The 2026 Lexus GX 550 doesn’t just update a familiar nameplate, it repositions it entirely. While the new SUV shares its underpinnings with the 250-series Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, make no mistake, it is vastly superior. In fact, it belongs in the same conversation as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender when it comes to luxury SUVs that don’t flinch at a tough off-road trail.
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As we found during our time living with the GX 550 Sports Luxury, this is Lexus operating at full confidence. It not only follows the well-worn path of its predecessor, but in more than a few ways, it steers into new territory that may even tempt buyers away from the flagship LX.
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Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The Range
Three different versions of the GX 550 are available in Australia, where we conducted this test. The range starts at AU$133,680 (equal to around $88,400 at current exchange rates, so keep that in mind), including all on-road fees, for the entry-level GX 550 Luxury.
Shoppers can then upgrade to the GX 550 Sports Luxury, which is the one we lived with, for AU$147,012 ($97,200). A more off-road-focused version is also available, dubbed the Overtrail, and starting at AU$140,662 ($93,000).
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Over in the United States, the range is similar, starting at $66,935 for the Premium, $79,400 for the Luxury, and $74,580 for the Overtrail.
Like the current Land Cruiser Prado, the GX 550 is underpinned Toyota’s GA-F platform, also used by the likes of the Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, 4Runner, and the larger 300-series Land Cruiser. It’s a body-on-frame setup, but it has been designed to be comfortable on the road. For example, Lexus uses steel of varying thicknesses for the side rails and cross members to improve ride quality over different surfaces.
The GX 550 also sports double-wishbone suspension at the front end and 4-link rigid suspension at the rear. Both the Sports Luxury and Overtrail models also include adaptive-variable suspension as standard with advanced electronics controlling the dampening force at all four corners.
Then there’s the powertrain. Whereas the old model had a 4.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8, the new GX 550 uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V6. It packs 260 kW (349 hp) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque and is undoubtedly one of the most essential elements of the new model. More on that later.
Bold Looks
Before discussing the interior, it’s worth quickly mentioning the exterior design. While some may not like it, I think the sharp lines and aggressive shape of the new GX 550 makes it the best-looking SUV or 4×4 in either the Toyota or Lexus families. Painted in a deep shade of green, like our press car, boosted the appeal. I felt a bit like a mafia boss driving it around at night.
A Proper Lexus Cabin
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Not only is the outside of the GX far removed from the Land Cruiser it’s based on, but the interior has also been thoroughly updated, and certainly feels fitting of the price.
There’s a large digital instrument cluster and a massive 14-inch display in the center of the dash. This screen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and is the same basic setup as other Lexus models, like the RX. It responds quickly to inputs, and it’s nice that it’s been somewhat incorporated into the dash, rather than stuck on like a tablet.
However, as with all current Toyota and Lexus models, the onboard software is limited in its features and could be snappier.
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Sports Luxury models come standard with semi-aniline leather-accented seating, which feels certifiably premium. There is also a digital rear-view mirror, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated scuff plates, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and seat massages for both the driver and passenger. Annoyingly, the controls for the massage seats are hidden within the menu, making them difficult to activate while driving.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Other neat features of the Sports Luxury include a head-up display, a refrigerated coolbox in the center console, and sunshades in the second row. While the heating and air conditioning controls are on the touchscreen, which is annoying, Lexus at least still persists with dials for the temperature. I found the camera view button’s placement odd, as the steering wheel blocks it.
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You sit high up in the cabin, and it feels incredibly spacious. The second row is also more than large enough for adults. Much to my surprise, the third row is also reasonably spacious, and even though I’m fairly tall, I had plenty of headroom. It’s also nice that the third-row seats are deployed electrically. In addition, because the GX 550 doesn’t have the 48-volt mild-hybrid system of the Land Cruiser Prado, the third-row seats fold flat into the floor.
The biggest letdown of the cabin for me was the audio system, which is surprising given Lexus’ affinity for sound. The Sports Luxury comes standard with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson setup, including a large subwoofer in the rear door.
In theory, it should be a thumping system with exceptional sound quality. It’s not. It sounds tinny, doesn’t have enough bass, and lacks warmth. Another cabin annoyance is that there’s nowhere to store the sliding cargo cover when the third row is in use.
On the flip side, one nice feature is the Panoramic View Monitor, which includes a See-through View mode that lets you see what’s under the GX at any time. This could prove particularly important for those who plan to take their Lexus off-roading. There’s also a panoramic glass roof that switches from clear to opaque at the touch of a button.
Power to Conquer
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Compared to the Australian-spec Land Cruiser Prado, which uses Toyota’s aging and underwhelming 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, the GX 550’s 3.4-liter V6 feels like a revelation. It’s exactly the kind of engine a vehicle of this size should have.
Mated to a 10-speed automatic, the engine can propel the GX 550 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 7 seconds. It also sounds particularly fruity when driven in Dynamic mode, and I never once missed the old V8.
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Admittedly, some of the sound in Dynamic mode is artificial and piped through the speakers, but it’s convincing enough that I often found myself nudging the throttle just to hear it. This is the engine the Prado ought to have, though if it did, it would clearly make the GX a harder sell.
Similarly, the 10-speed auto of the GX is much better than the 8-speed unit of the Prado. The shifts are quicker, smoother, and more refined. The only thing that can be faulted with the GX’s powertrain is its fuel efficiency, or lack thereof. Lexus claims it averages 12.3l/100 km (19.1 US mpg) over the combined cycle, but I ended up averaging 16l/100 km (14.7 US mpg).
That’s barely any better than what I averaged with the much-larger Nissan Patrol Warrior last year, which uses a 5.6-liter N/A V8. However, those with the money for the new GX can probably easily afford the hefty fuel bill.
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There are several different drive modes to choose from, as well as the option to start in 2nd gear, which could be useful on slippery surfaces. Frustratingly, the Luxury and Sports Luxury versions don’t have any off-road-focused driving modes. Instead, the Overtrail is the only version to offer Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock modes. Off-road options for the Sports Luxury are limited to H4 and L4 modes, as well as a locking center diff. There’s also a dedicated towing mode.
On the open road, the GX 550 feels great. Despite the ladder frame chassis, the variable suspension ensures it soaks up bumps well and doesn’t feel overly firm. The steering has also been well-calibrated to make it easy to maneuver, and if you’re in a rush, it feels surprisingly capable when being tossed through turns.
While it’s the Overtrail that’s pitched at those looking to head to the trails, the Sports Luxury doesn’t feel out of sorts on tough terrain. While our tester had the larger 22-inch wheels and road-focused tires, it was right at home on the trails we tested. Admittedly, it’s big and heavy, but that’s to be expected.
Verdict
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
So, what do i think of the new GX 550? Well, it’s one of those rare vehicles that has few glaring faults. Lexus has nailed the design and given it an interior that feels as plush as it should for the money. It could be made to feel a little more luxurious, but the automaker has clearly been careful not to encroach on the LX’s territory, which is understandable from a business perspective, even if it leaves a bit of headroom unused.
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Combined with the brand’s reputation for reliability and a powertrain that finally feels suited to the platform, the GX 550 earns its spot. In a segment that often splits between plush and practical, this one doesn’t force you to choose.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
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