2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail review (video)

Lexus has never been short on polished, road-focused SUVs, but the arrival of the GX 550 marks a clear shift in direction for the brand in Australia.

Slotting neatly between the RX and the flagship LX, the GX leans far more heavily into genuine off-road credibility than anything else in Lexus showrooms right now – aside from the LX. And in Overtrail guise, it arguably becomes the most characterful and trend-aligned Lexus currently on sale, tapping into the growing appetite for rugged, adventure-ready SUVs and utes without abandoning the brand’s luxury foundations.

For Australia, the GX also carries added significance as the first time the nameplate has been officially offered locally.

2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Specifications

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6
Output: 260kW@4800-5200rpm / 650Nm@2000-3600rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: 4WD, locking centre & rear diff
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 265/70
ANCAP: Five stars
Kerb weight: 2515kg
Power-to-weight: 9.67:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 12.3L/100km
Our consumption: 12.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 80L/95 RON

Power efficiency: 21.13kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.20 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.44 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.28 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.61 seconds at 157.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.807g*
100-0km/h braking: 42.32m in 3.33 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.176g*
Decibel at idle: 40*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $132,770

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: How much does it cost?

Prices for the entry GX 550 Luxury kick off from $118,320 and move up to $124,840 for the Sports Luxury, with this mack daddy Overtrail starting from $130,770 (all excluding on-road costs).

Keen industry followers and Lexus fans will notice these prices have spiked since its first introduction in Australia in 2024. The spectrum original spanned from $116,000 to $128,200. So, like many products these days, prices have climbed without notice or explanation.

2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Interior & packaging

Visually, the GX 550 Overtrail may well be the boldest Lexus in the current lineup. Its squared-off proportions, upright stance and darkened exterior elements give it a purposeful, almost old-school safari-like presence.

Dark grey 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/70 Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres and unique bumper treatments help it stand apart from the more polished Luxury and Sports Luxury grades. It’s a design that feels intentional rather than ornamental.

The Overtrail’s cabin strikes an interesting balance between robustness and refinement. Lexus hasn’t gone full utilitarian, but there’s a clear shift away from soft, lounge-like luxury and instead toward something that feels more purposeful. Materials are still high quality, with discreet olive green suede highlights adding exclusivity, while the upright and functional stance suits the GX’s personality perfectly.

Overtrail is a five-seat-only proposition, and that decision works in its favour. Without a third row, the boot is genuinely usable, offering a flat, spacious load area that avoids the compromises seen in some rivals. Notably, there’s no packaging penalty from electrification here, unlike the related Toyota Prado which sacrifices underfloor space to its mild-hybrid battery.

Boot space is officially measured at 1109L, expanding to 1960L with the rear seats folded down. It’s a very square opening, which should make it easy to load in bulky stuff. The third-row cup holders remain from other variants, and although wasted space, they came in handy during our test as we could securely pack a bottle of wine into the boot area, and any loose items.

Up front, the driving position is commanding and well-suited to long stints behind the wheel. Visibility is excellent thanks to the upright glasshouse, and Lexus’s latest digital interfaces are intuitive without being overwhelming.

The large central touch-screen is responsive, while some physical controls remain for key functions. A climate ‘button’, for example, remains on the screen and provides a quick jump-to for the climate controls regardless of where you are within the interface.

Fortunately, a handy central hub button is included on the GX as well, as seen in other Lexus models. This button remains on the screen at all times so you can quickly navigate to those annoying driving aids and flick to other common settings without digging around. It remains there even with Android Auto running.

Overall, the GX Overtrail’s interior feels thoughtfully designed rather than supremely indulgent. It’s still unmistakably a Lexus, but one that’s been tuned for dirt roads, campsites and remote touring rather than the suburban jungle and school runs.

2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Powertrain & handling

Under the bonnet sits one of the GX’s biggest strengths; a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine producing 260kW and a substantial 650Nm. It’s a strong, characterful unit that delivers effortless performance both on road and off, and it suits the GX’s weight and towing ambitions better than a four-cylinder hybrid in our opinion.

