Debating moving on from GX550

[sel]

Hi there!

I have a GX550 Lux Plus. Car looks great of course and drives well, but just not "feeling" it at times. I have multiple complaints from the trianglur shaped top of the doors, to the no storage up front, cooler box so small and useless for me, tight seating in the second row...

Started looking at the 2025 Tahoe or Yukon...

Anyone else debating selling and moving on, and it so, to what?

I’m hear you. I’m 6 months into an OT after 10 years in a 4runner. Love the ride and look; quality is abundant everywhere - especially ML stereo. But agree storage is lacking, rear seats are tight, and MPG is worse than advertised. Thinking of TX500h as a better option for the family.

 

[Michael T]

I’m hear you. I’m 6 months into an OT after 10 years in a 4runner. Love the ride and look; quality is abundant everywhere - especially ML stereo. But agree storage is lacking, rear seats are tight, and MPG is worse than advertised. Thinking of TX500h as a better option for the family.

They gave me a TX as a loaner when they were replacing squealing brakes in my 550. The roominess and cubby space storage reminds me of a honda pilot and a minivan’s storage i had as rentals for vacations.

TX got an A+ for space/storage/cubby, but driving experience in the TX was lackluster compared to the 550, just my 2 cents

 

[kt80]

I'm moving from an older Yukon to GX OT+, precisely because of the size. As empty nesters we don't need the third row. It's about same length as my old Yukon (they're a foot longer now than they were then). And the price is right compared to a comparative Yukon Denali Ultimate, which can go for 20K more. I have to admit that I really like the Duramax for long distance trips we have planned. But it's more important that I can get it into parking spaces and garages easier and more often. And the reliability's as buy and hold guy is a major factor, or I would have bought a Defender long ago.

 

[cloey701]

Hi there!

I have a GX550 Lux Plus. Car looks great of course and drives well, but just not "feeling" it at times. I have multiple complaints from the trianglur shaped top of the doors, to the no storage up front, cooler box so small and useless for me, tight seating in the second row...

Started looking at the 2025 Tahoe or Yukon...

Anyone else debating selling and moving on, and it so, to what?

I think the ML sound system has zero existence if you move the sound to the rear. There are no sub woofers either, if there are they are not like the old GX model. I also don’t care for the the constant beeping if your head is not straight. Don’t care for the over whelming safety features it’s almost too much, so I shut those off. The engine hood flaps around also. I’m considering the BMW X5 m60 because it has a V8 and is made so better and feels heavier like the old GX

 

[SROak]

eBay Cool Box compatible tray, and these side storage organizers (they look almost factory) made a really big difference for me in terms of giving the GX that extra bit of daily usable storage.

Amazon.com

And been there / done that with a Tahoe I had for work for 3 years. The space was nice, but dropped lifter due to AFM which then caused camshaft to try to eat the top half of the motor from the inside out at 40K miles. It was a brand new 2017 when I got it, and from all the reports I see, GM still has the same issue with their 5.3 / 6.2 motors. I do hear REALLY good things about their baby duramax engine tho. So if you go the Tahoe / Yukon route, I would strongly suggest giving the small diesel a look.

Thanks for that comment akmerle!
I found the cool box tray on eBay and bought the USA made one - all the rest are from China. This will make living with the GX much easier. Here's a link to eBay search:

GX 550 Cool Box Compatible Tray for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for GX 550 Cool Box Compatible Tray at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

 

[UTHORNS76]

I love reading this thread. I am in Central Texas. Prices for CPO GX 460 are sky high. So, considering GX 550 as alternative.
What's with the fluttering hood? Cheap, flimsy metal on a $70K vehicle? Also, CPO 460 warranty is better than new GX 550 warranty.

 

[Bobbysc]

I’m hear you. I’m 6 months into an OT after 10 years in a 4runner. Love the ride and look; quality is abundant everywhere - especially ML stereo. But agree storage is lacking, rear seats are tight, and MPG is worse than advertised. Thinking of TX500h as a better option for the family.

Ya wife has a TX350 and it is great for the family. She is going to get a TX550h+ as soon as it comes in.

 

[Bobbysc]

I looked at a 2024 Tahoe. Junk. Plastic. Do not do it.

The 2025 refresh looks pretty good. Heck there is a lot of plastic in the GX it seems.

If I did go Chevy or something I would of course get a big extended warranty and sell car before that ended.

Diesel all the way too.

 

[Bobbysc]

I had a similar issue with my BMW X4. I only had it a year 9,000 miles on it. I liked everything about it but loved the new GX when it came out. Got rid of the X4 and bought the GX in October. They both have features I love but the GX was bigger and more room for me. But I get your dislikes especially no storage up front. Not sure how big of a hit you will take but I took a huge hit on the X4

Hit cannot be that big...Carmax has offered $1,000 less than a I paid.

 

[Bobbysc]

Love my GX but everyone’s family has different needs. I would like to forewarn you about GM products, as I have owned a Tahoe and Silverado and was a regular on their complaint forums due to the issues I had with both. If you plan on keeping it long term, I’d re-evaluate GM products. The variable cylinder shutoff wreaks havoc on the transmission, and there are lifters problems in the engines due to the AFM. Both expensive rebuilds. A quick google search will corroborate this. I paid for the transmission rebuild but stopped with the engine rebuild at a cost $16k. I have friends that drive Tahoes and they have had similar issues

Chevy and ford are notorious for denying the issues that plague their trucks and suvs and there are countless class actions that have been dragging out for years. I still haven’t been reimbursed for the AC rebuild that I paid for out of pocket and that class action has been dragging out for like 6-7 years.

