In February 2025, I took the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail for a thrilling test drive through Australia’s muddy Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne’s polished streets, feeling like I was piloting a Jurassic Park explorer with Lexus’s signature luxury. This hardcore off-roader combines rugged capability with upscale refinement, making it a standout in the 2025 luxury SUV market. For Indian buyers in Mumbai or Bengaluru craving a vehicle that conquers trails and turns heads, here are the top 10 reasons to buy the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail. From its off-road prowess to its ~₹1.03 crore price tag, this review answers questions like “Why choose the Overtrail?” and “How much is a Lexus GX 550?” Buckle up for my adventure with this rugged icon.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
1. Rugged, Boxy Design with Jurassic Park Charisma
The Overtrail’s angular, muscular styling stands out in a sea of generic SUVs, evoking classic off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender. Its Earth and Black Onyx finish, paired with black fender flares and 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires, gives it an adventurous vibe.
- Highlights:
- Low beltline and vertical windows for unmatched visibility.
- Bold front grille with hood bulges, softened for a modern Lexus look.
- Pop-out rear windscreen for quick cargo access without opening the tailgate.
- Why It Matters: In Melbourne’s CBD, it drew stares from passersby; on trails, its stance felt purpose-built. For Indian buyers, it’s a status symbol rivaling the Mercedes G-Wagen at a fraction of the cost.
2. Unmatched Off-Road Capability
The Overtrail is a trail-conquering beast, holding its own against the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. My test on a 30° wet clay hill near Dandenong showcased its off-road dominance.
- Off-Road Tech:
- Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension (e-KDSS) for superior wheel articulation.
- Center and rear locking differentials for maximum traction.
- Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select (Mud, Sand, Rock) for challenging surfaces.
- 33-inch tires with 8.9-inch ground clearance and a 27° approach angle.
- Why It Matters: It tackled muddy slopes and rocky trails with ease, outclassing softer SUVs. For India’s rugged terrains, from the Western Ghats to Himalayan paths, it’s a game-changer.
3. Powerful Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
The 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 pumps out 349 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. It’s a significant upgrade over the GX 460’s V8.
- Performance:
- 0–100 km/h in 6.24 seconds, even on all-terrain tires.
- Towing capacity up to 9,096 lbs for trailers or boats.
- Smooth, responsive power for highway overtaking and trail climbs.
- Why It Matters: On Australia’s Great Ocean Road, overtaking was effortless. For Indian buyers towing gear to Goa or navigating Bengaluru’s traffic, it’s a powerhouse.
4. Premium Yet Durable Interior
The Overtrail’s cabin blends luxury with practicality, seating five with Black NuLuxe faux leather and Olive Ultrasuede accents. Subtle green trim adds a unique touch without being flashy.
- Features:
- 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster showing boost or fuel data.
- Heated and ventilated front seats, plus physical climate knobs.
- Spacious cargo area, no third row (unlike Premium trims).
- Why It Matters: The high seating and low window sills gave a commanding view, perfect for trails. In Chennai’s heat, the ventilated seats and durable materials were a blessing.
5. Advanced Safety and Technology
The Overtrail comes loaded with a comprehensive safety suite and modern tech, ensuring confidence on highways or remote trails.
- Safety Features:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- Lane-keep assist (toggleable) and adaptive cruise with lane centering.
- 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring.
- Tech Highlights:
- Optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
- Head-up display and wireless charging pad.
- Why It Matters: The 360-camera was invaluable on narrow trails. For Indian urban drivers, adaptive cruise eases Mumbai’s chaotic traffic.
6. Exceptional On-Road Refinement
Despite its off-road focus, the Overtrail handles paved roads with surprising poise, thanks to e-KDSS reducing body roll.
- Driving Experience:
- Precise steering with excellent feedback for an SUV.
- Quiet cabin, minimal noise from 33-inch tires.
- Fuel economy of 12.4 L/100 km (~19 mpg combined), decent for a 5517-lb vehicle.
- Why It Matters: On Melbourne’s winding roads, it felt agile, not cumbersome. For India’s varied roads, from NH44 highways to city streets, it’s a refined cruiser.
7. Lexus Reliability and After-Sales Perks
Lexus’s legendary reliability, built on Toyota’s foundation, ensures the Overtrail is a long-term investment. It also offers premium ownership benefits.
- Reliability:
- Built in Japan on the TNGA-F platform, shared with the Land Cruiser.
- Proven V6 engine used in Tundra and Sequoia.
- Perks:
- Concierge services and airport parking deals.
- 6-year/70,000-mile warranty, surpassing BMW and Mercedes.
- Why It Matters: For Indian buyers, Lexus’s growing service network and reliability reduce ownership hassles, unlike pricier European rivals.
8. Versatile for Adventure and Luxury
The Overtrail excels as a do-it-all SUV, blending off-road grit with urban elegance. It’s ready for trails or a night out in Delhi.
- Versatility:
- Towing capacity for boats or camping gear, plus ample cargo space.
- Luxury features like optional massaging seats (Overtrail+) for city comfort.
- Roof rails and skid plate for overlanding adventures.
- Why It Matters: I went mudding by day and dined in Melbourne by night. In India, it’s ideal for Lonavala getaways or daily commutes.
9. Competitive Pricing for Value
Priced at AUD 122,250 (~₹1.03 crore) in Australia or ~$70,000 (~₹58.80L) in the US, the Overtrail delivers premium features at a bargain compared to rivals.
- Trim Comparison: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
- Note: Converted at ₹84/USD.
- Why It Matters: It undercuts the Land Rover Defender 110 (~$80,000) and Mercedes G-Wagen (~$150,000) while matching their capability. In India, expect ~₹1.5 crore with taxes, still a steal for its versatility.
10. High Demand and Exclusivity
The Overtrail’s surging demand underscores its desirability, with waitlists stretching months at dealerships. Its unique positioning adds a layer of exclusivity.
- Market Buzz:
- Over 100 buyers on waitlists at select dealers.
- Dubbed a “half-off G-Wagen” by enthusiasts.
- Social media hype on X praises its rugged luxury.
- Why It Matters: Owning one in Bengaluru or Mumbai sets you apart. Its scarcity could boost resale value, nearly matching Toyota’s legendary retention.
Verdict: Why the 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Shines
The 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail is a rare breed—a luxury SUV that thrives in mud, rocks, and city streets. For India’s affluent adventurers, it’s a compelling alternative to pricier European SUVs, offering reliability, capability, and style at ~₹1.03 crore (pre-taxes). My Australian test drive, from wet trails to highways, cemented its appeal as a do-it-all icon. Whether you’re wondering “How much is a Lexus GX 550?” or “Does it have a third row?” (no, it’s a 5-seater), the Overtrail delivers unmatched value for 2025.
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)
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