Do we need you in every thread?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.
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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.
If you had the opportunity to write to Lexus regarding factory changes for your GX 550, what would you change or add?!!! (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ing_marcosgamez
- Start date
The following are my thoughts on how I would improve my GX550 Overtrail+:
- Dual Zone Climate Control for rear seat passengers as well as HVAC vents in ceiling or B-pillars for rear seat passengers and HVAC vents in ceiling for cargo area.
- Split tailgate with upward opening upper section and downward folding lower section as incorporated on previous generation Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus LXs.
- Larger fuel tank (ideally 25 gallons).
Wow! So many opinions here!
Should we somehow split it to- reasonable expectations / great if can be engineered / maybe this isn't the car for this? (yes I know everyone will have different opinions on this too)
For example, more storage spaces, simpler massage seat menu system, HUD that works with sunglasses, and decent sound quality would be in my list of reasonable expectations. Like if Lexus doesn't fix these things I think the brand is not going to stay here for long.
Larger fuel tank, more engine options, sliding 2nd row seats would be great if can be engineered while maintaining the car's capabilities (front locker, anyone?). I've read somewhere the fuel tank size is somehow regulated, at least here in California, but I don't really know, which is why I'm listing these as great if possible.
Self leveling rear? I mean so many people here are replacing the suspension as soon as they buy the car, isn't this an option more suited for the LX?
Am I the only one who wants the car to be mechanically simpler? More analog? More push buttons instead of screens? I want a reliable off-road capable car. I'll take the LC500 or LX700 to the opera.
Should we somehow split it to- reasonable expectations / great if can be engineered / maybe this isn't the car for this? (yes I know everyone will have different opinions on this too)
For example, more storage spaces, simpler massage seat menu system, HUD that works with sunglasses, and decent sound quality would be in my list of reasonable expectations. Like if Lexus doesn't fix these things I think the brand is not going to stay here for long.
Larger fuel tank, more engine options, sliding 2nd row seats would be great if can be engineered while maintaining the car's capabilities (front locker, anyone?). I've read somewhere the fuel tank size is somehow regulated, at least here in California, but I don't really know, which is why I'm listing these as great if possible.
Self leveling rear? I mean so many people here are replacing the suspension as soon as they buy the car, isn't this an option more suited for the LX?
Am I the only one who wants the car to be mechanically simpler? More analog? More push buttons instead of screens? I want a reliable off-road capable car. I'll take the LC500 or LX700 to the opera.
Replying to my own original post: one other thing I’ve had some issues with on my ‘24 GX: the fuel door. It doesn’t open wide enough to stay open by gravity and has no spring to hold it open by tension. It simply flops. A one mph breeze will blow it nearly shut while you’re trying to get the gas nozzle into position for filling. It just acts cheap.
Replying to my own post - My comments probably don’t mean much to many GX owners, but reflect that we tow a lot. Traded in a ‘23 Sequoia Limited TRD Off Road w/ V35A twin turbo hybrid system, & it was a remarkable tow rig. Towed better than our 3G Tundra, and that’s saying something. Kids went to college & wife didn’t see a need to drive a big SUV. LC/GX looked like perfect size. With the right type tire they’re fair to good towing a 5000# tandem trailer load, mostly due full-time 4x4, turning radius & wheelbase that are nicely sized if towing. But hook up a trailer & the GX550 is too thirsty, small fuel tank, & rear springs can give up quick.
I’d trade today for a GX w/ hybrid V6 powertrain (for more power & torque), bigger fuel tank & rear air level system & put up with all the other little things.
Lots of great comments here. One I did not see, which might be controversial, is I would not mind having a LWB option. This is not in the easy fix category, but I think it would appeal to a large segment of the market which might like a little more storage / leg room (especially with the third row up) while retaining the narrower profile.
Larger fuel tank and more storage in the cockpit are no brainers. If you want a hybrid the Toyota LC is already an option.
Larger fuel tank and more storage in the cockpit are no brainers. If you want a hybrid the Toyota LC is already an option.
I generally like everything about my '25 OT except for the map display. 1) I wish the colors were a lot more vibrant to make the streets more easily seen - yes, I've played with the settings, 2) add a user default for north (or maybe all 4 compass directions) up that stays set when switching to a different screen. Having the screen jump around to follow your route is, to me, distracting. Also, tapping the screen to reset it frequently is a safety issue.
Don’t see LWB happening. LX600/700 is Lexus answer, or Toyota Sequoia. The Sequoia tows so much better than GX w/ V35A hybrid, extra wheelbase, which also turns it into a great road trip vehicle getting 20-22 mpg on highway. Rear storage deck height is higher w/ battery.
Yep, question was what you would ask for, not what we thought Toyota/Lexus would deliver.
That said, if I wanted a LX/Sequoia sized vehicle, I would purchase a LX/Sequoia. The two are fundamentally different vehicles.
That said, I would eagerly that if Toyota/Lexus were to offer a LWB version of the GX550 in the US it would outsell the LX600/700.
