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The new Lexus GX550 is one of those rare machines that manages to straddle the line between excess and restraint.
It sits squarely between a Mercedes G-Wagon’s cigar lounge swagger and a Toyota 4Runner’s muddy boots practicality, a combination the market has been begging for, and judging by the buzz, people are lining up to get one.
One new owner took to Facebook to talk about it.
“2025 OverTrail Base – took 5 months to come in
– Break-in oil change at 1,200 miles ($120 @ dealer), will change at 5K, 10K, etc from now on.
– I put on Adam’s ceramic/graphene coating (took 5 hours), which makes cleaning much easier, especially with low plastics.
– XPEL windshield PPF installed by a pro ($600, very clear, very happy…I hope it holds up)
– I do see some center of hood flutter, or hopping. It’s worlds better than our 15 4Runner, which was more of a metal contortion. I’m fine with it, but I understand how some wouldn’t be.
– So far, no brake squeal at 4K miles. No rough downshifting when coming to a stop, either (For those that do, is your Proactive mode on?)
– Our best HWY MPG average has been 19, and that’s running close to 80 MPH on I-44 in Missouri. Plenty of hills there.
– The interior is functional, but not flashy. It’s truck-ish, as is the ride, and I’m good with it (F150 Platinum owner here).
– The base stereo does just fine for us. Turn off surround mode!
My Pros:
– The TTv6’s effortless power, it just goes in all situations. Very smooth shifting as well.
– The suspension modes:
– Sport setting for the curves really helps keep it flat. Sport+ even more, but the RPMs are also held higher, so you will drink more fuel, which is often worth it.
– Comfort setting for distance driving, but you’ll definitely feel the body roll in quick maneuvers and cornering.
– I find Normal to be a bit jittery, but it’s probably the tires. Normal is also too soft in corners IMO. I need to play around with the Custom mode for better ride control, but no holding RPM.
– The HUD. I really like the speed limit reminder in view there.
– The Proactive driving suite works really well on the interstate. Too intrusive for my tastes in city driving.
– Of course, it looks amazing. Plus, they are rare, but of course, that will change over time.
My Cons:
– The factory Toyo Open Country ATs.
– They are already showing wear at 4K miles, but I must say they were smooth all the way to 85 MPH on a recent road trip.
– I fear this tire won’t hold up well, and other users are proving that.
– I wish the surface of the driver’s side window sill were flat, not angled, as I feel it would be more comfortable for elbows. I like the roofline grab handle though!
– I’m in the camp where the AC just feels adequate, but not great, nor consistent. Too many settings fighting against each in IMO. S flow is off.
– The infotainment is a mix of good and bad, and it takes a long time to get it all sorted out the way you want. Then just recently, a bunch of preferences and settings were reset, and I have no idea why. Yet, not all the settings. Strange and frustrating.
– Ridiculously dramatic sequence for remote start, but it does work, and keeps the engine running if you follow the correct steps once inside.“
The heart of the GX550 is its new twin-turbocharged V6, a departure from the naturally aspirated V8 of old. Osborn calls it “effortless power” that “just goooooes,” and that is no exaggeration. The torque comes on early and stays with you, whether you are merging onto the interstate or threading through mountain switchbacks.
Sport+ mode keeps it flat and eager, while Comfort mode delivers the kind of ride that makes Kansas disappear in a single afternoon. This breadth of ability is what separates the GX from the pack. It is not trying to be a sports car, but it will surprise you with how well it moves for something this big.
Lexus GX550 Power, Suspension, Build Quality, And Cabin Refinement)
- The twin-turbo V6 delivers rich, low-end torque and seamless midrange surge, even under heavy load, making merging and trail maneuvers feel effortless.
- Adaptive suspension modes (Sport, Comfort, Sport+, Custom) let drivers tailor ride and handling characteristics. Sport+ keeps the GX planted through curves, while Comfort soaks up long-distance bumps with ease.
- Its sturdy, body-on-frame construction, shared with the Land Cruiser Prado, preserves true off-road heritage without compromising luxury refinement.
- The quiet, well-sealed cabin pairs genuine off-road capability with Lexus-grade comfort, making both mountain climbs and urban commutes feel equally serene.
Lexus has kept the Prado’s bones intact, which means genuine off-road credibility. Multi-terrain settings, selectable suspension modes, and a frame built to take punishment are all present. At the same time, the cabin is unmistakably Lexus, functional, quiet, and solid.
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One commenter on Osborn’s post wanted to know how he would customize the Custom drive mode for comfort and handling, proof that GX owners think about suspension tuning the way sports car owners talk about camber settings.
This is not just a commuter SUV. It is a platform to be dialed in, tweaked, and used for more than grocery runs.
Ownership quirks, however, do surface. Osborn notes the AC as merely “adequate” and the infotainment system as a mix of good and bad, with a tendency to reset settings for no apparent reason. Another commenter reported the same problem.
Living With the GX 550: Quirks, Fixes, and Owner Ingenuity
Still, as Ken Ramirez pointed out in the thread, even the “ridiculously dramatic” remote start sequence can be worked around with a bit of tech and an iPhone shortcut. GX owners seem to approach these quirks the way veteran sailors treat a finicky winch; they just learn its ways and keep going.
Tires are another common topic. Osborn’s factory Toyo Open Country ATs are already showing wear at 4,000 miles, though they have been smooth at highway speeds. It is the eternal compromise of a luxury off-roader. You can have all-terrain bite or long tread life, but rarely both. This is where GX ownership turns into a conversation about trade-offs. You keep the capability, you keep the comfort, and you accept that some consumables may not last as long as you would like.
Price inevitably comes up. One commenter summed it up bluntly:
“No way I am paying $80k and up for any SUV.”
Yet this is still less than the European competition, and the value equation tilts when you factor in Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Lexus GX550 Tires, Infotainment Resets, And Market Position
- Owners report that factory all-terrain tires show wear early, sparking active maintenance discussion among the GX community, an intriguing insight into ownership life.
- Some owners experience odd, occasional resets in their infotainment settings.
- Positioned below luxury SUVs like the G-Wagon in price yet outperforming everyday off-roaders in capability, the GX 550 occupies a compelling niche between bold flavor and refined utility.
For the buyer who wants something that can valet at the Four Seasons one weekend and pick its way up a rocky trail the next, the GX makes a compelling case. It is not an image statement alone. It is a tool with polish.
The GX550’s appeal lies in its honesty. It does not pretend to be a sports car, it does not pander to trends, and it does not shy away from its heritage. It is a capable, body-on-frame SUV with genuine off-road ability, wrapped in a package that makes long-distance travel as pleasant as it is easy. That combination is becoming rare.
As Osborn’s post and the responses show, those who understand it see the GX not as a compromise but as a culmination. The rest will keep looking for the next shiny thing, while GX owners quietly keep driving.
Image Sources: Lexus Media Center
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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Source: torquenews.com