We timed 0-100km/h in a dashing 6.44 seconds – seriously quick for a serious off-roader. For reference, here are some other cars that have completed the sprint in similar time with our Vbox; 2024 Jaguar F-Pace 400 Sport (6.37s), 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T (6.26s), 2025 MINI Cooper S (6.50s), 2023 VW Polo GTI (6.52s), and the Lexus RX 500h F Sport (6.54s).

Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the combo offers smooth and decisive shifts, with plenty of low- and mid-range punch for overtaking or climbing steep terrain. The downside, unsurprisingly, is fuel consumption. The twin-turbo V6 is not especially frugal, particularly when driven enthusiastically or loaded up for touring, but buyers in this segment are unlikely to be shocked by that trade-off.

According to the official tests, fuel consumption on the average cycle is 12.3L/100km. We average around 12.9L during our week of testings (including 0-100 runs and off road). With an 80L fuel tank the theoretical range is 650km, but expect an easy 500km-plus in the real world.

Going with the Overtrail sees the braked towing capacity max out at 3500kg (same as the Luxury, but up from 3130kg in the Sports Luxury), with a GVM of 3110kg and a kerb weight of 2515kg. The GCM (gross combination mass) is 6610kg. That means, at max 3500kg towing, you’ll have 595kg leftover from the GCM, but you’ll run into the GVM first; 3110kg minus 2515kg minus 350kg towball download leaves just 245kg for passengers and cargo, at max towing.

On-road dynamics are respectable rather than sporty. The Overtrail’s all-terrain tyres introduce a layer of softness and road noise that dulls ultimate sharpness compared with the more road-biased GX variants. That said, body control remains well managed for this type of setup, and the adaptive suspension does a commendable job of balancing comfort with stability. It’s capable as a daily driver, just not as polished as the regular GX on sealed surfaces.

Where the Overtrail truly distinguishes itself is off road. The combination of full-time four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and locking centre and rear differentials give it serious credentials. Lexus’s electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS) is included as well (stabiliser bar disconnect), allowing greater wheel articulation when needed while maintaining stability on firmer ground when not.

We attacked our usual hill climb runs – in the soaking wet, mind you – and it climbed up with relative ease. A ground clearance measurement of 225mm doesn’t look that impressive on paper, however, it seemed to clear obstacles without fuss in the rear world. And you have a 27-degree approach angle and 24-degree departure angle, both not bad considering this is a luxury SUV.

Traction systems such as Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and Downhill Assist work seamlessly in the background, making challenging terrain far less intimidating. All systems felt confident and composed during our tests, so, even if you’re not used to off-roading, the GX 550 Overtrail can do the thinking for you to ensure you get there in one piece.

2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Smooth and fast twin-turbo V6 petrol: No hybrid, no CVT auto, just pure twin-turbo performance. And it goes very well and sounds nice from the tailpipe (fake sounds inside aren’t the best).
• Off road capability: Obviously, based on a proper ladder frame chassis with a live axle rear, this thing will take you way further than you probably hope.
• Classy by utilitarian interior: Its tall glasshouse and awesome outward visibility make it feel like you’re on a safari tour, but subtle olive green suede highlights and soft leather pamper passengers.
• Lexus reliability and resale: It’s a Toyota dressed up in higher quality garnishes and features… so you know it should be reliable and offer excellent resale value down the track. Lexus after-sales perks are also worth noting.

2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Key considerations before you buy

• Getting pricier: It’s obviously a luxury SUV but prices have crept up by around $2000 in the last year or so, without notice.
• Thirsty V6: Well, it’s not necessarily the V6’s fault, because it’s a nice unit by itself. But here it does have to haul around a 2515kg kerb weight. But at least you’re getting hot-hatch-like performance in return.
• No 7-seat option: A good and a bad thing that the Overtrail is only a 5-seater, as that helps with boot space and overall touring capability.

2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Video