3rd Generation Lexus GX (GX 550, GX 550h) Megathread

[ssun30]

Does anyone have any insight in what makes the new GX so capable when it comes to tow rating? With 9,000lb tow limit, it outperforms the old GX460 with its 6,500lb limit, and even the behemoth Tahoe only has a limit of 8,400lbs.

The GX550 has almost the same GVWR as the LX600 and has less load on the rear axle. This means it can withstand a higher tongue weight. Most modern trucks and SUVs are limited by suspension load and weight distribution instead of power and braking. For example the 200-series can easily get 4000kg+/9000lbs+ towing with a GCM upgrade in the Australian market.

I'm really curious which F platform GX550 is actually based on. In terms of weight ratings (curb, gross, payload) it is much closer to the F1-based LC300/LX instead of the F2-based Prado/4Runner. It's more of a de-contented LX instead of an upscale Prado.

 

[Och]

The GX550 has almost the same GVWR as the LX600 and has less load on the rear axle. This means it can withstand a higher tongue weight. Most modern trucks and SUVs are limited by suspension load and weight distribution instead of power and braking. For example the 200-series can easily get 4000kg+/9000lbs+ towing with a GCM upgrade in the Australian market.

I'm really curious which F platform GX550 is actually based on. In terms of weight ratings (curb, gross, payload) it is much closer to the F1-based LC300/LX instead of the F2-based Prado/4Runner. It's more of a de-contented LX instead of an upscale Prado.

I actually posted on the GX550 forum, and made a new friend - we met at the trails with our dirt bikes. His GX550 is an awesome truck, and great for towing. The only thing I didn't like is the height of the hitch - its almost twice as high as my X5, so a bit harder for loading up.

 

[Falcon]

Two similarly priced SUVs from TMC.

 

[Motor]

 

[ssun30]

I no longer consider the GX550 before they admit and fix the underlying flaw with the engine. Now the question is, late model year GX460 or a trail teams FJ? That leaves some budget for mods.

Also considering a J200 (either the LC or LX570). What's the real world fiel economy difference between the 5.7 and the 4.6?

 

[Falcon]

late model year GX460 or a trail teams FJ

GX for the engine and quietness. I admit that specific FJ looks cool though.

What's the real world fiel economy difference between the 5.7 and the 4.6

Depends if it's a 5.7 with the 6 speed or 8 speed but the 4.6 still holds a slight advantage vs the 5.7 even with the 8 speed. I'd honestly recommend the 200 series or LX 570 if they were within budget.

 

[Gecko]

I no longer consider the GX550 before they admit and fix the underlying flaw with the engine. Now the question is, late model year GX460 or a trail teams FJ? That leaves some budget for mods.

Also considering a J200 (either the LC or LX570). What's the real world fiel economy difference between the 5.7 and the 4.6?

I am obviously biased but I think the GX 460 will go down in history as one of Lexus' all time great SUVs, just like the LX 570. They are quite different though, and I've driven both back to back.

LX 570: One of the nicest Lexus interiors ever, super plush and lux, materials are incredible, but it drives very detached from the road, 8AT shifts very slow, and it is/drives very heavy. Completely removed from everything around you, for better or worse.

GX 460: Interior is not as nice as the LX 570 but still very luxurious, especially by modern Lexus standards. 4.6L V8 and 6AT are butter smooth and the 6AT feels and shifts faster than the 8AT in the LX. On the road and behind the wheel, the GX 460 feels like a Miata compared to the LX 570... much easier to drive, quicker reflexes, faster on its feet.

I'd be happy with an LX 570 but if I could only pick one, it would be a 2022-2023 GX 460 with the updated infotainment and Apple CarPlay. It is the easiest package to live with every day and still a classic Lexus with the smooth V8, luxurious interior, quiet cabin, etc.

I average around 17mpg in my GX around town and I believe LX is around 12-13mpg in similar situations. On the highway, GX 460 can do 20-21mpg where LX can't do better than 15mpg.

 

[ssun30]

It's really sad that I can no longer in good conscience recommend a flagship Toyota BOF product to others let alone buying one myself. These used to be no-brainer purchases. I've only recently test drove the GX550 and thought the de-tuned version isn't susceptible to the same problem. And now I have to go back to 15-year+ old designs for a well made, reliable Toyota/Lexus truck. If they aren't reliable might as well get a competitor with better specs and tech.

There's a well-preserved trail-teams FJ with manual in my area. It's really really tempting to own one of the rarest Toyota trucks ever.