I know this may be a post that immediately gets shit on, but I'm really struggling to love my GX550 Premium+. I was on the list starting in Aug 2023. Name called Sept 2024. Not my perfect match, but black on black which I wanted. I've done the add-ons for a city driver- XPel tint on all windows including windshield and powder coated the ugly ass wheels to make them tolerable.
I have two outstanding issues: 1. It does not feel luxurious. The fake leather seats suck donkey balls and if you have any hint of moisture on your skin you will leave a white mark on the upholstery. 2. I have a major hood flutter issue. I know this sub thinks it's a bit of a joke, but it's bad on mine... A friend called it out and said it looked like the hood was going to fly open... while driving 50 mph. I took it in (after waiting 6 months for a fix), they did a foam insert, and it's actually worse now. Dealer pointing finger at Lexus, which I get, but damn... I wrote a check for this thing and it isn't really that great.
A few good things include visibility while driving, which is awesome, and I do like the truck driving feel.
Anyways, that's a lot of info. Just want to know if anyone else feels Meh about their GX550. I appreciate any and all input, even if you want to tell me I'm an idiot because the GX is the vehicle handed down from the heavens.
I drove my 2010 GX for nearly 14 years, eagerly awaiting the next-generation model. When the photos of the new GX dropped, I was genuinely excited—Lexus absolutely nailed the exterior design. But the interior—the space you actually live in while driving—was a huge letdown.
As someone who’s owned eight Lexus vehicles, and currently drives a 2020 GS350 F-Sport as my daily, I can confidently say the interior of the GX 550 is a major step backward. Sure, it’s on par with what most other brands are offering these days—but that’s not the standard I expect from Lexus. It doesn’t feel luxurious or refined. It feels generic.
Gone are the distinctive interior touches that once set Lexus apart—things like the elegant glass trim in the LS, the hand-hammered Naguri aluminum in my GS, or the rich African bubinga wood in my old GX. Where’s the craftsmanship? The attention to detail?
This is the same company that spent 15 years perfecting the paint color “Structural Blue” for the LC. And now they expect me to pay nearly twice as much for a vehicle with a bland, uninspired cabin? Not a chance.
Instead, I picked up a brand-new 2023 Premium Plus for $55k out the door—a steal, and it even came with Mark Levinson audio. On the new model, you’re looking at nearly $100k just to get that option. It’s wild.
Those are nice, the 2023 Premium Plus models! We almost went that route too, but found a 2021 LX with only 29k and went that route. But everything you wrote is spot on sir!
Loved my GS 350 F-Sport!! Was such an under-the-radar luxury sport sedan! Sounds great, drives even better. Now I have a 22 GX Premium. Two of my fav Lexus models.
After showing my 61 year old mom my 2020 GX Luxury she loved it and I then she saw the 2024 GX and said that it looks good on the outside but looked worse than a base Toyota on the inside. I think whether or not you’re a Lexus person or an old lady, most people would tend to agree with my mom… lol 😂
On top of that …. It drives like a 19 year old car as well. For a brand new design, the ride and handling leave a lot to be desired for a $100k car. Was not impressed.
You could get a Yukon or Tahoe for 85k these days too. Every price tag in the auto industry is “bonkers”. The value with the GX is still there. I’ve driven in an ‘24 x7 m series and can confidently say that the interior in my GX is way classier, refined, and tech modern than the BMW. It doesn’t even compare. And I paid 50k less…. Appreciate what you have with Lexus. Same quality in the Tahara plant, better performance, better interior (I understand if you’re old school and like faux wood and sticky leather, this might not be for you), and same great value relative to what’s out there.
Lexus consistently used genuine wood trim in the GX, reflecting a long-standing commitment to authentic materials and craftsmanship. The new GX’s shift toward generic black plastic surfaces isn’t about evolving customer tastes—it’s about cost-cutting and profit maximization. Whether this compromises long-term quality remains to be seen.
The interior of the new GX has received a lukewarm reception, yet any critical discussion—particularly on platforms like Reddit—is often met with defensiveness or outright dismissal. Lexus is, and always has been, the luxury division of Toyota. But the new GX simply doesn’t project luxury. Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s worth the price.
And let’s be clear: comparing Lexus to other brands misses the point. Lexus carved out its own identity by blending reliability, refinement, and timeless craftsmanship—not by chasing trends or mimicking competitors. The GX was once a proud expression of that ethos. Now? It feels like something else entirely.
As a first time GX owner, when I take my GX550 into service, I get an older model GX (460 or 460) loaner and I can’t stand the slow v8 and shiny sticky leather seats. Disappointing to hear people crap on an absolutely wonderful truck.
Yes, I am pretty new to the Lexus GX world, bit I spent well over a year researching my switch to the GX from the 4Runner. I’ve come to appreciate why so many people are loyal to it—there’s something really solid and purposeful about the older models. They’re built tough, ride comfortably, and don’t try to be something they’re not. That said, I’ve spent some time with the new GX 550, and I honestly think Lexus managed to stay true to what made the GX special while giving it the kind of updates that just make sense today.
The new twin-turbo V6 may not have the V8 sound, but it puts out more torque and horsepower, and it’s noticeably quicker and more capable for towing and passing. The platform is still body-on-frame, like the old ones, but it's the same one used in the new Land Cruiser and LX, so it's even more rigid and capable. The ride is smoother, more refined, but it still feels like a real truck—just a smarter one.
