Decisions on a GX550 Purchase? (1 Viewer)

Wilburcat

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I recently purchased a 2026 4 Runner Off Road Premium and have put 3000 miles on it. It came with the JBL 13 speaker sound system which is terrible. The cab is small. I do love the cameras front/back and the rear view. I bought it so I could tow a motorcycle trailer and the fact that it is a hybrid (little did I know). My wife drive a ES and it is great, her 3rd, The sound system is perfect and fit and finish is good as well. I am really considering a GX 550 Premium. It is difficult as I can't even find one to sit in and get a feel for it. My main reasoning is space, comfort stereo and the 9K towing capability. The land cruiser is the same shell and motor. Can anyone assist with there insights and help me decide on a direction please.
Thank you,
Chris
 
I test drove a 2025 TRD Pro 4Runner prior to buying my GX. I liked it other than the engine/drivetrain and the accompanying reduced cargo space from the hybrid system. I do believe the "cockpit" felt a little more form fitted in the 4Runner vs the GX as well and the Pro at least had a lot more of a rugged design theme obviously vs the more luxory look of the GX. While the overall power specs are similar, the GX just feels significantly smoother and faster at all speeds, but especially highway.

I was initially a little concerned I wouldn't like the lack of physical buttons/knobs, but the screen so far on mine has been very responsive and I don't mind not having them at this point, although keep in mind they do take up the bottom of the screen so I think the viewable screen space is actually bigger on the 4Runner because of this. Still plenty big I think for most, but something to be aware of.

Also since you mentioned the sound system, I'm not sure how the JBL would compare to either the base system(what I got) or the Mark Levinson system on the higher trims(many have commented the ML system is not worth it). There is a BeatSonic amp that a good number on this board have purchased(myself included) that makes the base system sound pretty good, but honestly not sure it's worth the money at ~$800. I mostly noticed it increases sound level at lower volumes and also makes it convenient to add a sub with an RCA preout, but that's an option anyway.

I believe the GX has the same camera system as the 4Runner with the birds eye view and front view you can turn on when going low speed(at least Overtrail model does). Not sure if the 4Runner got any others for different views. I added a Wolfbox digital rearview mirror which I love(had it on my 5th gen 4Runner) and have no complaints now from the cameras.

Lastly if you do any offroad at all I'd definitely get the Overtrail model vs premium. It has the additional factory lift, better wheels/tires, and some other goodies like onboard air compressor, factory aux switches, etc.
 
The TT6 engine and 10-speed transmission in the GX are the game changers/difference makers in my mind. Totally elevates the feel and performance of the vehicle compared to my buddy’s LC. I personally think the GX looks better than the LC/4Runner and will hold its value because there aren’t as many on the road. That said, all are great in their own right so you’ll enjoy whichever you choose.
 
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Thank you all for the insight! I'm going to try to find one in my are to at least sit in one...
 
Your dealer may be able to help with this. Ours was going to ask a customer if they’d be willing to bring their GX to the dealership for us to checkout. That’s above and beyond but you never know. Good luck!
 
I had actually made a post in my local FB marketplace about renting one and was lucky enough that someone responded and let me take it on a short test drive with them for free. Might be worth a try. Or of course if you're in a larger metro area, Turo would probably be a good option to look at too.
 
Your dealer may be able to help with this. Ours was going to ask a customer if they’d be willing to bring their GX to the dealership for us to checkout. That’s above and beyond but you never know. Good luck!
Wow that’s nice.

I had to push my dealer to let me test drive mine before purchase because they said the could not do that, which is an insane statement to make.
 
The Land Cruiser & 4Runner pull fine. There’s only 14 lb ft difference in torque between LC & GX, but LC’s full torque is available @ 1700 rpm, vs you have to run up the rpm a bit higher on the V6TT to get to peak .

Unbelievable torque out of hole w/ the hybrid system. You can’t go wrong w/either, but you’re going to get comments from both LC & GX owners who haven’t even taken their rear bumper diaper off to tow - but happy to give advice.

‘23 Sequoia is one of the best tow rigs I’ve ever had combining bit longer wheelbase & both hybrid & V6TT. Traded it for LC for bit overall smaller package & it tows fine. Our LC & GX drive like different personalities.

Go drive a LC so you can come back & tell us your experience comparing to the GX & 4R.
 
Thank you all again... I managed to find a used 26 Overtrail + with 3k on it on a Toyota lot. They where asking 104K for her. I was straight with the salesman and told him I only wanted to check it out and the price was a bit extreme.

Well I got to drive it and play with everything and I'm sold! I also looked at the LC after, but the GX is worth a bit extra for the fit & finish.

It had 3k miles on it, I offered my 26 4runner OFP hybrid with 4K on it and 30K cash, nope.... I'm going to try my Lexus dealer tomorrow and order/get on a list and see how that goes.
 
Thank you all again... I managed to find a used 26 Overtrail + with 3k on it on a Toyota lot. They where asking 104K for her. I was straight with the salesman and told him I only wanted to check it out and the price was a bit extreme.

Well I got to drive it and play with everything and I'm sold! I also looked at the LC after, but the GX is worth a bit extra for the fit & finish.

It had 3k miles on it, I offered my 26 4runner OFP hybrid with 4K on it and 30K cash, nope.... I'm going to try my Lexus dealer tomorrow and order/get on a list and see how that goes.
Wow, that is steep. Good call going to a dealer and ordering what you want. The wait is worth the money you’ll save.
 

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