I just drove the GX 550 and left disappointed. (1 Viewer)

[tincan45]

I got the call last week that a demo GX 550 arrived at my local dealer and it was available for a test drive. After months of anticipation I was excited to get behind the wheel on Friday. I have an incognito overtrail due to arrive any day. This GX would replace my wife's current GX (2022 premium) and I thought it would be a great upgrade. Turns out, we both still favor the 460 over the new 550 for several reasons...

I'll admit the primary reason was price. When we got on the allocation list almost a year ago we had no idea what features would be on individual packages. In order to get the features my wife wanted we were looking at an 80K+ build at substantially higher interest rates. We purchased her 2022 in November of 2021 and had no choice but to pay MSRP 63K (Covid shortages) but got it @ 2% interest. We put 20K down and had a reasonable payment all things considered. Fast forward to today's market and our 2022 has lost 20K in equity in 2 years (something that's never happened in 25 years of buying Lexus/Toyota) plus we are looking at much higher rates of 5-7%. The cost of the vehicle with similar features is now 20K more. I put pencil to paper and quickly realized there was no way I could make a reasonable deal work out. Granted, everyone's financial situation is different, but it just seemed like a stupid purchase for me.

Now for all the negative subjective items:

1- Side mirrors were terrible. The FJ style mirrors are almost useless.
2 - Interior seemed much smaller. The center console is wider, but I felt much more confined in the 550 compared to the 460.
3 - Fit and Finish Felt like a 4runner not a Lexus with lots of mat black plastic and vegan leather. This doesn't feel luxury at all. While I didn't mind it, my wife sure noticed it.
4 - This is nit picking, but the hood sheet metal is so thin it flops around as you drive. I found it distracting and didn't feel like solid Lexus/Toyota feel I've come to expect.
5 - Tech is cumbersome. Dumb things like change seat heat/vent were not obvious without some fiddling and the QI charger was in an awkward spot. Overall, tech was prob a net positive (see below)

Positives items:

1- The TTV6 has great power. The turbos really seem to bring it alive.
2 - The tailgate is SO much better, although we all wish it was a split-gate.
3 - The tech is much better: Usb-c and much needed update to the brand.
4 - Rear Lockers!
5 - It looks great

I'm curious if I'm the only one walking away from the new 250 model. I know I was the second person that day to walk away from an allocation order so if anyone is looking, you might want to call Lexus of Tulsa and see if you can jump on either the Black LUX+ or the Incog Overtrail that are now available. I suspect they will go the next person on a long list.

 

[GXO]

I haven't driven a 550 on purpose at this point. We drove the LX600 in a preview event and it was nice, but not what we expected. We had similar opinions about the LX as you described in the GX.

 

[Phillyd2]

It’s cost should be a completely separate issue from drivability and performance impressions.

 

[tincan45]

I haven't driven a 550 on purpose at this point. We drove the LX600 in a preview event and it was nice, but not what we expected. We had similar opinions about the LX as you described in the GX.

Same. I mean a 2021 LX570 is now in the 60's and it's twice the vehicle in terms of drivability. Not to mention, the build quality. It may be lacking the new tech, but that really isn't why I buy these vehicles. It even justifies the extra fuel cost of the thirsty 5.7.

It could also be that I'm becoming the "old guy" who doesn't appreciate all this new stuff and it time to let the next gen show their stuff.

It’s cost should be a completely separate issue from drivability and performance impressions.

Fair point, but it wasn't the only reason. I might have spent the money if it checked more boxes in terms of drivability, when you spend that kind of money you tend to expect more.

 

[Cablebandit]

It’s cost should be a completely separate issue from drivability and performance impressions.

yeah, buying new cars every 3 years is never going to make financial sense.

 

[M1911]

1- Side mirrors were terrible. The FJ style mirrors are almost useless.
2 - Interior seemed much smaller. The center console is wider, but I felt much more confined in the 550 compared to the 460.

That wasn’t my experience. I didn’t have any problem with the side mirrors and the interior space seemed similar to my 200. Both times I test drove the GX I backed up while parking it and used the side mirrors — they are generously sized, so I don’t understand what problem you were having with them.

The interior of my 200 might be slightly wider, but I still had plenty of space in the GX550.

2 - The tailgate is SO much better, although we all wish it was a split-gate.