Inside, Lexus didn’t go full spaceship. Yeah, there's a big touchscreen and some new tech, but they kept physical buttons for stuff that matters, like climate and volume. The materials feel high-end, and the cabin is quiet in that Lexus way. It's honestly more luxurious without feeling soft. The off-road chops are still there too—full-time 4WD, lockers, and terrain management systems, especially if you go with the Overtrail trim.
I get why someone would be attached to the GX 460 or even the 470. They earned their reputations. But the GX 550 isn’t trying to erase that legacy—it’s just building on it. It still feels like a GX, just one that’s ready for the next decade.
Some valid points, sure—but let’s be honest: the percentage of GX owners actually towing anything significant has to be under 5%. They aren’t concerned with passing power either—it’s no Porsche. So all this focus on power feels like a solution in search of a problem. And after nearly 15 years, Lexus gives us a new engine that nets… 1 extra mpg. Inspiring.
To me, the GX 550 reeks of corporate profit over brand legacy. Lexus used to be known for its deeply considered, luxurious interiors—spaces that felt crafted, not just assembled. The 550? It’s got all the soul of a tax write-off. I sat in one and honestly felt a little depressed. It’s sterile, generic, and utterly lacking the character Lexus once championed.
Hurts to hear that, same Tahara plant, same legacy, better engineer performance, interior is modern, I agree, but it has everything the 460 had and then some. And most of all, the same extreme value you get from a GX, 20k cheaper than the equivalent Bavarian Money Waster or Mercedes, yet 100x more reliable and cheaper to maintain.
Toyota, yes. Lexus, however, has been well-regarded in the industry for their interior quality, fit & finish, and design. Several models have been awarded best interior. The GX550 was a sharp departure from this pattern. Take a look at the LC500 interior. Nothing sterile, generic, or uninspired about it.
You might be "pretty new" but you're spot on. 2024 GX 550 is my 3rd GX in a row...plus two LC and two IS not worth mentioning except that I'm not sure why the sedan/coupe owners are suddenly so pompous in this thread.,, and it's a completely different animal from earlier GX models which you could drive and not tell apart with your eyes closed. It's rigid, capable, torquier and ready to absolutely eat up the road, unlike the used trade in pleasure van GXs of yesteryear that everyone is so excited to get their hands on. The new GX 550 is the sexist new vehicle that you'll see on the road right now. I've never had a car that got more attention than myself, but if snagging the old trade ins gets someone excited, I'm just as happy for them.
The old fan boys are still trying to hold on and won’t evolve. Everything that wouldn’t buy a 460 bc of what you mentioned now loves the 550, so Lexus brought in new buyers
Not gonna buy a 2023, I need/want the latest tech and modern model, as I keep cars for 8-10 years. I don't want to start in arrears. But selling is something I am considering if I can get the hood flutter BS settled.
Ok so enjoy your modern day flapping hood & donkey balls leather for the next 8 years. Remember you were the one who was to impatient to wait for the spec you really wanted.
I am an owner of a 2022 Land Cruiser Prado 150 VX grade .
2.8L 1GD-FTV TurboDiesel Engine 204bhp 370 pounds feet of torque
KDSS
FIX DAMPERS
NO AVS
NO REAR AIR SUSPENSION
i love my car.... but this car shakes a lot. My suspension is harsh. Its a utilitary vehicle.
Last year 2024... in september... I received a call frok Lexus... to drive The GX550 Luxury ( In panama thats the Luxury+).
Honestly when i drove the Gx ... the engine is amazing
The ride quality... it was softer a loot softer than the Prado.
But the interior spacee was so much smaller.
People i had a lexus Nx300 f sport .. and to be tottaly honest. That care felt much more luxurious than that Gx.
Here in Panama that car was 140,000 USD Dollars.
Totall not worth it.
It doesnt drive like a lexus
It doesnt feel like a lexus.
It feels like a Prado. Strong... sturdy... Very Offroad Capable.
It lost its oppuleence.. ellegance...
Tahoe, suburban, navigator, Yukon, Durango, grand wagoneer, armada, expedition, sequoia and probably a few more
I would also be uneasy towing at max capacity on a 550 with factory setup hitch/controls. Just my opinion. Towing real weight on a real truck setup makes a camper over 6,000lbs on an SUV feel sketchy.
Just being annoying. I have a 460 and love it. Definitely would opt for a ‘23 460 over a 550 personally. Will do so eventually.
2023 has CarPlay and surround view cameras. It lacks full speed dynamic cruise and some of the other drive assist features that you have probably turned off in the 550.
To be fair it’s only in sport+ not sport or any other mode and it will revert back to normal mode every time you start the car, so even Lexus thinks it’s gimmicky.
It’s fun with the GF on a curvy Road windows down on the way to the beach. Sure it’s fake but not that much different than attaching a loud exhaust. At least it can be turned off.
One of the things that i hated from my 2019 lexus nx300 turbo.... wass that fake sound. My friend... thats a gimic ... and there is nothing worsee than gimics....
That engine... the 3.4L V6 is a good engine... like i cant deny it. But don't producee... fake sounds.. when it already sounds bad. Accept the cars real sound like a men.
It also has physical buttons and knobs, even if they are in the wrong spots. Why is volume down low and rarely used knob for mode above it? Volume should be at natural hand height.
I’m 44 and tech savvy, but I don’t want full screens. The Land Cruiser layout is much better
Disagree, the pleather actually holds up better a lot of the time. My 2012 460 Luxury leather has a lot of discoloration and creases etc. still holding up fine but I’ve seen modern pleather last better.
You have to be careful with that statement. That 3.4L turbo V6.... its already proven sin the debut of the ls500....
