Lexus is the premium division of
Toyota Motor Corporation and stands among Japan’s leading luxury car brands. Operating in over 90 countries, Lexus has earned a solid reputation for high-quality engineering and innovation. Its main headquarters are based in Nagoya, Japan, while international operations are managed from centers in Brussels and Plano, Texas. The
Lexus GX is a mid-size luxury SUV within this lineup, designed for both upscale city driving and serious off-road capability.
Evolution of the Lexus GX
The Lexus GX made its debut in 2002 as the GX 470, positioned as a luxury SUV with full-time four-wheel drive and a 4.7-liter V8 engine. It was built on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform and quickly gained attention for its ruggedness combined with Lexus refinement. The second generation, launched in 2009 as the GX 460, introduced a new 4.6-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. By 2013, Lexus updated the model with its signature spindle grille and LED enhancements. The latest third-generation model, known as the GX 550, was introduced in 2023. It features a more angular design, improved technology, and a new twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, along with a hybrid variant named GX 550h.
2025 Updates and Off-Road Enhancements
The 2025 model year brings subtle improvements to the Lexus GX 550, now in its second year. One of the key additions across all trims is the standard power-adjustable steering column, along with memory functions for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims, specifically designed for off-road enthusiasts, now come with a one-inch suspension lift and auxiliary switches for improved functionality in rugged environments. These updates make the GX even more capable for adventure without compromising daily usability.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, all variants of the Lexus GX 550 feature a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine delivering 349 horsepower, offering greater power than the outgoing V8 engine. This engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, ensuring smooth power delivery and enhanced control. In urban settings, the ride is composed and responsive, though the larger wheel sizes can result in a firmer ride. On the highway, drivers may notice a fluttering hood at higher speeds. The Overtrail trims are purpose-built for challenging terrain, featuring adaptive suspension, crawl control, and terrain-specific driving modes for greater confidence on off-road paths.
Interior Design and Comfort Features
Inside, the Lexus GX provides a luxurious and versatile cabin. The base Premium trim comes with seating for seven and NuLuxe® upholstery, while upper trims offer semi-aniline leather, massaging front seats, and heated second-row outboard seats. Overtrail models opt for a five-seat configuration to maximize space for gear. Across all trims, Lexus includes memory settings for the driver’s seat, steering column, and mirrors, along with ambient lighting and wireless charging. The dashboard is dominated by a 14-inch touchscreen, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and some trims also include a panoramic view monitor and a 12.3-inch digital information display.
Exterior Styling and Utility
The Lexus GX 550 boasts a strong, boxy design that emphasizes its off-road character. The Premium trim includes 20-inch alloy wheels, LED triple-beam headlights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and a power rear door. Premium+ adds hands-free rear door access and LED fog lights for improved visibility in foggy conditions. The Luxury and Luxury+ trims enhance the look with larger 22-inch alloy wheels, automatic power-extending running boards, and a panoramic glass roof. Overtrail models prioritize rugged function with 18-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires, black roof rails, and an aluminum skid plate. These design elements reflect the dual nature of the GX as both a refined luxury SUV and a capable off-roader.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology plays a central role in the Lexus GX 550’s cabin. The 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard and features seamless wireless smartphone integration. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display adds to the driver’s convenience by offering customizable data views. Depending on the trim, the GX includes up to six USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad positioned at an angle for easy access. Sound quality ranges from a 10-speaker standard setup to an immersive 21-speaker Mark Levinson® surround sound system in the top trims. Most climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen interface for a clean dashboard design.
Advanced Safety and Assistance Systems
Safety remains a key focus for Lexus, and the GX 550 is equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Standard safety features include Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking, a Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Higher trims offer additional features like Rear Pedestrian Detection and a Panoramic View Monitor. The Overtrail models also benefit from a Multi-Terrain Monitor, ideal for navigating difficult landscapes. Additionally, the available Traffic Jam Assist can help manage stop-and-go conditions in congested traffic situations, offering drivers more comfort and control.
Lexus GX Pricing in Pakistan (2025)
As of 2025, the starting price of the Lexus GX 550 in the U.S. is approximately $64,250, which converts to about PKR 1.78 crore. The Premium+ and Overtrail trims are priced at around PKR 1.92 crore, while Luxury+ reaches PKR 2.26 crore. These figures exclude import duties and local taxes. Since Lexus does not officially operate in Pakistan, buyers must rely on imported units, which involve additional freight and custom charges. As a result, the actual market price for a used or imported Lexus GX in Pakistan may vary significantly based on model year and condition.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Mileage
Despite switching to a V6 engine, the fuel economy of the GX 550 remains modest. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. During real-world testing, the GX 550 Premium closely matched its highway estimate, delivering about 8.9 km/l. However, the hybrid Land Cruiser outperforms the GX with an average of 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Fuel-conscious buyers may find the GX’s mileage a potential drawback compared to competitors.
Competitive Comparison
The
Lexus GX competes in the luxury off-road SUV segment alongside models like the
Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado and the
Land Rover Defender. Compared to its rivals, the GX offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, power, and durability. The Land Cruiser Prado comes with smaller engine options like a 2.8-liter diesel or a 4.0-liter gasoline V6, while the Land Rover Defender offers more powerful choices, including an inline-six and a supercharged V8. In performance terms, the GX accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, beating the Prado and nearly matching the Defender’s capabilities. When it comes to towing, the GX can haul up to 8,000 pounds, slightly below the Defender’s maximum of 8,200 pounds but ahead of the Prado’s 6,600-pound capacity.
Is the Lexus GX Worth Buying?
The Lexus GX 550 presents a compelling package for buyers seeking a luxury SUV that blends off-road capability with everyday comfort. Its strong build, modern tech, and refined interior make it suitable for both city driving and outdoor adventures. While fuel efficiency and cargo space with all seats in use may fall short of expectations, the overall experience remains impressive. For those looking for reliability, luxury, and rugged performance in one vehicle, the Lexus GX 550 continues to be a standout choice in 2025.