Josh, as a 2023 GX owner, I agree with all your points based on experience. I do get better gas mileage because I drive more like John. I live in hilly rural area in CT and just in my 14-mile grocery roundtrip I get 22 mpg. I'll add that this vehicle is unbelievable in the snow. And as an archaeologist who does put the GX into rough areas, it performs as well as my 1st and 2nd gen Tundras. I'm keeping this forever.
These points resonated with me. 1. It's the right size 2. I always felt like my '23 GX "flies below the radar" i.e. doesn't attract attention. Which in the city I drive in (starts with an H) is a good thing. And yet as you say, it still 'fits in' wherever you take it. Because of the 6 speed I don't use cruise a lot. I'd prefer to just lose speed on hills. 95 mph! Me and my GX love the cloud-like experience happening at 70-75mph. I get 20 mpg all the time on the highway. At 95 the V8 is definitely in its power band. I love your GX videos! You are the GX Ambassador. FYI Josh my GX was made in November of '23. It was fresh when I bought it and certainly one of the last ones off the line in Japan!
Amazing at getting possibly one of the last ones! As for the cloud like experience I find that to be the case at 95 too. 😂😅 It’s so smooth and serene unless you look, you have no idea how fast you’re going.
@@joshjamescars Just saw your video! Excellent as always! I got 22 mpg on the highway which is the first time. Usually I get 19 to 20. You are right, 95 feels so good and you don't know the speed until you look at the speedometer. One time, I hit the speed limiter and was shocked! Had no idea about the speed. I was just following a whole line of cars😁
I sat in the new landcruiser in the showroom and the first thing i noticed was how cheap the door sounded upon closing it, not a solid thunk-- on a $77,000 car.
This vehicle will probably become highly sought after in the future. I love it for those old school characteristics. And I am honestly surprised it got the fuel economy you saw. I thought it would be worse. 👍
UGH. Saw a TRD Pro trim in person today and can 100% confirm. At least it doesn’t have the camo over fenders from the Sequoia and Tundra. Those SCREAM fragile masculinity.
Hi Josh. Great review. I agree my 22 Gx460 is a solid vehicle and I enjoy driving it as my daily vehicle. However, for road trips I take another vehicle because the Gx460 sways in the highway lanes and leans one side depending on which lane you are in. The steering wheel needs constant correction. Do you think the Gx550 with lane keeping assist would be better for road trips?
Hello! First off, I think you might want to have your steering rack looked at to see if something is wrong there because I definitely didn’t find that with mine. It is a little ponderous but I never had trouble keeping it in the lane. The GX550 may do better but it’s nowhere near as quiet or comfortable inside, in my experience. You get a lot more wind and road noise that I don’t care for in it.
I couldn't agree more with your points, Josh -- especially with respect to range and the 'Jekyll and Hyde' utility of this Prado! The Australian-designed genius of KDSS allows for much thicker anti-sway bars while still allowing for off-road articulation via sway bar disconnect. On a 2022 GX 460, @SarahnTuned measured the front and rear anti-sway bar diameters to be 41mm and 30 mm -- huge numbers allowing for such great on-road manners, especially on twisty/windy roads! Thanks for taking us along this wonderful journey and retrospective!
Look for the next turning apex. Then draw an imagery line to it. And follow that line as much as you can. You could save about 20 mins(miles too) when you drive from Dallas to ABQ.
Hi Josh. This review is spot on. I had always admired the GX but decided to test drive one when I saw a video on 2022 was going to be the last year for the V8 engine, but it was actually 2023. The ride on the GX is smooth and quiet, however the steering does feel heavy. It has a solid feel and quiet cabin perfect for a road trip and daily driving. You want to relax and cruise while on the road.
It's very counterintuitive to think an off-roader would be a great road tripper. I always think of some kind of touring sedan or sports car. That said my Limited 4runner is also a fantastic road trip machine. It's not as refined or luxurious as the GX but it has many of the same good qualities. The visibility is superb so all of the passengers can always take in the view. It sits up high with a commanding view which makes me feel safe because of the excellent sight lines. The cargo hold is huge as I love to plug in my portable fridge so I can bring my own food (saves money) for the wife and kids.. I can relate to absolutely loving to drive the damn thing as well despite its truck-like driving dynamics.
