Anyone else considering the Lexus GX 550? - Test drive has me re-considering my future!

[retirementOwl]

I owned and loved my 98 4Runner for seven years. I now own a Bronco on 35s with the V6 engine, but want something more quiet, comfortable and long-term reliable and capable. I was excited for the new 4Runner, but trim choices and prices have left me wanting. I never paid attention to the Lexus brand, but want Toyota ruggedness and reliability so decided to do some research. I knew nothing about the revered GX460 or the fact that it was introduced in 2010 and became the GX 550 last year after a total re-design.

I test drove a 550 Luxury last week since the Overtrail I had an appointment to drive sold before I arrived. Wow, how quickly one can fall in love! I had a chance to stomp on the 3.4L V6 and it feels and sounds great. I know myself and the enjoyment I can get from that engine for years to come has me thinking. Surprisingly, the vehicle was smaller than I had imagined and that's a good thing. It's also gorgeous in person. The new owner of the Overtrail I couldn't drive let me crawl through the interior and it looked great in Incognito. The cargo area in the Luxury with 3rd row seats and Overtrail without is quite large which is important to me. The 4Runner TRD Pro and the new Land Cruiser lose much of their cargo space to the battery which I don't like. To me, the design of both is a big fail by Toyota. They somehow managed to lower the battery in the upcoming LX 700h Overtrail giving it ample space for 3rd row seating. Why not do this in the 4Runner and Land Cruiser? Now, about that V6 vs the 4 cyl hybrid...

I've watched so many videos of the Land Cruiser hybrid on the highway and unfortunately it always sounds like the 4 cyl engine is struggling. Who wants to be constantly annoyed in their $70 vehicle? Longevity? Even though the numbers on paper for the 550's V6 and the LC's V4 hybrid are comparable, every person I've heard who has driven both say the GX powertrain is superior and more enjoyable to drive. I never thought I'd consider an $80k SUV but,,,

I'm planning on getting the 2025 GX 550 Overtrail when it hits lots (May, June?). Waiting for the 25 will give me time to drive the 4Runner when it comes out and see if I'm crazy or not. I want to drive the TRD Off-Road without battery to see how that feels and hopefully try a hybrid too. My gut tells me I'll end up in the 550, but who knows? I can rationalize the cost if I own it for 10+ years and after driving it I feel I'd be quite happy to do so.

Happy to hear your thoughts!

 

[bandit67]

For over 6 months, the wife & I had multiple deposits on GX550 Overtrail +, Earth/Black exterior with Chateau interior. A BEAUTIFUL rig. As we were waiting, and in no hurry, hoping Toyota/Lexus would get any initial bugs worked out, I spent a lot of time looking at the GX, and researching online, and following actual owner testimonials. There were a few things about the GX that I didn't particularly like, but initially, it wasn't enough to dissuade us.

But then the minor little issues began popping up, and some of the issues I had a problem with, but thought we could overlook, kept popping up with current owners. And then the additional things that Lexus added to the Overtrail for 2025, jumped the price another $3,500. And the complaints about the tech, and the no-button touch screen, and getting to certain features buried deep in the screen, etc. etc., plus all the extra off-road things, that make it a killer off-roader, started to make us realize that since we really don't do much offroading any more, and I already have a vehicle set up for offroad, with crawl control and all sorts of offroad goodies, that maybe the Overtrail + was WAY more than we REALLY needed.

What we need is a nice, comfortable, highway road trip SUV. At $82k to get some features we WANT, and quite a few additional features we really don't NEED, we decided to pass up the GX and just go with the 4Runner Platinum and save $16k. I just couldn't get over paying $82k (the most I've ever paid for a vehicle), to know I'd be complaining about a bunch of little things that would constantly bug me, and maybe negatively impact my ownership experience.

 

[donayre21]

Same but then consider this:
Two big
premium gas only(14 mpg)
wireless charging area is too small
departure angle is less than 4runner
wobbles too much when driving
I saw some YouTube complaining how unstable it is for breaking

 

[kayasaman]

Have a look at this:



The GX550 is capable!!

We don't have them in my country but I wouldn't consider one even though I love Lexus. The problem for me is the look... I'm not a fan. That's my personal opinion and subjective!

Having a UK spec IS250 producing a measly 204bhp what I can tell you is that it is way under spec'ed and has absolutely no "get up and go" at all.... in fact it is kinda dangerous on the highway when you're flooring it trying to get up to the 70mph national highway speed limit, or overtake.
Of course not relevant to you in anyway.

It does come with a beefier engine and twin turbos as opposed to the single 4-pot in the 4Runner so that is definitely a factor.

In OverTrail+ edition as seen in the video, that thing can conquer obstacles so might be worth a shot.

They did say that it takes a few seconds to "boot up" though? Is that standard with any modern vehicle these days or just something to do with so much electronics and computer control?

