Knock me off the fence with GX to LX indecision... (1 Viewer)

[KShorthairs]

Ok first off I know it is my choice and all that stuff. Here is my backstory should you care- I had many Toyotas before ending up with my 2021 GX. It was going to be a temporary vehicle until I got the new GX or LC. With all of the recent hoopla about the 3.4, I am out on that idea for a long while.

I have owned one LX470 and two LX 570s- an 08 and a 13 I had for the longest time. I even had a GX 470 for a while after I had my FJ building phase ( now my son's car). I like the 5.7 in the LX but I do not tow with it. I have a 21 Tundra TRD Pro or a farm truck for towing.

For some reason I keep thinking I need an LX again when the GX is doing everything I need. We just took it on a 2500 mile excursion in CO and it served us well. We are a 3 person family who don't travel with the dogs. And if I need a brute, I have the Tundra.

Why do I keep looking on the other side of the fence? Is it because I am an insatiable american consumer based a******? Yes- you can answer - I do value thoughts that are not my own. Even dissenting opinions. The feedback you get here is usually worthy!

I'm leaning towards keeping the GX. It has 35k on it and I have it the way I want it for now- just 33s.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kpz1234]

I went 100 Series to GX460... I do a lot of traveling on back roads and that little bit of skinniness makes me feel a little better when I have a big rig coming the other way on a no shoulder back country road. I know that may seem silly as it's only 2.2 inches. That little boost in MPG doesn't hurt either. I'd keep the GX based on the gas alone.

 

[KShorthairs]

You know - we were just on quite a few passes and backroads all over CO where I met people coming the other way and I was not to wanting to be any wider. And yes, the extra range with the better mileage helps on those very same trips.

The one thing that pisssed my wife off is I mounted a new BFG 265/70/18 on a factory rim for a full sized spare and had nowhere to put the thing. I strapped it down and put a small sheet of plywood on top. The tire stunk I was told... Worth it for the peace of mind. Have to address that if keeping GX.

 

[KShorthairs]

I guess I should ad that I am looking at a few late teens LX trucks and one 20. The only reason I am looking is that the GX was just going to be temporary until I got a new GX 550. She got her RXh and I was going to wait. After spending a good bit of time with it (GX), I am not sure I'm going to leave the GX camp. I have a severe case of upgrade-itis with all things but this GX seems to be in the Goldilocks zone for many areas in the off-road or overloading use.

Do you guys let your minds wander and hope for an LX, or have you decided the GX is it?

The difference in price would be a good start towards a 60 or 80 build with a V8...

 

[jonshonda]

I like the GX as it's the perfect size for my family and garage. The KDSS is great for on road manners, and it has good power and enough room for most stuff. I don't know that anyone here can convince you to change or not change your mind, but if you are like me sometimes the only thing that will make you happy is getting what you want.

 

[kpz1234]

You know - we were just on quite a few passes and backroads all over CO where I met people coming the other way and I was not to wanting to be any wider. And yes, the extra range with the better mileage helps on those very same trips.

The one thing that pisssed my wife off is I mounted a new BFG 265/70/18 on a factory rim for a full sized spare and had nowhere to put the thing. I strapped it down and put a small sheet of plywood on top. The tire stunk I was told... Worth it for the peace of mind. Have to address that if keeping GX.

I went down to 17" wheels and put 265/70R17 on my GX. It does fit in the spare area if you put one side in first, and it's a better ride than the 18's in my opinion.

 

[MrTorgue]

I went down to 17" wheels and put 265/70R17 on my GX. It does fit in the spare area if you put one side in first, and it's a better ride than the 18's in my opinion.

View attachment 3664253

I concur about going with 17's. I also went with 265/70/17's and the ride improved on the paved stuff. These GX's have amazing road manners.

 

[jdam]

You know - we were just on quite a few passes and backroads all over CO where I met people coming the other way and I was not to wanting to be any wider. And yes, the extra range with the better mileage helps on those very same trips.

