The Lexus GX delivers the grunt that Prado owners desire, wrapped in premium packaging that doesn’t quite reach Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX levels of luxury.
The premium 4×4 society has a new entrant in South Africa, as Lexus brings its GX 550 model to our shores for the first time. Positioned as a more luxurious, more powerful alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, this twin-turbocharged V6 SUV aims to blend off-road prowess with premium appointments.
But does it live up to the luxury promise of the Lexus badge? After spending time with the vehicle in the Eastern Cape’s Addo Elephant Park region, I’ve reached the following conclusions.
The “Prado Luxe” proposition
The Lexus GX has been available in North American and Eurasian markets for over two decades, but this marks its South African debut. Essentially, it offers what some Prado owners I spoke to desire – more power and more refinement, without sacrificing off-road capability.
Detuned engine
While the Toyota Prado makes do with a 2,8-litre diesel engine, the GX comes equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3,5-litre V6 petrol engine producing 260 kW and a substantial 650 Nm of torque. Interestingly, this is actually a detuned version of the engine found in the Land Cruiser 300, which produces 305 kW and the same torque figure. Nevertheless, it provides the GX with more grunt than its Prado cousin.
For prospective buyers experiencing Prado power-related buyer’s remorse, the GX presents an intriguing factory-backed alternative to aftermarket upgrades from specialists like WR Off-Road Industries, with the added benefit of maintaining warranty coverage.
Design and exterior presence
Built on Toyota’s GA-F platform, the new GX maintains the traditional body-on-frame construction favoured by serious off-roaders. The exterior design is bold and distinctive, with a commanding presence characterised by a thick, squared-off bonnet and pulled-back front pillars that emphasise its off-road capabilities.
Lexus’s signature spindle grille dominates the front end, complemented by sleek LED headlamps positioned high to prevent damage on rough terrain. The vehicle’s wide stance and relatively low height enhance both visual impact and off-road stability.
The GX is offered in several exterior colour options. The SE Grade features White Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black, Titanium Carbide Grey, and an exclusive Mercury Grey finish. The Overtrail variant adds distinctive bi-tone options including Titanium Sonic, Titanium Carbide, and Desert Moonlight, all featuring a contrasting black roof and exterior mirrors.
Interior: Not quite at the luxury summit
Here’s where things get interesting. Despite the Lexus badge and premium positioning, the interior of the GX doesn’t quite deliver the plushness one might expect. While it’s certainly a step up from the Prado, it lacks the solid, genuinely premium feel of vehicles like the Land Cruiser 300 or even, surprisingly, the Toyota Corolla Sedan and Hatchback.
The cabin materials and assembly simply don’t convey the sense of luxury and solidity that the price point and Lexus branding promise. Elements feel somewhat thin and flimsy in comparison to what you’d expect at this level, bringing to mind the old Lexus EX sedan, rather than an expensive premium SUV.
That said, the cabin layout is functional and driver-focused. The “Tazuna” cockpit design places controls within easy reach and provides excellent visibility. Technology is well-represented with a fully digital instrument cluster and a generous 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system. The interior is spacious and open, with both five and seven-seat configurations available depending on the variant.
Variant breakdown and features
The Lexus GX comes in two main variants in South Africa:
The SE grade
Priced at R1 829 000, the SE (shown above) is the more luxury-oriented seven-seater version. It features:
- Power back door with kick sensor
- Auto-retractable side-step rails
- Solid roof rail for additional cargo options
- Semi-aniline leather upholstery
- Massaging front seats
- Panoramic roof
- Mark Levinson 14-inch display and 21-speaker premium sound system
- Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for tight manoeuvres
The Overtrail variant
Starting at R1 766 000 (R1 776 200 for the bi-tone version), the Overtrail (shown above) is focused on off-road capability with:
- 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres
- 20 mm wider tread for improved stability
- Reinforced under-body protection
- Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS)
- Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with six modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock
- Central structure designed to support accessories for personalisation
Performance and driving experience
The twin-turbocharged 3,5-litre V6 engine provides impressive acceleration and pulling power, paired with a smooth 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The powertrain is significantly more refined than the Prado’s diesel offering, contributing to notably lower noise levels in the cabin.
On-road, the Prado delivers a quiet, composed ride. The engineers have tuned the chassis and suspension for excellent stability, while enhanced body rigidity and aerodynamics contribute to a serene driving experience despite the vehicle’s upright windscreen and substantial wing mirrors.
Off-road driving
The Prado possesses an array of advanced technologies that ensure excellent traction and stability. The optimised suspension geometry and Electric Power Steering (EPS) provide precise handling and responsiveness even in challenging conditions. According to Lexus, the vehicle has undergone extensive global testing in extreme environments from frozen tundras to scorching deserts.
However, when traversing rough roads, even the Overtrail variant didn’t feel entirely solid. There was a sense that not all components were completely secure, with some (barely detectable) rattles, and suggesting less than perfect assembly or structural rigidity. In contrast, the Land Cruiser 300 exudes the unshakeable solidity of a granite monolith – a sensation absent in the car I drove.
Safety and technology
Safety is well-covered with the latest Lexus Safety System, including:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
These systems combine to provide comprehensive protection and assistance for both on and off-road driving scenarios.
Value proposition and competition
At R1 766 000 for the Overtrail and R1 829 000 for the SE, the Lexus GX positions itself squarely in premium territory. All models come with a 7-year/100 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan, with service intervals set at 10 000 km or annually.
The pricing places the GX above the Toyota Prado but almost in the same territory as the Land Cruiser 300, which presents an interesting dilemma for potential buyers. A year-old Land Cruiser 300 with under 10 000 km can be found for less than R1,6 million, potentially offering better value and a more genuinely premium feel.
There’s also surprising competition from much less expensive vehicles like the GWM Tank 300 diesel, which, despite its significantly lower price point, offers impressive build quality that challenges the GX in some respects.
Overtrail: A new direction for Lexus
It’s worth noting that the Overtrail represents a new sub-brand for Lexus, merging luxury with exceptional off-road capabilities. In South Africa, only the LX and GX models are available in Overtrail grade.
This initiative is part of Lexus’s broader commitment to sustainability and connecting with nature, encouraging exploration while maintaining comfort. The approach seems to be working toward bridging the gap between premium luxury mobility and rugged outdoor adventure, catering to an increasing segment of buyers who want both capabilities without compromise.
Verdict: Powerful but not perfect
The Lexus GX delivers on its promise of providing a more powerful alternative to the Toyota Prado, with significantly improved performance and some luxury enhancements. The cabin is quieter, the seats are comfortable, and the vehicle has numerous positive qualities that make it an appealing option for those seeking a capable premium SUV.
Lexus enough?
However, it falls short of being truly impressive in the luxury department, particularly when compared to the Land Cruiser 300. The interior quality and overall sense of solidity don’t quite match the expectations set by the price point and the Lexus badge.
For buyers seeking a premium off-roader with serious power, the GX is worth consideration, but those prioritising true luxury might be better served by looking at a Land Cruiser 300. And for those on a tighter budget who still want impressive build quality in an off-road capable SUV, alternatives like the GWM Tank 300, albeit smaller, present surprisingly compelling value propositions.
The GX will likely find its audience among those specifically wanting a more powerful Prado with added luxury touches, but it doesn’t quite redefine expectations in the premium off-road segment the way it perhaps could have. It scores 3 out of 5.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
