Lexus GX Overtrail review finds creamy V6 and rugged luxury

The Lexus GX large off-road SUV adds some polish to the workman-like underpinnings - and punters are waiting up to a year to get one.

Our most asked question when behind the wheel of the new Lexus GX was “why?”.

While the connection between Lexus and parent company Toyota is well known, many onlookers couldn’t understand why you’d opt for the GX off-roader over its mainstream brethren.

Vastly different sheet metal and feature levels have differentiated Lexus models from Toyota in the past. But when it comes to the GX, the family resemblance with the LandCruiser and Prado are unmistakeable.

That’s for good reason. The GX shares its platform with the LandCruiser 300 Series, and it’s just about identical in size as the Prado (only 25mm longer).

The key differential comes under the bonnet. Lexus offers a 3.5-litre petrol V6 with prices starting from about $129,000 drive-away whereas the Prado comes exclusively with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel which begins from just over $77k – but does extend to $100,000 for the range-topping Kakadu model.

Our family tested the GX to see whether it could lure us away from the mainstream offering.

What do you get?

Three versions of the GX are offered, entry level Luxury, top-shelf Sports Luxury, and our test machine, the off-road focused Overtrail.

Opting for the Overtrail includes 18-inch all-terrain tyres, black wheel arch mouldings, door handles and exterior mirrors, as well as the Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System which we’ve sampled previously with Toyota and delivers impressive off-road prowess.

Other feature highlights are man-made leather, three-zone aircon, ventilated and heated front seats (heated second row outboard seats), keyless entry, 14-inch central touchscreen, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster, 10-speaker stereo, wireless phone charger, satnav and a refrigerated cool box in the console.

External paint options are white and black. An enhancement pack featuring two-tone paint (titanium, khaki and) moon desert are available) plus a grey windshield submoulding is an extra $2582.

Warranty coverage of five years meets the industry standard.

Capped price servicing is available for 10 maintenance visits, and is no more than $595. But the intervals are short at six months or 10,000km.

Lexus provides three years of membership to its Encore program as part of the deal which delivers a range of discounts and exclusive travel and restaurant invitations. For an extra $1899 the Encore Elevate membership provides access to Lexus fleet cars when travelling interstate, along with valet parking at some shopping centres and entry to airline lounges around the world.

Among the GX Overtrail featurss are man-made leather, three-zone aircon, ventilated and heated front seats, keyless entry, 14-inch central touchscreen, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster and a 10-speaker stereo.

How was the drive?

Exercise your right ankle and the twin-turbo V6 answers the call with creamy power delivery. The GX is brute force with lashings of luxury. It’s akin to being bench-pressed by Miss Australia.

Despite the size, the GX is surprisingly easy to drive in all conditions.

The panoramic camera view helps make parking easier in tight suburban areas.

Cruising with ease on the highway, it’s equally adept when stepping off the bitumen. The dynamic suspension system makes the beaten track a breeze, maximising traction when it’s most needed.

Additional ground clearance is provided at the front for tricky terrain.

There is some road noise which is unusual for Lexus, but the GX is a genuine off-roader. That also explains some of the body roll in the corners if the driver gets too willing – but you can’t have everything.

Among the Lexus Encore program benefits is discounted petrol at Ampol service stations. That would come in handy given we averaged about 13 litres for every 100km. A friend who owns a GX is averaging closer to 15.

It’s hard to believe Lexus installed a 80-litre tank, which provides a range of only about 500 litres.

Our test in the Lexus GX Overtrail saw fuel consumption average about 13 litres for every 100km.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Surprisingly easy to drive, purely looking at the GX from the outside I would have said it was too big for my liking before getting behind the wheel. Tight shopping centre car parks still cause me some anxiety with a car that big, and I don’t have the desire to go off-road, so purely on that basis it’s not one for me. But for those who want to head up the beach or camping, it’s an appealing option.

Grant: Not so long ago many would have baulked at spending $130,000 and going off-road. Nowadays just about every LandCruiser is pushing that figure. The GX is awesome to drive no matter what the conditions, with the biggest drawback being its fuel consumption. Lexus really needs additional fuel capacity for the GX, especially for those travelling long distances. Just don’t be in a rush to get one...current wait times are pushing a year.

Originally published as Lexus GX Overtrail review finds creamy V6 and rugged luxury