How does the 550 REALLY DRIVE on public roads - Dealer said it's awful !!

[GreekMalaka]

I have a Lux+. It doesn't pull and it is super easy to drive. For what it is worth, my wife drives a 10yr old RX450H and I used to drive X3/X5s. While my BMWs might've been a smoother ride, my wife actually prefers my GX550. She gets car sick easily and that hasn't happened in the GX550 and she loves it almost as much as I do.

I've never had a truck before. Never had a body on frame vehicle before. Never drove a car as big as the GX before. I am super happy with my GX. The visibility and handling make it a joy to drive and I day dream about the next time I'm getting into it.

Sure, gas mileage isn't great, but everyone should know that with about a 30 second internet search. I used to live in Southern California and now live in an area with much MUCH cheaper gas prices, so that doesn't bother me. Maybe if I still lived in California it would, but I don't so it's whatever.

If you aren't going offroading fequently, and by that I mean legit offroading, then you don't need the OT. Going on gravel roads, dirt roads... any GX will do that just fine. If you are like me and spending 90% of your time on highways and public roads, Lux+ is the way to go.

 

[Nickal]

I'm coming from a BMW X5, and while the GX is not as sporty, the fun factor of the GX is eons better, IMO. I would say that it's one of the best box-on-frame handling SUVs ever designed. I also owned a Toyota Land Cruiser back in 2004, and I ended up selling it after going on two wheels trying to avoid an accident. That vehicle also felt uneasy at higher speeds in turns.

The new GX has virtually none of that, and I really don't see much of a difference between the GX and my X5 unless we are quick-steering like in a slalom course. 0-60 is a tad better in the X5 as is the top end, but the off-road prowess of the GX is light years better than the X5. I happen to love the ride of the new GX but you have to find the comfort setting you like best. Mine is set at sport except for suspension which is set at comfort.

If only Lexus would have had a slider on the 2nd row to allow for more legroom and included the ability to purchase every option on the OT+... On gas mileage, yes, we can all agree. It's pretty pathetic and I'm not even checking anymore. Maybe that's why Lexus opted not to include a real-time MPG gauge on the main screen. Last thing they wanted us to see!

 

[rangertrace]

That dealer is an idiot.

 

[oldseniu]

That is been said. One thing worth mentioning is that many people drive unibody vehicle for their entire life. When switching to a body-on-frame vehicle, many people will feel the driving dynamic is "off". Reality is, truck drives differently from a car. Simple as that.

 

[richord]

I have a GX Premium+. Previously my primary vehicles were a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and a Mercedes AMG GLC 43. My only other Lexus was a LX 450 in 1996. Except for the early LX 450, to me Lexus vehicles were like Lazy Boy chairs going down the highway.

I bought the GX primarily because of the styling. Elegant and somewhat "macho". It's still a "cachet" vehicle. Also, there are few on the road. I looked at Land Rovers. Beautiful vehicles but reliability is the worst.

Mine is pearl white and people refer to it as the "stormtrooper".

It rides fine on the highway and in ice and snow. Although the traction control tends to be abrupt. I think Audi has the best traction control and AWD mechanism. My 2024 Subaru Outback ride comfort and quietness is about the same as the GX.

Gas on the GX mileage is awful.

My Jeep got 21 MPG on the highway on regular. My GLC 43 gets 32 MPG and has a 450 HP engine! This behemoth gets 19 using super. And the tank size is a joke. They should have Jerry Can brackets as an option.

The stock sound system in mine is subpar for a Lexus. I've read that the Mark Levison upgrade isn't much better.

Most of the automation works fine. Traffic jam driving is amusing but I still don't trust it. Like all vehicles with cameras, if they get dirty, many of the automation functions stop working. This happens in snowy conditions.

Remote start and other features are fine. My 2024 Subaru Outback though has more automations like setting the temperature and seat warmer on remotely and its half the price!

I still don't see many GX's on the road. At this point I think this truck is still novel. The Overtrail looks more macho, but few will ever go off road. The higher price tag for me was not worth it. I had my offroad fun with the Jeep.

 

[killy]

You can set all that stuff remotely on the GX too lol

 

[chris.gio]

Lexus doesn’t order specific cars they get whatever Lexus sends them and dole them out from there. There are no custom order GX’s.

I don’t understand this, any one know why? I’ve emailed Lexus asking, but no reply yet.

 

[killy]

I don’t understand this, any one know why? I’ve emailed Lexus asking, but no reply yet.

