Lexus LX 500d Overtrail 2025 Review

Normally, you’ll find me in low-spec, low-key four-wheel drives without all the fancy heated steering wheels, or chilled seats — just vinyl flooring, air conditioning and power steering. 

Well, that’s not happening this time around, that notion is going out the window. We’re jumping behind the wheel of the 2025 Lexus LX Overtrail, a very flash ride indeed. 

This is The Big Dog in the Lexus 4×4 range, available with the 3.3L twin-turbo diesel V6 found in the 300 Series LandCruiser, or a 3.5L twin-turbo petrol engine.

For this review, we’ll be focussing on the diesel-engine LX 500d, which produces 227kW and 700Nm and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

With that much torque and so many gear ratios available, the LX Overtrail is a solid choice for those that need to tow larger items such as caravans, but want to do it with a touch more class than a 300 Series LandCruiser this vehicle is based on — and are happy to pay the $36,000 premium.

Despite Overtrail badging, and my enthusiasm for the great outdoors, we won’t be discussing off-road abilities in this review. Something we will revisit. Having experienced the 300 Series in the rough stuff, though, I’m confident the LX Overtrail will be a capable machine. 

Specification wise, the departure angle of the LX is  down compared to the LandCruiser though, with 21 degrees awarded to the Lexus, and an average of 25 degrees to the ‘Cruiser. So the Overtrail might struggle a little more on technical terrain despite boasting three locking differentials — we’ll look at a dedicated off-road review down the track.  

Instead, we put this vehicle through a solid week-long road loop that consisted of urban, highway and rural driving conditions. It also featured a trip to the equally flash Sheriton on the Park for a family luncheon. It looked like the part sitting in the valet, but I can assure you the large external dimensions were felt while navigating inner Sydney parking lots.

What are the LX Overtrail features and options for the price?

As the name suggests, the Overtrail is the off-road focused trim in the Lexus LX range. The Sandy Taupe-like Mood Desert paintwork certainly sets the scene, as do the aggressive 265/70 R18 Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres fitted. 

Despite the chunky appearance of the tyres, I didn’t notice any excessive roar from them at highway speeds. Off-road they will definitely add additional grip and a more robust carcass to avoid punctures compared to the highway terrain tyres fitted to most 4x4s these days. 

You also receive Toyota’s Multi Terrain Select (or MTS) off-road traction control system which is properly good off-road, especially with Rock Mode. Having the ability to simply dial in what terrain you are driving on, such as sand or mud, and letting the computers do the work is a neat party trick for off-road newbies and bearded flanno enthusiasts alike.

The big ace up the sleeve in the Overtrail is the inclusion of front-and-rear differential locks, as per the GR Sport 300 Series LandCruiser. It’s great to see these being offered on more Toyota vehicles, as locked diffs offer the ultimate in traction at the push of a button. 

What is the LX Overtrail interior and tech like?

Subtle, refined and comfortable but not over the top, which I think is key in a vehicle of this calibre. Everything just worked when asked to, something other passengers noticed too. The LX doesn’t beep and bark orders at you, nor do you need an IT degree to access settings in the navigation screen. Controls are intuitive, and well designed. 

Every Lexus LX receives a digital 12.3-inch infotainment display. This has been increased from the previously supplied 8.0-inch unit. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are present, as are the total of six USB-C ports for charging and additional connectivity options.

This system proved easy to use and operate, quickly connecting with my ancient iPhone. Audio quality was sublime also, this Mark Levinson is a beautiful sound system that offered volume and clarity even with questionable music selections… 

The very deep and chilled centre console is a hit with anyone that notices it, as is the ability to open said console from either the driver or passenger side. It almost looks large enough for a wine or champagne bottle to stand up in. 

Heated, chilled and massaging dual-tone leather seats are supportive and offer a lounge chair-like driving experience. Climate control on all Lexus/Toyota vehicles is excellent and the 2025 Lexus LX carries this torch. It was very quick and easy to heat the cabin on chilly winter mornings.

If we have one ergonomic complaint, it’s that the sun visor can be obstructive.

GVM, GCM, Towing, Seating etc

Numbers wise, the 2025 Lexus LX Overtrail specification breakdown is as follows. The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for both petrol and diesel powered LXs is listed as a flat 3280kg across the board.  

