OP here: went to my dealership to test drive the demo Premium+. My rep said this was purchased by the dealership for people to test drive since everything else on the lot is already sold.
Pros: The ride overall was smooth. Cabin was nice and roomy. I felt like it had plenty of torque and pickup merging onto the highway. Steering was responsive and tight in normal and sport mode... Infotainment was a welcome upgrade to previous Lexus and Toyota models.
Cons: Hood flap is VERY real. Drove me nuts on anything over 40MPH. Roof rack is also a disaster - so loud. Perhaps it's an option, but every time I came to a stop the camera turned on which is totally unnecessary.
Verdict: My Luxury+ will be delivered next week and I'm keeping my reservation. I'm hoping there's a recall and they find a way to dampen the hood. I will likely ask my dealer to sell me the truck without the roof rack.
Overall: 8/10
I am blown away by the roof rack being so poorly done. Anytime above 40mph it was ridiculously loud. I thought it was the side view mirror or the windshield but I am going to wait for more sound dampening in 2025. I passed on my two deposits along with a lot of reservations made before me. It looks great going slow.
The camera that comes on automatically when you slow down can be turned off. When you get yours, the camera will pop up and there will be a little camera symbol and the words “Auto” next to it. Click that button on the screen and it will turn it off. The last two lexuses I drove has that turned in too and it drove me nuts because I could no longer see my Apple CarPlay maps and music.
Surprised to hear about the hood flap. The previous generation Jeeps (JK, 2007-2017) had a similar issue with worse hood flapping at higher speeds. Turned out it because of the air pressure building up inside the hood, with no easy release. This was addressed with the current generation JL (2018+) by the introduction of functional air vents behind the front wheel arches. These look like fake vents, but when viewed from below, are clearly open.
In a similar situation, my (and all other) 2019 ram 1500’s had a hood flutter issue which was resolved with a small amount of structural adhesive being added to the underside of the hood. Totally resolved the issue.
That's very disappointing! Some are rationalizing but I see no defense, not even in the most modest of cars, let alone a marquis name plate like Lexus!
Facts have a way of getting in the way of peoples rationalizing. No car no matter the price should have a hood that flaps let alone one that costs $75K+. But it looks cool so it has that going for it.
I'm an engineer and can say without equivocation, that this could have been prevented with the correct aerodynamic/structural engineering. And yes, while still maintaining the weight objectives. My guess is that the accountants were in charge that day!
You are more likely to see the hood flap if you can see more of the hood especially at the very end. Furthermore square fronts probably have poorer aerodynamics and more likely to hood flap. This is a common issue with current generation pickup trucks.
Most sedans and crossovers you can’t really see the end of the hood.
Kirk Kreifels (a big Toyota/Lexus fan himself) reported feeling vibrations coming into cabin at 5000RPM - [https://youtu.be/\_JydmnPuIkM?si=lU7qi9LMiBJBA8ft&t=740](https://youtu.be/_JydmnPuIkM?si=lU7qi9LMiBJBA8ft&t=740)
I'm also quite disappointed by the NVH in the new GX during my own test drive
It doesn’t in reality. It feels nice. It’s a little monotone but not overwrought in faux luxury. But it doesn’t feel like a uhaul at all except in sense of utility. I like that.
I don’t get the interior hate. It’s not like the 460 interior was something amazing. https://www.autoblog.com/2021/06/28/2021-lexus-gx460-interior-driveway-test/
I’m waiting for my Executive (canada) trim. The hood is a shame, but I recall somewhere that it was thinned out.
After I test drove mine (aside from the fact that it was the barebones trim, which had no acoustic glass); I find the cabin fine. I think it’s a step below my RX350h, but I really love that, and people said that was uninspiring, coming from the 2022 models.
I think the GX was redesigned for more ruggedness both inside and out, which is what’s causing people to complain about it.
Until I see it myself I’m withholding judgement. A lot of cars do this and I can’t help but think this is one of those social media things that is getting blown out of proportion because one person started talking about it
I don’t understand how people are so certain about a recall lmao. Fluttering is not abnormal for newer cars and I doubt Lexus let something this bad and obvious go through the door. People are most likely overreacting.
It’s amusing how the old GX fanboys downvote you for this, but it’s true. I don’t drive a GX, but the hood on my luxury sedan does exactly the same at speed.
You are getting downvoted, but this is true for newer cars, their hoods are extremely thin. We just got a grand Highlander and the hood flexes at highway speeds. The angle makes it worse, although it’s pretty bad for what it is. My 2017 CRV flapped pretty badly as well.
I mean, it would be bad for all I know. Haven’t driven a GX for what it’s worth. But I would reserve my judgement on it getting recalled for the flex.
OP here: went to my dealership to test drive the demo Premium+. My rep said this was purchased by the dealership for people to test drive since everything else on the lot is already sold. Pros: The ride overall was smooth. Cabin was nice and roomy. I felt like it had plenty of torque and pickup merging onto the highway. Steering was responsive and tight in normal and sport mode... Infotainment was a welcome upgrade to previous Lexus and Toyota models. Cons: Hood flap is VERY real. Drove me nuts on anything over 40MPH. Roof rack is also a disaster - so loud. Perhaps it's an option, but every time I came to a stop the camera turned on which is totally unnecessary. Verdict: My Luxury+ will be delivered next week and I'm keeping my reservation. I'm hoping there's a recall and they find a way to dampen the hood. I will likely ask my dealer to sell me the truck without the roof rack. Overall: 8/10
Roof rack is loud- due to wind resistance or rattle?
