GX550 vs LX600 (1 Viewer)

[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.

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...

 

[Sinister]

LX600 F T W every time. I looked at the GX550 a couple weeks ago, not even close. IMHO the LX is a far better/nicer vehicle.

 

[VLX]

LX600 F T W every time. I looked at the GX550 a couple weeks ago, not even close. IMHO the LX is a far better/nicer vehicle.

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.

 

[MRego]

Let me creep out of my hole and ask. Care to compare your GX550 with a 200 series (since it is basically the "new land cruiser") or with a GX460? Can of worms opened...You are all welcomed.

 

[Hiluxforever]

Let me creep out of my hole and ask. Care to compare your GX550 with a 200 series (since it is basically the "new land cruiser") or with a GX460? Can of worms opened...You are all welcomed.

I was going to do the same. Once I saw the LX OT option.

 

[185]

Let me creep out of my hole and ask. Care to compare your GX550 with a 200 series (since it is basically the "new land cruiser") or with a GX460? Can of worms opened...You are all welcomed.

I would rather you link this entire thread onto Lexus GX550 Community & News - https://www.lexusgxforum.com/

and report back lol

 

[Oakleyguy]

Let me creep out of my hole and ask. Care to compare your GX550 with a 200 series (since it is basically the "new land cruiser") or with a GX460? Can of worms opened...You are all welcomed.

I can comment on that.

I like the GX but it feels 'hollow' compared to my LC200. The build quality and 'no expense spared' attitude is notably higher in my 200. The GX looks the business and I love Nori green, but there's a reason I'm offloading the GX and about to cough up a kidney for the LX7.

 

[Skiime]

Thanks for posting this. I've been trying to decide between the two, and it's hard to find any real comparison info. There are tons of GX550 pages, and most people give it rave reviews, but I think it's mostly because of the looks. I do think it's a good looking vehicle, but when I did sit in one, there was just something "cheap" about it. I'm going from a LC 200, so I still expect that level of quality. I haven't driven either of them yet, but my local dealer has demo vehicles of both, so I'll at least do my due diligence and give both a try. I don't have the time to go off-roading as much as I used to, so I most likely won't go too crazy with mods like my 200, but I'm sure I'll do some upgrades with whatever I get.
So, what was your reasoning in getting the F Sport vs Premium? Just curious because I see a lot of used F Sports for sale. I was thinking of getting a two year old LX, but honestly, I can probably get a new one for around $10k more, so not sure what I'll end up doing.
Any negatives on going with the LX in your opinion? Thanks!

 

[MRego]

There are tons of GX550 pages, and most people give it rave reviews, but I think it's mostly because of the looks

Not just that. Most of these reviews are biased, since they come from people who actually purchased the car. You would be surprised the lengths people will go to justify they purchases. Be careful with those. There are however some good examples of guys that traded in their 200s with a certain expectation from the Prado/GX550 and were let down big time. One even unwound the deal, and I think got his 200 back.

 

[Docyota]

I've chatted with some folks who've come from other brands (GM, Ford, Stellantis), and they've hopped in the Gx550 and thought they landed in heaven, the fit, finish, and ride were some much better.

I agree, nothing like a true LC200/LX570 or LC300/LX600. But let's be honest, the Gx550 is still quite a decent vehicle. I'd certainly drive one if I didn't have the option of an Lx600.

 

[Oakleyguy]

I've chatted with some folks who've come from other brands (GM, Ford, Stellantis), and they've hopped in the Gx550 and thought they landed in heaven, the fit, finish, and ride were some much better.

I agree, nothing like a true LC200/LX570 or LC300/LX600. But let's be honest, the Gx550 is still quite a decent vehicle. I'd certainly drive one if I didn't have the option of an Lx600.

Agreed.

