There is just something special about a true body-on-frame luxury SUV. And in this case, not just any body-on-frame luxury SUV, the Lexus GX. Its commanding stature. Its rugged capability. Its five-star interior. Those are just some of the reasons the GX is one of Lexus' most heralded SUVs. And this week, I find myself comfortably seated behind the wheel of the 2026 Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ variant.
Exterior
The GX's presence in person can't be understated. It's not an SUV you just look past in the parking lot. My Luxury+ wears Incognito paired with incredible 22-inch Dark Gray Metallic and Machine finished alloy wheels. You can also pair Incognito with a black roof.
Triple beam LED headlights and LED foglights are standard fare up front, as are power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps. The body-colored wheel arches make it less rugged looking than the black cladded arches on the Overtrail models. The tail end sports a boxy, squared off look with an L-shaped light bar with Lexus logo.
The Luxury+ is also equipped with retractable running boards - a must for me. Additional options include roof rails, a Cold Area package with headlamp washers and windshield wiper de-icer, and wheel locks.
Performance
The Lexus GX remains the only SUV in the Lexus lineup without a hybrid powertrain, but one is coming soon. In the meantime, its sole engine option is a 3.4-liter V6 turbo that delivers 349-horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Power feels just fantastic for a vehicle that's 5,000+ pounds. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. A Torsen® limited-slip locking center differential is standard on all GX models, which splits the engine's power 50/50. Optional Catback Performance Exhaust is pricey at $2270 but you won't regret when you hear it.
Interior
With seating for up to seven, the GX's roomy, modern and upscale cabin features premium materials and expert craftsmanship.
Ergonomic Semi-Anniline Saddle Tan leather-trimmed front seats feature supportive seat cushions and seatback bolsters. The front seats are heated and ventilated and feature a massage function. The driver's seat is 10-way power. Grab handles are a must for assistance getting in the vehicle.
The Push Button Start is a stretch to the upper right of the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The colorful drive mode graphics in the 12.3-inch digital display are superb!
The 2026 GX is not equipped with Lexus' new multimedia system with a new drive recorder that just launched on the 2026 Lexus ES. Its 14-inch touchscreen runs the last-gen's more simplified system that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For some of you, this will be good news, because unlike in the new interface, this one still gives you physical dials for temperature control. Lexus navigation and the 'Hey Lexus' Intelligent Assistant voice command are both terrific. While the new multimedia interface is confirmed for the 2027 TX, no word yet on timing for the GX.
The Luxury+ is the GX lineup's exclusive recipient of a Dynamic Sky panoramic roof. It shifts between transparent and opaque removing the need for a sunshade.
Lexus tailored center console is really well designed and serves as a command center. I'm really impressed at its tailored design. The console houses a large leather-wrapped, silver-trimmed gear shifter, a knob for the drive mode select and controls for the 4WD, electronic parking brake and auto brake hold. A sliding cover hides two large square cup holders. A wireless charger sits in front of the large console bin that hides a Cool Box that keeps things impressively cool.
The GX Luxury's roomy second row features large, comfortable 2nd-row captain's chairs with slim arm rests. The front seat-backs are heavily plastic. Features in the Luxury+ include digital A/C controls, heated captain's chairs and manual sunshades.
The seats tumble forward for easy access to the third-row seats. They resemble airplane jump seats but can fit adults and the GX's boxy shape lends itself to nice headroom in all rows. Third-row amenities include carpeted floor mats and small cupholders.
Luxury+ interior features include 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound, dynamic sky panoramic glass roof, digital rearview mirror, cool box, semi-anniline leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, power rear door with kick sensor and panoramic view monitor.
Other Luxury+ features include six USB-C ports, a 12-V power outlet, ambient lighting, and illuminated door sills.
Utility
The Luxury+'s power-folding 3-row GX offers an incredible amount of cargo space with the 3rd row down. It shrinks considerably with the third row up.
But there is underfloor storage in the cargo area as well. The Luxury+ features a power rear lift door with a kick sensor and all GX models have a flip-up rear window.
Ride and Drive
The GX delivers a truck-like ride, as it shares its truck-based platform with the LX. The overall ride and drive is fantastic. Acceleration feels great, too. Road manners are excellent as well thanks to the Luxury+'s adaptive variable suspension. It doesn't deliver sporty driving dynamics, but choose Sport S+, Sport S and you'll get a tighter steering response. Other things to keep in mind. The GX is big with a larger turning radius. It also has a high ground clearance - so running boards are important to help with entry.
Safety
The GX lineup is equipped with Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 which includes Proactive Driving Assist, a great semi-autonomous feature. It's also equipped with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intuitive Parking Assist with auto-braking and rear pedestrian detection.
Options and What You'll Pay
Installed options include heated second-row captain's chairs, cold area package, head-up display, traffic jam assist, Catback Performance Exhaust, roof rail cross bars, Digital Key, Ball Mount, and Wheel Locks.
MPG
No, at 17 mpg combined, fuel economy isn't great. Sales of the GX are down so far this year over last, something I can only attribute to its fuel economy and higher gas prices. This is also why it's imperative Lexus deliver a hybrid variant.
Verdict
The Lexus GX Luxury+ proves the GX isn't just for the off-roading crowd. It's an enjoyable SUV in every day driving and delivers a commanding presence that will impress your neighbors and the valet.
2026 Lexus GX Luxury+
- What I Liked Most: Looks, performance, refined interior, running boards, Dynamic Sky Roof.
- What I would change: Make the push-button start easier to reach.
- MSRP: Base: 82,750. As equipped: $88,174.
- Official Color: Incognito.
- Fuel Economy: 15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 304 miles.
- Curb Weight: 5,565-5,710 pounds. GVWR: 6,920 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-size spare mounted underneath.
- Length-Width-Height: 197.05” long/77.95” wide/75.39” high.
- Minimum Ground Clearance: 8.66 inches.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.14 gallons with filler on the driver's side. Premium fuel recommended.
- Towing Capacity: 7,601-7,800 pounds.
- 2025 Lexus GX 550 Luxury in a few words: A stylish, luxury off-roader that's worth it's price tag.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty,
- Final Assembly Location: Tahara, Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
