Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Lexus GX has long been celebrated for its off-road chops, but extended seat time in the new GX 550 Luxury reframes this iconic body-on-frame three-row SUV from a slightly different perspective. Fresh off 2024's redesign, the latest GX now offers trims tailored to distinct buyer priorities. The lineup consists of Premium (base), Luxury, and Overtrail models, each available in a "+" variant with added standard equipment, for a total of six configurations.My test vehicle was a 2026 GX 550 Luxury with a base price of $78,750. The standard feature highlights included 22-inch alloy wheels, triple beam LED headlights, LED taillights, power-folding mirrors, power moonroof, Semi-Aniline leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats with massage, a 14" touchscreen infotainment system, thematic ambient lighting, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a panoramic view monitor, and second-row manual sunshades.AdvertisementAdvertisementOptions highlights included roof rail cross bars, heated 2nd-row Captain's Chairs, Mark Levinson premium audio, a head-up display, and a Cold Weather Package with headlamp washers and a windshield wiper de-icer. The total price came to $84,494 including a $1,450 destination charge.Exterior and Interior Styling - 9/10The GX 550 doesn't copy anything else in the space, and that's a plus. It's better looking than the bulkier LX 600 and looks more purposeful. There are a lot of shapes going on up front, but the new interpretation of the spindle grille helps redefine the GX's look from the last generation SUV. The deep hood sculpting adds character and improves functionality by making it to see see over the front end. It looks like what it is, a luxury SUV built on a a rugged chassis.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleIn profile, the GX's sheetmetal really does the talking. The sharp angles and crisp creases give it a distinct identity that doesn't echo anything else in the Lexus family, instead evoking the Toyota Land Cruiser that donates its body-on-frame underpinnings. The GX stretches longer and stands taller, while the Land Cruiser is slightly wider and skips the third row altogether. Blacked‑out trim, chiseled fenders, the kicked‑up rear door line, and the near total lack of chrome push the GX 550 Luxury toward a rugged, almost sporty aesthetic. The only real nod to opulence is the set of massive 22‑inch, 12‑spoke wheels.The Luxury two‑tone cabin is carefully executed and attractive, but it stops short of truly matching the opulence you'll find in top‑shelf offerings from Mercedes or BMW. The leather feels supple, the stitching is precise, and the overall layout strikes a thoughtful balance between durable, useable controls and upscale styling. It makes the old GX look positively ancient, yet the GX 550 Luxury's interior still leans more toward practicality than full‑blown extravagance. Some might find it too utilitarian while others, like me, will appreciate the balance Lexus has provided in its most convincing off-roader.AdvertisementAdvertisementView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleLexus has eschewed some of the more common luxury touches, for better or worse. There's no diamond quilted stitching in the seats, no huge strips of ambient LED lighting, and very little piano black. Even the center armrest is just a simple, flat pad without any real design flourish. Stylistically, the GX 550 Luxury has pleasant cabin overall, but labeling it "Luxury" feels a bit generous. But if Lexus had festooned the interior with posh details, it might detract from what the GX 550 is all about in the first place.Infotainment & Technology - 8.5/10Amos KwonTechnology is one of the GX 550 Luxury+ standout strengths. The central infotainment display is large, quick to respond, and rendered with sharp graphics, while the menu structure is straightforward enough to master in short order. Wireless smartphone integration, a built‑in charging pad, and a premium audio system are all standard at this trim level, underscoring its upscale mission. The digital gauge cluster is both clear and configurable, and the head‑up display neatly pulls the whole tech package together by projecting key info—including turn‑by‑turn directions—directly into the driver's line of sight.