Driven. Lexus GX550 Luxury
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Lexus has a history of taking existing Toyota offerrings and applying a liberal dose of luxury and refinement across every facet. The resulting vehicles are often completely different to the original in the way they look, drive and feel.
We’ve long enjoyed the brand in Australia, but we missed out on the GX right through to mid 2024. Based on Toyota’s evergreen Landcruiser Prado, it provides an option for those who want a high riding mid-sized SUV equipped with a transfer case, but with a few more goodies on the feature list.
The LX has done well here, so I was surprised that it took so long to see the smaller sibling on local shores. In fact, it’s almost 20 years behind, with the first example launching stateside in 2004.
My time with this car was loaded with an unfair level of expectation. As a contributor to other entities, I seem to have always missed the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one.
This burning desire stemmed from the need to upgrade our ailing 2011 RX350 family car. As a huge Lexus fan, with 2 in the garage, the GX sat atop the shopping list. I went as far as to create this very website to gain access to one for review; so yes, the expectations were very high indeed.
It’s worth unpacking the reasons why the GX is so attractive. Firstly, with two growing daughters, space was becoming an issue in the RX. Secondly, as a family we’ve enjoyed off-roading over the last few years – nothing wild, just the chance to get on the dirt and explore was something we missed since offloading the Jeep.
Thirdly, the little niceties like CarPlay, heated seats and some of the safety features are missing in the aging RX.
Finally, the RX is driven daily, so fuel usage was becoming an issue. I knew this wasn’t going to be a strong point for the GX. But as a car guy – it was an area that I’d ultimately overlook if the drivetrain delivered enough joy.
Deep Blue was the perfect hue for this big wagon – a luscious metallic that only truly revealed itself when the cloud cover of a rainy Sydney week dispersed. It works well to highlight the angular and boxy design of the GX. You can discern the Prado based roots, but the sharp lines across the front that carry through the sides differentiate it just enough.
LED headlights up front flank a charcoal metallic spindle grille, and along with the active driving lights, provided a similarly razor-sharp beam at night.
It’s a looker, aside from the 20-inch charcoal and machined face wheels which are just a little too busy for my liking. As a buyer, i’d likely swap them out for a chunky 5 spoke with some added offset to fill the guards out. They’re wrapped in 265/55 Dunlop rubber though, which carry a highway bias and provide adequate grip and quietness.
Climbing inside reveals a largely dark grey and “tuyasumi” textured timber interior. It’s beautifully crafted but just felt a little dark and bland. The Nulux covered 8-way electrically adjustable seat is comfortable for a base grade, with heating available for colder mornings.
The driver hangs onto a steering wheel with Lexus-typical logical buttonware and a head-up-display to compliment the driver binnacle screen.
Infotainment is through a 12.3-inch screen, with Apple Car Play and Android Auto available in both wireless and wired format through USBC ports in the centre console. Tunes are courtesy of a 10-speaker sound system which was equally loud and clear.
Storage is ample, with deep door pockets, centre bin and a couple of cup holders breaking up the timber trim in the centre console. It’s here where you will also find a traditional gear shifter (yes!) along with off-road controls.
The upright windscreen and huge glasshouse also afford excellent visibility too. I was pleased to see the low front passenger windows of the Prado carry over. Despite not having an opportunity to test this one offroad, it would be a tremendous asset on the dirt.
The second row wants for nothing; with great knee and headroom, and space for 3 adults. Our two sub-teenage girls were happy back here, with separate air-conditioning controls, outboard seat heating and USBC ports to keep the devices topped up.
It is a 7 seater, although access and size is limited. With the third row up it also limits boot space to a diminutive 171L. This can extend out to 949 litres with them down and right out to 1875L with the second row folded.
Hitting the dash-mounted starter fires up the 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine. It’s not a new thing, finding itself between the chassis rails of everything from the LX600, Toyota Tundra and even the spectacular LS500.
In a world where hybridisation and small capacity engines are the go-to, this drivetrain was one of the reasons why I was attracted to the GX to start with. I was expecting a silky-smooth six, able to rev and but also sink into the background.
Unfortunately, that’s not what this driveline delivered. With 260Kw and 650Nm it's certainly not short on punch, but it just felt a little unrefined in this setting. It’s not an insult, because the way it propels the GX into the distance is quite exhilarating and it possesses a soundtrack too. I reflect on how this same driveline felt in the LS500, and it just wasn’t a comparison.
Once on a roll its fine, and the 10-speed auto is expectedly smooth and imperceivable as it runs through the ratios too.
Ride was another area that raised questions. Ultimately the usual Sydney pockmarks are too prevalent in cabin. It’s just too stiff even in its softest setting, and it doesn’t translate to any prowess on corners; nor should it, given the body-on-frame construction.
Thankfully on smooth road it’s a really nice and quiet ride. It’s also supremely easy to drive, with a great turning circle and light, but precise controls.
So, the cognitive dissonance set in until late in the loan period when I came to a realisation. I reflected on base grade Lexus’ I’d reviewed in the past; an RX350 to be precise. I came away rather unimpressed with that vehicle for very similar reasons as the above.
So much so that I wrote off the new RX range as a result. It wasn’t until I had time in the RX450+ Sport Luxury, the range topping grade, where I found what I had been looking for.
The difference with the reviews I undertake on SUV’s here, is that each is a journey toward a purchase decision. This adds a different level of expectation, above and beyond the hype and build-up I outlined early in the article.
The truth is the Lexus GX550 Luxury is a fantastic off-road capable luxury SUV. Its spacious, refined and comfortable, if a little thirsty given the 13.4L/100km fuel consumption. I’d wear that though, because the engine provides a level of soul that’s missing in this space.
The Luxury grade is just not the pick for my requirements – and I would expect based on experience that both the Overtrail or Sport Luxury would hit the mark. Time will tell though, stay tuned.
Like – Spacious and comfortable, the engine is a powerhouse and sounds good too, boxy good looks. Lot of car for the money at 118 + onroads
Dislike – NVH didn’t meet my expectation in this grade, interior a little bland, not a fan of the wheels
Car Guy Rating
At once point I realised when hitting the throttle in Park saw this engine rev out to a soft limiter, but it bounced off that limiter like an anti-lag system. This engine in this car, whilst not exhibiting the refinement I expected, is a firecracker and it sounds good too, Unfortunately the pieces around it just didn’t meet my expectation. Onwards to the Sport Luxury. Would Not Buy.
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