While I personally prefer a lifting tailgate to the side-hinged door of the GX 460, I think that is a personal decision. I’ve had regular lifting tailgates, like on my 03 4Runner. I’ve had the split tailgate in my 200. I think it is an exaggeration to say “we all wish it was a split-gate". Personally, I’m indifferent. A lifting tailgate with opening rear glass is just fine for me, and it is cheaper and easier to motorize when you have just a single moving tailgate and don’t have to sequence two different moving pieces. The lifting tailgate also lets you get about a foot closer into the cargo area, as you don’t have to lean over the lower half of the open split-gate.

I will admit there is a coolness factor to the split-gate, but there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

 

[tincan45]

it is cheaper and easier to motorize when you have just a single moving tailgate and don’t have to sequence to different moving pieces.

cheaper for who? You or Toyota? Again, all this stuff is subjective.

 

[M1911]

cheaper for who? You or Toyota?

It's cheaper to design and manufacture and Toyota will pass on cost increases to the customer. Is the added cost worth it to you? That's a personal decision.

From a functional perspective, I don't see a whole lot of difference. As long as the top glass is opening, I can put groceries in without lifting up the entire hatch, and the lower portion keeps anything inside from falling out. One thing I'm not as much of a fan of on the GX 550 is that to open the glass you have to push the button at the left, and then move your had to the wiper to pull up the glass. On the 200, you just reach under the center section, press the button, and pull -- that's easier to use in my opinion.

The split-gate is a little better if you are going to sit on it, and when I'm in an action pit at the shooting range the split-gate lower half makes a nice table that is easy to reach. Like I said, advantages and disadvantages, but either works for me. YMMV.

 

[OSS]

The most convenient aspect of the split tailgate is having a little seat or workbench or table to use when camping. Its pretty crucial.

Also it’s an excellent standing platform for rearranging gear on the rear of a roof rack.
Except for standing and sitting, it’s mostly used as a little table connected securely to the rear of the vehicle. I don’t see why an aftermarket manufacturer couldn’t fabricate a little shelf thing that’s stored up folded inside but can be deployed outward to act as a nice little table too. Made of aluminum.

If somebody (a company) made a sweet design for a mini rear table for these new vehicles, I know they’d sell a ton of them.

 

[M1911]

The most convenient aspect of the split tailgate is having a little seat or workbench or table to use when camping. It’s pretty crucial.

I don’t camp.

But I do use it as a table. For me it isn’t a make or break issue.

For getting things off the top of the truck, I’m either standing on my rock sliders or opening a rear side door and standing on the sill.

 

[TexasFunRunner]

I sat in the prototype at the Dallas Auto Show in February, I too was not impressed, the driver's seat felt like a school bus bench seat. I gave it the benefit of doubt since it was a prototype, but...

For those that have sat in the production models, is the driver's seat plusher, or does it still feel like a school bus bench seat?

 

[M1911]

I sat in the prototype at the Dallas Auto Show in February, I too was not impressed, the driver's seat felt like a school bus bench seat. I gave it the benefit of doubt since it was a prototype, but...

For those that have sat in the production models, is the driver's seat plusher, or does it still feel like a school bus bench seat?

I found it to be comfortable. There are some car seats that are softer and some that are firmer. The 200’s seat cushions are a bit overly soft for my taste. I prefer a somewhat firmer seat. The GX 550’s seat felt to me to be on the firmer side.

 

[OSS]

- also… on a new vehicle, the new shocks, springs AND foam used in the cushions all will break in and become more supple with time.
Everything is much more firm on a brand new unused vehicle.

 

[TexasFunRunner]

It's cheaper to design and manufacture

As someone who has been part of or led many a design rodeos, it's not actually cheaper to design something with added complexity, motor(s), gear(s) or cable(s) train, control electronics, switches, interconnects (so the door does not open while in gear or the vehicle locked), etc, not to mention the added schedule time.

 

[Specialeyes]

I sat in the prototype at the Dallas Auto Show in February, I too was not impressed, the driver's seat felt like a school bus bench seat. I gave it the benefit of doubt since it was a prototype, but...

For those that have sat in the production models, is the driver's seat plusher, or does it still feel like a school bus bench seat?

That one at the Dallas show was pretty meh but then again it was a pre production prototype and auto show models tend to not look their best with everyone doing who knows what with their hygiene climbing in and out of them. That being said I too felt there was less emphasis on lux and more on utility which isn't necessarily a bad thing, overall I still felt it to be "lux enough" for my liking anyway. I will add going over to the LX600 that was next to it there was an immediate jump in quality of materials and fit/finish but again... flagship production model vs step down pre production.

I really wanted to check out the interior of the Nori OT I saw at my local dealer the other day but they had it locked up due to already being sold. I thought it looked fantastic on the outside!

