Is the GX550 the spiritual successor to the Land Cruiser?

[sweet5ltr]

So, I know many things are the same as the 250, but the running gear and engine are in the 300 it tows more than the 250 and more than the 200. I am getting ready to sell my 250 for the GX because I need more towing capacity. I off road my 250 and will off road the GX but 9000 lbs of towing is hard to pass up. What are your thoughts?

GX 550, disregarding the infamous TT V6 that's prone to instantly destroying itself at any random moment - just isn't a LC. The V6 is incredibly complex compared to the I4, let's just look at some of the very basic differences: two turbos with electronic wastegates and air-to-water intercoolers. The LC in comparison has a standard mechanical (vacuum operated) wastegate and an air-to-air intercooler. The 2.4T has 30% less moving and rotating parts to fail and has no history of this. Most people don't keep these vehicles out of the warranty period or drive in very remote areas where AAA isn't a phone call away, so, this potentially isn't a concern at all.

Now, the hybrid does come into play with the LC, but that's also a known quantity as Toyota has been building hybrids for two decades at this point and are the best in the world at it (for mass production). We see very few if any issues directly with the hybrid unit.

I never glanced at the towing capacity, because both of these vehicles are not what I would remotely consider for towing. Maybe a jet ski or very small utility trailer, that's it. Hard to imagine someone would be 'upgrading' to the same size vehicle and attempting to tow anything close to 9,000-lbs.

 

[Mookie242]

I'll take Land Cruiser over a GX all day. GX has significantly worse fuel economy (no hybrid), higher cost (up front, insurance, and maintenance), and way fewer physical tactile controls on the dash which I can't stand. If you've driven a GX at all, you will also know they have a big problem with the driver-assistance being overly sensitive if you look away or turn your head at all while in use. And that's on top of the fact that the Land Cruiser has much more rugged looks and doesn't look like it belongs in the minivan carpool lane at school.

 

[Altitude]

The feature creep is a direct result of the average buyer’s wants and willingness to pay for those said features. Toyota (and other manufacturers) are looking at the sales figures and profit margins. A bare bones 70 series style vehicle is something enthusiasts lust after, but the reality is they wouldn’t sell that many in the United States.

The outgoing 200 series was $80k, and sold so poorly they pulled it. The current 250 and 252 are not much cheaper due to inflation. In fact, the GX has a premium in some areas and selling above sticker. Lexus is not really having any issues selling the low volumes of LX700h coming in at $115k+.

The LX is a strange one, though. All the offroad capability (front/center/rear locking diffs?), not a land yacht like a Tahoe/Suburban, one of the quietest cabins I’ve ever ridden in, but at that price point I don’t think I’d want to offroad it.

I agree. The LX is clearly an excellent vehicle, probably punches above its class on off-road equipment, has rock solid reliability, and is probably a better choice than a Tahoe or Range Rover for most people. But I can’t see myself hauling one up anything beyond a fire road.

 

[GR8Santini]

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Lexus LX600 & LX700h Off-Road Parts & Overland Accessories

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LX lineup, especially LX600 may be a good option for some frustrated GX shoppers-

• LX600/700 is the LC300 Land Cruiser in the US. You can mod them out as much or more than a GX/LC.
• LX has longer wheelbase than GX/LC = tows better
• LX has 50 more HP than GX550 V35A
• LX have hydraulic Active Height Control & electronic Adaptive Variable Suspension on all models / can change AHC sensor brackets for simple lift from Westcott
• LX600 has std Torsen center locking diff. LX700 OT has F/R locking diffs.
• LX are on the ground at most Lexus dealers
• If you want a certain spec LX the dealer may be able to trade for what you want - good luck doing that on GX order.
• When we were shopping most GX seem to be pre-sold. If there was a GX available it was an order someone backed out of
• Lexus dealers need to turn inventory so they may discount to move LX, GX demand is very high so they high gross.
• You can get a LX600 deal for what you’d pay for a GX550 OT.

 

[Mtn40]

• LX has longer wheelbase than GX/LC = tows better

I guess I'm just the wheelbase police now, but
LX has 112.2" wheelbase, same as 250/252

Anyone know where the idea that LX/300 has longer wheelbase keeps coming from?

 

[GC3]

I really wanted a GX550 in the first place but didn't want to wait so bought a LC250. A year later I get a call from a Lexus dealer where I'd been waiting. Ultimately they wanted $30k and my car, so that spoiled my appetite. Instead I'll spend $8k on a nice suspension and slider upgrade at Mountain Yota.

 

[GR8Santini]

I guess I'm just the wheelbase police now, but
LX has 112.2" wheelbase, same as 250/252

Anyone know where the idea that LX/300 has longer wheelbase keeps coming from?

You are correct sir - LX600 overall body length is longer, not wheelbase. LX700H is even longer body.

 

[Calokie]

The GX integrated climate controls kill it for me, My wife has a Lexus Plug in Hybrid with almost identical climate control / infotainment setup.... I hate it

 

[Calokie]

Is the GX to LX the same caparison as 250 to Sequoia?

I say definitely not
But from a Japanese perspective, why bother shipping 300 series to the USA when you have the Sequoia as an option? It’s obviously held to the same quality standards as the LC.
Except:
it’s a little bigger
Better for towing
American stuff

If it had an LC badge the boys would be creaming their jeans