GX550 vs LX600 (2 Viewers)

[VLX]

After owning the new GX550 OT+ for nearly 3 months and the LX600 F-Sport for 15 months I can now provide everyone with an honest review in terms of quality control and fit and finish.

Simply put, there are significant differences between the two: the GX550 has inferior paint quality, and materials are trash compared to the LX600. The hood on the GX550 is so thin that it will dent from any contact (e.g. acorns, twigs, hell if you sneeze hard enough it'll dent). I am actually shocked at how poor the quality of the GX550 is compared to the LX600.

In terms of ride quality, obviously the LX600 will be superior given the tires are for highway driving and not offroad, but the sound dampening on the LX600 is vastly superior, and the doors do not feel flimsly when you shut them as they do on the GX550.

Overall, I think it's very sad how Lexus has skimped on the quality of their latest GX550 offering, especially when comparing to their previous GX's which were all built like tanks.

I'm really unsatisfied with the GX550, but will keep it because I can't be bothered swapping out cars like that.
--> EDIT: the GX550 is going back to the dealer when my new 2025 LX600 F-Sport is delivered <--

Oh, and my GX550 left the factory with a paint imperfection where the license plate bracket mounts, which is inexcusable for such an overpriced vehicle (OT+ trim is close to $90k).

Thankfully, I mostly drive the LX600 and have no desire to drive the GX550 unless it's for actual offroading at which point I guess it will get banged up such that the subpar quality won't be as noticeable over time.

Lexus is going downhill.

Luxury problems...

 

[VLX]

PS I am just going to say it right here: the GX550 is a total PIECE OF F'ING SH*T.

I just came back from a quick drive and I was angry that Lexus dared manufacture this instead of the tank-like older generations. This is going to be the model that will sink their reliability reputation as every single one of these flimsy "off road" jalopies will look like golf balls within the year from the paper thin sheet metal used throughout; if you look at this sh*tbox wrong it'll dent.

I am seriously considering trading it for something else, maybe the new LX700 OT, but I am no fan of hybrids whatsoever, and after being subjected to this garbage from Lexus I may go try another brand altogether.

 

[TexasHusker]

My wife really likes the looks of the GX 550. That can cover a multitude of of sins, briefly. I drove one at a nearby dealership and was completely unimpressed. It felt bouncy and clunky, and the interior was super cheap. Plastic everywhere, inside and out. The aluminum can hood isn't exclusive to the GX - my LX has it, too. The hood is moving at highway speed - so much so that I stopped and checked the first time I drove it, to ensure that it was latched.

I'm with you on the GX. I've mentioned a Defender to my wife, and she says "oh no, those aren't good quality." Well, I'm wondering if it may be better quality than the GX.

I think Toyota went with "style over substance" on the LC/GX. Clearly, it's no Land Cruiser in the truest sense. Might have a LC badge, but I just don't see it. And the fact that the overall specs are practically identical to the upcoming 4-Runner, that will be tens of $ thousands less, tells you all you need to know: Toyota monetized the "Land Cruiser" moniker and did a bait-and-switch with Toyota customers.

 

[VLX]

My wife really likes the looks of the GX 550. That can cover a multitude of of sins, briefly. I drove one at a nearby dealership and was completely unimpressed. It felt bouncy and clunky, and the interior was super cheap. Plastic everywhere, inside and out. The aluminum can hood isn't exclusive to the GX - my LX has it, too. The hood is moving at highway speed - so much so that I stopped and checked the first time I drove it, to ensure that it was latched.

I'm with you on the GX. I've mentioned a Defender to my wife, and she says "oh no, those aren't good quality." Well, I'm wondering if it may be better quality than the GX.

I think Toyota went with "style over substance" on the LC/GX. Clearly, it's no Land Cruiser in the truest sense. Might have a LC badge, but I just don't see it. And the fact that the overall specs are practically identical to the upcoming 4-Runner, that will be tens of $ thousands less, tells you all you need to know: Toyota monetized the "Land Cruiser" moniker and did a bait-and-switch with Toyota customers.

Yes, but the LX hood is literally twice as thick as the GX!

I tapped the doors and hood of both side by side and the GX is utter f'ing trash!

No one should buy the GX!

Even the dealer was shocked when they tapped the GX's sheet metal.

F Toyota/Lexus.

 

[rexington14]

Disregarding the subjectivity of if the vehicle is actually trash or not... did you thoroughly inspect the vehicle and test drive it before deciding to purchase and fork over $80k? Seems like most (all?) of your complaints should have been realized during inspection & test drive - especially considering you already owned an LX600 for comparison sake.

It's a tough lesson but next time you are looking at a vehicle to buy you'll know what to do differently. Not uncommon for folks to eventually get burned here and regret vehicle purchases whether it's a $80k new car or a $6k used beater.

 

[VLX]

Disregarding the subjectivity of if the vehicle is actually trash or not... did you thoroughly inspect the vehicle and test drive it before deciding to purchase and fork over $80k? Seems like most (all?) of your complaints should have been realized during inspection & test drive - especially considering you already owned an LX600 for comparison sake.

It's a tough lesson but next time you are looking at a vehicle to buy you'll know what to do differently. Not uncommon for folks to eventually get burned here and regret vehicle purchases whether it's a $80k new car or a $6k used beater.

Actually, it's objective that the GX550 compared to the LX600 is total trash.

I am not burned financially because I can be made whole asap, i am just disgusted by the sh*t quality -- yes that is objective too.