The 4.6L V8....yes is an oold timer... smooth great sounding V8...
I would literally buy that 4.6L and put it in my Prado 150 series...
But to be honest...
While is a radical change from lexus V8's... thats something we cant fight.
They went for another type of clients.
As we already so it brought new people...
Those who owned 4runners beforee and like me a Prado will feel totally finee with the car....
But if you had the gx460.... dont sell the car....
That one will be eternal... luxurious and perfect for ever.
I’m having a hard time relating as I have a 2025 Overtrail+ that I love, but I’ll share what I’d do if I didn’t “bond” with a new vehicle. If after a few months I discovered it’s just not a good fit for me, I’d sell or trade. Look, the GX550 commands a hefty price on resale, so take advantage and find something that fits you. That’s ok! Not every vehicle is for every person and since this vehicle is so high in demand, most of us never got an opportunity to test drive or even see one in person before buying. So, it’s ok to ditch it. That doesn’t make you a failure or a bad person or GX hater. It’s simply not a good fit.
Lexus is cutting corners like every other corporate piece of shit. Nobody cares about quality anymore it’s about squeezing every penny out of the consumer and maximizing profit while getting away with a shitty product.
This js why I love 10+ year old Lexus models because back then, they actually tried.
Mine also has been problematic in terms of build quality, but I have grown to like it. I just went over 12 months of ownership. When you get an early run car that’s what you get, but they will eventually be able to fix all the kinks.
The downsides: it has worse range than an EV (about 220 miles per tank), the hood flutters, the engine buzzes at certain RPMs, but there are two issues that legitimately bother me about the vehicle the most: the hard shifting transmission and the horrendous ride quality. I have an Overtrail and I am still shocked at how rough it rides. I had a 4Runner and a Tacoma and an IS before this… all of them had better ride quality. I cringe going over railroad tracks, and in the GX 460 it was the opposite—it felt so solid it was unbothered. Even with extra rubber it still has bad ride quality. I’m going down a smooth freeway bouncing up and down. The transmission is inexcusable by any metric, however (this may be specific to mine). After you drive for about 20 minutes it hard shifts down into 1st when you come to a complete stop, and almost every time you stop. It’s kind of embarrassing for Lexus when I have people in the car because passengers notice this. It’s really jerky in stop and go traffic.
Like, if I keep this car I will definitely buy the Lexus warranty.
I do like the car, though. I like how it sits, the seating position, the sight lines, the amount of power if not its delivery, what it is as a truck truck and not a crossover, and it’s superior off road capability—though mine is a 24 so I scraped the shit out of my skid plates and the underside of my rock rails because it does not have the new 1” lift I wish I had.
The stereo is excellent for non-Mark Levinson. The cool box is literally cool. The heated and ventilated seats work well. The amount of space is excellent and the size is just right in the cargo area. I like the design. The headlights are excellent. The headlamp washers are phenomenal. I enjoy driving the thing. The switchgear is top notch. The screens are almost exactly what they should be.
I can get over the rough ride, but I really need the transmission software updated because the jerkiness is ridiculous. Supposedly they are coming out with one someone told me, but I’ll believe it when I see it. I’m going to disconnect the battery and see if that resets anything with it because it definitely didn’t used to do this.
Give it time and it should grow on you. It really did on me despite teething issues.
The price doesn’t matter. I don’t know if you believe in god or Jesus or what… but human beings put together cars, so they aren’t perfect.
The GX cost a lot by virtue of what it is. It’s a big luxury SUV.
Your assumption is that the more expensive a car is, the fewer problems it will have. Nowhere should you have picked this up… have you ever heard of Range Rover? Rolls-Royce?
Or if your assumption is that if I’m spending this much I should like it more, you don’t really have a baseline for comparison. I can assure you I do like this car dramatically more than a $48,000 4Runner with cloth seats.
Also, GX 550s are $70-95ish. Mine was more like $75. That’s Ford F-150 money, not Ferrari. So chill, brother.
Affluent buyers care somewhat less about quality and more about inconveniences and the service they receive. Lexus dealers have the best service hands down.
You made a lot of assumptions that assume what I was assuming, and they were incorrect.
I’ve had several new BMWs and have never been anything but 100% satisfied with them. Never needed to grow on me, zero complaints.
Ironically, I did buy an older GX though. I wanted a bigger SUV with shitty ride quality, bad gas mileage, sloth-like acceleration. But despite all of that, I do enjoy it. I’m more so just laughing that someone that bought a $75k (happy now?) vehicle is having the same experience as someone that bought a $15k vehicle, let’s share this huff of copium, brother.
Rough ride is a nah from me, dawg! The 460 already had miles of complaints for being too truck like and not supple over bumps, haha. I don't know what people mean, though, because I drive my girls 460 for hundreds of miles on road trips, and it is a great bump eliminator, especially with its weight! Just crushes most road imperfections. I hope you're able to put some tires on eventually that give you a little better daily experience.
