered separately) come standard with three rows of seats.

2. 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail (3.4T 2-Row)

• Base Price: $71,880
• MPG Combined: 17
• Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
• Engine: 3.4-liter V6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 349 
• Torque: 479 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 6.5 sec
• Weight: 5,675 lbs
• Length: 197.1 in
• Towing Capacity: 9,096 lbs

Putting even more emphasis on off-road-readiness than the standard GX550, the 2025 GX 550 Overtrail deletes the third-row seat and comes standard with a special kind of tires — 33-inch all-terrains — that you'd normally have to order from a tire shop. You also get a one-inch suspension lift, a lockable rear differential, extra terrain modes with a terrain monitor system, crawl and downhill-assist control, and the latest version of KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), which is technically called E-KDSS because it can electronically detatch the front or rear anti-roll bar — or both bars at once. That's a whole lot of off-roady goodness for the money, although it'd be nice to have the option of that third-row seat, too.