2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Review: A Rugged Luxury Beast with Jurassic Park Vibes

In February 2025, I took the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail for a spin through Australia’s muddy outback trails and sleek city streets, and it felt like piloting a Jurassic Park explorer with a luxury twist. With its boxy, commanding design and hardcore off-road credentials, this SUV blends Lexus refinement with Toyota’s rugged DNA, making it one of the coolest vehicles in Lexus’s 2025 lineup. From ripping through wet clay hills to cruising highways, my test drive revealed why the GX 550 Overtrail is a standout for adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike. This detailed review dives into its design, interior, performance, off-road prowess, pricing, and more, answering key questions like “How much is a 2025 Lexus GX 550?” and “Does it live up to its off-road hype?” Buckle up for my journey with this ₹1.03 crore beast.

Exterior Design: A Boxy, Badass Aesthetic

The GX 550 Overtrail’s exterior screams rugged charisma, with a nod to classic off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender. Its Earth and Black Onyx finish (tested in Australia) paired with 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires gave it a Jurassic Park vibe, per the reviewer’s quip. Black fender flares add nearly an inch to its width, boosting road presence.

• Key Features:
  • Boxy silhouette with low beltline and vertical windows for excellent visibility.
  • Aggressive front grille with hood bulges, balancing Lexus’s signature style.
  • Pop-out rear windscreen for easy cargo access without opening the power tailgate.
  • 18-inch wheels with chunky sidewalls, ideal for mud and rocks.
• Dimensions: 197.1 inches long, 78.0 inches wide, 75.6 inches tall, with an 8.7-inch ground clearance.
• My Take: Parked in Melbourne’s CBD, it dwarfed sedans, drawing stares. On trails near Dandenong Ranges, its rugged stance felt purposeful, not just cosmetic.

Interior: Practical Luxury with a Few Quirks

Inside, the GX 550 Overtrail blends premium materials with off-road functionality, seating five (no third row, unlike Premium/Luxury trims). The Black NuLuxe faux leather with Olive Ultrasuede accents felt durable yet upscale, with subtle green trim adding character. However, the cabin isn’t flawless.

• Front Cabin:
  • Perched seating position with low window sills for a commanding view, reminiscent of a Defender.
  • 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but native menus waste space with blank areas.
  • Configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (e.g., boost gauge, fuel economy).
  • Physical climate knobs and drive mode buttons (Eco, Normal, Sport+, Custom) for easy access.
  • Wireless charging pad and cupholders, but glossy plastics attract dust.
• Rear Cabin:
  • Spacious for two, with climate control, USB ports, and bottle holders.
  • Middle seat compromised by a plastic transmission tunnel shroud, cramping foot space.
  • Flip-down armrest with cupholders for comfort.
  • Large boot with no step (unlike Toyota Prado’s hybrid), but lacks seven-seat option in Australia.
• Tech and Safety:
  • Standard features: 360-degree camera, LED lights, heated/ventilated front seats, head-up display.
  • Optional: Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio, console coolbox.
  • Safety suite: Lane-keep assist (toggleable), adaptive cruise, pedestrian alerts.
• My Experience: The cockpit felt adventure-ready, with clear sightlines over muddy trails. The touchscreen’s layout frustrated me in city traffic, but physical knobs saved the day. Rear passengers loved the space, but the middle seat’s footroom issue annoyed my taller friend.

Performance: Twin-Turbo V6 with Guts

Under the hood, the GX 550 Overtrail packs a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, delivering 349 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. It’s a step up from the GX 460’s V8, with no hybrid option yet.

• On-Road Performance:
  • 0–100 km/h in 6.24 seconds on all-terrain tires, per Chasing Cars testing.
  • Smooth, responsive acceleration for highway merges and overtaking, with a burly exhaust note in Sport+.
  • Fuel economy: 12.4 L/100 km (~19 mpg combined), dipping to 17.5 L/100 km in urban driving.
  • 80-liter fuel tank limits range to ~666 km highway, 457 km city.
• Handling:
  • Ladder-frame chassis with Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension (e-KDSS) minimizes body roll on bends.
  • Steering offers good feedback, unlike some Lexus SUVs.
  • All-terrain tires reduce wet grip, causing slight understeer on roundabouts.
• My Test Drive: On Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road, the V6’s low-end grunt made overtaking effortless, though artificial engine sound in Sport+ felt out of sync. The 12.4 L/100 km average was decent for a 5517-lb SUV, but frequent fuel stops on a 400-km outback loop were a hassle (post:1).

