GX550 V6? Is it smoother and more powerful? Towing?

Esquire

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Apr 27, 2024
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2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Premium - Black / Black; 2016 Porsche 911 - 991.1 Carrera Base - Black / Black; 2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited - Black / Redwood
Does the GX550 actually have a smoother engine and a more powerful engine?

Specifically with re to towing capacity?
 
I have a new LC and also a Tundra with the same engine/transmission as the GX. Power-wise, there's no contest - the twin-turbo V6 is a beast, and the two extra gears make a difference too. But "smoother"? Hands down the LC with the hybrid is much, much nicer to drive. Of course the GX may have different software than the Tundra that changes the throttle response etc... but I doubt it'd make that much difference. I think it's the hybrid and the way it's integrated with the 4-banger that makes the LC so nice to drive.
 
I have a new LC and also a Tundra with the same engine/transmission as the GX. Power-wise, there's no contest - the twin-turbo V6 is a beast, and the two extra gears make a difference too. But "smoother"? Hands down the LC with the hybrid is much, much nicer to drive. Of course the GX may have different software than the Tundra that changes the throttle response etc... but I doubt it'd make that much difference. I think it's the hybrid and the way it's integrated with the 4-banger that makes the LC so nice to drive.
Thank you for the reply. I have not driven the GX as of yet.

I have been very impressed with the LC considering the fact it is a 4 Cyl. Very quick and smooth. The idle seemed a hair rough to me furing the first 1,000 miles. However, since I had the first service at 1k, it has really smoothed out. I almost hate to say it for a 6,000 pound SUV, however, it is actually enjoyable to drive in the City as well as the highway.

Welcome to the forum and I appreciate your response.
 
I evaluated both before deciding on the LC. It's hybrid gives it near instantaneous power delivery under 50MPH and responsiveness in all power bands. Those dynamics make it a lot of fun to drive and very suitable for city/suburban/off road environments.

The GX power train seems better for towing larger payloads and highway cruising long distances at over 65 MPH. The trade off is gas mileage and it is less responsive until the RPMs spool up.

Many people comment on the LC not being as smooth but I am not sure it is the vibration. A fair criticism is that there is probably too much engine noise. That is baffling becuase it is easily solved with a little more sound dampening, and exhaust tuning. There are also reports in this forum that the LC uses synthetic noise reduction and engine notes piped into the cockpit.

Personally, I like to actively drive the vehicle so appreciate a lot o mechanical feedback. However, if Toyota would have put a little more attention to the engine noise I think it would have addressed the refinement concerns for most people.
 
Many people comment on the LC not being as smooth but I am not sure it is the vibration. A fair criticism is that there is probably too much engine noise.
Ah, I see. Some people may be referring to "smooth" as vibration. I was thinking "smooth" in terms of power delivery, or more accurately how well it translates the movement of your foot to torque at the wheels. Which, as you say, is great for daily driveability as well as off-roading.
 
For 17 mpg (It would be more like 14-15 mpg for many here) theyโ€™d better be smoother and more powerful. Lexus customers are not as forgiving as Toyota customers
 
...There are also reports in this forum that the LC uses synthetic noise reduction and engine notes piped into the cockpit...
The LC250 has no 'piped-in' engine sounds like in the Tundra and Tacoma, and presumably the impending 6th Gen 4Runner. There is apparently noise cancellation, and I'd love to be able to turn it off to hear the difference.
 
The LC250 has no 'piped-in' engine sounds like in the Tundra and Tacoma, and presumably the impending 6th Gen 4Runner. There is apparently noise cancellation, and I'd love to be able to turn it off to hear the difference.
What, precisely, is noise cancelling? Piped in white noise?
 
Apparently there are settings accessible through the Carista app for active noise cancellation and engine sound enhancement. Original thread linked below.

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