The one thing that pisssed my wife off is I mounted a new BFG 265/70/18 on a factory rim for a full sized spare and had nowhere to put the thing. I strapped it down and put a small sheet of plywood on top. The tire stunk I was told... Worth it for the peace of mind. Have to address that if keeping GX.

The money you would spend/lose towards trading for an LX could easily net you a new rear bumper with integrated tire carrier. Expedition One makes one where the swingout is integrated into the door so there's not any extra steps involved. It's also the biggest problem with mine and it's currently just strapped to the inside.

That being said, I have a 2022 GX as well and also keep looking towards the other side. Probably because of the "heritage" but honestly for me there isn't anything the 200 can do that the 150 can't, with exception of the split tailgate. The barn door is equally as useful, if a bit unwieldy.

 

[185]

nice GX. I would go the LX for the extended width, hydraulic ride, auto brake hold, and rear split tailgate. Its a wee bit more practical to live with on the tarmac, especially if you do alot of highway road trips.

The GX is still a great nimble truck, so you are not dropping the proverbial ball either way.

 

[re_guderian]

I've had 4 Land Cruisers, 60, 80, and two 100 series before the GX. With the family gone, and not hauling Boy Scouts around anymore, I do not miss the extra space on the LC platform. I'll stick to the GX from here on out, probably. Even with a lift and 275/70/17's it rides amazing on the highway for extended road trips from AZ to TX, will do 100 mph with ease (and corresponding dismal MPG's). With CC, KDSS, and MTS, it off roads better than all my other cruisers (except maybe the triple factory locked 80, but that's not my style of wheeling anymore). Can't think of a reason to pony up the extra dollars for the LX. Nice? Sure. Is the GX nice enough? Yep. And the whole matching spare concern is an overblown, mid-life crisis man-handwringing-thing, just trying to justify $olution$ that co$t $tupid money and decrease the utility of the rig. Put the biggest spare up there you can fit, and drive on!

 

[r2m]

My wife and I both had our own 100 series LC's, sold/traded them for a red crewcab Taco for her and a GX for me to build into our overlander.
The GX is my 3rd overland build, my first being an F35 crewcab (with 8' bed). Learned the hard way that it was waaayyy too big for trails. Too big for U turns, Y turns, W turns, or any other letter in the alphabet type turns. Then got the 100 series and started building one of them up. With both being '98s they were getting kind of tattered looking and wanted something newer and still even a little smaller.
For us, as you put it, the GX was the Goldilocks of them all. Large enough to fit everything in, as to be self contained for overlanding, yet small enough for crowded parking lots, narrow trails and tight switchbacks, all while being amazingly comfortable, even 1,000 mile days.
In short unless you have a money tree on your farm, for I'd just stick with the GX. Or... get an LX also and keep them both a couple months and see which one you like best?

 

[MrTorgue]

My wife and I both had our own 100 series LC's, sold/traded them for a red crewcab Taco for her and a GX for me to build into our overlander.
The GX is my 3rd overland build, my first being an F35 crewcab (with 8' bed). Learned the hard way that it was waaayyy too big for trails. Too big for U turns, Y turns, W turns, or any other letter in the alphabet type turns. Then got the 100 series and started building one of them up. With both being '98s they were getting kind of tattered looking and wanted something newer and still even a little smaller.
For us, as you put it, the GX was the Goldilocks of them all. Large enough to fit everything in, as to be self contained for overlanding, yet small enough for crowded parking lots, narrow trails and tight switchbacks, all while being amazingly comfortable, even 1,000 mile days.
In short unless you have a money tree on your farm, for I'd just stick with the GX. Or... get an LX also and keep them both a couple months and see which one you like best?

Can you show me one of these W and Y turns? I could use all the help I can get maneuvering my wife's RAM 2500 8ft box building on wheels. Almost 23 feet long and the worst turning radius ever. LOL

 

[r2m]

A "W" turn, back n forth, repeat.

 

[MrTorgue]

A "W" turn, back n forth, repeat.
View attachment 3664571

That's how we feel every time we park it.