To save money and come in at a cheaper price point.

You know how expensive it is to have every other car coming down the assembly line have different options, paint, interior etc. each with a specific vin matches order assigned to a specific customer.

Lexus instead makes a huge batch of the same car, then switches to making a huge batch of a different spec of car.

The alternative? Be like Porsche and pay Porsche prices.

Customization is the enemy of mass production.

 

[jpto]

To save money and come in at a cheaper price point.

You know how expensive it is to have every other car coming down the assembly line have different options, paint, interior etc. each with a specific vin matches order assigned to a specific customer.

Lexus instead makes a huge batch of the same car, then switches to making a huge batch of a different spec of car.

The alternative? Be like Porsche and pay Porsche prices.

Customization is the enemy of mass production.

Production quality is also higher when you have like six possible trims vs the millions of possible configs you get with the German makes.

 

[KAR120C]

I don’t understand this, any one know why? I’ve emailed Lexus asking, but no reply yet.

My dealer said 2 things. One, they can't keep up with demand and know they will sell every one they make regardless of how they are equipped. Two, when they turn in their "requests" from customers for certain trims and features this information is consolidated and eventually makes it's way back up the chain and the planners can make the long term decisions on product mix going down the lines.

I suspect part of the reason is also supply chain. Just-in-time inventories are more difficult to manage since parts suppliers are seeing longer times all the way through the chain. So factory production planners have to plan much further in advance than in the past.

 

[incognito.gx]

I don’t understand this, any one know why? I’ve emailed Lexus asking, but no reply yet.

Supply vs Demand

 

[vraa]

Remote start and other features are fine. My 2024 Subaru Outback though has more automations like setting the temperature and seat warmer on remotely and its half the price!

You need to have your dealer do this

https://support.lexus.com/s/dealer-web-to-case

It is a well-known issue to technology specialists, they need to work with Lexus to change "feature flags"

 

[YellowLab]

Posting this here in the TALK section instead of PURCHASING section, but crosses both topics.

After getting a run around from my local dealer about not knowing when allocations will come, with guess of wait maybe 2-3 years, and a few markup add-ons, with $2k non-refundable deposit, I decided to head to a slightly bigger dealer more towards the downtown area.

The director at this 2nd dealer was not only super chill, but it was too easy to ask about when I could get a GX. He asks for my driver's license ands starts adding my order into his system, without even discussing what the deposit is, markup add-ons, wait lists/times.

I tell him about my experience from the other dealer, and he said here no problem, I get an allocation for your trim, I call you, even if it is not your colour, you like you take, you don't like you continue to wait. Claimed that most likely will not be several years to wait, will likely land on something that fits close.

Then I ask him how many he sells, he tells me 5-6 per year, wait what ? I ask him about his wait list, he gives me a best guess of 50-60 ppl. That math does not look good. Tells me not to worry, will all work out in the end, because people are too picky and will end up waiting and I can bypass them.

Then we discuss trim, tells me that 70% of the ppl on his list want OT, so better chances to land an LUX+/Exec sooner, competing with less ppl on the whole list.

THEN THAT IS WHEN THINGS TAKE A TURN IN THE CHAT (hence this post) ....................

Dealer: Have you ever driven a GX ?
Me: No

Dealer: Hmm, have you ever driven a big truck ?
Me: Besides the occasional U-Haul, nothing like an Escalade, Yukon or F-150 no, let alone a GX, oh yeah an Isuzu Rodeo in my younger years

Dealer: I owned 3 GX's, '21, '22 and '24
Dealer: They are TERRIBLE to drive on public roads, pulls all over the place
Dealer: I workout and am in shape, and I had to drive it with 2 hands to keep it in the lane
Dealer: Bounces all over the place, pulls left and right, struggle is real
Dealer: My wife hated it

Dealer: Will you at least offload with it
Me: Not at all, zero interest, just own it for fun and going to work and long road trip vacations
Dealer: Hmm, well ok, your choice

Dealer: You know this truck is highly stolen right
Dealer: Those f***** are good, they will put a tracker on your truck and follow you everywhere
Dealer: Have a client who had his GX stolen 3 times, even with tracking on it
Dealer: Wife felt she was being followed all the time
Dealer: Did you check with your insurance, won't be cheap
Me: Yeah insurance not bad, close to the cost for a TX, aware of the high theft thing, very worrisome
Dealer: Ok, your choice, let's continue

