If you had the opportunity to write to Lexus regarding factory changes for your GX 550, what would you change or add?!!!

[Texican]

Lots of agreement here but let me add my druthers:
1. Interior color options other than black! My 25 OT w Earth exterior is perfect for the caliche ranch roads but the black interior is a dust magnet that always needs a hard vacuum, if not a wet wipe down.
2. Door bottle storage should be enlarged to hold a standard Yeti or OwaLa bottle.
3. Close the windshield trim gap at the edges.
4. Sliding 2 row seats to allow loading gear from the sides.
5. Rear seat roof AC w controls.
6. Better sound system.

 

[cmfhsu]

For me:

• Somewhere to put my phone while it's connected via USB cable to Android Auto. Right now it's sitting on top of my cupholder.
• A Mark Levinson system that has the same frequency response & tuning as older, pre-2015 ML systems. This one is a pretty big disappointment for me.
• Updated HVAC calibration that doesn't roast you for 30 minutes in the winter
• A quick link to the Massage function
• A dedicated home button so that exiting Android Auto isn't 3+ button taps
• An oil filter drain that actually drains instead of just dumping oil on the frame
• A slightly better, less clunky transmission calibration
• This will never happen because it hasn't happened since the GX470, but a damn steering wheel that telescopes like 3 inches further

 

[cmfhsu]

I'll go first:

1) I’d like more factory color options.
2) A larger fuel tank—at least 25 gallons.
3) More powerful, "smart" headlights.
4) Air suspension.
5) Slightly more powerful brakes.
6) A more user-friendly display interface; I’d love to see AI integration—something that greets you when you get in.
7) A more robust companion app—one that wishes you a happy birthday, or adjusts the vehicle settings differently depending on whether it’s raining or sunny.
And finally:
8) Automatic door locks that engage on their own, and unlock automatically as you approach or walk away from the vehicle.

What do you guys think? @LEXUS

Why do you feel you could use stronger brakes?

After I bled my brakes (because my brakes had a little air or contamination in them from the factory), I'm genuinely quite impressed with them. They're firm, consistent, the pads have a ton of bite right at the top of the pedal, and they held up to towing loads exceptionally well without fading an ounce. I was even able to do 4x repeated panic stops from 65mph while bedding the pads without the pedal getting too mushy.

This is my first Lexus, so I'd assumed Lexuses would have mushy brakes for old people, but I'm genuinely quite impressed with mine.

 

[mlinkibikr]

I have an OT and for my needs it's dang near perfect.
That said the larger fuel tank would be nice, as would more storage space in front cabin.
The fuel hatch could be unlocked simply by having the doors unlocked without the need of a pull cable. Still getting used to that.
Diesel option (6 cylinder turbo of course!)
I like the second gen 4Runner tailgate with the window that can be rolled down. Helps with the occasional oversized load (eg 2x4). That would be really cool to bring back.

 

[Yrag57]

Wow! These contributors are really squared away with their suggestions. I especially like those regarding cup holders and center console expansion. But my biggest request for improving an otherwise terrific SUV must be about the climate control system. Why build rocket science into something as basic as hot/cold and fresh or recirculating air?
These are simple things that everyone views a little differently. And it shouldn’t take reading a manual to accomplish a comfortable temperature.
There are dozens of threads with folks either expressing their frustrations with it, or trying to explain how they’ve adjusted theirs to their satisfaction.
Simple works just fine, even in a luxury vehicle.
The only other suggestion I would make is to design the windshield with a five degree more acute angle that could bounce most rocks off without cracking it. Or, at least offer the bug guard for the hood in North America. You already built it and sell them in Australia. Just send a boat load our way too. It might even help with the hood flutter issue.
Besides those things, I love my GX550. Just give the engineers a day off and bring in one good ol’ boy and two ladies with Prada bags. Perfection is achievable!

 

[ljn21]

Thicker steering wheel.

 

[Mark Adams]

1. 3-4 Gallons more fuel capacity + a less conservative distance to empty calculation.
2. Locking Rear Differential available in all trims.
3. Ditch the center cool box and make the storage space as large as possible for this area.

 

[Mark Adams]

Top items for me is 1) to improve the driver's area to include storage space, convenient spot for phone sunglasses etc and 2) larger driving range thru larger gas tank or better mileage.

I'd buy a new one if I could get more interesting colors.

 

[cmfhsu]

I have an OT and for my needs it's dang near perfect.
That said the larger fuel tank would be nice, as would more storage space in front cabin.
The fuel hatch could be unlocked simply by having the doors unlocked without the need of a pull cable. Still getting used to that.
Diesel option (6 cylinder turbo of course!)
I like the second gen 4Runner tailgate with the window that can be rolled down. Helps with the occasional oversized load (eg 2x4). That would be really cool to bring back.

