The 2025 Lexus GX is far from sporty, but its twin-turbo V-6 engine delivers impressive power and it offers impressive off-road ability. It ekes out a 7 out of 10 for performance, with the caveat that most buyers are likely better suited to a car-based crossover like the Lexus TX or Infiniti QX60.
You betcha. All models have a 2-speed transfer case and permanent four-wheel drive. A locking center differential can apportion power between the axles at the tap of a button, too.
If you need more than snowy weather capability, you’ll want the Overtrail version. It adds a locking rear differential, unique sway bars that can be disconnected to improve articulation, additional drive modes for slippery terrain, and a system that can lope this SUV along at a snail’s pace as it crawls over especially rough obstacles.
How fast is the Lexus GX?
The 3.4-liter V-6 boasts a pair of turbos that help it churn out a decent 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is smooth enough in normal driving, but deep stabs at the throttle for more passing power can induce an unpleasant underhood whine.
Trailer-tow ratings vary by configuration, so shop carefully. If you want to tow heavy loads, skip the Luxury and Luxury+ trims with their 22-inch alloy wheels. They’re rated to tow between 7,601 (Luxury+) and 7,844 (Luxury) pounds. All other trims top 9,000 pounds of towing capacity, which is quite impressive for a vehicle of this size. We’ve lugged about 5,000 pounds’ worth of fishing boat and found the GX to be a confident hauling choice. Its Tow Mode limits the transmission to its first 8 gears to reduce wear on the gearbox and to improve response.
The GX has light, quick steering for an SUV, and it has a reasonably comfortable ride in Premium trim with the standard 20-inch alloy wheels. The Luxury trim adds 22-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile tires, which can be mostly canceled out by those versions’ available adaptive dampers. The Overtrail also includes adaptive dampers and its 18-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires furnish the softest overall ride.
The Overtrail is the only version with Lexus’ trick Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which pushes down on oversized sway bars to limit body lean in cornering. It then loosens its grip to allow for more wheel travel over bumps. Overall, these models both ride and handle the best—but no Lexus GX is particularly polished to drive, if we’re honest.
