Canadian GX550 for 2026 MY - EKDSS Comes Standard! (Edit: No it Does Not, See Comment Below) (1 Viewer)

[Silver Storm]

It's my understanding that the EKDSS option for the GX550 in the US market is only available in the OT and OT+ package. I just noticed today for the 2026 model year, the Canadian market GX550 has EKDSS availability across all optional packages. For Canadian GX buyers, this means that EKDSS is standard regardless of which package or trim level you choose. Information provided from Regency Lexus in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Canadian GX buyers (for 2026 model year) should confirm and verify with your Lexus sales rep if EKDSS is standard. If true, this is great news for all Canadian GX buyers.

Link:

Regency Lexus | Compare New Vehicles

Can't make a decision about two new Lexus vehicles? Try out our Compare Tool to make an informed decision for your next Lexus vehicle.

www.regencylexus.com

Edit: it is confirmed, GX product summary shows EKDSS as standard feature. See attached 2026 GX product summary for Canadian market.

 

[cmfhsu]

This is fantastic. I love how much less body roll there is compared to previous GXs and LXs, but the sway bars are so stiff I get head toss when I cross over rutted out roads. EKDSS should effectively eliminate that problem.

 

[oldseniu]

Well, I saw this too but think it might be an oversight. I checked the US website and it clearly stated EKDSS only available on the Overtrail/Plus trim. It is almost too good to be true to have EKDSS available on every trim level.

 

[Silver Storm]

Well, I saw this too but think it might be an oversight. I checked the US website and it clearly stated EKDSS only available on the Overtrail/Plus trim. It is almost too good to be true to have EKDSS available on every trim level.

If the information came from the dealer, I would probably agree with you that it could be an oversight. But if the information came from Lexus Canada, I would be highly confident that the information is accurate. See the link below to Lexus Canada on the GX. You can clearly see that EKDSS is standard across all packages. The only other way to verify would be to write to Lexus Canada to confirm EKDSS is standard.

Build & Price Your 2026 Lexus GX 550 | Lexus Canada

Use the Build & Price tool to customize the 2026 Lexus GX 550 luxury off-road SUV and compare pricing, payment estimates, trims and available packages.

www.lexus.ca

 

[oldseniu]

If the information came from the dealer, I would probably agree with you that it could be an oversight. But if the information came from Lexus Canada, I would be highly confident that the information is accurate. See the link below to Lexus Canada on the GX. You can clearly see that EKDSS is standard across all packages. The only other way to verify would be to write to Lexus Canada to confirm EKDSS is standard.

Build & Price Your 2026 Lexus GX 550 | Lexus Canada

Use the Build & Price tool to customize the 2026 Lexus GX 550 luxury off-road SUV and compare pricing, payment estimates, trims and available packages.

www.lexus.ca

It is kinds crazy if it is true. Considering all the trims will be very off road capable (I mean they already are but even better), diminishes the Overtrail trims; value. However, even as a Overtrail+ owner, I still would applaud such move for future GX owners.

 

[lowrange44]

I’d like to see if E-KDSS on non-AVS models still have selectable drive modes that adjust E-KDSS.

I don’t think it diminishes the Overtrail trims at all. Overtrail buyers still want an Overtrail.
I think it diminishes the pre-2026 non-Overtrail models that didn’t come with E-KDSS

 

[cmfhsu]

In all honesty - I don't see EKDSS as an off-road improvement for the non-OT trims, because almost nobody flexes their suspension to maximum travel - including most OT owners (my hot take of the day). How many people drop tires into perfectly diagonal 2-foot deep holes on a regular basis?

I think the big improvement from EKDSS will come from improved ride and handling, and I'm a little jealous. EKDSS fully unlocks the sway bars at low speeds, meaning you won't get that uncomfortable head bobble when crossing over ruts / speed bumps / potholes at an angle. Plus, I think EKDSS trims get a bigger sway bar (or at least it did in the GX460s), meaning mid-high speed stability and body roll will be better.

It's kind of a win-win. Better ride under 10mph and less body roll above 10mph. Who would say no?

 

[cmfhsu]

I’d like to see if E-KDSS on non-AVS models still have selectable drive modes that adjust E-KDSS.

I don’t think it diminishes the Overtrail trims at all. Overtrail buyers still want an Overtrail.
I think it diminishes the pre-2026 non-Overtrail models that didn’t come with E-KDSS

Do we know if EKDSS actually has different functionality based on drive mode?

I could maybe see a change in behavior between High and Low Range, but I'm not sure what it would do differently between different High Range drive modes. I don't think (but I'm no expert) EKDSS has the ability to infinitely vary its adjustment - I thought it was just "locked" or "unlocked", though I guess you could change when each axle locks or unlocks.

I remember one journalist saying EKDSS could have the capability to "pull the sway bar tighter", preloading it to further improve handling, but I haven't seen anybody corroborate that fact. Especially because the rear axle only has one EKDSS actuator, meaning it shouldn't have any ability to preload the bar without causing the whole car to lean to one side.

 

[lowrange44]

Do we know if EKDSS actually has different functionality based on drive mode?

I could maybe see a change in behavior between High and Low Range, but I'm not sure what it would do differently between different High Range drive modes. I don't think (but I'm no expert) EKDSS has the ability to infinitely vary its adjustment - I thought it was just "locked" or "unlocked", though I guess you could change when each axle locks or unlocks...

In Overtrail and Overtrail+ models E-KDSS performance changes in each of the drive modes…. Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+.

In Comfort it allows much more body roll and uneven bump compliance. In Sport+ mode it allows for very little body roll, resulting in a much sportier ride.

E-KDSS modes change in conjunction with AVS settings. That’s why I was wondering if E-KDSS would have the same settings in a non-AVS model like a Premium+ for example

 

[joodokick]

Sorry to report this is not true. It’s just a mistake on the material. Think about it, why would they do this is Canada and nowhere else? Completely non sensical. That option is only available on the OT and OT+

 

[lowrange44]

Sorry to report this is not true. It’s just a mistake on the material. Think about it, why would they do this is Canada and nowhere else? Completely non sensical. That option is only available on the OT and OT+

you’re reporting it’s not true based on facts? If so, please provide proof.

 

[joodokick]

The proof is go to any dealership and or use common sense.

 

[lowrange44]

The proof is go to any dealership and or use common sense.

The Lexus Canada build tool for the 2026 GX550 is wrong too?

 

[joodokick]

Yes. It’s based on the original documents so it maintains the same errors. Think about it. What would influence Lexus leadership to add an obscure suspension feature onto more models just for the Canadian market? Other than the marketing names the vehicles are exactly the same in every other regard.

 

[Silver Storm]

I have gone back into Lexus Canada website to recheck the E-KDSS for the GX. So yeah, it looks like Lexus Canada did in fact screw up because now it's showing only the Overtrail & Overtrail + models have E-KDSS. See attached screenshot I took 20 minutes ago.