To start - I agree that the GX could really do with ~5 more gallons of fuel range.
But I don't find my vehicle gets terrible mileage while towing, though we don't have huge grades where I live and I'm towing an open trailer, not an enclosed wind sail. My aluminum 18 foot car hauler + my racecar miata weighs just under 4000 pounds gross, and I've been able to average 14-15mpg while towing that load at 65mph. In fact, while towing just the empty trailer (1500 pounds), I seem to be able to get 18-19mpg, which matches my average fuel consumption while commuting.
I think a big part of this mileage is because this vehicle seems to be able to tow my open trailer at highway speeds without needing to spool up the turbo, and I only really see the turbo spinning when I'm pulling up a grade. Combine this with the great 10 speed that locks the torque converter in every gear (maybe except first?) and I get some pretty respectable mileage, I think. When I get my WDH, I'll see what the mileage looks like towing my 4000lb+ camaro - that might eat into the mileage way, way more.
I do agree with the rear springs 100%. With my lux+, I loaded my vehicle up with myself, my partner, and two pretty skinny family members + their luggage (2x each checked bag, carry on, & personal item) and the car sagged way more than I expected. The damping in "normal" suspension mode was clearly not designed for that kind of weight and I had to run it in tow / haul to get a comfortable ride that wasn't super bouncy. I get that 4 people + luggage is like 800 pounds, but a stiffer progressive spring / helper spring would really help with heavier loads - and maybe a special damping mode when the vehicle sees that the rear is squatting..
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Another what if from a non-technical person:
Sensors on the windshield can automatically turn on and automatically adjust itself to whatever intensity at which the precipitation is falling.
Headlights can automatically turn itself on based upon the darkness level (and even self adjust between high and low beam as needed).
Every state I’ve ever traveled through in the US requires the use of headlights during rain or other precipitation.
So although the wipers will be working , if it’s daylight, one must still manually turn on the headlights.
Surely a program could be written that links the two devices so that when the wipers engage so will the headlights.
There may be some vehicles running such a configuration. But in the past 5-6 years I’ve driven Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and now a Lexus vehicle, all of which are considered higher end and high-tech companies. None of them could make the wipers auto-engage the headlights during rain in daylight.
With all the other bells and whistles, is there something preventing the two systems from working in coordination?
I really wish both the GX and the Land Cruiser just had the B58tu engine. It would be a huge upgrade for both in different ways.
the GX does have Auto Rain Sensing Wipers, see page 215 of the Owners Manual (at least that's the page for my 2025). You can adjust the sensitivity of how the wipers automatically react to differing amounts of rain.
Yes. But that wasn’t my point exactly. What I was suggesting was a way to link the wipers to the headlights, so the lights come on any time the wipers are operating.
The law says you are required to use headlights when it’s raining. While most folks turn their headlights on to increase visibility. But I see people all the time with wipers on full and no lights. They can see because of their wipers, but others can’t see them as well in low visibility conditions.
My idea was an attempt to idiot proof those situations.
Fuel tank
3 zone climate with ceiling vents for OT+
Front locker
Air suspension (optional)
It would be the perfect car with these changes
3 zone climate with ceiling vents for OT+
Front locker
Air suspension (optional)
It would be the perfect car with these changes
Totally agree you should use your lights in the rain, but out on requiring. That specific law is different from state to state. DRL in the US was suppose to be a help for those that forget to turn on lights in daytime. If it’s a problem let the standing law be applied & enforced, but let’s stop putting the restrictions as requirements on the vehicle. It’s illegal in some states to run w/ hazards on in rain, but many people do. Some states it’s Illegal to cruise on highway in left lane - it’s only for passing. Think the rule use to be for vehicles over 80” width needed to identify themselves as wider vehicles to oncoming traffic using 5 amber forward facing clearance lights. Lots of +3/4 ton trucks met the standard using cab lights. Then the 86” wide Raptor did them in the grill & fender flares, & now w/ aftermarket you can install them on virtually any width vehicle. Cite operators if it’s an issue, but over-reaching requirements are just another thing driving up the prices of vehicles.
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1. Larger fuel tank or more efficient engine
2. Auto lock when you walk away from vehicle (BMW)
3. More console storage. Ice box a loser of a feature. Try copying console space from TX model which 1000% better.
4. Scroll knob (steering wheel and console) feature for songs and contacts (again BMW)
5. Any improvement that keeps you from constantly reaching for screen to control a feature. Takes your eyes off road and is a poor design.
6. Fix the start up hesitation and stutter. Your last software fix has already stopped working
2. Auto lock when you walk away from vehicle (BMW)
3. More console storage. Ice box a loser of a feature. Try copying console space from TX model which 1000% better.
4. Scroll knob (steering wheel and console) feature for songs and contacts (again BMW)
5. Any improvement that keeps you from constantly reaching for screen to control a feature. Takes your eyes off road and is a poor design.
6. Fix the start up hesitation and stutter. Your last software fix has already stopped working
📷 Lexus GX 550 Random Images
📷 Lexus GX 550 Random Images