Kerb weight for this Overtrail specification is also the same as Luxury, Sports Luxury, and F Sport variants. Petrol powered examples are listed as being 10kg lighter, with a kerb weight of 2680kg. This leaves a fairly slim payload capacity of 600kg, which is quickly eaten up with aftermarket accessories, passengers, luggage, and downball weight when towing.

Towing capacity as expected for a large 4×4 wagon is capped out at the industry standard of 3500kg braked, and 750kg unbraked. 

As tested we had five seats available in Overtrail grade. There are seven seat options available in the Lexus LX series, in both petrol and diesel offerings. So if you do place more of a priority on higher seating capacity, and really want that Lexus badge, there’s an option for you.

How does the 2025 Lexus LX Overtrail drive?

It’s going to come as no surprise that the Lexus LX drives like a 4×4 limo. Steering, suspension, brakes, everything is just dialed in. There’s loads of grunt from that twin-turbo V6 diesel motor, which sounds smooth when cruising yet bitey when being worked.

Fuel economy hovered around the 12.9L/100km mark, which isn’t that far off the manufacturers claim of 11.2L in urban settings. However, for the most part, the vehicle was unladen other than four passengers on one occasion. 

In five seater mode, there are two fuel tanks, with a combined capacity of 110L split via an 80L main tank and 30L sub tank. This gives a theoretical range of approximately 852km. Helpful, but certainly not class leading when it comes to fuel capacity.  

Special mention must go to the air suspension featured in this vehicle. Lexus dubs this technology Active Height Control (AHC), and while I can’t comment on the longevity of a (no doubt) incredibly complex system, in operation it’s deeply impressive.

The vehicle not only rode and handled exceptionally well in all conditions experienced, but also provided unique options. Picking up your elderly parents? No probs, drop it to the lowest setting. 

Heading off-road, it’s too easy to bump things up a notch or two. There are also pre-set height modes, which can be activated via the MTS rotary dial. Select Rock Mode for example, and the highest setting will automatically be engaged. It’s almost cheating.

Is the 2025 Lexus LX Overtrail a safe car?

There is no ANCAP rating for the Lexus LX Overtrail. However, the 300 Series LandCruiser which this vehicle is built upon, has been tested — receiving a five-star rating.

For 2025, the Lexus LX Overtrail is fitted with the following safety features:

• Auto emergency braking (AEB)
• Forward AEB for cars, cyclists, pedestrians
• AEB junction
• Reverse AEB
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Safe-exit assist
• Emergency Driving Stop System 
• Driver Monitor Camera 

During testing, the safety systems behaved themselves, and proved helpful more than annoying. 

What are the LX Overtrail ownership costs?

Lexus offers three-years capped price servicing for the LX range. Cost per visit is $595 for the first six scheduled services. As per Toyota, Lexus wants you to bring the vehicle in at least once every six months, or after 10,000kms, whichever occurs first.

If we compare that to the cost of a petrol powered (there’s no diesel) Nissan Patrol, which is also significantly cheaper to purchase, we can see the Lexus is more expensive to service.

Nissan offers capped price services for the first five scheduled services, capped at $499. Nissan also lists service intervals at 10,000km or 12 months, meaning less trips to the dealership to thumb through magazines in the waiting room.  

Looking further afield at the six-cylinder D3500 diesel Land Rover Defender, service costs are dearer than Lexus. Land Rover lists the cost at $3500 for the first five services covering up to 102,000km. 

The honest verdict on the 2025 Lexus LX Overtrail 

If you like the balance between off-road ability, rugged looks, power and comfort, the Lexus LX Overtrail ticks that box. It’s not Range Rover comfy, but it’s the right amount for the intended owner. Business people during the week, caravanner or horse float tower on weekends.  

It’s hard to ignore the price tag, but for some reason it almost feels justified for the level of sturdiness and quality found in this top-end wheeler. 

If I had the money, I’d buy one in a heart beat. Sorry to sound smitten, but when a capable luxury 4×4 that rolls off the production line with chunky rubber and Sandy Taupe (Lexus calls it Moon Desert) paint… you have my attention Lexus. 

This is a well sorted vehicle, which I really didn’t want to hand back. Genuinely. But at $182,000 plus on-road costs, it’s a vehicle that is out of range for most people to purchase new. Does this mean the LX Overtrail has the potential to be a future classic? I believe so, and it will be a sought after addition in the used market for many years to come.