Experienced a 4,000-mile journey in my 2025 Lexus GX 550 on Trail, finding it packed with power, yet its infotainment system frequently resets my custom settings unexpectedly.
New Lexus GX550: A Balance of Excess and Restraint
The Lexus GX550 is a vehicle that seamlessly blends rugged off-road capability with refined luxury, carving out a unique niche between the Mercedes G-Wagon and Toyota 4Runner in terms of swagger and practicality.
The GX550's sturdy, body-on-frame construction, shared with the Land Cruiser Prado, preserves its true off-road heritage without compromising on luxury refinement. This heritage is not just a marketing gimmick; it's a testament to the vehicle's authenticity, as it refuses to pretend to be a sports car or pander to trends.
One new owner of a Lexus GX550 took to Facebook to share their experience, praising the vehicle's honesty and its ability to deliver genuine off-road performance without sacrificing comfort. The GX550's quiet, well-sealed cabin pairs this genuine off-road capability with Lexus-grade comfort, making both mountain climbs and urban commutes feel equally serene.
The Lexus GX550 is not merely an image statement. It's a tool with polish, appealing to those who want 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.
Under the hood, the GX550 features a twin-turbo V6 engine, a departure from the naturally aspirated V8 of previous models. This engine delivers rich, low-end torque and a seamless midrange surge, making merging and trail maneuvers feel effortless.
Customization is a key aspect of the GX550's appeal. Owners can customize the Custom drive mode on the Lexus GX550 primarily through the adaptive suspension and powertrain settings. This allows them to tailor ride comfort and handling for specific driving conditions. The GX550 offers adaptive suspension modes including Sport, Comfort, Sport+, and Custom. In Custom mode, drivers can stiffen the suspension slightly to better handle twisty roads, hairpin turns, and steep climbs while increasing power via Sport settings to manage challenging terrain or dynamic conditions.
The break-in oil change for the new Lexus GX550 costs $120 at the dealer. Some owners have also opted to install additional protective measures, such as XPEL windshield PPF, for $600, or Adam's ceramic/graphene coating to make cleaning easier.
However, the GX550 is not without its quirks. Some owners have reported occasional resets in their infotainment settings, and there have been instances of center of hood flutter or hopping, though these issues are improvements over previous models like the Toyota 4Runner.
Despite these minor issues, the new Lexus GX550's factory all-terrain tires show wear early, sparking active maintenance discussion among the GX community. However, it's worth noting that the best highway MPG average for the new Lexus GX550 is 19, even when running at 80 MPH on I-44 in Missouri.
In summary, the Lexus GX550 is a vehicle that combines excess and restraint, offering a compelling niche between bold flavor and refined utility. It's a tool for those who want 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, without compromising on luxury or performance.
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- The Lexus GX550's robust body-on-frame design and customization options, paired with its powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, make it an enticing choice for those in the automotive industry who require a finance-worthy investment in a versatile vehicle suitable for transportation in various terrains.
- Aiming to set itself apart in the crowded transportation sector, the Lexus GX550 offers a unique blend of luxury and off-road capability, catering to individuals in the finance industry seeking a sophisticated yet performance-driven vehicle that aligns with their refined tastes.
