Lexus GX Australia Review: Off-Road Luxury SUV Tested

First Drive: Lexus GX Breaks Australian Ground

Australian off-road enthusiasts face a new contender: the Lexus GX. This marks Lexus' debut of a showroom-ready 4WD with all-terrain tires in Australia, challenging perceptions of the brand as purely urban luxury. After testing it on rugged terrain and sealed roads, I confirm its credentials extend beyond the badge. The GX arrives before its Toyota Prado sibling, offering a unique proposition for buyers seeking luxury without compromising capability.

Why This Changes the Game

Lexus engineers prioritized visibility with a flat dashboard design, allowing precise wheel placement on technical tracks. Combined with standard center and rear diff locks on Overtrail variants, this isn't a soft-roader pretender. During my off-road evaluation, the GX maintained composure on severe angles, demonstrating wheel articulation that outperforms many luxury rivals. The low-range gearing proved exceptionally crawl-capable, making challenging sections feel remarkably controlled.

Under the Hood: Performance & Practicality

Power comes from a 3.5L twin-turbo petrol V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic. While Lexus claims 13.5L/100km combined fuel consumption, real-world driving yielded 13.7-14L/100km. Expect higher consumption in city traffic. The 80L fuel tank—constrained by the full-size underfloor spare—delivers under 600km per tank with safety margins. Crucially, premium unleaded is required, impacting running costs.

Seating & Storage Configurations

Australian models offer:

• Overtrail: 5 seats
• Luxury/Sports Luxury: 7 seats
  Third-row space suits children or occasional adult use, while second-row comfort impresses. Cargo capacity ranges from 292L (third row up) to 2,178L (all seats folded). The split tailgate (hatch + window) simplifies loading smaller items—a thoughtful touch for daily use.

Cabin & On-Road Refinement

Step inside, and Lexus’ signature insulation shines. Road noise is impressively muted, even on coarse surfaces. The 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto addresses past Lexus infotainment criticisms. Visibility remains a standout, with thin pillars aiding urban maneuvering. However, the ladder-frame chassis reveals itself on bumpy roads; expect firmer vertical movement than unibody luxury SUVs.

The Land Cruiser Dilemma

Priced against the Land Cruiser 300 Series, the GX presents a philosophical choice:

• Land Cruiser advantages: Diesel option for remote touring, larger aftermarket support
• GX advantages: Superior cabin materials, smoother petrol V6, advanced off-road tech
  For urban/suburban buyers, the GX’s refinement likely outweighs the diesel absence. Remote travelers should carefully assess fuel range needs.

Ownership Considerations

Proven off-road capability meets luxury in the GX, but three factors demand attention:

1. Premium fuel requirements add ~$15-20 per tank versus regular unleaded
2. Third-row space limitations for adult passengers
3. No factory diesel option despite Australian touring preferences

Pre-Purchase Checklist

1. Test third-row space with your typical passengers
2. Calculate fuel costs using current premium unleaded prices
3. Verify aftermarket accessories availability for intended touring
4. Compare insurance quotes against Land Cruiser/Lexus LX

The Verdict: Luxury Meets Bush Cred

The Lexus GX shatters stereotypes with genuine off-road prowess wrapped in exceptional cabin quietness. Its boxy, retro styling aligns perfectly with Australian 4WD tastes, while the twin-turbo V6 delivers effortless power. Though the petrol-only powertrain and 80L tank limit extreme remote travel, it excels as a luxury tourer for coastal expeditions or alpine adventures. This isn’t a rebadged Prado—it’s a purpose-built premium off-roader that finally gives Australian buyers a Lexus they can genuinely take beyond the bitumen.

"Would you choose the GX's luxury over a Land Cruiser's diesel range for your adventures? Share your dealbreaker factor below!"