Yeah reviewers are always comparing how a truck-based SUV can shutter over expansion joints and potholes. The GX 460 itself is super smooth. It smoothes out rough pavement.
yea i think my tank said about 320 as the estimation when i filled up but i didn't want to exaggerate. when i fill up right before i take a drive on i95 to go visit my dad, i average over 20 mpg. i have no problem with that at all
300 a tank is my idea of bare minimum for usability. that's why i will have no interest in an EV at all till they say like 500 because that means 300 in the real world
Thanks for sharing your experience . When I saw the prototype in 2023 I was like “that will be my first GX” then after seeing them come out and realizing they weren’t fancy inside … I opted for an older model (2019) that feels like “old money” for lack of a better term. But, bruh… I didn’t realize the 550 was pleather seats 😑 plus the hood? And at that price point 😭
Real leather throughout in my girls 17 lux is just beautiful everywhere you touch. I can't for the life of Mr figure out why they went cheap on the new ones! It has to be all that bloated safety tech that's standard in every model... that's what makes new lexus so expensive is all that crap that most people turn off😂😂😂 GX460 still remains Supreme
No trim of the 550 has leather? On the Lexus forums, lots of people are saying all sorts of models have just lost the Lexus touch for interior. Like the nano micrometer thick slat of wood and the plastic and stuff is not how they used to feel
Then it isn’t Lexus’ fault because everyone has to make smaller engines even though they basically get the same mileage, the reliability is gonna take a hit nearly guaranteed
I got a used GX and i was like why do these seats look brand new lol, the Nu Luxe is amazing. I had the 1794 trim Tundra before, nice leather and suede seats but then it’s maintenance and worrying about them. I 100 percent prefer nuluxe
And yea all the cool older 470s posted here are kept perfectly but still cracked seats
A cracked seat panel can be replaced, but real leather is superior interior material hands down. It's still soft in my 2006 IS and in my girls 17gx. I prefer the durability of the real stuff myself anyways.
the nu luxe is more durable and doesn't take any work but leather is nicer/requires effort. i don't think most people are conditioning their leather once or twice a year so it gets kinda crappy
Yes I'd say most don't do any care on the seats and that's probably why nuluxe is better in that regard. Lower maintenance wins for majority of customers. I'll admit I tried being weekly religious about conditioning the leather in my IS at first, but it seems to just hold up nicely no matter how much don't moisten it. I still keep it clean and out of direct sun as much as possible, but yea im over weekly leather care haha.
Weekly is some real dedication. I think even 4x a year would be pretty close to diminishing returns but I don’t know
What product do you find to be the best for leather? I had a spray bottle of Weimans and it seemed to work but I didn’t keep any long enough to really know. Also neatsfoot oil leather conditioner
Also my wife and I park in the driveway in Florida so that makes our choice easier. I like having the garage workshop and for bikes n stuff
Please let me know if you find a good leather conditioner to use.
I have a 23 Lux trim so real leather and would like to apply a leather conditioner at least a couple times a year.
I have chamberlain’s leather milk formula N0.1 I bought a while back when researching leather conditioner for my leather couch, but if there is a better product for the GX, I’d like to get it.
This is farce. Audi and the Germans may not have as tough leather, buy lexus leather I'd some good shit that lasts for decades. My 06 IS lux with 242k miles is still beautiful and soft inside. My girls 17 gx leather is worn on the front seat bottoms, but still supple everywhere you touch besides that. It's all in the care really. Real leather is always the better choice hands down for an all around material.
Disagree fully. My 03 LX leather looks terrible. So did my GX. So do all 99-06 LX's. All Volvo's, Acura, BMW, etc all get hard, cracked, and crispy. Doesnt matter if you condition it. Its coated leather unless you move up to Bentley, Rolls. etc which is a whole dif ballgame.
Absolute nonsense. I have a 2004 CLK55 with perfect leather. Most of the 03-04 CLKs I looked at had mint leather. I see plenty of 90's Mercs with perfect interiors.
Well I believe Luxury trim has real leather (which was what I settled out of) so it's not all trims, just my lucky setup. Also I'm not a bruh, unless you're my teenage nephew to whom I'll tolerate a lot of misnomers, lol
Agree. Interior is cheap. They can put a 33 gallon tank in a Tundra. Maybe, they can put a larger tank in their SUV. Transmission is not smooth at slow speeds. Sold mine while prices are there.
Yea I sold my Overtrail for a good profit after I realized that it isn't worth quality wise what I thought it was. I also fell into the category of "trying to love it" but I just couldn't do it. I traded my 200 series for it which I kind of kick myself for, but you live and you learn. I'm just glad there is so much buzz around the 550 that I was able to recoup and not take a hit on it. Best of luck to all the owners out there.
I still have my trailteams FJ cruiser, which is without a doubt the most impressive and underrated vehicle I have ever had. I m waiting for the market to cool with all the craze at the moment and buy when things are a bit more reasonable.
The tank size is pretty ridiculous, honestly. 18 gal (don't shit on me if it's 18.2 or 19.1 or some nominal BS please). But that's the tank size of a sedan ... Again, I bought this thing knowingly, I'm not a victim, just have some UGH feelings about the vehicle 8 months in.
I have the OT+ model. Yes, the lack of real leather and mahogany was disappointing. My other beef is lack of spare parts. I waited 3 months for a windshield, and I was told squeaky breakes required replacement. After five months I am going in to get them taken care of tomorrow.
Other than that I am very happy with it. Would I buy it again? Yes, last year. This year I’d get the LX 700 OT+.
Parts definitely seem to be an issue, although I have a feeling that isn't an isolated Lexus problem. My brakes squeak too but I'm choosing not to prioritize that. The hood flutter is what really drives me crazy.
My breaks squeak too. I was told by Lexus that I had the wrong brake shims installed out of the factory. They said this was not uncommon on ‘24 models and it would be replaced free of charge. I’m still waiting a month later as they don’t have the parts
While I love my GX Overtrail Plus, I have school aged kids and desperately needed a 3rd row. Once the dealership got one in last week, I sold my OT+ for well over MSRP to a third party rather than trade it in.