When in Colorado or other high elevation areas, or if you are using Cruise control on varying terrain, all you have to do is lock out 6th gear. You will avoid the transmission hunting. If that doesnt work, lock out 5th AND 6th gear. You will using the non-overdrive gears, 4th gear. Epic power, even in Colorado. A lot of GX folks don't know this. Best gear for the power band. My GX is lifted with heavy sliders, bash plates, etc. I never use "D" any more. In Colorado, some portions of highway, I would even lock out 4th! and 3rd would be the highest gear I would use (again fully loaded, lifted, heavy tires, 7000 feet, going uphill on highway).
Yes, you can definitely do this but I didn’t find the need to do so even at altitude. For the driving we were doing I didn’t need to have the most power I could get.
I enjoy your videos. They are very informative; I find the driver's seat ( seat cushion ) very uncomfortable. The bolsters are too hard and put pressure on my leg. I'm 511 195lbs, so don't just say that I am too fat
Hello, have mine since august 2023. Only thing I miss is separate display for climate😢. Everything else is perfect. On my visits, dealership is always trying to make me buy 550 😂😂😂.
Oh yeah that’s definitely a bummer but I do like that the actual climate shows up on its own display. You can also use the slide in pane on the right side of the main screen to view all your climate settings.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Hi sir Please details about black line I see not option like luxury sports plus , if I want black and fully load option ? What should I buy ? option please tell me Thanks
The black line was a style package only offered as a base model. So with it you didn’t get Mark Levinson or anything like that. You’d want the luxury trim but that only came one way.
Love your decibel measurements. It is so important on reviewing luxury vehicles! Lots of people always skip this and say it’s quiet…. How quiet is quiet? Compare to a Jeep with no doors, all vehicles are quiet.
I love your line, “compared to a jeep with no doors, all vehicles are quiet.” 😂😂 it’s so true! But yes, the GX460 is in a league of its own with how bank-vault quiet it is.
Upstate NY has those highway robbers too waiting to collect a toll off you if you drive over 70. Luckily these days I take it slower, despite Texas highways being awesome on speed
Haha! There can be, and we slow down when we see them, but out on the open road you have hundreds of miles and no department can have a cop stationed at every one of them. And, believe it or not, there are so many people going even faster than I am who are more likely to get tagged.
Great and informative reporting on your GX. It would be interesting to watch your next video on the Land Cruiser. I'll be in the market for an SUV in 2 years. I just can't decide. I do like the looks of the GX 550, but your review of the interior looking too plastic sways me -- It's so expensive for the Premium+. I need to see the Land Cruiser in person. I've seen one on the road and it looks good too. My 3rd. option is the new 4-Runner. My no# 1 priority are both reliability and affordability to maintain and repair. Even with my prior GS350, I never had issues, but I noticed since COVID, the cost for maintenance and repairs sky-rocketed. Maybe, the GX550 should no longer be a consideration.
I think the problem with Toyota’s current lineup of SUVs is that you’re paying sky high prices for mediocre materials. Affordability in that sense just isn’t there with Toyota anymore (aside from the cheap cars). 4Runner will definitely be cheaper than Land Cruiser to buy, but it remains to be seen if it will need premium fuel the way Land Cruiser and GX550 do. If that’s the case, then all affordability goes out the window.
I have a young family, 6yo and twin 4yos. The GX is perfect for us, but we do use a Thule cargo box when travelling without our trailer. Do I wish I had some extra room, sure, but I love how the GX fits in my tiny 1950's-era garage, fits down the smallest USFS roads, and never feels like a boat the way a Tahoe/Suburban does. I agree, the car is so quiet! I took a road trip recently in my buddy's Model S, and it was SO LOUD. Great review, as always!
I laughed so hard when I hear the Mitsubishi Mirage, I definitely know what you mean. My 1st car in HS, I ended a relationship because that car couldn’t made the hill when visiting the GF😂. Your video is a good reminder of how much I love my 23 GX. I think we bought it about the same time too. Take care of her.
Thank you for the insight Josh. I am currently debating between the 460, 550, 250 series, and looking forward to a comparison. I’m fortunate to have driven many cars and have a lot of road time with the 460 specifically. It’s still in 2024 one the very few cars that stands out in memory where when I got in and started driving I went, “wow.” The powertrain is almost perfect.
