‘If you want to see the Outback, take any car. If you want to come back home, take the Land Cruiser.’ This is one of the most popular sayings in the automotive world that clearly talks about the reliability of the Land Cruiser, even in some of the most isolated and tough terrain. But why Land Cruiser and not any other car?
Well, the demand for SUVs has been rising for the past few years. To meet this demand, automakers are coming up with different segments, like compact or crossover SUVs. It has been a perception that bringing home an SUV highlights the standard of living. However, more importantly, an SUV adds to the overall practicality of everyday usage. Now, unlike traditional SUVs, modern SUVs are built differently. Many of these are based on monocoque platforms and lack the traits of a real SUV. Yes, SUVs based on monocoque platforms, although they come with an AWD configuration, lack the capability of four-wheel drive offered with body-on-frame platform SUVs. But why does that matter?
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.4L V-6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
349 HP @4800 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
479 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
15/21/17 MPG
- Make
-
Lexus
- Model
-
GX
- Segment
-
Midsize Luxury SUV
SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser are built on such a body-on-frame platform. And this is one of the reasons why it feels indestructible and capable of tackling some of the harshest situations. But what if you could do everything that a Land Cruiser can, but with the utmost comfort and luxury? And yes, it is as reliable as the Land Cruiser. Confused? Well, it is the luxury brand of Toyota — Lexus — that has the GX550 in its lineup. It is the more luxurious version of the regular Land Cruiser, built on the same platform, equally capable, and more importantly, as reliable as the Land Cruiser.
Why the Body-On-Frame Platform Is Better Than Monocoque
Now, what exactly is a body-on-frame platform? For starters, it is an old-school method of building rugged, go-anywhere SUVs on a separate frame, which acts as the backbone. The formation of such platforms usually consists of a frame, wherein critical components such as the powertrain, wheels, gearbox, and suspension are mounted. Whereas the top hat or the body is installed separately on top of it.
On the other hand, the monocoque construction is completely different. The more modern architecture integrates the body and mechanical components into a single structure. In simple terms, the top hat in a monocoque chassis is also a vital part of the overall frame or structure. Being a modern construction, a monocoque chassis has some real advantages that come into play in daily driving conditions. Firstly, these platforms are lighter, which results in better ride and handling balance, as well as playing an important role in delivering the best fuel efficiency. Additionally, such designs also help engineers work more on the crumple zone, enhancing overall safety. However, monocoque platforms could possibly never match the off-road capabilities of body-on-frame platforms. Since monocoque construction lacks the strong frame underneath, taking such SUVs off the road could result in early deformation, making them prone to early damage.
So, for an SUV to become a true SUV, having the go-anywhere capability is really important. Unlike monocoque platforms, SUVs built on body-on-frame platforms are indestructible in nature and capable of handling some of the harshest terrains. And when it comes to conquering such worst terrains, there are few SUVs that are as capable as the Lexus GX550. It is based on the new TNGA-F platform that debuted in 2021.
Although new, this platform has traits of older body-on-frame platforms that were responsible for creating icons like the Toyota Land Cruiser. However, the 2021 TNGA-F is a much more mature version of Toyota’s platform. The core fundamentals remain unchanged but are lighter, modernized, and more refined than earlier platforms. With the help of these changes, SUVs like the Lexus GX550 with TNGA-F are more capable than older generations. But what truly makes the Lexus GX550 a conqueror of the most challenging conditions isn’t just its construction.
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How Lexus GX550 Excels Off-Road
Having capable construction alone does not make the Lexus GX550 a capable off-roader. To match the hardware of the GX550, Toyota has equipped the SUV with the necessary technology. It is this combination that gives confidence to take the GX550 in some of the harshest terrains.
A True Four-Wheel-Drive System With Locking Differentials
The Lexus GX550 comes equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The system ensures that there is plenty of traction available all the time by distributing power to all four wheels. This works seamlessly in tricky situations or while driving on gravel, mud, or sand. What makes this a complete setup is the center locking differential. It is common in all four-wheel-drive SUVs, which splits power equally between the front and rear axles. However, in the Lexus GX550, you have an additional layer of comfort. The SUV comes with an electronically controlled locking rear differential, which, when engaged, sends equal power to the rear wheels, even if one loses traction. Such a setup becomes important while navigating through rocky terrain, where grip is the most crucial factor.