 

[vraa]

I have both and have had both for multiple generations (LX and GX), I find the interior of the GX is lower quality, I don't think its trash though. I felt the car is very well built, especially for a first year release model. Most of my complaints are software related. I mentioned it's lower quality than the similarly priced Chevy trucks on facebook and I was told to buy the chevy trucks. I'd prefer Lexus make the GX more opulent on the inside, especially at the higher trim price points - I wouldn't mind an even more expensive trim level with even nicer leathers on the interior

 

[hoot504]

Reminds me of

 

[ppc]

I felt the car is very well built, especially for a first year release model.

I don't agree with this. Materials used, fit and finish don't change significantly until a redesign occurs several years down the road. There will be no difference in the second or third years. Only change will be in colors, different wheels styles etc.

 

[Lou Gill]

The new GX is what pushed me away from Lexus!

 

[TWILLY]

I love the all the fussiness on this thread.

Let’s hear more.

 

[MRego]

This weekend I was finally able to test drive an LX600 for the first time. I also sat on a GX (did not drive it - more on that later).

Let me start by saying, IMO there is absolutely no comparison between the LX and GX. I currently own a 200LCHE and the LX made me consider the trade. The 200HE is my dream car, but I felt the same great things I feel on the 200 in the LX with the added bonus of a much nimbler car and that engine humpf that sometimes I miss in the 200. I did feel sitting in a 6 figures car. Everything drum tight and the materials are simply superior to anything else in that price range. Say what you want about the LX engine with the production issues of the 2022 models, but it is a step up from the reliable V8. I did get the same "bank vault" feeling in the LX, but without the particularly heavy steering of the 200 and much less "boat-like" feeling in sharp turns.

The only thing I hate on the LX is the price tag. Still can't justify 6 figures for a car, so I am going to play the wait game and keep checking when the pre-owned 2023s dip below $100ks (some are already) closer to the low $90ks. I would hate to see my 200HE go, but a good deal on the LX gives me the (IMO) perfect modern road trip assist (lane center, stop and go ACC, etc) and off-road capabilities with the hefty that I love so much about the 200. I may get burned about the engine with the recall being extended to the 2023s, but the more the time passes, the less worries about this I feel. To me, Lexus/Toyo would have already identified issues with the 2023s and include them in the recall.

As to the GX, let's just say there is a reason why I did not even bother driving it. It is not even close to either the 200 or the LX600 in terms of...let's say...everything-except-price-tag. I much rather, ten times more, pay low $90ks on a lightly grocery getter LX than on a brand spanking new GX. In no way that is a replacement for a 200 series, but I will not raise "that" issue again.

 

[stiffarm]

My wife really likes the looks of the GX 550. That can cover a multitude of of sins, briefly. I drove one at a nearby dealership and was completely unimpressed. It felt bouncy and clunky, and the interior was super cheap. Plastic everywhere, inside and out. The aluminum can hood isn't exclusive to the GX - my LX has it, too. The hood is moving at highway speed - so much so that I stopped and checked the first time I drove it, to ensure that it was latched.

I'm with you on the GX. I've mentioned a Defender to my wife, and she says "oh no, those aren't good quality." Well, I'm wondering if it may be better quality than the GX.

I think Toyota went with "style over substance" on the LC/GX. Clearly, it's no Land Cruiser in the truest sense. Might have a LC badge, but I just don't see it. And the fact that the overall specs are practically identical to the upcoming 4-Runner, that will be tens of $ thousands less, tells you all you need to know: Toyota monetized the "Land Cruiser" moniker and did a bait-and-switch with Toyota customers.

To stop the hood flutter, maybe some foam insulation can be installed tin strategic locations under the hood o create a crush zone and provide stability.

 

[vraa]

I don't agree with this. Materials used, fit and finish don't change significantly until a redesign occurs several years down the road. There will be no difference in the second or third years. Only change will be in colors, different wheels styles etc.

I had a first year Mercedes convertible which had plenty of issues, all the later year runs on all Ferrari models tend to have the issues sorted out

I don't expect the 2025 GX to have the brake squeal, the cookie sheet rubbing sound, or the massage seat issues

 

[carboncycles]

The hood flutter reminds me of the infamous hood flutter Jeeps suffered. At least until they put in the side vents to help stabilize the air pressure between the engine bay and outside.

 

[Lou Gill]

To stop the hood flutter, maybe some foam insulation can be installed tin strategic locations under the hood o create a crush zone and provide stability.

So spend $75-90,000 on a new car and start packing it with your own foam

 

[Specialeyes]

So spend $75-90,000 on a new car and start packing it with your own foam

Exactly. I’ve read similar comments on Reddit and Lexus specific forums about things like adding foam, glue, and all these other jerry rig remedies like it’s no big deal. Ummm you just paid $80k for a luxury SUV. It’s unacceptable.

 

[Noctilucent]

Yes, but the LX hood is literally twice as thick as the GX!

I tapped the doors and hood of both side by side and the GX is utter f'ing trash!

No one should buy the GX!

Even the dealer was shocked when they tapped the GX's sheet metal.

F Toyota/Lexus.

You should have known the GX is the nimble Light Duty Land Cruiser, not the LX, which is more like an elephant of a station wagon with thick skin.

 

[krice118]

just keep buying 200s and you’ll have less to complain about.

 

[VWEeplusa]

just keep buying 200s and you’ll have less to complain about.

I still say we gotta stop comparing the GX550/LC250 to the 200. It’s doing these new models a disservice. They aren’t a LX600/LC300.

I have a GX OT+ and 200. Love them both for vastly different reasons. Frustrated by aspects of them both for vastly different reasons.