 

[KShorthairs]

I appreciate the thoughts gents. Having been a long time Suburban 2500 guy with a 7.4 and several Cummins 2500s, they are just not great on the high mountain tight roads.

In my past 2 LX rides you really had to keep an eye on the tank and mileage. With a tiny tank and crap mpg, a guy had to be vigilant up in the hills. Or even out in the sticks in the Ozarks. I like following trout and they don't generally hang out close to many people.

Another note- my Tundra has the 38 gallon tank. You absolutely scream when you fill it up, but you drive a long way before you scream again.

My wheel problem is that I got some great Method 18s with 18 offset for a steal- so my 265/70/18 fit fine with no rub. I really don't want to get rid of them. And I have a brand new spare BFG. I might try to get a chock and go vertical inside and just quit bitching.

I did crack my windshield up by Gunnison and I hear the GX OEM shields are on backorder- YAY! Now when I was younger that would give me ammo to get a new ride. I'm thinking logic and reason might prevail this time. The Tundra Pro and newer GX give the best of both worlds for now. And I like the looks of the GX a bunch.

And while I'm rambling the joystick stupid thingy was an immense asspain in the newer LXs I drove. My stripped down premium plus is nice. I know where stuff is- or isn't.

 

[KShorthairs]

And I like the barn door! I have tailgates on my trucks that I drive daily. If I keep the GX which I'm leaning towards- I might get one of those buffalo or Bison things to have a platform for doing crafty things- knitting and such while out on the road.

 

[Rednexus]

In my past 2 LX rides you really had to keep an eye on the tank and mileage. With a tiny tank and crap mpg, a guy had to be vigilant up in the hills. Or even out in the sticks in the Ozarks. I like following trout and they don't generally hang out close to many people.

I live in the sticks in the Ozarks.

A LX is far too big for our trails and even many MTNF roads. My 120 has scratches all down the side of it - but can fit most places I've wanted to go. Wheeling just about anywhere with a LX/200 here is asking for body damage via trees and limbs. Something between a Samurai and XJ is the perfect size for our trails.

 

[KShorthairs]

I actually put a few pinstripes on my 08 LX with some of your trees down there Rednex. I do love the waters down there though. Will be down in a month

 

[RadoTracks]

I appreciate the thoughts gents. Having been a long time Suburban 2500 guy with a 7.4 and several Cummins 2500s, they are just not great on the high mountain tight roads.

In my past 2 LX rides you really had to keep an eye on the tank and mileage. With a tiny tank and crap mpg, a guy had to be vigilant up in the hills. Or even out in the sticks in the Ozarks. I like following trout and they don't generally hang out close to many people.

Another note- my Tundra has the 38 gallon tank. You absolutely scream when you fill it up, but you drive a long way before you scream again.

My wheel problem is that I got some great Method 18s with 18 offset for a steal- so my 265/70/18 fit fine with no rub. I really don't want to get rid of them. And I have a brand new spare BFG. I might try to get a chock and go vertical inside and just quit bitching.

I did crack my windshield up by Gunnison and I hear the GX OEM shields are on backorder- YAY! Now when I was younger that would give me ammo to get a new ride. I'm thinking logic and reason might prevail this time. The Tundra Pro and newer GX give the best of both worlds for now. And I like the looks of the GX a bunch.

And while I'm rambling the joystick stupid thingy was an immense asspain in the newer LXs I drove. My stripped down premium plus is nice. I know where stuff is- or isn't.

I actually feel similarly about the GX. With just a couple mods the mpg/tank size issue feels similar to me. Lots of planning for gas stops and putting rotopax on the roof. I still love my GX and plan to keep it for a long time but the mpg is the biggest issue in my mind.

Rock Chalk!

 

[Arailt]

Would you be looking to get back into a 570 or the new 600? The TT V6 seems to be having some issues.

I've taken my GX on several 14+ hour road trips with two kids (6 and 4) and have never had a problem. I get over 300 miles per tank with 275/70r17s. When I'm using my 3rd row when the in-laws are in town, I definitely wish I had some more trunk space, but we make it work.