Off-road Tech That Simplifies Tough Terrain
The beauty of the GX550 is that someone with very little off-road experience can have fun in tricky situations. Of course, hardware plays a vital role, but the added technology makes adventure simpler than it would otherwise be. The Lexus GX550 comes equipped with some important off-road-focused features like –
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Crawl Control
- Downhill Assist Control
These are some of the common terms in any four-wheel-drive SUV and come in handy to tackle some of the trickiest situations. In the Lexus GX550, you can select up to five settings in the multi-terrain select. It includes modes like dirt, sand, mud, deep snow, and rock. But if you are confused about selecting the most relevant mode, you can leave it in auto mode and allow the tech to take over the controls. Having said that, each of these modes adjusts the throttle response, braking, and traction control to suit the conditions. Similarly, the crawl control takes control of acceleration and braking, requiring the driver to only steer the vehicle. This comes in handy when steady speed becomes important while crawling over rocks. The crawl control can also be called off-road cruise control. Finally, it is the downhill assist control that gives the driver confidence on steep descents by controlling speed.
Suspension And Articulation Advantage
What also becomes important to become a capable off-roader is flexibility. For this, the Lexus GX550 gets a suspension setup designed to maximize wheel articulation. This becomes important as, even on highly uneven terrain, all four wheels of the GX550 are grounded. Additionally, the setup features an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, responsible for managing wheel movement for improved stability and traction. And to ensure the GX550 remains composed while tackling rough roads or cruising on highways, the adaptive variable suspension adjusts the damping forces in real time.
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Powertrain That Supports Adventure
A capable off-roader like the Lexus GX550 needs more than a strong chassis and advanced technology. It requires an engine that delivers consistent power in tricky conditions. It is the heart of the matter, a reliable 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine. This engine is capable of producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It replaces the old V8 engine but has significantly enhanced the overall on-road and off-road performance of the GX550. It not only delivers power in the early rev range but also prevents sudden surges, allowing complete control in technical off-road conditions. This engine loves to drink fuel, which is why it has a claimed fuel efficiency of 17 MPG combined. Having said that, it is a respectable figure, given the size of the engine.
Brutal With Terrains, Gentle With Owners
The Lexus GX550 shows no mercy on some of the toughest terrains. However, once you are inside the SUV, you will be blown away by how gentle the monster is. On the outside, it is all about ruggedness. But on the inside, it is calm and luxurious. On the outside, you get chunky body parts, but you have high-quality and premium materials inside. This is exactly what makes the GX550 special. On your weekdays, the GX550 can become your perfect companion with the features and space it has to offer.
Comes Loaded With Technology And Features
Being a Lexus, the GX550 is loaded with some of the best features, such as:
- 14.0-inch touchscreen system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Digital rearview mirror
Ample Space For A Family Of Seven
The Lexus GX550 comes in five and seven-seat configurations, depending on the trim you choose. That said, the space for all passengers is ample, and no one in this SUV will complain about the overall comfort.
|
First Row |
Second Row |
Third Row |
|
|
Headroom |
40.31 inches |
41.85 inches |
35.28 inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
59.51 inches |
57.17 inches |
57.76 inches |
|
Hip Room |
56.46 inches |
56.39 inches |
45.30 inches |
|
Legroom |
41.18 inches |
36.73 inches |
37.89 inches |
The table clearly shows how spacious the Lexus GX550 is, and all passengers can be in utmost comfort. Additionally, it has good cargo space, ranging between 76.9 and 10.3 cubic feet, depending on how you configure the seats.
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Best Trim For Real Adventure Lovers
The Lexus GX550 is offered in three broad trims and multiple seating configurations. The good news is that the four-wheel-drive system is standard and has a single 3.4-liter engine across the trims. But if you want to get the best out of the GX550, Lexus is offering a perfect trim — the 550 Overtrail. Offered with a five-seating configuration, the Overtrail trim is best for those hardcore off-road adventures. Yes, it looks slightly different on the outside with more rugged design elements. However, the design is not the only differentiating factor. The Overtrail trim has better off-road dimensions, such as:
- 28-degree approach angle
- 26-degree breakover angle
- 24-degree departure angle
- 9,096 pounds towing capacity
Additionally, some of the off-road-focused features mentioned above are also exclusively offered with the Overtrail trim of the Lexus GX550. So, if you choose to make your life adventurous with the Lexus GX550, you can get the Overtrail trim, starting from $77,250. Otherwise, the Lexus GX550 is priced between $66,085 and $82,550. So, at this price point, would you get yourself a modern, stylish SUV or something like a Lexus – which is an old-school proven product and can live long enough to take your next couple of generations on some hardcore adventures?
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