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementEven with all the tech onboard, the cabin layout remains refreshingly intuitive. Lexus doesn't over complicate the purity of the tough GX and wisely kept physical switches and buttons for key functions—something owners will appreciate when wearing gloves or bouncing around off pavement. The downside is that most climate adjustments still live in the touchscreen, which dulls some of that ergonomic goodwill. At least the temp knobs are large and grippy with clear displays smack in the middle.Thinking about selling your car? Get an instant cash offer online now. Click here to get started.Comfort, Space, and Usability - 8.75/10For a body‑on‑frame SUV, the GX does everyday family duty surprisingly well, tight rear quarters notwithstanding. The suspension is tuned on the firm side, yet it stays compliant enough that, after several days on lumpy, half‑finished construction zones, the GX remained comfortably composed. The stiffness never turns jarring, and the overall build feels rock‑solid, with no squeaks or rattles making themselves known.Up front, the seats serve up heating, ventilation, massage, and a wide range of power adjustments while still delivering that trademark Lexus plushness over broken pavement. Second‑row occupants get 36.73 inches of legroom and their own climate controls; it's not limo‑like, but average‑size adults will have no trouble settling in. The Captain's Chairs in row two mirror the front thrones with a well‑judged blend of cushion and support, making them suitable for longer stints.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe only real compromise in the GX's seating arrangement is the third row. It's best reserved for occasional use, but it does add valuable flexibility when you suddenly need space for seven. It's fine for kids on short trips and folds flat to free up cargo room, yet it's not where you'd want to park adults for any serious distance, unless they enjoy a low perch with their knees up. Two people will fit back there, but they won't exactly be clamoring for the spot.In terms of cargo space, it's a mixed bag. With both rear rows folded flat—easily done via the power‑folding third‑row switches—the GX 550 Luxury offers 76.9 cubic feet of room, and 40.2 cubic feet with just the third row stowed, figures that land squarely in the middle of the class. With every seat in place, there's only 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, and it's mostly vertical space rather than fore‑aft depth.In the GX, you're working with barely a foot of horizontal distance between the seatbacks and the liftgate, and the high load floor—courtesy of the frame—means hoisting heavier items requires a bit more effort. That said, I do love the GX's famous ability to open just the rear glass with the touch of a button located on the lower left part of the frame. It makes getting smaller items in and out a cinch.Driving experience - 9/10Behind the wheel of big, heavy SUVs, I rarely expect to have much fun, but the GX 550 Luxury+ is an exception thanks to its stout, responsive powertrain and well-judged balance. It can handle a surprising amount of off‑piste work, yet the 22‑inch wheels are a clear reminder that this trim is tuned more for city streets than the hardcore Overtrail. Those larger wheels do bring a firmer ride, but it never crosses into harsh or uncomfortable. Like every GX, it comes with full‑time four‑wheel drive and a Torsen locking limited‑slip center differential, giving it more all‑weather and off‑road capability than most rivals.Beneath the hood sits a twin‑turbo V6 with 349 horsepower and 479 lb‑ft of torque, delivering smooth, authoritative acceleration even at highway speeds. Throttle response is crisp, and the engine note has a muscular growl that could almost pass for a V8. The 10‑speed automatic does a fine job keeping the V6 in its power band, while the full‑time four‑wheel‑drive system provides confident traction no matter the conditions. With a 0–60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, performance is more than sufficient, and the GX never felt strained, even when loaded with people and gear.AdvertisementAdvertisementOf course, you shouldn't expect great fuel economy, even with the loss of two cylinders. EPA estimates are 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. I achieved 18.1 mpg over the course of a week, and that's mostly in Normal mode and about 75 percent highway miles. There's no hybrid option for the GX, unlike the LX 700h. But even that model doesn't do much in the way of better fuel economy numbers compared to its gas counterpart.Handling is about what you'd expect from a body‑on‑frame SUV that favors strength over outright sportiness. The GX leans through corners and feels tall, yet it remains composed and secure on the road. Steering is direct and reassuringly weighted, with a predictable response that combines nicely with the excellent sightlines from the high seating position. It's genuinely pleasant to drive, avoiding the numb, soggy feel that plagues many large SUVs. In fact, it's more satisfying on pavement than both the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Infiniti QX80.Final Verdict - 8.75/10Blend the GX's baked‑in toughness with the added polish of the Luxury trim and Lexus's reputation for reliability, and you end up with a solid combination. The third row is snug and the fuel economy is nothing to brag about, but the GX counters with character and capability that crossovers and softer SUVs simply can't replicate. If you want a luxury SUV that looks properly tough, feels genuinely upscale inside, and can back up its image with real-world performance, the GX 550 Luxury deserves to be at the very top of your shortlist.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.