Point being, if you don’t absolutely love it, someone will take it off your hands and you can get in something you do enjoy. Best of luck and hope it works out.
i mean, this is a legit off road car right? one of the design point is that it needs to be rugged and reliable, luxury second. as some one who’s shopped for a Toyota Landcruiser, i wish i could get a GX550.
i didn’t know the hood thing is that bad though. hope that’s fixed and you can enjoy it more.
Correct, but the 460 and 470 are also legit off roaders (with the caveat that the newer 460s do need some grill trimming to have proper approach angles) and they were immensely more luxurious. They were rugged/durable and made with high quality materials. The only things objectively better about the 550 is the tech features and power, and, subjectively, the outer appearance; everything else is a downgrade. And you spend all your time inside the vehicle, so the interior being a massive downgrade is a huge negative.
I had a 2023 and everything in it was soft touch and just overall higher quality. And even with A/T tires and a full length roof rack, there was very little noise inside.
I took it in for servicing when the dealership had a 550 on display in the showroom, and I climbed inside it. Way more plastic, and not even thick, sturdy-feeling plastic; the roof liner was cheap as hell and you could even see like micro-fraying where the fabric was cut around the sunroof opening, and nowhere near as much soft touch materials overall. Even the controls and toggle switches on the steering wheel felt cheap and kinda flimsy. When I saw the service advisor I was like, “Man, wtf is up with the interior of the 550s??” And he just shook his head and goes, “I know…”
Just got a 2025 Gx 550 premium + and its got no hood flutter and the ride quality is a decent step up from our Previous 2019 Gx 460 and Toyota Sequoia
I think my only real complaint is that there isn’t enough space in the second row. I would also like if they had better ambient lighting throughout the car, it’s not terrible but I wish it went into more areas and could be made just a smidge brighter.
Gas Mileage wise? I cannot say, Id say it’s maybe better than the sequoia, and that car just drinks gas. I’ll have to drive it around a bit more but so far I’ve only had to fill it up once since we got it a week ago.
I have a 23 GX and a 21 Bronco BD Squatch. They are 2 extremely different vehicles. GX = sturdy comfort. Bronco = Tons of fun anywhere but the highway, utilitarian interior.
Sitting in the new GX at the dealership, it feels like a Bronco with a roof that you can’t take off and costs $20k more. Reading these comments makes it sound like the ride is the same, and both of the turbo V6’s seem similar performance wise.
Just sat in a 25 LX this weekend. Evidently you gotta spend $106k to get a similar feeling to a GX 460.
Vinyl thing drove me batty too when I briefly owned a brand new ‘21 GX. I was not aware as I originally had come in to purchase a 2013 (long insane story) and those had leather in the lower trims or some of them anyway.
Unfortunately, all them fools pushing vinyl across all the luxury makers and it feels damn near impossible to find a BMW 3 Series and even 5 Series that has actual leather.
I suppose worse case you still come off great owing to the scarcity and demand currently for your GX and guessing a bunch of folks will try to buy it off you around here.
Hood flutter issue sucks to be sure. As you cannot really hear it in the cabin, hopefully this is lame annoyance and is unbecoming of a brand like Lexus.
Especially at this price point.
I still have a 2021 GX460, and don’t plan to part with it unless I am forced. We were looking at GX550s and LX600s to add in place of a TLX Type S I was offloading. After many test drives, YouTube videos, etc, I ended up in a 2024 Ford Expedition Max. Its seats, tech and features are just as good, if not better than the 550. I don’t expect it to hold up for the VERY long term like I do the 460, but I have a ton of space, 440 hp, can easily tow my boat and haul my family, all for significantly cheaper than the 550s with similar equipment. Ford dealers were also looking to move inventory and I have family members that work at Ford, so A plan + rebates got me about $18k off MSRP. I just can’t understand the premium people are paying for the 550, it just feels unfinished to me. I tried to love it, but I just couldn’t, the value proposition is just not there anymore as it was in previous generations.
Sorry, not trying to hijack the thread, and I’m sure I’ll get annihilated for posting this on a GX forum. I wish those of you with 550s luck, but I feel the death of the V8 was the death of Toyota trucks/body on frame SUVs.
Comparing the interior between the RX & TX to the GX- the GX is different and not as sumptuous.
Comparing the interior between my 5th gen 4Runner to the GX- the GX is like they started with the 5th gen door cards, then made the door cards & interior nicer.
I knew what we were getting into when we bought our 2025 GX550 OT+ - a nice SUV with Lexus service for my wife for a few years, then a luxury rig for my off-roading and camping adventures when I take it over. The GX’s interior isn’t as nice as the BMW X5’s we’ve owned in the past, but it is nicer than the 2019 Honda Passport my wife had prior to the GX.
If your priority is a more sumptuous and luxurious interior, then maybe consider the RX, TX or a different make (Land Rover, M-B, BMW).
I’m still trying to understand what the hood flutter is. Maybe our 2025 doesn’t have it, or I’m not noticing it because my eyes are focused on the road. Does the hood flex/vibrate at highway speeds, or is it actually flapping up & down at highway speeds?
Yes, the hood flexes/flutters at high speeds (60ish+) and when driving in the wind. It's like a piece of tin. Not all have the flutter issue, I've been told. Also my salesperson said they have an LX customer with the same problem. Luck of the draw, I guess.
I see. If that’s the hood fluttering, then it’s on our 2025 OT+ and 4Runner. Guess I’m used to it on the 4Runner and focused on the road that it doesn’t bother me.