On the fuel filler hatch - I believe this has consistently been cable-operated in every Land Cruiser (Prado, GX, or otherwise) because it's more reliable than a push-to-pop filler door, especially when conditions get dusty.

I do wish the door had a spring or detent to keep it propped open while filling, because a slight cough from an asthmatic hamster could flop my fuel filler door closed.

 

[tmitchem]

As someone that tows with my GX, I wish they would improve the trailer electric hookup location. Ridiculous that you have to practically lay down under the car to see the connection.

 

[ljn21]

Capless fuel fill

 

[Warrantero]

Redo console area more storage .

 

[Risk-Fate]

Relocate the charging pad, a few more cup holders for the front, 2-4 gal. larger tank.

Otherwise, it's a great SUV.

 

[bruesjoh04]

A dedicated home button so that exiting Android Auto isn't 3+ button taps

For over a year, my AA has had a little downward-facing arrow at the far top left, which is a one-tap way to get back to the Lexus system.

 

[Atomic Storm]

My recommendation/want list from Lexus;

1) Better ML audio system
2) Illuminated door sills for rear passenger doors
3) Option to opt out of tow hitch like JDM GX (or at least make it more discrete and hidden - better hitch cover than the current diaper cover look)
4) Bring over JDM factory accessories from Modellista.
5) More physical buttons (if the touch screen dies, you are really screwed). Rocker switches like those in the Grenadier Ineos ceiling area would be super cool

 

[BETN]

Make the under deck storage larger (where the tire iron is stored). It just needs to be marginally larger in order for me to put my trailer hitch in it. This is the first SUV I’ve owned that did not have a spot for me to store the trailer hitch. I like having it in my truck for when I need it.

Door storage is terrible, glove box is almost useless, and the center console is terrible.

In addition, the vehicle needs more storage in general. My daughter has a Toyota Highlander. How does a Highlander have better/more storage than their flagship brand? One of the coolest things is that the cargo cover can be stored in the generous storage in the floor for when you want to use the third row.

I’d like for when you expand the CarPlay screen, for it to take up all of the screen. Just like when you expand the Lexus Map. I’d also like CarPlay Ultra.

I’d like a larger sunroof on my car. Like my daughter’s highlander.

Ability to slide the second row seats back to make more legroom.

A rear cargo mat from Lexus for the Premium/Luxury trims for behind the second row when the 3rd row is folded down, and then rolls up when you use the 3 row. (Again, like the Highlander)

There just doesn’t seem to be any attention to detail for the small things in the GX. Toyota makes vehicles that get these details right, so it’s not like they don’t know what to do. It’s as if no one was minding the store when the GX when through their product review process. Why did they think this was ok?

 

[BryanM68]

For over a year, my AA has had a little downward-facing arrow at the far top left, which is a one-tap way to get back to the Lexus system.View attachment 20975

Yeah, my 25 GX is the same way, but my wife's 26 RX needs several taps to return to the Lexus app from AA. Very odd and frustrating.

 

[GA Lexus]

V6 hybrid options for all trims.

 

[kevinjensen751]

I would like a hood that doesn't vibrate like a subwoofer as I am driving down the road. Maybe make it a little more sturdy.

 

[WheelsFeels]

The GX 550 is an incredible machine, but it definitely feels like the interior designers didn't fully sync with the engineering team on how people actually use these rigs for road trips and overlanding. Cargo management is a huge talking point.

We actually started Wheels Feels in Houston precisely because we wanted to address some of these factory limitations on the new platforms. When we were 3D-scanning the GX trunk to build our modular storage units, we noticed a few areas where owners could use a bit more help:

- Leveling out the floor: A perfectly flat, carpet-lined top platform makes a massive difference if you are trying to mount a fridge securely or setup a clean sleeping space, matching the OEM look without sacrificing daily utility.
- Utilizing factory mounting points: Lexus gave us good cargo tie-down locations, so we engineered our setups to bolt directly into them using stock hardware. No drilling into a brand-new truck, but you get a completely rigid, rattle-free system.
- Secure, hidden storage: Instead of loose bags or plastic bins sliding around on washboard roads, heavy-duty locking drawers and modular dividers keep tools and recovery gear locked in place and hidden from plain sight when the hatch is closed.

Lexus builds a solid foundation, but adding a permanent, precision-fit interior upgrade really unlocks what this truck can do on trail weekends.



Curious to see what everyone else would change about the cargo layout! Let us know if you need any specific dimensions or layout ideas while planning your builds.

P.S. - we’re running a Father’s Day Special with 20% OFF this week.