Dealer: Have you driven a TX500h hybrid
Me: Only the TX350
Dealer: The TX350 is a cow, the 500h is an incredible drive, handles so well, super comfortable, lots of power, neighbour has one and the look is growing on me. Own an RX500 and want to upgrade to the TX500 next, amazing drive (with 4-wheel steering too)
Dealer: My wife said to me, I am done with this madness (GX), between horrible street driving/handling and high theft fear, change models

Me: How come you are willing to "sell" me a GX
Dealer: Simple, you will either lease or finance with us. If you were coming in here to pay cash, different story (export)
Me: How much for financing
Dealer: 6.9% for 72 months, $2200/mo (CAD) with zero down, can talk trade-in later

Me: Any mark-ups / add-ons
Dealer: Nothing, why would I do that, just the truck and a bit of luxury tax
Me: (thinking) probably making their money on the financing interest

Dealer: You know this thing is a gas guzzler right ?
Dealer: No joke, cost me minimum $160 - $180 (CAD) per week, was horrible.

You get the point here, the chat went on way more than the above, but in the end, he told me, I call you, you want it you take it, you don't want it, the next guy will take it. You change your mind and eventually want a TX down the road after impatiently waiting, can move your deposit to that. I can make you a deal on a future TX, zero deal on the GX.

Great looking truck, but is the drive really THAT BAD on the roads ???
Is the gas consumption really that bad ??
Are those who are financing paying that high of an interest rate with Lexus ??
Are some dealers allowing a cash purchase ??

That dealer is a complete dick -I'd find someplace else if you can

 

[Mike'sGX]

Posting this here in the TALK section instead of PURCHASING section, but crosses both topics.

After getting a run around from my local dealer about not knowing when allocations will come, with guess of wait maybe 2-3 years, and a few markup add-ons, with $2k non-refundable deposit, I decided to head to a slightly bigger dealer more towards the downtown area.

The director at this 2nd dealer was not only super chill, but it was too easy to ask about when I could get a GX. He asks for my driver's license ands starts adding my order into his system, without even discussing what the deposit is, markup add-ons, wait lists/times.

I tell him about my experience from the other dealer, and he said here no problem, I get an allocation for your trim, I call you, even if it is not your colour, you like you take, you don't like you continue to wait. Claimed that most likely will not be several years to wait, will likely land on something that fits close.

Then I ask him how many he sells, he tells me 5-6 per year, wait what ? I ask him about his wait list, he gives me a best guess of 50-60 ppl. That math does not look good. Tells me not to worry, will all work out in the end, because people are too picky and will end up waiting and I can bypass them.

Then we discuss trim, tells me that 70% of the ppl on his list want OT, so better chances to land an LUX+/Exec sooner, competing with less ppl on the whole list.

THEN THAT IS WHEN THINGS TAKE A TURN IN THE CHAT (hence this post) ....................

Dealer: Have you ever driven a GX ?
Me: No

Dealer: Hmm, have you ever driven a big truck ?
Me: Besides the occasional U-Haul, nothing like an Escalade, Yukon or F-150 no, let alone a GX, oh yeah an Isuzu Rodeo in my younger years

Dealer: I owned 3 GX's, '21, '22 and '24
Dealer: They are TERRIBLE to drive on public roads, pulls all over the place
Dealer: I workout and am in shape, and I had to drive it with 2 hands to keep it in the lane
Dealer: Bounces all over the place, pulls left and right, struggle is real
Dealer: My wife hated it

Dealer: Will you at least offload with it
Me: Not at all, zero interest, just own it for fun and going to work and long road trip vacations
Dealer: Hmm, well ok, your choice

Dealer: You know this truck is highly stolen right
Dealer: Those f***** are good, they will put a tracker on your truck and follow you everywhere
Dealer: Have a client who had his GX stolen 3 times, even with tracking on it
Dealer: Wife felt she was being followed all the time
Dealer: Did you check with your insurance, won't be cheap
Me: Yeah insurance not bad, close to the cost for a TX, aware of the high theft thing, very worrisome
Dealer: Ok, your choice, let's continue

Dealer: Have you driven a TX500h hybrid
Me: Only the TX350
Dealer: The TX350 is a cow, the 500h is an incredible drive, handles so well, super comfortable, lots of power, neighbour has one and the look is growing on me. Own an RX500 and want to upgrade to the TX500 next, amazing drive (with 4-wheel steering too)
Dealer: My wife said to me, I am done with this madness (GX), between horrible street driving/handling and high theft fear, change models

