I’m not saying they upfit anything but as the vehicles share more and more components maybe the difference between light and heavy duty narrows.
2018 200 series vs GX550 (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter firefly450
- Start date
-
- Tags
- 200 series 2018 gx550 series vs
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I agree that the weight and capacities between the two is likely closer in this generation.
More beef showing up as weight is just one of the solutions to heavier and higher duty cycles. As others pointed out, higher end materials, design, and processes plays a role that doesn't show up in weight. For those that really use the truck in HD fashion and build to higher extremes like fitting 37s, the 300-series will stand out.
To your point, most owners don't push their rigs to extremes. So the real functional difference between the two models may only come down to bragging rights?
In the current GX460 generation, limitations in structure and capacities have them realistically building to 34s max, before the spindle, steering rack, and axles become weak points. We've seen the 200-series fitted with 37s and still put up with the abuse of a full blown Baja 1000. There will still be a difference in the newest generation.
Last edited:
I am a huge fan of the new GX, best looking and capable Lexus ever... HOWEVER much like the 300 series, these new vehicles are smaller inside. Comparing to the 200, especially in the rear seat (2nd row) space is much more limited. Interestingly enough, one element that the numbers don't show is the fact that the second row of the 200 slides, the spec numbers use the forward position...and now that Lexus has posted specs for the GX550, we can make these comparisons... Overall 200 Wins, interestingly, the 550 beats the 600, but mostly due to leg and head room... This is very confusing
As for off-road capabilities, the GX550 , especially Overtrail, is the best you can get from Toyota/Lexus and much better than the new 250 LC.
As for off-road capabilities, the GX550 , especially Overtrail, is the best you can get from Toyota/Lexus and much better than the new 250 LC.
This reads like a comment on Fox News articles
... what me worry?I just went through a similar search, but it was between a 2018-21 LC, a 2018-21 LX570, and 2024 LX600. The GX550 is delayed and won't start showing up in showrooms until April (per my Lexus dealer), and it's not clear when you will be able to get one given the wait lists, so I didn't even consider that. Ultimately I pulled the trigger on a well maintained 2018 LC in black (as you noted, that seemed to be one of the most prevalent colors available). My thinking with the 200 is the known reliability and the fact it is one of the last years with the storied V8 engine. Planning to upgrade to Apple Carplay, but otherwise plan no Mods. It is now my daily driver and I only put on about 7500 miles/yr on average, so should it should have a lot of life left. If they ever bring the 300 Series back to the US I will probably upgrade and keep this as our third car (eventually would be my son's car). Happy hunting.
I have been debating several options
Option 1- Keep the 200 and BMW Z4
Option 2 - Keep the 200 and replace Z4 with 2024 Tacoma Offroad
Option 3 Replace the 200 with the GX550 and keep the Z4
Not evaluating those here, BUT in most places I see comments that the reason to upgrade from the 200 to GX550 is the outdated Infotainment system. That is an easy mod documented in the FAQ, even in an older 2014 cruiser
Option 1- Keep the 200 and BMW Z4
Option 2 - Keep the 200 and replace Z4 with 2024 Tacoma Offroad
Option 3 Replace the 200 with the GX550 and keep the Z4
Not evaluating those here, BUT in most places I see comments that the reason to upgrade from the 200 to GX550 is the outdated Infotainment system. That is an easy mod documented in the FAQ, even in an older 2014 cruiser
Agreed. The infotainment isn't a dealbreaker on the 200-series for me as there's several workaround including what you posted. I find that I like to use phone directly when it's placed well, high and next to the steering wheel. Even as I have an Tesla style screen too. Everything is where I expect it to be and the interface is something I use all day long. What I need from the infotainment is BT connectivity to channel audio.
It's a slippery slope to replace a car on account of just the infotainment. These things change so fast that a new car could be outdated in short order. It's hard to foresee but carplay/android auto, could see changes that'll break in later years.
Interestingly I'm similarly considering options on how to move forward with my two cars, LX570 and 996 Turbo. I see the GX550 as a downgrade next to my LX. LX600 is a lateral move that doesn't necessarily improve off-road chops. Where I am is to replace the 911 with a Cybertruck that better balances the LX570s weaknesses (speed and efficiency) and expands on the utility of the 911 that is a self indulgence that my wife and daughter could care less about, and only my son enjoys with me. Back to infotainment, the Tesla implementation is the only UI that I rather use than my phone.
Selling the 911, the mother of all sports car, sigh
Selling the 911, the mother of all sports car, sigh
It's bordering on sacrilege and I'm having a hard time coming to terms with it. There won't be another period correct analogue manual 700hp coilovered like it for me.
I originally was going to get rid of the 200-series for the CT. But the CT won't do what the 200-series does for me and the family on our off-road and towing adventures. The 200-series is that good and I'm not sure there is another single anything including the LX600 or GX550 that could do what it does so well.
What I should do is just keep the 911 and put it aside. Problem is that CA smog is becoming an issue. Even though it's smogged in its state of tune for almost a decade now, it has a tune for 1000cc injectors that I can't just flash the OEM tune back to pass smog. Yes, it's a self induced problem but I like my cars turned up to 11. CA is sniffing the software checksum on ECUs and there's no way to get around that short of getting rid of the big injectors that are there for the big turbos.
Agree the 200 in any version LX or LC pre or post 2016 is awesome and ahead of the new kids on the block, or at least no reason to make any rapid changes.
I guess you could wait getting a cybertruck until nuclear fusion is reality, at which point it actually makes sense IMO.
Good luck “amputating” the 911…
Last edited:
How much you selling it for?
Haven't looked into the market yet but hoping for reasonable market value. PM if you're interested and I can provide more info.
I very much like the fact my 200 is overbuild when I drive over poor road surfaces (secondary roads in TX often in poor state) or tow our travel trailer.
I agree the infotainment system is not a good reason by itself to change vehicles. I just put my iPad Pro 11 over the factory nav area (nice fit) held on with the magnetic case, and I’m good to go with any uses I need. And bonus, I’m super familiar with the iPad so no learning curve.
Last edited:
Switch your registration to South Dakota since it’s ever so slightly less conspicuous than Montana. Solved.
Seems like a lot of money to waste on a new car just for a screen……
I have been looking at getting a 2024 Tacoma TRD Off Road as my daily driver and keep the 200 for off road adventures and towing my Karavan. I likely will wheel it locally now and then just to see 
Although I will likely use the 200 for when adults are sitting in the back as there is more room.
The Tacoma is now very similar to the LC 250. Same engine and drive train for Hybrid Models and even better departure angles and ground clearance. Longer wheel base though. It is built in Mexico vs the LC being built in Japan.
I find the similarities a very smart and cost effective move by Toyota. It also benefits the consumer with a wider application of the components in your vehicle making them more robust, or faster learning curve to improve them.
Although I will likely use the 200 for when adults are sitting in the back as there is more room.The Tacoma is now very similar to the LC 250. Same engine and drive train for Hybrid Models and even better departure angles and ground clearance. Longer wheel base though. It is built in Mexico vs the LC being built in Japan.
I find the similarities a very smart and cost effective move by Toyota. It also benefits the consumer with a wider application of the components in your vehicle making them more robust, or faster learning curve to improve them.