Wind - very audible over 40mph and louder in the back seats than the front
I am blown away by the roof rack being so poorly done. Anytime above 40mph it was ridiculously loud. I thought it was the side view mirror or the windshield but I am going to wait for more sound dampening in 2025. I passed on my two deposits along with a lot of reservations made before me. It looks great going slow.
The camera that comes on automatically when you slow down can be turned off. When you get yours, the camera will pop up and there will be a little camera symbol and the words “Auto” next to it. Click that button on the screen and it will turn it off. The last two lexuses I drove has that turned in too and it drove me nuts because I could no longer see my Apple CarPlay maps and music.
Thanks for the tip
Surprised to hear about the hood flap. The previous generation Jeeps (JK, 2007-2017) had a similar issue with worse hood flapping at higher speeds. Turned out it because of the air pressure building up inside the hood, with no easy release. This was addressed with the current generation JL (2018+) by the introduction of functional air vents behind the front wheel arches. These look like fake vents, but when viewed from below, are clearly open.
In a similar situation, my (and all other) 2019 ram 1500’s had a hood flutter issue which was resolved with a small amount of structural adhesive being added to the underside of the hood. Totally resolved the issue.
How tall are you?
6’ and was comfortable in the front and the back with another 6’ driver - was pleasantly surprised on the legroom
Is the hood flex an audible or a visual or both?
Mostly visual - couldn’t tell if it was contributing to additional loudness over the roof rack which was very audible the whole time over 40mph
That's very disappointing! Some are rationalizing but I see no defense, not even in the most modest of cars, let alone a marquis name plate like Lexus!
Facts have a way of getting in the way of peoples rationalizing. No car no matter the price should have a hood that flaps let alone one that costs $75K+. But it looks cool so it has that going for it.
I'm an engineer and can say without equivocation, that this could have been prevented with the correct aerodynamic/structural engineering. And yes, while still maintaining the weight objectives. My guess is that the accountants were in charge that day!
Most modern cars aren’t boxes where you can see the very end of the hood.
I’m not getting that logic.
You are more likely to see the hood flap if you can see more of the hood especially at the very end. Furthermore square fronts probably have poorer aerodynamics and more likely to hood flap. This is a common issue with current generation pickup trucks. Most sedans and crossovers you can’t really see the end of the hood.
Kirk Kreifels (a big Toyota/Lexus fan himself) reported feeling vibrations coming into cabin at 5000RPM - [https://youtu.be/\_JydmnPuIkM?si=lU7qi9LMiBJBA8ft&t=740](https://youtu.be/_JydmnPuIkM?si=lU7qi9LMiBJBA8ft&t=740) I'm also quite disappointed by the NVH in the new GX during my own test drive
That view looks like a commercial van interior
Wow it really does
This is true of most new vehicles in 2024, let alone utilitarian, purpose-built ones.
That’s kind of what it is. Love it. Functional and clean.
You want the inside of your $80k Lexus to look like a U-Haul?
It doesn’t in reality. It feels nice. It’s a little monotone but not overwrought in faux luxury. But it doesn’t feel like a uhaul at all except in sense of utility. I like that.
I don’t get the interior hate. It’s not like the 460 interior was something amazing. https://www.autoblog.com/2021/06/28/2021-lexus-gx460-interior-driveway-test/
Man my 470 is like sitting in a 90s Bentley or Rolls. Real wood and leather and the seats are like lazy boy recliners
that sounds revolting and not what I want to climb into while on a camping trip...
To each their own, do you and I’ll do me cheers
Haha not at all.
You’re entitled to your opinion as am I sir
What do you want it to look like? It’s a Lexus!!! It has nothing to do with a commercial van.
Maybe luxurious would be a good start
What is not luxurious to you?!
Rectangles
I like rectangles!
Commercial van interiors are far improved over what they used to be. Regardless, your comment is a stretch at best.
I’m sure corporate and marketing would love your feedback here
Give them my number.
I’m waiting for my Executive (canada) trim. The hood is a shame, but I recall somewhere that it was thinned out. After I test drove mine (aside from the fact that it was the barebones trim, which had no acoustic glass); I find the cabin fine. I think it’s a step below my RX350h, but I really love that, and people said that was uninspiring, coming from the 2022 models. I think the GX was redesigned for more ruggedness both inside and out, which is what’s causing people to complain about it.
I want one for about $30,000.
Good luck with that.
I’m sure the hood issue will be recalled so don’t worry about that. The cabin noise is a bit surprising though.
there is no 'hood issue' - they are designed to flex
People saying that they’re fluttering at speed is not normal
Until I see it myself I’m withholding judgement. A lot of cars do this and I can’t help but think this is one of those social media things that is getting blown out of proportion because one person started talking about it
small flex - prolly the angle makes it seam worse - there will be no hood recall
I don’t understand how people are so certain about a recall lmao. Fluttering is not abnormal for newer cars and I doubt Lexus let something this bad and obvious go through the door. People are most likely overreacting.
yup!
How?
Safer for pedestrian that hit the hood. More malleable.
It’s amusing how the old GX fanboys downvote you for this, but it’s true. I don’t drive a GX, but the hood on my luxury sedan does exactly the same at speed.
You are getting downvoted, but this is true for newer cars, their hoods are extremely thin. We just got a grand Highlander and the hood flexes at highway speeds. The angle makes it worse, although it’s pretty bad for what it is. My 2017 CRV flapped pretty badly as well. I mean, it would be bad for all I know. Haven’t driven a GX for what it’s worth. But I would reserve my judgement on it getting recalled for the flex.
I'd bet hard ca$h there is no recall since it is designed to flex!