The Lexus GX has always occupied a unique corner of the SUV market. While many luxury SUVs are designed to spend their lives on smooth pavement, the GX has always been a little different — tougher, more rugged, and more capable than its polished appearance might suggest.
Now, for 2025, Lexus has taken a bold step forward. The GX has been completely redesigned for the first time in more than a decade, and the result is a luxury SUV that feels just as confident on rocky backroads as it does pulling up to a high-end restaurant.
If you are shopping for a high-quality, off-road-ready SUV with genuine luxury credentials, the new GX deserves a closer look.
A Complete Redesign That Still Feels Familiar
The 2025 GX keeps its body-on-frame construction, staying true to its roots. That decision alone sets it apart from most other luxury SUVs in its price range, which tend to favor softer unibody setups focused on comfort over capability.
But Lexus did not just dust off the old formula. The new GX rides on the same GA-F platform as the latest LX 600 and Toyota Land Cruiser, giving it a more rigid structure, better ride quality, and stronger off-road potential than ever before.
Visually, the GX looks boxier and more muscular than before. It leans into its off-road character with squared fenders, a tall upright grille, and clean horizontal lines.
This time, Lexus is not shying away from what the GX really is. It is a proper 4×4 with a luxury badge, and now it looks the part.
Real Capability Beneath the Luxury
At the heart of the 2025 GX is a new 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That is a big jump in power compared to the outgoing V8, with more torque arriving lower in the rev range.
The engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. This setup includes a locking center differential, a two-speed transfer case, and in some trims, a rear locking differential as well.
Towing capacity is rated at up to 8,000 pounds. That makes the GX a practical choice for drivers who haul trailers, boats, or campers regularly.
The GX Overtrail and Overtrail Plus trims take things even further, with a wider track, upgraded suspension, skid plates, and Lexus’ electronic KDSS system. This setup disconnects sway bars when off-roading for better articulation. It is serious hardware for serious trails.
A Cabin That Feels Expensive Without Being Fragile
Inside, the GX feels like a proper luxury vehicle. Soft leather, high-grade plastics, and real metal accents are used throughout the cabin. It feels upscale without being fragile — a rare combination in a segment where soft-touch finishes often come at the expense of durability.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 14-inch touchscreen running Lexus’ latest infotainment system. The screen is quick, clear, and easy to use. Physical controls remain for climate and volume, and there is a mix of buttons and toggles where it makes sense.
An available 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, and a digital instrument panel adds a modern touch. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board.
Front seats are wide and supportive, and in higher trims, they come with ventilation, heating, and memory functions. The second row can be configured with a bench or captain’s chairs, while the third row folds flat and offers surprising space for occasional use.
Cargo space is generous, especially with the third row folded down. A power liftgate and fold-flat seat design make loading up easy, whether you are headed to the office or the trailhead.
Drive Quality: Comfortable in All Conditions
On the road, the 2025 GX is a noticeable improvement over the previous generation.
Ride quality is firm but refined. The adaptive suspension helps keep the SUV composed on winding pavement without feeling harsh over broken surfaces.
The new V6 is quiet and strong, delivering power with minimal drama. Acceleration is brisk, and the transmission shifts smoothly in both relaxed and aggressive driving.
At highway speeds, the GX feels planted and quiet. Road and wind noise are well controlled, and the SUV tracks straight without constant corrections.
Off-road, the GX shines even more. The new platform, improved approach and departure angles, and advanced traction systems allow it to handle mud, rocks, sand, and steep climbs with confidence.
Hill descent control, multi-terrain select, and crawl control systems work in harmony to make even challenging obstacles easier to navigate.
The Overtrail trim adds extra protection with metal skid plates and higher ground clearance, giving adventure-minded drivers everything they need to explore far beyond the pavement.
Technology That Works for You, Not Against You
Technology in the GX strikes a strong balance between luxury and usability.
In addition to the main touchscreen, the SUV includes a head-up display, wireless phone charging, multiple USB-C ports, and configurable drive modes.
Lexus has made a point to include real knobs and buttons for key functions, avoiding the trap of burying everything behind menus.
The safety suite is extensive. Lexus Safety System 3.0 includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
The available multi-terrain monitor displays a real-time feed of the terrain around and under the vehicle, which is especially helpful in tight off-road situations.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 GX is offered in multiple trims, giving buyers a wide range of options:
- Premium
- Premium Plus
- Luxury
- Luxury Plus
- Overtrail
- Overtrail Plus
The Premium and Luxury trims focus more on on-road comfort and features, while the Overtrail models add more off-road hardware and distinctive exterior styling.
Pricing starts in the low $60,000s and stretches to the mid $70,000s for fully loaded versions. That places it competitively within the midsize luxury SUV segment, especially considering the GX’s full suite of off-road capability and towing strength.
For the price, there is not much else that delivers this level of luxury and genuine go-anywhere performance in one package.
How It Compares
The Lexus GX competes with a mix of luxury SUVs and rugged off-roaders, but not many do both well.
Compared to the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE, the GX offers far more off-road capability but trades some on-road polish. Against vehicles like the Land Rover Defender, it delivers more reliability and a stronger dealer network, though with slightly less European flair.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser will compete closely with the GX, but the Lexus offers more luxury appointments and a quieter ride for a small premium.
Buyers looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wagoneer may also find the GX to be a better long-term value, thanks to Lexus’ reputation for reliability and resale strength.
Who Should Buy the 2025 GX
This SUV is perfect for drivers who want one vehicle that can do almost everything.
If you need to tow, commute, head off-road, and carry the family in comfort, the GX will do it all without complaining.
It is especially appealing to buyers who want the idea of a Land Rover but do not want the repair bills, or those who love the Toyota 4Runner but want something more upscale.
For adventurers who want to explore without sacrificing comfort, the GX Overtrail models are especially compelling.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Lexus GX is not just a refresh — it is a return to form. Lexus has embraced the GX’s true identity and sharpened it into something special.
It is still a tough, capable, body-on-frame SUV, but now it is more refined, more powerful, and more comfortable than ever.
It looks the part, drives beautifully, and still has the heart of a trail machine. With strong towing, great technology, and a luxurious interior, the GX proves that you do not have to choose between adventure and comfort.
If you are ready to invest in a vehicle that can take you anywhere and do it with class, the 2025 Lexus GX deserves a spot at the top of your list.
