The Lexus GX is a exceptional SUV and we’re excited to see how this explicit GX 550 Premium mannequin fares with its extra typical Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A tires on 20-inch wheels. We beforehand solely examined the Overtrail+ with its Toyo Open Nation all-terrain 33-inch tires on 18-inch wheels.
As anticipated, the road-focused Dunlops supplied higher compliance and luxury throughout all speeds. It’s calmer and steadier beneath acceleration, and isn’t as vulnerable to the nervous oscillations which might be frequent with the all-terrain tires. Over deeper bumps and crevices, the GX nonetheless rumbles and vibrates the entire chassis however that’s right down to the dwell rear axle and never the tires. You possibly can carry extra pace into the corners with a thicker layer of confidence and stability, and the tires can grip up and sustain with extra aggressive steering inputs.
Total, the GX with the Dunlops doesn’t provide the identical stage of absorbency as a Lexus RX or TX, nevertheless it’s a significant sufficient distinction to suggest the Premium over the Overtrail+ if on-road duties are what your GX is primarily meant for. Whereas it in the end lacks that top-tier grip, all-weather confidence, and the adaptive suspension and one-inch raise of the Overtrail+, the smoother rubber makes for a cooperative and docile suburban companion.
However we did discover extra background vibrations on idle coming from the V6 engine. Very similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser we lately reviewed, the car rumbles minimally however noticeably even with out including throttle. It’s like a everlasting therapeutic massage seat operate, and isn’t one thing we observed within the Overtrail+ we drove just a few months in the past. Nonetheless, the GX is simply obtainable with one powertrain, a 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That output is routed by means of a 10-speed computerized transmission and a four-wheel drive system. The V6 packs respectable low-end thrust with hardly any turbo lag or hiccups within the powertrain. The gearbox is a elegant unit that picks gears assertively but shifts with a mild smoothness.
And the extra civilian shade of Dusk Mica fits the function completely. On this darkish blue hue, the GX seems extra like the usual G-Wagon relatively than the roided-up AMG. It’s simply lacking a bullbar – depart that to the Lexus aftermarket. There are extra amenity-rich trims within the Luxurious and Government fashions with their 22-inch wheels and semi-aniline leather-based seats, however Premium will seemingly be the amount vendor with its extra attainable improve value of $8,738 over the bottom Signature trim.
And there’s no scarcity of luxurious or creature comforts as soon as located contained in the cabin. The quick dashboard alludes to its purposeful structure, very similar to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, however there’s nothing right here unfamiliar for these upgrading from an NX or RX SUV. You’ve bought the identical steering wheel that may really feel overly skinny after popping out of a BMW, and the identical infotainment unit, however one housed inside a big 14-inch touchscreen. There are onerous buttons that function driving modes and off-roading controls for the differential and switch case, and precise dials for the amount and cabin temperature. None of these irritating haptic contact sensors on the steering wheel both.
Like within the Lexus LX 700h, the rear seats aren’t as spacious as you’d anticipate from such a boxy-shaped SUV. Headroom is phenomenal and the rear isn’t compromised by a sunroof however the cabin feels darker and extra confined consequently. Sitting behind my driving place, my knees nudge proper into the seatback, and the middle tunnel is raised as a result of dwell rear axle, which means middle-seat occupants may have their knees as much as their chest. There’s a third row of seats nevertheless it’s much more cramped and never notably usable for transporting average-sized adults.
The GX 550 Premium and its extra typical Dunlop tires deliver a much-needed layer of highway compliance and stability over the off-road-focused Overtrail+ trim. As anticipated, it’s the superior commuter companion, and when paired with such a well-equipped inside with loads of creature comforts, the varied GX continues to be a top-choice SUV in 2025.
Mannequin: 2025 Lexus GX 550 Premium
Paint Kind: Dusk Mica
Base Value: $86,015
Value as Examined: $94,753
Wheelbase(mm): 2,850
Size/Width/Top (mm): 5,005 / 1,980 / 1,920
Curb weight (kg): 2,570
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 349 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed computerized
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, 4WD
Noticed Gas Consumption (L/100km): 15.2
Tires: Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A; 265/55R20