I have a full review of the 250 coming out next Friday… the powertrain as it stands in 2024 is a dealbreaker for me and so if it were my money, I’d wait at least a year to see if they refine it over that time.
Josh, loved the video of the interior panels and shifter upgrades! We did it on our 2022. Did you consider replacing the rear tail lights with the Red ones that came on the 2022 Sport Design models? We ended up buying the sport design package just for those taillights.. I know crazy cost for red taillights.
Hello! I’ve thought about it and actually went to see a black sport package at the dealer to see in person if I liked the scarlet lenses, but I ended up decided (just my personal preference) that the clear lenses add some nice contrast on the black exterior. HOWEVER, if I had white or atomic silver I would 100% change them in a heartbeat because the dark smoked red looks SO good on those.
Hello! I’ve thought about it and actually went to see a black sport package at the dealer to see in person if I liked the scarlet lenses, but I ended up decided (just my personal preference) that the clear lenses add some nice contrast on the black exterior. HOWEVER, if I had white or atomic silver I would 100% change them in a heartbeat because the dark smoked red looks SO good on those.
I have a 23 4runner and absolutely love it, mines a more noisy tank 😂. If I wanted something bigger, sounds like the best option that would have the same build quality is a lc200/lx570. I’ve been looking into sequoias especially the 3rd fence but I keep hearing about poor quality
Yep! That would be about right! And same with the 2020 4Runners I owned (and like you, loved). 😂 Also, regarding the Sequoia, I think the biggest problem for it was that the dashboard is literally straight out of 2008. Never changed once over its model run.
@@joshjamescarsits a shame we couldnt have the 3rd gen interior/exterior with the 2nd gen powertrain, sliding rear window and fold flat seats. Would have been the perfect 3 row full size
@dawgmanfat Personally I’m not a fan of the new interior, the new materials are so cheap compared to the second gen. But yes I agree if the third gen had the V8 it would be a much better package overall.
Hey Josh! There actually is an “Eco mode” setting in the 2023 GX. It is somewhat hard to find, but you can access it via the steering wheel controls and the ECO mode option is found on the small screen on the instrument cluster. The ECO mode changes the shift points to give you better fuel economy.
Ah how interesting I’ll have to look into it, thanks! I wouldn’t want to use it if it’s going to change the power response, though. It’s already rather lazy as it is. 😅
Thank you Josh, for all that you do and share with us. I am a GX 460 owner and literally ADORE that truck. My husband and I will be taking it to the Smokies for the first time beginning of November and so looking forward to that. Keep up the great content and take care. -Angela
That’s why I drive a Rav4 Prime on a daily basis-the best of both worlds. My carbon footprint from driving is probably the same size as most people who own a pure ICE or standard hybrid vehicle since I can do most of my daily driving using EV range and take the GX out for fun every now and again (like on a roadtrip).
Josh, as a 2023 GX owner, I agree with all your points based on experience. I do get better gas mileage because I drive more like John. I live in hilly rural area in CT and just in my 14-mile grocery roundtrip I get 22 mpg. I'll add that this vehicle is unbelievable in the snow. And as an archaeologist who does put the GX into rough areas, it performs as well as my 1st and 2nd gen Tundras. I'm keeping this forever.
These points resonated with me. 1. It's the right size 2. I always felt like my '23 GX "flies below the radar" i.e. doesn't attract attention. Which in the city I drive in (starts with an H) is a good thing. And yet as you say, it still 'fits in' wherever you take it. Because of the 6 speed I don't use cruise a lot. I'd prefer to just lose speed on hills. 95 mph! Me and my GX love the cloud-like experience happening at 70-75mph. I get 20 mpg all the time on the highway. At 95 the V8 is definitely in its power band. I love your GX videos! You are the GX Ambassador. FYI Josh my GX was made in November of '23. It was fresh when I bought it and certainly one of the last ones off the line in Japan!
Amazing at getting possibly one of the last ones! As for the cloud like experience I find that to be the case at 95 too. 😂😅 It’s so smooth and serene unless you look, you have no idea how fast you’re going.