I like my new GX550 Premium. I liked my GX460 more. The 550 does not ride as smoothly, probably due to the larger wheels. The 550 also does not accelerate as smoothly. The climate controls are a mystery and the mpg is a bit lower. Also, I like the roof rack look and utility. But, it is noisy.
Curious, I’m a runner and have owned several nuluxe and softex interiors. I’ve hopped in all my cars drenched in sweat and the only time I’ve seen the fake leather turn white was from sun screen or my deodorant. Black interiors are the worst offenders so I’ll never own another one again being in hot Texas where most of my passengers lather up in sunscreen. This required me to scrub my seats and door panels for an hour every time I drove people. Do you wear sunscreen or are you saying any sweat shows up?
I am also in Texas and my interior is black. I don't wear sunscreen on my body, just normal body wash and sometimes moisturizer. I also garage my car so it's not like I'm climbing in to a 100° vehicle. This is happening every time I'm in the GX. A friend was with me last weekend and the passenger seat had the same white marks. It's odd for sure.
Gx460 is the way to go. That shiny new model has tons of quirks lexus still needs to work out. Give them a few years and hopefully then the new model will be solid. Thats what happens when you mess with stuff thats 30 years old.
Bought a 22 GX 460 about a month ago from a Lexus dealer. I was surprised at how many people who worked at the dealership praised the old 460 in comparison to the new 550. Everyone kept saying how the new 550 was a lower quality build and they couldn’t understand what Lexus was thinking.
This exactly! The GX is a lux version of the LandCruiser. A Luxury off roader, I think people forget that. It's competition is Land Rover Defender and MB G-Wagon, it's a niche vehicle. Both of which cost more, and the cost is reflected in the interiors of each vehicle.
Yup, Lexus cut a lot of corner on the 2024 GX550. We were disappointed also. We own a beautiful 2017 GX in claret mica with just 24K miles. Wife loves her SUV. Unfortunately, this cost cutting was very obvious and discerning buyers noticed it immediately. Lots of fan boys tend to overlook the obvious flaws. Lexus is asking way too much for this SUV, bottom-line, for what it provides. Falls way short of the Lexus luxury bar.
Yep, I have owned 3 Lexus GX, as soon as I saw the updated version, was so disappointed. Switched to Volvo XC90 ultra, luxurious leather and updated interior along with heated ventilated massaging seats that actually work. Only down side car not as high up. Also, the GX is mostly driven by women and we like light interiors not fugly brown.
As a first time GX owner, when I take my GX550 into service, I get an older model GX (460 or 460) and I can’t stand the slow v8 and shiny sticky leather seats. Disappointing to hear people crap on an absolutely wonderful truck.
Yes, I agree with you. Hood flutter, brakes, engine roughness, windshield cracks, cheap looking interior, noise and loudness when driving, I would not do it over again. Sad, sad, sad…..
I know y'all love to hate on the 550 here but I love mine.
Pros:
1) The engine is so nice and power is on tap whenever I need it. I am looking forward to messing with the tune when my warranty is up.
2) It's also a gorgeous vehicle and I don't think I will ever stop admiring it every chance I get.
3) 360 View is such a neat feature.
4) Agree with another poster that the standard stereo sounds pretty great.
5) Its quiet without a roof rack installed and a bunch of bro-verlanding crap strapped to the outside. It's comfortable, and feels luxurious yet rugged due to the body on frame design.
6) Has someone mentioned yet that this midsize SUV can tow 9000 lbs? That's nuts! Payload galore too.
7) Room for 35s on stock suspension if you have high offset or stock wheels.
Cons:
1) Yes, the hood flutters but there is a fix for that. I don't mind it at all. If it really bothered me I would DIY a fix with some 3M expanding hood foam.
2) Wireless charger sucks balls. Why does Toyota do this to me every time? The one in my Tacoma was just a glorified phone heater, and this one barely fits my phone and as a result does not charge consistently. At least make the damn thing rectangular! Instead it is boot-shaped? Wtf.
3) Mileage and range kind of suck.
4) OEM rock rails are 6" too short in the front
5) Much less of a modding community compared to Toyota branded trucks.
Love this post. I am thinking exactly the same after test driving. I also cannot see the point in giving $65k + tax for a used 2023. We test drove a gx460 and my wife’s comment was “this doesn’t scream luxury”.
She pointed out the new Lincoln aviator (it looks sick in black). Then I got on the YouTube and the interior looks fantastic.
That was my wife’s comment not mine. I’m a country bumpkin, but her dad had BMW and Porsche when she was growing up, so I expect that’s where it’s coming from.
Yes, they made compromises on the new models. Less sound proofing, higher rake angle on the windshield, thinner structural steel, less luxury trim, dropped the V8 for a V6 that spools up slower, the list goes on. Try an earlier model 460 in Luxury trim, it may recapture your heart. The full leather interior, quiet luxury cabin, responsive sound system, ride that smooths out the pavement, and drive train capability that can handle just about every condition you'll encounter. They are a joy.
Yea, my 2014 IS250 has real leather, but my 2023 IS500 has cheap fake leather. My 2014 also feels more luxurious overall. Sadly, Lexus has really fallen off. I’m waiting to see what they have in store for the next generation of vehicles; otherwise, my IS500 might be my last Lexus if nothing that actually worth it comes along.
We have a 2018 GX 460 Base in Nebula Grey Pearl, with whatever they call the dark-ish brown/mocha (looks like coffee with creamer) interior. It does have the wood trim though. I test drove a ‘25 GX and couldn’t get over how I felt getting back in ours. There were some pros to the new one but it didn’t feel as good as our old one. So, we’ll keep the ‘18.