 

[Dphotos]

I owned and loved my 98 4Runner for seven years. I now own a Bronco on 35s with the V6 engine, but want something more quiet, comfortable and long-term reliable and capable. I was excited for the new 4Runner, but trim choices and prices have left me wanting. I never paid attention to the Lexus brand, but want Toyota ruggedness and reliability so decided to do some research. I knew nothing about the revered GX460 or the fact that it was introduced in 2010 and became the GX 550 last year after a total re-design.

I test drove a 550 Luxury last week since the Overtrail I had an appointment to drive sold before I arrived. Wow, how quickly one can fall in love! I had a chance to stomp on the 3.4L V6 and it feels and sounds great. I know myself and the enjoyment I can get from that engine for years to come has me thinking. Surprisingly, the vehicle was smaller than I had imagined and that's a good thing. It's also gorgeous in person. The new owner of the Overtrail I couldn't drive let me crawl through the interior and it looked great in Incognito. The cargo area in the Luxury with 3rd row seats and Overtrail without is quite large which is important to me. The 4Runner TRD Pro and the new Land Cruiser lose much of their cargo space to the battery which I don't like. To me, the design of both is a big fail by Toyota. They somehow managed to lower the battery in the upcoming LX 700h Overtrail giving it ample space for 3rd row seating. Why not do this in the 4Runner and Land Cruiser? Now, about that V6 vs the 4 cyl hybrid...

I've watched so many videos of the Land Cruiser hybrid on the highway and unfortunately it always sounds like the 4 cyl engine is struggling. Who wants to be constantly annoyed in their $70 vehicle? Longevity? Even though the numbers on paper for the 550's V6 and the LC's V4 hybrid are comparable, every person I've heard who has driven both say the GX powertrain is superior and more enjoyable to drive. I never thought I'd consider an $80k SUV but,,,

I'm planning on getting the 2025 GX 550 Overtrail when it hits lots (May, June?). Waiting for the 25 will give me time to drive the 4Runner when it comes out and see if I'm crazy or not. I want to drive the TRD Off-Road without battery to see how that feels and hopefully try a hybrid too. My gut tells me I'll end up in the 550, but who knows? I can rationalize the cost if I own it for 10+ years and after driving it I feel I'd be quite happy to do so.

Happy to hear your thoughts!

Much to big for me. 4Runner has been my go to car for years.

 

[retirementOwl]

Much to big for me. 4Runner has been my go to car for years.

The GX 550 and the new 4Runner both have a wheelbase of exactly 112.2". The GX 550 is 0.2" wider and 2.2" longer. That's pretty much the same dimensions as the new 4Runner. I was surprised when I saw and sat in the 550 how small it was. The big difference is that the 550 is 4.8" taller. This should give better head room and cargo space.

 

[retirementOwl]

For over 6 months, the wife & I had multiple deposits on GX550 Overtrail +, Earth/Black exterior with Chateau interior. A BEAUTIFUL rig. As we were waiting, and in no hurry, hoping Toyota/Lexus would get any initial bugs worked out, I spent a lot of time looking at the GX, and researching online, and following actual owner testimonials. There were a few things about the GX that I didn't particularly like, but initially, it wasn't enough to dissuade us.

But then the minor little issues began popping up, and some of the issues I had a problem with, but thought we could overlook, kept popping up with current owners. And then the additional things that Lexus added to the Overtrail for 2025, jumped the price another $3,500. And the complaints about the tech, and the no-button touch screen, and getting to certain features buried deep in the screen, etc. etc., plus all the extra off-road things, that make it a killer off-roader, started to make us realize that since we really don't do much offroading any more, and I already have a vehicle set up for offroad, with crawl control and all sorts of offroad goodies, that maybe the Overtrail + was WAY more than we REALLY needed.

What we need is a nice, comfortable, highway road trip SUV. At $82k to get some features we WANT, and quite a few additional features we really don't NEED, we decided to pass up the GX and just go with the 4Runner Platinum and save $16k. I just couldn't get over paying $82k (the most I've ever paid for a vehicle), to know I'd be complaining about a bunch of little things that would constantly bug me, and maybe negatively impact my ownership experience.

I hear you. In your case, why not consider the GX 550 Premium? You still get 4Hi & 4Low and a locking center differential and a much lower cost than the Overtrail. I wonder if you've driven a 550 and experienced the engine? That's what has me sold. The way that V6 pulls so effortlessly and quietly is awesome. The 4Runner's 4 cyl will be wheezing and struggling on the highway by comparison to say nothing of the engine's longevity. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the Platinum. It would be good to drive before taking delivery. I will drive the 4Runner before get the 500 to see how the powertrains compare.

 

[retirementOwl]

Have a look at this:



The GX550 is capable!!

We don't have them in my country but I wouldn't consider one even though I love Lexus. The problem for me is the look... I'm not a fan. That's my personal opinion and subjective!

Having a UK spec IS250 producing a measly 204bhp what I can tell you is that it is way under spec'ed and has absolutely no "get up and go" at all.... in fact it is kinda dangerous on the highway when you're flooring it trying to get up to the 70mph national highway speed limit, or overtake.
Of course not relevant to you in anyway.