@@joshjamescars Just saw your video! Excellent as always! I got 22 mpg on the highway which is the first time. Usually I get 19 to 20. You are right, 95 feels so good and you don't know the speed until you look at the speedometer. One time, I hit the speed limiter and was shocked! Had no idea about the speed. I was just following a whole line of cars😁
I live in CA, gas price over $5 per gallon but I still own GX470 and GX460, I don’t think I can down grade to a mirage, lol.
If I ever moved back to California I would most definitely keep mine as well… if only because you can’t get anything like it anymore!
I sat in the new landcruiser in the showroom and the first thing i noticed was how cheap the door sounded upon closing it, not a solid thunk-- on a $77,000 car.
Yep!! There’s so much about the new Land Cruiser that feels way cheaper than older models. Even regular older models.
This vehicle will probably become highly sought after in the future. I love it for those old school characteristics. And I am honestly surprised it got the fuel economy you saw. I thought it would be worse. 👍
Sorry the depreciation for the GX is slated to be massive. 😔
@gwilli1754 I haven’t seen “massive” depreciation. Have you seen how much 3-4 year old GX460s are still going for?
😂”Small Pen!s syndrome”🤣!! Great call👍!! The new 6th Gen 4Runner is a perfect example of that🤦🏼♂️!!
UGH. Saw a TRD Pro trim in person today and can 100% confirm. At least it doesn’t have the camo over fenders from the Sequoia and Tundra. Those SCREAM fragile masculinity.
Hi Josh. Great review. I agree my 22 Gx460 is a solid vehicle and I enjoy driving it as my daily vehicle. However, for road trips I take another vehicle because the Gx460 sways in the highway lanes and leans one side depending on which lane you are in. The steering wheel needs constant correction. Do you think the Gx550 with lane keeping assist would be better for road trips?
Hello! First off, I think you might want to have your steering rack looked at to see if something is wrong there because I definitely didn’t find that with mine. It is a little ponderous but I never had trouble keeping it in the lane. The GX550 may do better but it’s nowhere near as quiet or comfortable inside, in my experience. You get a lot more wind and road noise that I don’t care for in it.
I love the blunt honesty and the analysis. Would love to see more content like this, especially roadtrips! You make me miss a car I never driven..
did you use premium?
Yes we do. The GX requires premium fuel in the manual, so that’s what we stick to.
I couldn't agree more with your points, Josh -- especially with respect to range and the 'Jekyll and Hyde' utility of this Prado!
The Australian-designed genius of KDSS allows for much thicker anti-sway bars while still allowing for off-road articulation via sway bar disconnect. On a 2022 GX 460, @SarahnTuned measured the front and rear anti-sway bar diameters to be 41mm and 30 mm -- huge numbers allowing for such great on-road manners, especially on twisty/windy roads!
Thanks for taking us along this wonderful journey and retrospective!
Look for the next turning apex. Then draw an imagery line to it. And follow that line as much as you can. You could save about 20 mins(miles too) when you drive from Dallas to ABQ.
Cool. happy to travel vicariously through/with you. Hawaii would be cool. You could even do 'shorts' while you travel. It's all good.
Hi Josh. This review is spot on. I had always admired the GX but decided to test drive one when I saw a video on 2022 was going to be the last year for the V8 engine, but it was actually 2023. The ride on the GX is smooth and quiet, however the steering does feel heavy. It has a solid feel and quiet cabin perfect for a road trip and daily driving. You want to relax and cruise while on the road.
I can trust you, The Lacoste says it all. 😅
The watch says it all too
It's very counterintuitive to think an off-roader would be a great road tripper. I always think of some kind of touring sedan or sports car. That said my Limited 4runner is also a fantastic road trip machine. It's not as refined or luxurious as the GX but it has many of the same good qualities. The visibility is superb so all of the passengers can always take in the view. It sits up high with a commanding view which makes me feel safe because of the excellent sight lines. The cargo hold is huge as I love to plug in my portable fridge so I can bring my own food (saves money) for the wife and kids.. I can relate to absolutely loving to drive the damn thing as well despite its truck-like driving dynamics.
