The new Lexus GX is here, and honestly it’s well rounded and impressive. It’s equipped for everything from daily commutes, off-roading, road trips, and crowded downtown adventures. However, three improvements could make the 2025 Lexus GX550 easier to live with. 

Three features that the 2025 Lexus GX550 needs to improve 

First of all, you might not recognize the new Lexus GX. It’s rocking a total redesign with a brawny, square style. It has a distinct look with advanced tech, luxurious comfort, and dominant off-roading capabilities. 

The 2025 Lexus GX550 stands out from the crowded segment with poise and confidence. It doesn’t sacrifice comfort or performance as it’s ready to tackle any challenge in the wilderness or city life. 

1. The 2025 Lexus GX550 is thirsty 

As Toyota and Lexus go green with hybrid engines, the Lexus GX feels left out. The 2025 Lexus GX550 has a single-engine option, which is a turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 unit with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. 

It helps the GX accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. This is better than the class average. However, it gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and up to 21 mpg on the highway. 

With a mix of off-roading, road-tripping, running errands, and fighting for parking downtown, I hovered around 17 mpg. If the Sequoia, Highlander, Tundra, Tacoma, UX, and RX have gone hybrid, then what’s up with the GX? 

2. Getting the third row is a process 

It’s very helpful that the Lexus GX550 has a third row. However, my model had a bench seat in the second row instead of the captain’s chair. This limited access is already awkward due to a lack of space. 

You have to stretch your legs and rely on handrails to climb over the flooded second row to get back there. The process is hindered by the 9.8-inch ground clearance. The climbing process starts on the exterior! 

The power-folding seats are helpful, though. Plus, once a 5’1” person gets back there, it’s very cozy. You get your own air vent and USB ports to enjoy. 

The Lexus GX has such a smooth ride and quiet interior, that short adults (like myself) can easily fall asleep in the third row. Also, I’m not sure how easy it would be to install a child seat in the back. 

3. Storage space is limited 

While adults have plenty of room in the first and second row of the Lexus GX, the third row is a bit limited. Plus, having those seats up takes a drastic bite out of cargo space. 

There are only 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold these seats down to get 40.2 cubes behind the second row, which is adequate. Then there are 76.9 cubes overall. 

There are a few storage trays available for personal items. However, you won’t find extra storage bins built into the cargo floor or a pass-through shelf under the gear shifter. Plus, the cooled center console takes up a lot of room. 

But you can haul your gear. The 2025 Lexus GX550 can tow up to 9,096 lbs. You can also put gear on top thanks to the roof rails, if you can reach them.