2025 Lexus GX550 Overtrail review

Toyota’s 250 Series 4x4 wagon will take many badges around the globe.

In the USA it is already sold as the LandCruiser 250 Series and the Lexus GX550. When it hits our showrooms it will be the new Toyota Prado as well as the GX500, making this the first time we have received the Lexus GX model in Australia. The GX was built on the 120 and 150 Series models for the USA market in the past where it has become a popular vehicle for overlanders there.

The Lexus GX500 has arrived in Australia in three trim levels starting with the Luxury model at $116,000 (+ORC), then the Overtrail from $122,250 (+ORC) and capped off by the $128,200 (+ORC) Sports Luxury variant. As we’ve come to expect from Lexus vehicles, they carry over all the hardware and abilities of the Toyota model on which they are based but add a swag of luxury editions and, sometimes, added performance.

It’s the added performance that really makes the GX550 stand out from the Prado which will arrive later this year with the familiar 2.8-litre 1GD four-cylinder diesel engine. In the oiler’s place, the GX550 scores a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol engine that makes a claimed 260kW and 650Nm.

JUMP AHEAD

• Features and interior
• Safety
• Powertrain, chassis and suspension
• On-road performance
• Off-road performance
• Warranty and servicing
• Specs

Features and interior

It’s no surprise then that it’s the GX550 Overtrail that we have on test here. Of the three GX550 models, it’s the Overtrail that will be of most interest to 4X4 Australia readers.

This is the model that is best equipped for touring and off-road use as it’s fitted with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres in lieu of the 20- and 22-inch wheels and low profile tyres fitted to the Luxury grades.

It also gets a locking rear differential, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS) and Multi-Terrain Selector and monitor. The Overtrail also does away with the third-row seating giving adventurous owners more space for gear and increasing the available payload.

71

As expected of a Lexus vehicle, the GX550 is loaded with features and luxury trimmings. The Overtrail doesn’t hold back on these even if it’s not not quite as well equipped as the Sports Luxury model.

Inside you’ll find a 14-inch multimedia display with in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Wired Android Auto connection, a wireless phone charging pad, eight-way driver and front passenger seat power adjustment with two-way power lumbar adjustment, heating and ventilation for the driver and front passenger, a 12.3-inch multi-information display and heads-up display for the driver, a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system, chilled centre console, six USB-C ports (but no USB-A), and 12-volt outlets front and rear plus a 220V outlet in the cargo area.

The dash and interior are well laid out and easy to use – better than in the LC300. The multimedia screen offers dials for volume control and driver and passenger temperature control, and the screen itself is well positioned and large.

71

The leather-clad steering wheel feels small by 4x4 standards but you get used to it, and also appreciated are the gearshift paddles behind it which are particularly handy when driving off-road. The steering column is power-adjustable for both reach and height, combining with the multi-adjustable seat so you can achieve the best possible driving position.

The Overtrail gets model-specific interior trim including green suede accents on the seats and doors, and the seat cushions and bolsters are softer than in the other variants to better coddle the passengers over rough tracks. The tailgate is a powered lift-up design with a separate opening for the window, to allow quicker access to the rear compartment.

Back to top ⬆️

Safety

The GX550 is equipped with nine airbags, pre-collision system with AEB and emergency steering intervention, TPMS, road-sign recognition, blind spot monitor, lane assist with lane-departure warning, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, ETC and front and rear parking sensors with a 360° view monitor.

71

Powertrain, chassis and suspension

The GX550 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine that produces claimed peaks of 260kW and 650Nm.

The engine asks for premium fuel with a minimum 95 octane rating. It’s backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission similar to that found in a LandCruiser 300 Series and its Lexus stablemate. 4WD comes via a dual range, full-time transfer case with locking centre and rear differentials.

The GX550 runs on a version of Toyota’s GA-F ladder chassis which again you will find under the 300 Series and the new Toyota Tundra pick-up. Under the 250 Series it has a 2850mm wheelbase (the same as LC300) and the Overtrail has a 1685mm front and 1690mm rear wheel track; 20mm wider than the other GX550 variants due to its bespoke wheels and tyres. Interestingly the GX Overtrail’s wheel track is 2mm wider than an LC300’s.

71

The GX550 has a double wishbone IFS set up under the front and a multi-link live axle under the rear, much like recent Prados and LandCruisers. The Overtrail has improved ride and off-road ability thanks to Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that offers multiple settings for comfort and stiffness depending on the conditions.

The Overtrail also gets the e-KDSS system, which is capable of disconnecting the front sway bar when off-road to increase wheel travel and keep the tyres in contact with the ground. It’s a clever Australian-developed system that works very well to increase articulation and in turn off-road performance.

One other mechanical addition to the Overtrail over the other GX variants is an upgrade from a 200A to 240A alternator, with a view to fitment of power-hungry accessories that owners might want to fit to the GX550.

Back to top ⬆️

On-road performance

Don’t think for a second the GX550 is anything like any previous Prado to drive; it’s totally different and a whole lot better.

The suspension gives a firm ride that is well controlled in the twisties yet still delivers a comfortable ride quality. When the road surface gets a bit rough and the ride becomes choppy, adjusting the AVS from auto to the comfort setting smooths it out, but it does pitch and lean more when cornering. The Sport and Sport+ settings stiffen up the dampers for better on-road handling.

The performance of the engine and transmission is superb, providing plenty of power when you want it and smooth cruising when you don’t. It’s a quiet engine and, while there’s a bit of that V6 roar when you put your foot down, overall it’s a polished and refined ride.

71

Back to top ⬆️

Off-road performance

The powertrain and suspension are equally as impressive off-road as on it.

On gravel tracks you can select the softer settings in the AVS to soak up the bumps, then when the going gets rough select low range, lock the centre diff and point the Overtrail at whatever is in front of it. Multi Terrain settings include modes for rock, mud, snow and ruts to help the driver, and/or you can use the Crawl Control system which works extremely well at maintaining progress over rough terrain, up and downhill, automatically applying just enough throttle to keep you moving while avoiding wheel spin. It’s clever and it works, just like the e-KDSS that increases wheel travel at low speeds by disconnecting the sway bars allowing more articulation.

71

Passenger comfort is also improved by eKDSS as it leaves the stabiliser bars unlocked when driving straight on rougher roads in high range, softening shocks and bumps from the road reaching the cabin and passengers. When cornering, the stabilisers automatically lock to ensure a flat ride and handling stability.

While the Toyo Open Country A/T tyres are a nice addition to a production Lexus they are still a passenger car tyre, so not as durable as an LT construction tyre, but they will get you most places a Lexus owner is likely to take their GX550. We’re seeing American Overtrail owners fitting 33- and 35-inch off road tyres to their wagons for more off-road capability.

Back to top ⬆️

Warranty and servicing

Lexus vehicles come with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and service prices for the GX are capped at $595 per service for the first five years of ownership with service with intervals of six months/10,000km.

Lexus owners also benefit from the brand’s Encore programme that offers a range of events and features including a 5cpl fuel discount from Ampol service stations. 24-hour roadside assist is also a part of this program.

71

Specs

Back to top ⬆️