When in Colorado or other high elevation areas, or if you are using Cruise control on varying terrain, all you have to do is lock out 6th gear. You will avoid the transmission hunting. If that doesnt work, lock out 5th AND 6th gear. You will using the non-overdrive gears, 4th gear. Epic power, even in Colorado. A lot of GX folks don't know this. Best gear for the power band. My GX is lifted with heavy sliders, bash plates, etc. I never use "D" any more. In Colorado, some portions of highway, I would even lock out 4th! and 3rd would be the highest gear I would use (again fully loaded, lifted, heavy tires, 7000 feet, going uphill on highway).
Yes, you can definitely do this but I didn’t find the need to do so even at altitude. For the driving we were doing I didn’t need to have the most power I could get.
Amazing video! Thanks for sharing!!
I enjoy your videos. They are very informative; I find the driver's seat ( seat cushion ) very uncomfortable. The bolsters are too hard and put pressure on my leg. I'm 511 195lbs, so don't just say that I am too fat
Haha I don’t think you’re fat at all, but most Toyota/lexus products can be uncomfortable for taller people for sure.
Hello, have mine since august 2023. Only thing I miss is separate display for climate😢. Everything else is perfect. On my visits, dealership is always trying to make me buy 550 😂😂😂.
Oh yeah that’s definitely a bummer but I do like that the actual climate shows up on its own display. You can also use the slide in pane on the right side of the main screen to view all your climate settings.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Hi sir
Please details about black line I see not option like luxury sports plus , if I want black and fully load option ? What should I buy ? option please tell me
Thanks
The black line was a style package only offered as a base model. So with it you didn’t get Mark Levinson or anything like that. You’d want the luxury trim but that only came one way.
Love your decibel measurements. It is so important on reviewing luxury vehicles! Lots of people always skip this and say it’s quiet…. How quiet is quiet? Compare to a Jeep with no doors, all vehicles are quiet.
I love your line, “compared to a jeep with no doors, all vehicles are quiet.” 😂😂 it’s so true! But yes, the GX460 is in a league of its own with how bank-vault quiet it is.
Love your GX Videos!!!
OMG Josh, arent there state patrol in those western states to pull you over at those speeds?
Upstate NY has those highway robbers too waiting to collect a toll off you if you drive over 70. Luckily these days I take it slower, despite Texas highways being awesome on speed
Haha! There can be, and we slow down when we see them, but out on the open road you have hundreds of miles and no department can have a cop stationed at every one of them. And, believe it or not, there are so many people going even faster than I am who are more likely to get tagged.
Great and informative reporting on your GX. It would be interesting to watch your next video on the Land Cruiser. I'll be in the market for an SUV in 2 years. I just can't decide. I do like the looks of the GX 550, but your review of the interior looking too plastic sways me -- It's so expensive for the Premium+. I need to see the Land Cruiser in person. I've seen one on the road and it looks good too. My 3rd. option is the new 4-Runner. My no# 1 priority are both reliability and affordability to maintain and repair. Even with my prior GS350, I never had issues, but I noticed since COVID, the cost for maintenance and repairs sky-rocketed. Maybe, the GX550 should no longer be a consideration.
I think the problem with Toyota’s current lineup of SUVs is that you’re paying sky high prices for mediocre materials. Affordability in that sense just isn’t there with Toyota anymore (aside from the cheap cars). 4Runner will definitely be cheaper than Land Cruiser to buy, but it remains to be seen if it will need premium fuel the way Land Cruiser and GX550 do. If that’s the case, then all affordability goes out the window.
I want a 23 GX !! 😊 Great video
Omg the bonus opening line from Jon 😂😂. Ya totally agree. Was lucky to drive prior to getting 460.
I have a young family, 6yo and twin 4yos. The GX is perfect for us, but we do use a Thule cargo box when travelling without our trailer. Do I wish I had some extra room, sure, but I love how the GX fits in my tiny 1950's-era garage, fits down the smallest USFS roads, and never feels like a boat the way a Tahoe/Suburban does. I agree, the car is so quiet! I took a road trip recently in my buddy's Model S, and it was SO LOUD. Great review, as always!
I laughed so hard when I hear the Mitsubishi Mirage, I definitely know what you mean. My 1st car in HS, I ended a relationship because that car couldn’t made the hill when visiting the GF😂. Your video is a good reminder of how much I love my 23 GX. I think we bought it about the same time too. Take care of her.
Wow. So glad I didn’t buy the new Land Cruiser. Once again, thanks for another great video and keeping it honest.