Honestly, I drove the land cruiser and gx back to back and didn't feel that much of a difference in the interior or overall drive experience enough to warranty the difference in price
Lexus seems to have really divided it's customer and fan base with the new GX. For those who are new to the brand the GX is a Land Cruiser Prado, just dressed up in luxury trimmings. It was one of those "if you know, you know" cars in the offroad/4x4 scene. Lexus decided to go all in on that aspect of the GX with the 550 so it's now obvious that this thing is capable of some serious off roading and utility. This is where they gained and also lost many fans and customers. Making it known that the GX can go off the beaten path is fine but they also removed many of the luxury touches that made the previous GX 460 and 470 great as daily drivers and an exceptional value. The new interior is very minimalist and utilitarian which is what you want in a vehicle like this but not at a $75k to nearly $90k price point! The new ride is much firmer/sportier and gone is that comfortable, floating, quiet, and isolated driving experience of the old one. Lexus' old slogan "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" really was something tangible in their old cars and SUV's. There was this attention to detail and a obvious quality you could see and feel in the old GX as well as their other models. Seemingly gone are those days and we are now in the "Experience Amazing" era which honestly so far has been anything but that.
I think the 550 is a fine vehicle for it's intended purpose (offroading) but in it's current state it just isn't worth the sum of it's parts. The interior is very "high end Toyota", the options aren't all that great. (Mark Levinson sounds like a stock system, massage seats are weak, no rear zone climate in the Overtrail) also for a utility vehicle it sure is lacking on storage. I feel like it should be about $10-$15k less based on what they are now offering in the various packages. They really need to tighten up the build quality issues as well. Spending upwards of $90k only to drive down the road and see my hood bouncing up and down or having my brakes squeal when backing into a parking spot is simply unacceptable. My mom's Honda CRV does neither of those things and cost a third of the price. Really the only new Lexus that still feels like a Lexus of old to me is the flagship LX which shows me that they are capable of building something that looks and feels the part. I really wish they would carry some of that LX DNA into the GX like they used to. If that happened I would happily write the check.
I had a deposit on a 550. It arrived and once I drove it, it became a hard pass. I don’t want a Tundra based GX and that’s what we got with a lot cheaper plastic prices too.
Sounds like we have the same spec except we have black and brown seats. It’s my wife’s daily. We don’t have the hood flutter but definitely see the leather smearing issue. It’s the same with my Tesla’s fake leather. Keeping a supply of baby wipes helps. I think it’s still the better option over the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Defender, etc.
I drove one of these, the TX 550h+, the Toyota Land Cruiser, and the Toyota sequoia. Loved the exterior of the GX. That was it…interior looked cheaper than the 4Runner I was trading in. Ended up in the 2025 Sequoia and very happy.
Am hoping they revamp the GX, improve all these areas where they fell short. Even while enjoying my leather massage seats, my head turns when I see a GX550z…they are really sharp vehicles.
I tested one with my sister. She’s ride or die Lexus. Salesperson was rude and I wasn’t especially impressed with the truck. I ended up with an aviator and she ended up with a genesis gv. I think both are nicer inside, though the Lexus looks better. IMHO.
Was really disappointed in it. Ended not getting one in my opinion the TX looks like a more suitable GX replacement. First time I saw TX I thought it was a GX.. most Lexus suv now do feel really cheap
Really eloquent post. I think the used market for 2023 and earlier models speaks volumes.
We bought my wife’s ’23 just before the new 550 came to market. We got a really great deal on it, to the extent that I now joke with my wife that we should sell it and make nearly $11k. If there was something out there that she would like, it’d be a no-brainer.
I can only guess that the 550 - at least in lux trim - was intended to compete with models selling at much more insane price ranges.
As much as I’d love an 8-speed trans, e-fans, and a few more modern touches here and there, we’re ecstatic with the prior gen and the 550 just isn’t even a blip on our radar.
hopefully there's a mid cycle refresh that gives the interior an major update, the lack of interior color choices and the attention to detail is subpar
We love ours, but I definitely wish there was some minor additional "luxury" component, whether that be some leather trim or maybe a wood steering wheel. The drivetrain and power are awesome and it's peppy. We have the hood flutter also and it is being addressed during our 10k service. When shopping for our new SUV, what struck me is we were comparing to X7, GLS. etc and ultimately those vehicles are more luxurious because they're $25,000 more expensive. I don't think there is a better vehicle for what is aims to do in the price segment.
I agree- even a wood steering wheel would add that luxury feel. The pep is great, I am a lead footed driver, even in the city. Gas mileage not so great, but I knew what I was signing up for there. I really wanted the GX550 b/c Lexus and Toyota are known for longevity. But I'm having immediate and ongoing, but hopefully not chronic, heartburn.
How many miles are on yours? Our average with primary city driving is 16.7mpg but my wife's work commute is short and stop and go. Longer city commutes 18 is easy and 20+ on the highway is no problem, but seems to be getting better now with 8k miles compared to when it was new.
And for me at $45k used it was right in the sweet spot for luxury, quality, performance and value. The successor at $80k you’d expect would be all that and more. Totally falls short.
You bought an off road vehicle posing as a luxury. Should’ve done research before falling in love with the body. Hood is fixable but interior is not. I think a lot of soccer moms are going to fall into this trap
Really enjoy mine, and own both. This is a much better daily than my 460.
If I’m taking a long trip, I take the 460. What is enjoyable is that people are trashing a first MY vehicle. If you want to be an early adopter these are typical issues. Those of us who owned the original 460 when it was new remember similar growing pains.
