Traveled 4,000 Miles in a 2025 Lexus GX 550 on Trail, Found Power Abundant Yet Infotainment System Inconsistently Resets User Preferences
The Lexus GX550, a vehicle that offers a balance between ruggedness and luxury, has been making waves in the automotive world. This SUV, positioned between the Mercedes G-Wagon and the Toyota 4Runner in terms of market demand, is not a pretender, but a true off-roader that stays true to its heritage.
The interior of the GX550 is functional, yet not flashy. It boasts a truck-like ride, a testament to its off-road capabilities. The appeal of this SUV lies in its honesty, not trying to be a sports car, not pandering to trends, and not shying away from its heritage.
A new owner of the Lexus GX550 shared their experience on Facebook, praising the vehicle's performance and comfort. They noted that the GX550 outperforms everyday off-roaders in capability, yet is priced lower than luxury SUVs like the G-Wagon.
However, like any vehicle, the GX550 is not without its issues. Common problems reported by owners include infotainment system problems, such as frequent random reboots of the center display while driving, which some find frustrating. Another reported problem is related to door lock failures, suggesting some reliability concerns in that area. Some drivers note that the stock bumpers cause poor approach and departure angles for off-roading, necessitating aftermarket upgrades to improve off-road capability.
To address these issues, owners are investing in various customizations. Aftermarket bumpers for better off-road clearance and angles are popular, as are ceramic or graphene protective coatings to ease cleaning and enhance durability of exterior plastics. Professional application of windshield paint protection film (PPF) for additional protection is also common. Mods to improve acceleration response, such as accelerator modulators, and plug-and-play backup camera systems integrated with the navigation system are also popular choices.
The GX550's new twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivers rich, low-end torque and a seamless midrange surge, even under heavy load. However, some owners have reported early tire wear on factory all-terrain tires, sparking active maintenance discussion among the GX community.
The owner of the Lexus GX550 has noticed some center of hood flutter or hopping, but finds it an improvement over their previous 4Runner. They have also applied Adam's ceramic/graphene coating, which they find makes cleaning easier.
The Lexus GX550 is equipped with adaptive suspension modes (Sport, Comfort, Sport+, Custom) for tailoring ride and handling characteristics. The highest recorded highway MPG average for the GX550 is 19, achieved while running close to 80 MPH on I-44 in Missouri.
The sturdy, body-on-frame construction of the Lexus GX550 preserves its true off-road heritage while maintaining luxury refinement. The quiet, well-sealed cabin pairs genuine off-road capability with Lexus-grade comfort, making long-distance travel as pleasant as it is easy.
Despite some minor electronic or comfort system inconveniences experienced by owners, the GX550 remains a capable, body-on-frame SUV with genuine off-road ability, wrapped in a package that is as comfortable as it is rugged.
The owner's investment in aftermarket modifications for the Lexus GX550 includes upgrades to enhance off-road capabilities, such as replacing stock bumpers with off-road-friendly alternatives and applying protective coatings to the exterior. In the finance industry, these modifications can be deemed as necessary, considering the vehicle's original design and its intended use in the transportation industry. The GX550's luxurious interior and off-road capabilities make it a unique proposition in the automotive market, blending industry standards with luxurious comfort and genuine off-roading ability.