If I had known you guys were coming through Santa Fe, I would have bought you lunch.
Gas in minn and wis is $2.93 so the gx would be fine. Plus the comfort and power mean so much.
thanks for taking us with you to your fun trip. Really enjoy it! We were going to go on road trip during summer but our new car end up being a lemon.
Great job,I love the your videos keep up the great work my friend
wanted a GX so bad but gas price in CA is sooooo expansive. over $5 now.
❤
Thank you for the insight Josh. I am currently debating between the 460, 550, 250 series, and looking forward to a comparison. I’m fortunate to have driven many cars and have a lot of road time with the 460 specifically. It’s still in 2024 one the very few cars that stands out in memory where when I got in and started driving I went, “wow.” The powertrain is almost perfect.
I have a full review of the 250 coming out next Friday… the powertrain as it stands in 2024 is a dealbreaker for me and so if it were my money, I’d wait at least a year to see if they refine it over that time.
Josh, loved the video of the interior panels and shifter upgrades! We did it on our 2022. Did you consider replacing the rear tail lights with the Red ones that came on the 2022 Sport Design models? We ended up buying the sport design package just for those taillights.. I know crazy cost for red taillights.
Hello! I’ve thought about it and actually went to see a black sport package at the dealer to see in person if I liked the scarlet lenses, but I ended up decided (just my personal preference) that the clear lenses add some nice contrast on the black exterior. HOWEVER, if I had white or atomic silver I would 100% change them in a heartbeat because the dark smoked red looks SO good on those.
Hello! I’ve thought about it and actually went to see a black sport package at the dealer to see in person if I liked the scarlet lenses, but I ended up decided (just my personal preference) that the clear lenses add some nice contrast on the black exterior. HOWEVER, if I had white or atomic silver I would 100% change them in a heartbeat because the dark smoked red looks SO good on those.
I have a 23 4runner and absolutely love it, mines a more noisy tank 😂. If I wanted something bigger, sounds like the best option that would have the same build quality is a lc200/lx570. I’ve been looking into sequoias especially the 3rd fence but I keep hearing about poor quality
Yep! That would be about right! And same with the 2020 4Runners I owned (and like you, loved). 😂 Also, regarding the Sequoia, I think the biggest problem for it was that the dashboard is literally straight out of 2008. Never changed once over its model run.
@@joshjamescarsits a shame we couldnt have the 3rd gen interior/exterior with the 2nd gen powertrain, sliding rear window and fold flat seats. Would have been the perfect 3 row full size
@dawgmanfat Personally I’m not a fan of the new interior, the new materials are so cheap compared to the second gen. But yes I agree if the third gen had the V8 it would be a much better package overall.
Hey Josh! There actually is an “Eco mode” setting in the 2023 GX. It is somewhat hard to find, but you can access it via the steering wheel controls and the ECO mode option is found on the small screen on the instrument cluster. The ECO mode changes the shift points to give you better fuel economy.
Ah how interesting I’ll have to look into it, thanks! I wouldn’t want to use it if it’s going to change the power response, though. It’s already rather lazy as it is. 😅
Silly me. I forgot to note in my post that I do drive in Eco mode. It turns itself off when I step on it. I'm happy with the mileage and performance.
I thought the Eco mode is just a visual, not an actual fuel saving mode.
Thank you Josh, for all that you do and share with us. I am a GX 460 owner and literally ADORE that truck. My husband and I will be taking it to the Smokies for the first time beginning of November and so looking forward to that. Keep up the great content and take care. -Angela
@angelamcgraw5421 Wow!!! The smokies in the fall-you’ll have an amazing trip with so much fall color, I imagine!!
The Lexus GX 460 is ugliest SUV I have ever seen. The new GX 550 is definitely nicer. You don’t know that the hell you talking about.
I love the GX460 but I cannot bring myself to burn so much gasoline and pollute an already CO2 saturated atmosphere. Thanks for the video !!!
That’s why I drive a Rav4 Prime on a daily basis-the best of both worlds. My carbon footprint from driving is probably the same size as most people who own a pure ICE or standard hybrid vehicle since I can do most of my daily driving using EV range and take the GX out for fun every now and again (like on a roadtrip).
@@joshjamescars WELL DONE SIR !