Put deposit down on both a LC and GX, now the confusion begins

Ike582

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Mar 22, 2025
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Today I put a refundable deposit on a GX 550 Premium+ in Incognito, after seeing one at the dealer this morning. Unfortunately it's a waiting game, as my dealer has no insight as to when they might get an allocation for a vehicle with the specs I want. I think the exterior of the GX is gorgeous, but the interior looks a bit less interesting. I've also got a refundable deposit down on a LC in Meteor Shower with the Premium package, priced at sticker. The LC stickers around $4,000 less than the GX.

Today I got a call today that the Land Cruiser is "in port", so I figure it's a few weeks away from delivery. With no insight to the GX delivery, I'm likely to buy the LC when it arrives.

Am I nuts for not passing on the LC and waiting for a GX to arrive? In either case I'm trading my '18 Jeep Rubicon. I've been driving a series of Wranglers for the last 12 years (Sport, Sahara, Rubicon), and have just grown a bit tired of the harsh ride and road noise. I'm ready for something a bit more civilized. If both were sitting in front of me, I honestly don't know which I'd take as both have plusses and minuses. Horsepower is irrelevant to me, as I'm used to the performance level of the Jeep.

Any thoughts either way?
 
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A 450? Weird.

LCs will keep trickling in... GXs are Waitlisted out the ass. In Omaha the dealer told me they have 250 people on different configurations and it's currently a 7+ month wait.

I'd test drive the LC when it arrives and see if you like the drivetrain. That's really the biggest difference.
 
A 450? Weird.

LCs will keep trickling in... GXs are Waitlisted out the ass. In Omaha the dealer told me they have 250 people on different configurations and it's currently a 7+ month wait.

I'd test drive the LC when it arrives and see if you like the drivetrain. That's really the biggest difference.
Yep, I recently drove the LC and a new 4 Runner TRD Sport Premium. I much preferred driving the LC to the 4R both in terms of engine performance, noise and comfort. (I bet the 4R Limited would be a bit more interesting than the non-hybrid 4R.) I have not driven a GX, and unfortunately won't be able to until one arrives for me.

The dealer was a bit light on details as to how long the wait is for a GX, and I suspect it could be longer than the 4 months he suggested. He also mentioned that while Lexus could sell a ton more of the GX, Lexus limits the production numbers because it trashes their overall fuel economy numbers. 17 MPG puts a dent in their overall average if you sell too many of them.
 
Yep, I recently drove the LC and a new 4 Runner TRD Sport Premium. I much preferred driving the LC to the 4R both in terms of engine performance, noise and comfort. (I bet the 4R Limited would be a bit more interesting than the non-hybrid 4R.) I have not driven a GX, and unfortunately won't be able to until one arrives for me.

The dealer was a bit light on details as to how long the wait is for a GX, and I suspect it could be longer than the 4 months he suggested. He also mentioned that while Lexus could sell a ton more of the GX, Lexus limits the production numbers because it trashes their overall fuel economy numbers. 17 MPG puts a dent in their overall average if you sell too many of them.
I test drove a 550 Overtrail with 15,000 miles on it. Its MPG history showed THIRTEEN MILES PER GALLON.

And to be completely honest... it wasn't remarkably different than my LC. But I get 19-20 average on my 2025 LC2.

And the interior of the LC is way better than the lexus... the lexus doesn't even have rear climate control, and it has wasted space on the console with a fucking cigarette lighter plug.
 
I test drove a 550 Overtrail with 15,000 miles on it. Its MPG history showed THIRTEEN MILES PER GALLON.

And to be completely honest... it wasn't remarkably different than my LC. But I get 19-20 average on my 2025 LC2.

And the interior of the LC is way better than the lexus... the lexus doesn't even have rear climate control, and it has wasted space on the console with a fucking cigarette lighter plug.
Boy, I noticed that cigarette lighter as well and couldn't believe how poorly that area was laid out. I figured I was the only one crazy to think that the interior of the LC was nicer than the GX!
 
The LC has a 2400W outlet which is awesome because of thr hybrid system. It appears the mpg get better with time on the LC as the computer learns your driving style.

Lots of low end torque on the LC and basically no turbo lag because of the hybrid system.

Premium gas, minimally less power and torque, and the rear cargo area is less because of the hybrid battery. Thos are the cons as I see it.

I am biased and love my LC250.
 
If it’s a town car the Lexus is great. I just think the grill and front end make it look like a luxury SUV. I think the LC looks like a “truck” and capable off road vehicle. I know the GX Overtrail is capable, I just can’t get past the front end and grill. I do wish we had the 6 cylinder option in the LC. Personally git the LC, doing a few mods to it for the same money as GX and to me have a much better looking vehicle- but it’s obviously all subjective and to each their own. Great vehicles either way. I am sure you will be happy whichever way you chose.
 
Unless you're the kind of person who switches vehicles frequently, I'd take some time and make sure you're buying the right car. The last thing I'd want to do is to spend $70,000 on a car and then second guess myself for purchasing it. That said, I considered the GX also. I have no regrets.
 
We have a LC and a GX550, we didn't plan it that way but we had to upgrade my wife's car faster than anticipated and wanted a 7 seater. We were originally planning on a Sequoia but our GX came in faster. I primarily drive the LC and my wife has the GX but we'll drive each other's cars based on schedules/activities.

If I had to keep one I'd probably keep the GX550. I prefer the look of the LC and it's more capable offroad (non OT) but the powertrain is much better on the GX. The LC powertrain feels a bit strained and can get clunky. LC fuel economy in the city is significantly better but not really that different on the highway. Also having a 7 seater with kids is convenient for car pooling and sports activities.

