On the heels of reviewing the Lexus TX, this week I bring you the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+. The GX, redesigned in 2024, is a vehicle that's been beloved by off-road enthusiasts for years. While I've previously taken the 2024 GX Overtrail off-roading, I can attest that you don't have to be an off-roader to fall in love with this SUV. It has a decidedly cool factor on the road, much like the Toyota Land Cruiser. The GX Overtrail+ sees several standard features added for 2025 - notably including prewired auxiliary switches and an onboard air compressor.
Exterior
The GX's boxy looks get the right kind of attention. While not my typical color of choice, its exterior Earth hue looks rather sharp with a Black Onyx roof and 18-inch matte gray metallic alloys wrapped by 33-inch tires, the largest standard tires ever fitted to a Lexus.
It looks the part of rugged, too, with add-ons that include the rock rails and off-road roof rack. New for 2025 - a one-inch suspension lift is now standard on the Overtrail+ and Overtrail grades.
Triple beam LED headlights and LED tail lamp are standard fare, as are power-folding side mirrors and a power moonroof with roof rails.
I've never seen this before but Lexus actually has an option to drop the moonroof for -$1,100.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
We're still waiting on GX with a hybrid powertrain. But no complaints here with its current 3.4-liter V6 turbo. Thanks to its 349-horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque - the GX moves! Power feels fantastic which says a lot given its hefty weight. A smooth shifting 10-speed automatic transmission is part of the magic. Best of all, my tester is equipped with optional Catback performance exhaust - and it sounds great!
The Overtrail+ grade is designed to tackle challenging off-road terrain. Thus it has a multitude of equipment and technology focused on off-road performance. This includes full-time 4WD and a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential plus an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Other equipment includes a Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control.
As if we needed any more proof of its capability - check out its towing capability, north of 9,000 pounds!
Interior
The GX interior is well-designed and gives off a ruggedly upscale vibe, though it's not extremely luxurious. Soft-touch materials are complimented with larger silver accents and black grained trim.
Overall, it's a comfortable cabin to spend time in. Nuluxe- trimmed heated and ventilated power front seats hide a welcome luxury feature - a massaging seat function! I also love the unexpected Olive Ultrasuede seat trim which is also integrated into the door panels.
Like in the TX, you'll be reaching for the Push Button Start to the right of the steering wheel. (I can't imagine that would be great for those with arm and shoulder issues.) Above the steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital display is bright and colorful, but I wish the font was larger.
A wonderful 14-inch touchscreen houses Lexus terrific multimedia system that's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Alexa. You'll control a lot through the system, but you do have real dials for temperature control. Navigation and 'Hey Lexus' Intelligent Assistant voice command are terrific. A 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround System is optional.
A large center console serves as an off-road command center, with a large Drive Select dial along with controls for the 4WD, Crawl Control, Tow Haul and more. It's also where you find a traditional gear shifter instead of the smaller one Lexus has introduced in some of its other vehicles, and two large square cup holders. A wireless charger is conveniently located next to the console bin - which hides another goody - an optional Cool Box , the best out there in my opinion.
A roomy second row features bench seating, although captain's chairs are available in other trims. Digital A/C for the second row seems to be a miss, though passengers do get heated outboard seats, a drop down center armrest, and manual rear sunshades.
Other standard features include a power rear door with a kick sensor and four USB-C ports.
Utility
Since the Overtrail+ is only available with two rows, you're left with a massive cargo area - and that's by design. It's just what you need for storing luggage and adventure gear.
A power rear lift door with a pop-out window is another cool feature and new for this generation, though I found the lock feature to be a little finicky.
Standard features also include a tow hitch receiver, panoramic view monitor and new for 2025, an air compressor located in the cargo area.
Ride and Drive
The GX shares its truck-based platform with the new LX. The ride and drive - while completely different from the new Lexus TX - is fantastic. Acceleration feels great, and there is no sense of feeling underpowered. A standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System give it great on-road manners. Braking capability is also notably great. It does have a wider turning radius. I had no trouble U-turning into three lanes, but two would likely require some maneuvering.
Safety
The GX lineup is equipped with Lexus Safety Sense 3.0, as well as Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and intuitive parking assist with auto-braking and rear pedestrian detection.
Options and What You'll Pay
Options include a digital key ($375), 10-inch Head-Up Display ($900), 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system ($1,140),the premium paint ($500), traffic jam assist ($620), bi-tone paint ($350), cool box ($170), ball mount ($80), rock rails ($990), Catback performance exhaust ($2,270), carpet floor mats and cargo mat ($409), and off-road roof rack ($1,580).
Verdict
Pricey as it may seem, the GX Overtrail+ is simply a fantastic on-road and off-road SUV. While not for everyone, as equipped, its nearly $90K price is justified.
2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+
- What I Liked Most: Exterior. Capability. Overall experience behind the wheel.
- What I would change: Push button start too much of a reach.
- MSRP: Base: 79,045. As equipped: $89,779.
- Official Color: Earth/Black Onyx roof. ($500+ $350)
- Fuel Economy: 20 city, 26 highway, 23 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 583 miles.
- Curb Weight: 5,467-5,666 pounds. GVWR: 7,165 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-size spare mounted underneath.
- Length-Width-Height: 197.05” long/78.74” wide/77.17” high.
- Minimum Ground Clearance: 9.84 inches.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.14 gallons with filler on the driver's side. Premium fuel recommended
- Towing Capacity: 9,063 pounds..
- 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ in a few words: Impressive as both an on- and off-roader with a super cool vibe!
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty,
- Final Assembly Location: Tahara, Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