I’d get an extended bumper to bumper warranty and get rid of it or trade in before the warranty runs out if you go GM route.

At least toyota/lexus acknowledges their growing pains and makes it right with their customers.

Look at a sequoia or lx 600. They’re about the size of a tahoe

Would surely get the extended warranty and sell the car before that ended. Curious how the Diesels are holding up. BMW I'm just scared of the cost after the warranty runs out, seems there are horror stories all around. Not a fan of the 600 or Seqouia but will give them another look for sure.

 

[Bobbysc]

I think the ML sound system has zero existence if you move the sound to the rear. There are no sub woofers either, if there are they are not like the old GX model. I also don’t care for the the constant beeping if your head is not straight. Don’t care for the over whelming safety features it’s almost too much, so I shut those off. The engine hood flaps around also. I’m considering the BMW X5 m60 because it has a V8 and is made so better and feels heavier like the old GX

Mine keeps telling me my eyes are closed...over and over and over. I'm staring at the road...

The ML sound system is a joke...almost like a scam it is so awful.

 

[UTHORNS76]

The 2025 refresh looks pretty good. Heck there is a lot of plastic in the GX it seems.

If I did go Chevy or something I would of course get a big extended warranty and sell car before that ended.

Diesel all the way too.

One thing I did not like about Tahoe is it is longer than the GX. I do not want longer than Escalade I have now. It is the short Escalade.

 

[UTHORNS76]

Would surely get the extended warranty and sell the car before that ended. Curious how the Diesels are holding up. BMW I'm just scared of the cost after the warranty runs out, seems there are horror stories all around. Not a fan of the 600 or Seqouia but will give them another look for sure.

Sequoia is nice but it is a behemoth. I don't need 3 row vehicle.

 

[sel]

They gave me a TX as a loaner when they were replacing squealing brakes in my 550. The roominess and cubby space storage reminds me of a honda pilot and a minivan’s storage i had as rentals for vacations.

TX got an A+ for space/storage/cubby, but driving experience in the TX was lackluster compared to the 550, just my 2 cents

Good insight. Funny, my brakes starting to squeal too. Is this a common problem? You actually had to get yours replaced? At how many miles?

 

[incognito.gx]

I love reading this thread. I am in Central Texas. Prices for CPO GX 460 are sky high. So, considering GX 550 as alternative.
What's with the fluttering hood? Cheap, flimsy metal on a $70K vehicle? Also, CPO 460 warranty is better than new GX 550 warranty.

Its an aluminum hood. They’ve had issues with the hood skin becoming unglued hence the flutter but doesn’t affect performance so no big deal IMO

 

[Danh63]

Hit cannot be that big...Carmax has offered $1,000 less than a I paid.

I should have tried them for sure! mine was a $11,500 hit

 

[Michael T]

Good insight. Funny, my brakes starting to squeal too. Is this a common problem? You actually had to get yours replaced? At how many miles?

Depending on when you bought your GX may determine if your front brakes and rotors need replacing. Some of the earlier 550’s have squealing brakes, is a commonly accepted fault, and your dealer has instructions on what exactly to replace per Lexus corporate

 

[AUAv8r]

I’m reading more of these posts and it appears many are the wrong buyers for the GX550. If one is comparing one to a suburban, TX etc they shouldn’t be considering a GX. I think the styling is great Range Rover clone that is drawing many in. Folks fail to realize it’s a BoF AWD off-road SUV that is not large or extremely spacious inside. It’s unfortunate many buy these vehicles without properly test driving them or checking them out. This is exacerbated by lack of dealer demo units. Trying to fit a square peg into a round hole all in the name of looks.

 

[F90Guy]

I’m reading more of these posts and it appears many are the wrong buyers for the GX550. If one is comparing one to a suburban, TX etc they shouldn’t be considering a GX. I think the styling is great Range Rover clone that is drawing many in. Folks fail to realize it’s a BoF AWD off-road SUV that is not large or extremely spacious inside. It’s unfortunate many buy these vehicles without properly test driving them or checking them out. This is exacerbated by lack of dealer demo units. Trying to fit a square peg into a round hole all in the name of looks.

Agree, but the "wrong" buyers is the main buyer of GX, always have been at least with what I've seen since the GX460. The car enthusiast is the minority. When I was buying mine, most of 460s were stock, unmolested, dealer serviced, while a lot of 4Runners I was cross shopping, were modified and beat to hell. For one lifted GX460 I saw 10 being driven by either soccer moms or senior citizens.
Its the same thing here, and I was surprised too, I thought I would see some Lexus loyalists, GX460 converts, but its mainly clueless crowd, always confused by the GX, asking question that could be answered by an owners manual and putting even more aggressive 22in wheels on.

You can't blame on lack of models to test drive. There are plenty of GX460s on the used lots and 4Runners where you can quickly see if they have enough space in second and 3rd rows. But people have no idea to look at those, cause they don't know what a GX is.