Also I feel like the interior is better on the GX but based on what others have already written that's subjective. The non OT GX trims have second and third row ceiling vents.
 
I put Katzkins on my LC. The dog ripped the minimal gauze Toyota put on the leather seats between the seat bolsters. I cannot believe the lack of Human Factors engineering from Toyota developers. I have been on the GX waiting list for almost a year now. The sales lady promises I may have one coming some of these days. Gotta be hard to work for Lexus. I do like the diaper the engineers developed for the LC trailer hitch. Quite pleased with the power train on my LC.
 
I put Katzkins on my LC. The dog ripped the minimal gauze Toyota put on the leather seats between the seat bolsters. I cannot believe the lack of Human Factors engineering from Toyota developers. I have been on the GX waiting list for almost a year now. The sales lady promises I may have one coming some of these days. Gotta be hard to work for Lexus. I do like the diaper the engineers developed for the LC trailer hitch. Quite pleased with the power train on my LC.
I got the mini diaper with a receiver insert and it’s more tolerable.

It’s fresh diaper sized compared to a big pee or medium poop diaper.
 
If the price is that close get the gx. It’s a much better overall package no question. The decision is harder with 1958. I bought mine for 51k plus tax. The cheapest premium gx is 67k msrp. That’s a good chunk of cash to upgrade so it made the decision East’s like others have mentioned this drivetrain doesn’t belong to a mid60k vehicle. But is percent compared to defender, wrangler , brocno 4 cylinders at mid 50k price range
 
Here are a list of reasons to choose one over the other, just features standard on one and not the other. Some are obscure but may sway someone on their purchase.

Pros on the LC Premium:
Classic Toyota heritage styling/branding inside and out
Locking Rear Differential
Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, Multi-Terrain Select
Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (though some shipping without)
18" Wheels
Leather trimmed seating
2400W Sine wave power outlet
3 zone AC with back seat controls.
22/25 "rated" MPG (slightly better than GX 550 in actual use)
Digital Rear View Mirror (see behind a packed cargo area)
Heads up display*
Digital Key*
Cool Box (More a con as I prefer more storage)
$4k less expensive

Pros on the GX 550 Premium+:
Lexus Branding
Nori Green Color Option
V6 Twin Turbo with 10 speed auto (Smoother and more powerful drivetrain)
9000 lb tow rating
Power Folding 3rd row seating (Seating for 7)
Heated second row seats
More cargo space with seats folded down
Kick sensor on rear power door
Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel
Acoustic glass for front seats

*Available options on the GX 550, but standard in LC Premium package.
 
Sounds like the GX is the better fit for you. It's more refined, and the price premium is marginal, hence why the GX has a much longer waitlist than Land Cruisers. The GX is the better city car, while still having the off-road looks.

I think the Land Cruiser is a better vehicle if you're actually planning on overlanding or off-road. The hybrid battery is a handy power source, the LC fixes damage more easily, and it's alot easier to find a mechanic or dealer if you're in some remote area.
 
Today I put a refundable deposit on a GX 550 Premium+ in Incognito, after seeing one at the dealer this morning. Unfortunately it's a waiting game, as my dealer has no insight as to when they might get an allocation for a vehicle with the specs I want. I think the exterior of the GX is gorgeous, but the interior looks a bit less interesting. I've also got a refundable deposit down on a LC in Meteor Shower with the Premium package, priced at sticker. The LC stickers around $4,000 less than the GX.

Today I got a call today that the Land Cruiser is "in port", so I figure it's a few weeks away from delivery. With no insight to the GX delivery, I'm likely to buy the LC when it arrives.

Am I nuts for not passing on the LC and waiting for a GX to arrive? In either case I'm trading my '18 Jeep Rubicon. I've been driving a series of Wranglers for the last 12 years (Sport, Sahara, Rubicon), and have just grown a bit tired of the harsh ride and road noise. I'm ready for something a bit more civilized. If both were sitting in front of me, I honestly don't know which I'd take as both have plusses and minuses. Horsepower is irrelevant to me, as I'm used to the performance level of the Jeep.

Any thoughts either way?
The gas mileage alone is worth it for the lexus. They have a bigger tank size. I wish i would have known this and gone with the lexus. Still may trade my LC because of this.
 
Good discussion, thanks for all the insight. The decision is tougher for me because the LC is likely to be made available to me within the next 30 days, and I have zero clarity on when or if I'll be allocated a GX.
 
Today I put a refundable deposit on a GX 550 Premium+ in Incognito, after seeing one at the dealer this morning. Unfortunately it's a waiting game, as my dealer has no insight as to when they might get an allocation for a vehicle with the specs I want. I think the exterior of the GX is gorgeous, but the interior looks a bit less interesting. I've also got a refundable deposit down on a LC in Meteor Shower with the Premium package, priced at sticker. The LC stickers around $4,000 less than the GX.

Today I got a call today that the Land Cruiser is "in port", so I figure it's a few weeks away from delivery. With no insight to the GX delivery, I'm likely to buy the LC when it arrives.

Am I nuts for not passing on the LC and waiting for a GX to arrive? In either case I'm trading my '18 Jeep Rubicon. I've been driving a series of Wranglers for the last 12 years (Sport, Sahara, Rubicon), and have just grown a bit tired of the harsh ride and road noise. I'm ready for something a bit more civilized. If both were sitting in front of me, I honestly don't know which I'd take as both have plusses and minuses. Horsepower is irrelevant to me, as I'm used to the performance level of the Jeep.

Any thoughts either way?
I was in the same boat i decided to go with the Land Cruiser. Im totally happy with my choice!
20250310_132454.jpg
 
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