 

[tincan45]

For those that have sat in the production models, is the driver's seat plusher, or does it still feel like a school bus bench seat?

I wouldn't say school bus, but it wasn't Lexus comfort. We drove the 460 to the demo and getting back into the 460 directly after being in the 550, the 460 seat was more comfortable. 4runner utility vibes for sure. My wife only weighs 125 lbs, and she seemed to think they were on the firm side. I'm 6'1 230 so I tend to be hard on seats, I'll be ordering new foam and leather for the driver seat on the LX soon. @wiseinvestor replaced foam on his LC and gained an inch or two in driving height....so, yes, these degrade over time.

 

[shane0mack]

I drove an Overtrail a couple days ago. Considering I drive a slightly resto modded 80, it did feel like an immense upgrade. I can imagine a 460 would feel a helluva lot closer. Saying that, I've driven a few 460s and I prefer a lot of the 550 aspects like the power and the greenhouse. The view from the driver's seat was great for a 2024 car. It's not roomy upfront, but I liked how it felt.

The power and overall drivability is better than both the 460 and maybe even a 200. I don't have a ton of time in a 200, but I really liked the power and how planted it felt in sport mode. I think I'll take the plunge once I sell my rig and an Overtrail in Earth comes in. I'd be quite pleased with it as my car for the next 15 years.

 

[Adam R]

O.K. Losing $20K in a depreciating asset in 2.5 years sounds about right on a new vehicle.
Swapping out vehicles after 2.5 years of ownership and complaining about taking a bath, that's kinda expected.
Complaining about interest rates....remember that when it comes time to vote later this year.

I spend more time over on the Ford Powerstroke forums, but threads such as these are pretty common over there. Plenty of people seem to look at financing as a way of life and frequently buy way more truck than they need and then they swap them out like underwear every couple of years.

Honestly, if you like the 460, keep driving it. I'm sure it's a nice vehicle and you'll be money ahead if you quit buying the next newest gadget every few years.

I showed my wife a pic of the GX 550 and said this is the next vehicle we are getting for her and she said she likes her 25 year old 330,000 mile 100 series. It drives nearly a good as most newer vehicles out there. So long as it has heated seats, she's pretty content. Also, since I travel for work frequently, I drive a lot of rentals and very few of them compare to our "ancient" Landcruiser. It may not have the latest gadgets inside, but it does everything we ask of it very well and maintenance/repair wise, it's been outstanding. It will become mine when we spring for a 550 in a year or two.

 

[M1911]

As someone who has been part of or led many a design rodeos, it's not actually cheaper to design something with added complexity, motor(s), gear(s) or cable(s) train, control electronics, switches, interconnects (so the door does not open while in gear or the vehicle locked), etc, not to mention the added schedule time.

Huh?

With a one piece tailgate, there is one motor, one set of hinges, one latch, one set of stops, and sensors for just that one tailgate.

With a spilt tailgate there are two motors, two sets of hinges, three latches, two sets of stops, sensors for the top and bottom, and a logic board to sequence the closing so the bottom piece closes first.

And you are telling me that the more complex system is no more expensive to design than the simpler system? I find that rather hard to believe.

 

[tincan45]

O.K. Losing $20K in a depreciating asset in 2.5 years sounds about right on a new vehicle.
Swapping out vehicles after 2.5 years of ownership and complaining about taking a bath, that's kinda expected.
Complaining about interest rates....remember that when it comes time to vote later this year.

I spend more time over on the Ford Powerstroke forums, but threads such as these are pretty common over there. Plenty of people seem to look at financing as a way of life and frequently buy way more truck than they need and then they swap them out like underwear every couple of years.

Honestly, if you like the 460, keep driving it. I'm sure it's a nice vehicle and you'll be money ahead if you quit buying the next newest gadget every few years.

I showed my wife a pic of the GX 550 and said this is the next vehicle we are getting for her and she said she likes her 25 year old 330,000 mile 100 series. It drives nearly a good as most newer vehicles out there. So long as it has heated seats, she's pretty content. Also, since I travel for work frequently, I drive a lot of rentals and very few of them compare to our "ancient" Landcruiser. It may not have the latest gadgets inside, but it does everything we ask of it very well and maintenance/repair wise, it's been outstanding. It will become mine when we spring for a 550 in a year or two.

I can't disagree. All my cars are high mileage, 100 is at 265K and the 200 is 130K and I enjoy them. The wife puts lots of miles on her cars at 20K a year so I don't mind having one newer vehicle with a moderate payment. Not to mention - She's bougie....see conversation below.