Should you buy a Lexus GX550 or wait for a Prado 250?

Our recent drive of the Lexus GX550 Overtrail revealed this new 4x4 wagon will be well-suited to off-road touring duties.

However, for many Australian adventurers, a petrol engine isn’t what they want. The preferred option is diesel fuel and the benefits it brings. While the Lexus GX is petrol-fuelled only, the upcoming 2025 Prado on which it is based will only be offered with a diesel engine.

Toyota Australia has confirmed the 250 Series Prado will be available in five specification grades when it lands late in 2024, including an Altitude that will get multi-terrain modes, a disconnecting sway bar, a rear locker, and the same Toyo Open Country tyres as fitted to the GX550 Overtrail. The top-spec Kakadu model will be fitted with a heap of luxury additions, but none to match the GX’s levels of trims, features and performance.

Pricing aside, it will be chalk and cheese in terms of the drivetrains, but something else that off-roaders would need to consider is that the Prado will be heavily supported by the aftermarket for accessories like bull bars, sliders, and everything else you could want to fit for off road touring. And not all of these products will transfer across to the Lexus, especially full-loop bull bars.

Ironman 4x4 has let on that it is working on a ‘Raid’ loopless bar with winch cradle for the GX due to the popularity of the model in the USA, and this will be available in Australia. Plus, a lot of general accessories such as roof racks and suspension upgrades should be able to fit both vehicles, but we’ll have to wait to see just what works for both.

3

3

We look forward to seeing what the major 4x4 accessory brands and many smaller bespoke brands come up and with for the 250 Series-based models.

When it comes down to the crunch, though, we're willing to wait for the Prado. Let us know what you’d prefer in the comments section below 👇