It does come with a beefier engine and twin turbos as opposed to the single 4-pot in the 4Runner so that is definitely a factor.

In OverTrail+ edition as seen in the video, that thing can conquer obstacles so might be worth a shot.

They did say that it takes a few seconds to "boot up" though? Is that standard with any modern vehicle these days or just something to do with so much electronics and computer control?

Did you see the air compressor they used in the video? The 2025 Overtrail will have a factory installed air compressor which to me is great. That with and additional inch of ground clearance make the 25 worth waiting for. If you haven't driven a 550 you should just to feel the engine. It's sublime.

 

[kayasaman]

Did you see the air compressor they used in the video? The 2025 Overtrail will have a factory installed air compressor which to me is great. That with and additional inch of ground clearance make the 25 worth waiting for. If you haven't driven a 550 you should just to feel the engine. It's sublime.

Speaking about compressors... that was the small or single one they had so no all 4 tires at the same time.
Apparently there is an even larger one which does all 4 tires at once.

This is actually what I use which is a Ring compressor:

- it's not for "airing down then up" but more for cold nights as my car is parked road side so basically means that the tires do loose about 10-15 PSI after a few cold evenings which makes the handling very awkward as it starts tracking to one side
Again a UK issue as there's no pressure monitor inside like the US and Japanese spec versions :-(

 

[kayasaman]

Actually something that might be of interest (or not?) might be this:

Having seen the 4Runner on 35" tires, it looks like they did something similar to the GX. It kinda looks a little better in my opinion, and reminds of the Camel Trophy too in some ways

 

[retirementOwl]

Actually something that might be of interest (or not?) might be this:

Having seen the 4Runner on 35" tires, it looks like they did something similar to the GX. It kinda looks a little better in my opinion, and reminds of the Camel Trophy too in some ways

Yes, that looks cool. I have a Bronco on 35s and love the look. I also like the fact that the Bronco was designed for 35s and has the lift, articulation, gearing and modified suspension components necessary for those tires from the factory. The 35s on that GX look a bit cramped. I prefer buying a stock vehicle that I want and probably would never do the suspension upgrades needed to make the GX on 35s what it should be. The main reason I'm waiting on the 2025 GX Overtrail is the additional 1" lift and increase in ground clearance that I feel this vehicle needs. I'd be all over it if they offered a version w/35s in the future, but I'm not holding my breath. I'd love to see some Toyota product w/35s from the factory,,, 4Runner, GX, new FJ?

 

[kayasaman]

Yes, that looks cool. I have a Bronco on 35s and love the look. I also like the fact that the Bronco was designed for 35s and has the lift, articulation, gearing and modified suspension components necessary for those tires from the factory. The 35s on that GX look a bit cramped. I prefer buying a stock vehicle that I want and probably would never do the suspension upgrades needed to make the GX on 35s what it should be. The main reason I'm waiting on the 2025 GX Overtrail is the additional 1" lift and increase in ground clearance that I feel this vehicle needs. I'd be all over it if they offered a version w/35s in the future, but I'm not holding my breath. I'd love to see some Toyota product w/35s from the factory,,, 4Runner, GX, new FJ?

I've seen the LandCruiser Prado (which you guys don't get (from what I've heard) but they have them here in Europe as the 4Runner equivalent - read probably less well equipped) on bubble tires most likely for snow/ice use so probably for Iceland or Greenland or maybe even Scandinavia.

I think one of the biggest things that I've noticed is that the engine sizes are just so small once they come to the UK specifically... I have no knowledge of the continental mainland but here my IS for example was offered with a 2 liter diesel or 2.5 v6, the 2.0d (from the Toyota Avensis) and had manual everything apart from windows; if Lexus did that out west you guys would be fuming and they would soon go under. When I started showing dealers and showrooms the IS350, especially the F-Sport with LFA inspired moving dash from the US based Lexus website.... they all shrugged and said GS350 LOL
It was quite frustrating!!

 

[bandit67]

I hear you. In your case, why not consider the GX 550 Premium?

Two big reasons - we don't like the look of the non-Overtrails, and, you have to get the + models to even get passenger front Lumbar control - that is a HUGE miss. EVERY Lexus should have, at a minimum, front passenger lumbar adjustments. We were real jazzed about the + models massaging seats, BUT
1. they shut off after 10 minutes, and controls are buried DEEP in the touch screen, so not very convenient to turn back on doing 75 mph down the highway.
2. Due to the massage feature, BOTH heat and cool seat functions seem to be weaker than on non-massaging models.
3. NO GX models WITHOUT massaging seats have front passenger lumbar adjustment.

Yeah, the twin turbo V6 is a NICE motor, and yeah, Toyota has always had a bunch of anemic power plants, but the new turbo 4 cylinder hybrid iForce MAX is much better, power-wise, than the engines they replaced in the mid size trucks. If I need to rip around that fast, I get in my V8 Mustang and open it up for some smiles. My current I4 turbo truck rips down the highway just fine on road trips, and I have to watch out for speed traps as it is, so, I'm sure the iForce MAX power will be "tolerable".