The Lexus GX is a remarkable SUV, and we’re excited to see how this particular GX 550 Premium model fares with its more conventional Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A tires on 20-inch wheels. We previously tested the Overtrail+ only with its Toyo Open Country all-terrain 33-inch tires on 18-inch wheels. 

As expected, the road-focused Dunlops offered better compliance and comfort across all speeds. It’s calmer and steadier under acceleration, and isn’t as prone to the nervous oscillations that are common with the all-terrain tires. Over deeper bumps and crevices, the GX still rumbles and vibrates the whole chassis but that’s down to the live rear axle and not the tires. You can carry more speed into the corners with a thicker layer of confidence and stability, and the tires can grip up and keep up with more aggressive steering inputs.

Overall, the GX with the Dunlops does not offer the same level of absorbency as a Lexus RX or TX, but it’s a meaningful enough difference to recommend the Premium over the Overtrail+ if on-road duties are what your GX is primarily intended for. While it ultimately lacks that top-tier grip, all-weather confidence, and the adaptive suspension and one-inch lift of the Overtrail+, the smoother rubber makes for a cooperative and docile suburban companion. 

But we did notice more background vibrations on idle coming from the V6 engine. Much like the Toyota Land Cruiser we recently reviewed, the vehicle rumbles minimally but noticeably even without adding throttle. It’s like a permanent massage seat function, and isn’t something we noticed in the Overtrail+ we drove a few months ago. Nevertheless, the GX is only available with one powertrain, a 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. That output is routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system. The V6 delivers decent low-end torque with minimal turbo lag or powertrain hiccups. The gearbox is a polished unit that picks gears assertively yet shifts with a gentle smoothness. 

And the more civilian shade of Nightfall Mica suits the role perfectly. In this dark blue hue, the GX appears more like the standard G-Wagon rather than the roided-up AMG. It’s just missing a bullbar – leave that to the Lexus aftermarket. There are more amenity-rich trims available in the Luxury and Executive models, featuring 22-inch wheels and semi-aniline leather seats. However, the Premium model is likely to be the volume seller, with its more attainable upgrade cost of $8,738 over the base Signature trim.

And there is no shortage of luxury or creature comforts once situated inside the cabin. The short dashboard alludes to its functional layout, much like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but there’s nothing here unfamiliar for those upgrading from an NX or RX SUV. You have the same steering wheel, which can feel overly thin after coming from a BMW, and the same infotainment unit, but housed inside a large 14-inch touchscreen. There are hard buttons that operate driving modes and off-roading controls for the differential and transfer case, as well as actual dials for the volume and cabin temperature. None of those frustrating haptic touch sensors on the steering wheel either. 

Like in the Lexus LX 700h, the rear seats are not as spacious as you would expect from such a boxy-shaped SUV. Headroom is exceptional and the rear isn’t compromised by a sunroof but the cabin feels darker and more confined as a result. Sitting behind my driving position, my knees nudge right into the seatback, and the center tunnel is raised due to the live rear axle, meaning middle-seat occupants will have their knees up to their chest. There is a third row of seats but it’s even more cramped and not particularly usable for transporting average-sized adults.

The GX 550 Premium and its more conventional Dunlop tires bring a much-needed layer of road compliance and stability over the off-road-focused Overtrail+ trim. As expected, it’s the superior commuter companion, and when paired with such a well-equipped interior with plenty of creature comforts, the diverse GX continues to be a top-choice SUV in 2025.

Specifications:

Model: 2025 Lexus GX 550 Premium
Paint Type: Nightfall Mica
Base Price: $86,015
Price as Tested: $94,753
Wheelbase(mm): 2,850
Length/Width/Height (mm): 5,005 / 1,980 / 1,920
Curb weight (kg): 2,570
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 349 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, 4WD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 15.2
Tires: Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A; 265/55R20