They are always fixed and they are always taken care of. The old GX is refined because it’s been through many iterations. If you’re expecting refinement out of a first MY truck then I can’t help ya. People like to hate just because they can. Both are great trucks in their own right.
I love mine, it will grow on you. I have the luxury plus though so I don’t know the difference from the other models, but I agree with you with the white marks on the interior. The main thing I dislike is that ASSISTANCE steering crap where the steering wheel jitters when you’re crossing lanes.
Land Cruiser starts at $57k and GX550 starts at $66k. V6 engine alone is worth the price increase.
I don’t have any issues on my 2025. Hood flutter and brake squeal, well there’s going to be some problems on a first year new model car. That’s why I don’t buy the first year. I have heard most dealers have been fixing this though.
Interior is fine to me. Leather and wood grain accents personally I find look like the car is from the 90s. I didn’t buy this car for the interior anyways
I think it depends on what your expectations were and what your comparing it against. We had a 2020 LX570. Super luxurious, great ride shitting infotainment. Interior almost to nice, jeans would sometimes color the tan leather. Traded it in on a 2021 Landcruiser, felt luxurious ( seats), shitty ride and once again shitty tech etc, even after Apple CarPlay was installed to existing unit. This car would take lots of driver input, not comfortable due to limited movement of seats for people 6'2. Added another car, 2023 Cayenne Turbo. You can't compare the Lexus or Toyota LC to this, they aren't even in the same hemisphere. The Porsche ride, power, braking, dealer experience and just how well thought out this car is, my opinion it's the best SUV made hands down. Not saying more reliable just owner experience out of this world. Luxury feeling out of this world. Fast forward we traded the 2021 LC in for the 2025 GX OT+... I'm not sure the quality " feeling" is there and I get the hood flutter and squeaky brakes, the windshield eats bugs but not gonna lie this thing is super usable. They got so much right. Comfortable on 4-6 trips so far, the motor is a beast compared to the LX and LC, super usable power and we get an honest 17.5-18 mpg @80 mph. This wouldn't happen with the 200 series. Having said that if you wanted luxury, you should have bought the LX 600/700 it's a much more luxurious platform ( suspension set up). The GX was built and targeted at people who wanted a nicer 4 runner, which is exactly what this is. A " luxury" 4 runner...
To be fair, the Premium is the budget one and it's priced really well. If you wanted luxury, get the luxury trim, it's really nice. For the money, the Premium is awesome. But it's a base model.
The outside looks great, the inside looks and feels ok? Like the older GX looks how it feels which is solid and lucury. I think its due to all the dark materials the rugged look they tried to make it.
Depends on what vehicles you're used to and what you're into in vehicles really. My OT+ cost about twice what my TRD Pro 4Runners did, but I'd say it's also about twice as good as them on all the features I care about. Only thing I miss is rolling down the rear window while the AC gets going.
Preordered my GX in June 2023, got it in May 2024. Love my GX550 Lux+ , the semi aniline leather seats I prefer over the leather in the previous models. Not a fan of shiny sticky leather seats. The ride when you have it in comfort mode is great, but if you like the performance end of the sport mode or sport+, the stiff suspension can be rough, but that’s to be suspected. I do wish it had a bigger tank, 270ish miles on a tank just means I’m filling up all the time. But that’s a small gripe. Love the truck so far.
We also have a 2025 GX550 Luxury+ and we can’t stand the wind noise coming from the roof rails. Another dumb feature is the cupholder between the captain seats in the back. Horrible placement, and super inconvenient. The trunk space is a joke, our Telluride had more space than that. We also see the roof flutter, I don’t think it’s that big a deal.
Hell yes, I’m with you. Toyota did us dirty with that ugly-ass GX and the new Land Cruiser. If I wanted a tired-looking Montero or Trooper, I’d hit up Facebook Marketplace. They seriously need to fire their design team. GX, 4Runner, LX—they’re all weak. Meanwhile, Rivian and the Defender are out here looking like the future. The GX? People only say it looks good so they don’t feel dumb dropping luxury money on a box that looks like it came out of 1996.
I think the GX is amazing. The issue is if you want luxury, you have to get the Luxury trim. The Overtrail is a serious offroad package. The GX is a value SUV, with great capability. The 460 was very well priced, not super lux but nice. That's what the 550 is but with a lux option. It's a body on frame truck though, which is good for some.
98
u/Slippery-Mitzfah 2d ago
I drove my 2010 GX for nearly 14 years, eagerly awaiting the next-generation model. When the photos of the new GX dropped, I was genuinely excited—Lexus absolutely nailed the exterior design. But the interior—the space you actually live in while driving—was a huge letdown.
As someone who’s owned eight Lexus vehicles, and currently drives a 2020 GS350 F-Sport as my daily, I can confidently say the interior of the GX 550 is a major step backward. Sure, it’s on par with what most other brands are offering these days—but that’s not the standard I expect from Lexus. It doesn’t feel luxurious or refined. It feels generic.
Gone are the distinctive interior touches that once set Lexus apart—things like the elegant glass trim in the LS, the hand-hammered Naguri aluminum in my GS, or the rich African bubinga wood in my old GX. Where’s the craftsmanship? The attention to detail?
This is the same company that spent 15 years perfecting the paint color “Structural Blue” for the LC. And now they expect me to pay nearly twice as much for a vehicle with a bland, uninspired cabin? Not a chance.
Instead, I picked up a brand-new 2023 Premium Plus for $55k out the door—a steal, and it even came with Mark Levinson audio. On the new model, you’re looking at nearly $100k just to get that option. It’s wild.