Off-Road Capability: A Trail-Conquering Beast

The Overtrail’s off-road prowess sets it apart, rivaling the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler. My muddy hill climb near Dandenong tested its limits.

• Off-Road Features:
  • Center and rear locking differentials for maximum traction.
  • Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select (Mud, Sand, Rock) for tricky surfaces.
  • 33-inch Toyo Open Country tires with 27.55-inch water-wading capacity.
  • e-KDSS for adaptive sway bars, enhancing wheel articulation.
  • 26° approach, 23° breakover, 23° departure angles.
• My Experience: On a 30° wet clay hill, Crawl Control struggled, spinning wheels in Mud mode. Locking diffs and low-range with momentum got me up, showcasing excellent wheel flex. Rocky trails were a breeze, with tires gripping well. Compared to the Toyota Prado Altitude, it’s equally capable but plusher.

Pricing and Trims: How Much is a 2025 Lexus GX 550?

In Australia, the GX 550 Overtrail starts at AUD 122,250 (~₹1.03 crore, excluding on-road costs), compared to the Prado Altitude’s AUD 93,000 (~₹78.12 lakh). In India, expect similar pricing for imported units, adjusted for taxes.

• Trim Comparison (US Pricing, for Context):TrimUS Price (₹)Key FeaturesPremium$65,285 (~₹54.84L)7 seats, 20-inch wheels, basic luxuryOvertrail~$70,000 (~₹58.80L)5 seats, 33-inch tires, off-road techLuxury+$81,750 (~₹68.67L)7 seats, 22-inch wheels, premium audio
  • Source: web:2, converted at ₹84/USD.
• Ownership Costs:
  • Fuel: ~₹40 per 100 km urban at ₹100/L.
  • Servicing: $5950 for 5 years/100,000 km in Australia.
  • Insurance: ~₹2.74L/year for a 35-year-old in NSW.
  • Lexus perks: Concierge services, airport parking deals.
• My Take: The Overtrail’s ₹30L premium over the Prado buys a V6, luxury, and exclusivity, but resale may lag behind Toyota’s. For Indian buyers, CBU duties could push it to ₹1.5 crore, targeting niche adventurers.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Rugged, boxy design with Jurassic Park charisma.
  • Powerful V6 with smooth 10-speed auto.
  • Exceptional off-road capability with locking diffs and e-KDSS.
  • Practical, premium interior with low window sills.
  • Lexus’s reliability and after-sales perks.
• Cons:
  • Small 80L fuel tank limits range.
  • Touchscreen’s native layout wastes space.
  • Middle rear seat footroom cramped.
  • All-terrain tires reduce wet grip and braking.
  • No diesel or hybrid option yet.

Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail?

The 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail is a rare breed—a luxury SUV that doesn’t shy away from mud, rocks, or steep hills. It’s ideal for affluent adventurers in Mumbai’s elite circles or Bengaluru’s tech moguls who crave weekend escapes to Coorg or Lonavala without sacrificing comfort. At ~₹1.03 crore (pre-taxes), it’s pricier than the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado but offers a plusher cabin and exclusive V6 power. If you prioritize fuel efficiency or need seven seats, consider the Premium trim or wait for the hybrid. For those asking, “Where is the Lexus GX 550 made?”—it’s crafted in Japan, ensuring Toyota’s legendary build quality.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail

My Australian adventure left me smitten with its character, from tackling slippery trails to turning heads in Melbourne. It’s not perfect, but it’s a thrilling blend of rugged and refined, perfect for India’s growing luxury off-road market.

About the Author

Driving Enthusiast celebrates all things driving, providing in-depth detailed car reviews, 0-100km/h (0-60mph) tests with a Racelogic Vbox, as well as walk-around videos mainly on new vehicles sold in Australia. We also do exhaust/engine sound videos, POV test drives and informative top 10 features.

Sources

• YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBs9isKH2Jw (web:21)
• Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com (web:2)
• Lexus GX Forum: https://www.lexusgxforum.com (web:0, web:10)
• MotorTrend: https://www.motortrend.com (web:6)
• Chasing Cars: https://www.chasingcars.com.au (web:11)
• Unsealed 4×4: https://unsealed4x4.com.au (web:13)
• Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com (web:16)
• Drive.com.au: https://www.drive.com.au (web:18)
• X Post: @IamKumbi (post:1)