Update Review (7 months) Premium Plus

[Ben O]

My comparison is based on my previous ownership of GX 460s.

My biggest takeaway is how well the new GX drives! Very stable, firm but smooth and responsive steering. The engine responds immediately through the transmission that always seems to be in the right gear. Of course, a nice feature is the option of three performance settings. The increase in horsepower and torque is very noticeable and a long-awaited improvement.

I love the technology and safety features. I use all of the driver assist settings, and yes, it does take some getting used to, but well worth the benefits. Voice recognition is fantastic compared to my previous GX, and I am normally using Apple CarPlay.

The longer length and width are noticeable with improved comfort, and the larger space behind the second seat is perfect for me.

My GX came with a HUD (one of several options included thru delivery) however, I’ve come to appreciate the option while driving at night.

The brakes did squeak, especially in reverse; however, my dealer quickly solved the issue with replacement parts.

There is a subtle vibration around the top of the hood towards the windshield when driving at higher speeds…doesn’t bother me, and the new design adds to a great view of the highway.

As mentioned by many on previous posts… originally my gas gauge indicated approx 275 miles after fill up. Now after a few months of driving the gauge now indicates I have approx 325 miles after fill up.

As a precaution and being “old school,” I changed the oil at 1k and 5k and will most likely follow the recommended 10k schedule.

The larger mirrors also help, and the large screen works great for backing up and parking.

No issues with the paint and finish.

I don’t have any issues with the interior layout; however, maybe a bit larger glove compartment would have been nice. Overall the “fit and finish” is Lexus.

I do not off-road, so the OverTrail was not on my radar, and the Luxury had several options I would not use, so I went with the Premium Plus.

I consider myself lucky; I was one of the first to acquire a GX (May 3rd) I’ve had no issues that appear to have held up other deliveries over the following months.

Overall, I am happy and very pleased with my new GX 550 Premium Plus and highly recommend it to anyone considering this specific Lexus model… I love to drive it!

 

[56g550]

our brakes squeak and its been a couple months and lexus told us they only get one replacement set a month. So thats been annoying, the squeak is LOUD! Love the way it drives, and HUD. Seats are ok but our 2011 sequioa had more cushion, these seem flatter in comparison.

 

[REB27]

our brakes squeak and its been a couple months and lexus told us they only get one replacement set a month. So thats been annoying, the squeak is LOUD! Love the way it drives, and HUD. Seats are ok but our 2011 sequioa had more cushion, these seem flatter in comparison.

Hang in there, the front brake fix works fine.

 

[gqgx550]

A lot of people are reporting hood vibration, and that it is likely Lexus will issue a service bulletin. There should be zero vibration. I read on another forum, a dealer sent a customers new GX to a body shop, which re-glued the support grid under the hood back to the sheet metal. It fixed the vibration completely.

I'm reading a lot of forums to decide whether or not to buy the car, specifically looking for issues. I've also decided to wait for a 2025 model release.... so hopefully this will be one of the things they address in the next model release.

 

[jfalabrino]

This is my 5th GX over the years. I have to disagree regarding the ride. My 470' were the smoothest and the 460 were much smoother than my 500 OT. Maybe the OT makes a difference in the ride.
Some of the driver assist settings don't work correctly. No brake squeaks but the hood flutters.
That said I like the vehicle. I would buy it again.

 

[Ben O]

This is my 5th GX over the years. I have to disagree regarding the ride. My 470' were the smoothest and the 460 were much smoother than my 500 OT. Maybe the OT makes a difference in the ride.
Some of the driver assist settings don't work correctly. No brake squeaks but the hood flutters.
That said I like the vehicle. I would buy it again.

Different suspension setup (O/T) and tires compared to the Premium Plus thus big difference highway performance. Of course your OT is much better off-road. I also started with a GX470 then continued with the 460’s and find the Premium Plus suspension and ride more predictable. Sorry to hear you are having issues with driver assist options, so far after owning my GX almost a year everything is working as hoped. I purposely wanted the Premium Plus, smaller wheels than the Luxury and I do not off-road so this met my expectations. I would also say the engine performance and brakes are far superior to previous GX models.
Best of luck with your OT….

 

[Norigreenpearl]

Thanks for the review, I own a P+ for almost 3mos now, it’s reassuring to know.

 

[REB27]

My OT now has 16k miles and it has been a great Vermont vehicle so far. Goes anywhere any season, including rugged dirt roads in the Northeast Kingdom as we call it, comfortably and drives perfectly fine on the Interstate and in cities. Traded-in my Macan, which I enjoyed, for it and have no regrets. Very happy with it.

 

[serbiansizzle]

Great write up and glad you've been happy with yours. I think I agree on all the points mentioned.

I really like my GX as well. No brake issues yet, but the hood does flutter. Having the earth colored one might make it less noticable due to the color, but it is there if you pay attention. I will bring it up at my next service, nonetheless, and get it fixed sometime later.

Coming from a Gen 2.5 Tundra, the ride is significantly better and much quieter. Even with ATs. I think the only change I would have love to have seen is a slightly larger gas tank. While it's not been a deterrent yet, it would have been great to have something in the mid 20s to give it another 100 miles or so in range, especially since I drive a lot around town.

Lastly, its a great-looking vehicle. Been getting a lot of looks and compliments. That never hurts : )