 

[VLX]

Thanks for posting this. I've been trying to decide between the two, and it's hard to find any real comparison info. There are tons of GX550 pages, and most people give it rave reviews, but I think it's mostly because of the looks. I do think it's a good looking vehicle, but when I did sit in one, there was just something "cheap" about it. I'm going from a LC 200, so I still expect that level of quality. I haven't driven either of them yet, but my local dealer has demo vehicles of both, so I'll at least do my due diligence and give both a try. I don't have the time to go off-roading as much as I used to, so I most likely won't go too crazy with mods like my 200, but I'm sure I'll do some upgrades with whatever I get.
So, what was your reasoning in getting the F Sport vs Premium? Just curious because I see a lot of used F Sports for sale. I was thinking of getting a two year old LX, but honestly, I can probably get a new one for around $10k more, so not sure what I'll end up doing.
Any negatives on going with the LX in your opinion? Thanks!

I much prefer the F-Sport aesthetics and don't require anything more in terms of premium edition perks.

My 2023 LX F-Sport will get off-road rims and tires, and the incoming 2025 LX F-Sport will remain stock.

The GX550 is going back as soon as the replacement LX is delivered.

 

[Skiime]

I much prefer the F-Sport aesthetics and don't require anything more in terms of premium edition perks.

My 2023 LX F-Sport will get off-road rims and tires, and the incoming 2025 LX F-Sport will remain stock.

The GX550 is going back as soon as the replacement LX is delivered.

Thanks, I'm with you on the looks and not needing all the extra features.
Question about the AHC on the F-Sport though...I'm going from KDSS to AHC. Are you able to set it in a permanent higher position when driving, or does it always automatically adjust when driving? I'm just wondering if it rubs at lower heights if you have larger tires.

 

[Oakleyguy]

Thanks, I'm with you on the looks and not needing all the extra features.
Question about the AHC on the F-Sport though...I'm going from KDSS to AHC. Are you able to set it in a permanent higher position when driving, or does it always automatically adjust when driving? I'm just wondering if it rubs at lower heights if you have larger tires.

I believe the current gen AHC will hold H1 up to like 60mph+

There's always the option of doing a sensor lift to permanently set your 'normal' height.

 

[Skiime]

I believe the current gen AHC will hold H1 up to like 60mph+

There's always the option of doing a sensor lift to permanently set your 'normal' height.

But what would be the largest tires you can fit for "normal" height without rubbing? It looks like 285/65/18s and 285/55/20s fit?

 

[Oakleyguy]

But what would be the largest tires you can fit for "normal" height without rubbing? It looks like 285/65/18s and 285/55/20s fit?

Not exactly apples to apples right now; but I'm comfortably fitting a 275/70/18 KO2 on my stock wheels/stock suspension on the GX. I imagine a skinny 34" will probably fit. With the right wheel offset you may be able to run larger.

I know there were revisions to the body mounts on the LX7 but it's too soon to know if it'll aid or restrict tire size.

For what's it worth the 250 series can fit 35s stock with the right wheel offset.

 

[tbisaacs]

But what would be the largest tires you can fit for "normal" height without rubbing? It looks like 285/65/18s and 285/55/20s fit?

Ride height won’t really matter. The tire has to fit from bump stop to droop.

 

[Hiluxforever]

I parked next to a 550 with my 460 and it could fit a 285/75R17 if the offset is constrained. I bet skinny 35s would fit as well.

The j250 chassis also has a tighter scrub radius than a j150.

 

[URJ150L]

I believe the current gen AHC will hold H1 up to like 60mph+

There's always the option of doing a sensor lift to permanently set your 'normal' height.

H2 drops to h1 at 40 and h1 drops to n at 65… sensor lift gives an additional 1”.

 

[URJ150L]

But what would be the largest tires you can fit for "normal" height without rubbing? It looks like 285/65/18s and 285/55/20s fit?

Running 285/65/18s here and the is no rubbing… even when off roading, so no problem there. Next size up might be possible but I don’t know if it’d fit in the spare area.