Me: How come you are willing to "sell" me a GX
Dealer: Simple, you will either lease or finance with us. If you were coming in here to pay cash, different story (export)
Me: How much for financing
Dealer: 6.9% for 72 months, $2200/mo (CAD) with zero down, can talk trade-in later

Me: Any mark-ups / add-ons
Dealer: Nothing, why would I do that, just the truck and a bit of luxury tax
Me: (thinking) probably making their money on the financing interest

Dealer: You know this thing is a gas guzzler right ?
Dealer: No joke, cost me minimum $160 - $180 (CAD) per week, was horrible.

You get the point here, the chat went on way more than the above, but in the end, he told me, I call you, you want it you take it, you don't want it, the next guy will take it. You change your mind and eventually want a TX down the road after impatiently waiting, can move your deposit to that. I can make you a deal on a future TX, zero deal on the GX.

Great looking truck, but is the drive really THAT BAD on the roads ???
Is the gas consumption really that bad ??
Are those who are financing paying that high of an interest rate with Lexus ??
Are some dealers allowing a cash purchase ??

Thanks for the comedy show. Couldn't stop laughing at that dealer's comments.
You're a great comedy writer.
..
Or that dealer is a complete jerk. RUN don't walk away from that dealer.

 

[markmanner]

I just got back from a 5,000 mile trip across the country, including driving on some off-road parts (not much, maybe 40 miles of that). Interstate, secondary roads, all types. Rain and shine. My GX550 OT+ drove great. I got it to replace a high performance sedan and a nice road type SUV so I'd have hopefully both in one package. It has done just that for me. Not sure why your dealer said all that.

 

[richord]

You can set all that stuff remotely on the GX too lol
View attachment 8170

Thanks! I thought you were joking about these settings, but this morning went on the app and found them! Since it was 14 F (-10C), this morning, it was well appreciated!!!

 

[WWoodyWood]

I wish my dealer would have warned me. My LUX + was the worst ride of any vehicle I’ve ever owned (a 99 Jeep Cherokee Sport that I had 20 years ago was more refined on the road). But to be fair, not every GX is that bad. I’ve since driven others that were far more normal. There are definitely a lot of quirky lemons out there and I just recommend test driving before you sign the paperwork.

As far as MPG goes, I was getting 13.5 here in the rolling hills of PA. My Defender 110 would average 17.8 for comparison.

 

[Zoom650]

Sorry, but I got a chuckle out of your narrative. My Overtrail drives nothing like that dealer described.

In fact, Overtrails suspension has been pretty damn impressive, taking turns and curves where there's a dip or drop off in the pavement like its nothing at all. My old Rav4 used to rattle your teeth doing the same. I've taken it offroad on wilderness trails and 4Low and the lockers work as advertised.

Is gas milage bad? Yep. But there's a lot of joy driving that cool truck. I live in a small community, so I don't put many miles on it unless I'm travelling.

Oh yeah, comparing to my F150 Lariat, the old Ford probably has a more comfy ride and the seats are better, but it's the suspension on the GX that really makes it shine.

 

[incognito Danny]

Coming from a Lexus NX and Toyota Tacoma, our GX feels like our previous 2019 Tacoma TRD off road. Soaked up all big bumps amazing on road. Also remember GX has 11 different drive modes and we keep it in comfort mode most of the time. Gas mpg is OK for me, I own a TRX and that pig has no respect for MPG lol. Love that my GX doesn't have the annoying auto start/stop feature so might be less fuel efficient but at least I dont have to turn off that feature every time I drive the GX. Overall very happy with our GX 550 OT+.

 

[sel]

Coming from a Lexus NX and Toyota Tacoma, our GX feels like our previous 2019 Tacoma TRD off road. Soaked up all big bumps amazing on road. Also remember GX has 11 different drive modes and we keep it in comfort mode most of the time. Gas mpg is OK for me, I own a TRX and that pig has no respect for MPG lol. Love that my GX doesn't have the annoying auto start/stop feature so might be less fuel efficient but at least I dont have to turn off that feature every time I drive the GX. Overall very happy with our GX 550 OT+.

Have OT+ and drives smooth as silk. Coming from ~15 years in a couple of 4Runners, so the upgrade is noticeable. OT tires absorb the shock of potholes and run well on smooth roads. Storage, backseat legroom, HVAC, MPG not the best.