So how many are looking to "upgrade" to the new GX550? Or even an LX600?

Both would be well outside my budget. When the GX 550 hits the showroom, I will check it out.

However, unless they offer a two-row GX trim, I'll never regret going the 4Runner route.

I won't trade in my 4Runner for one, but I may consider a 550 if something were to happen to it.

Honestly though, if I had to replace it, I'd probably go with a new Tacoma Trailhunter.

470 owner here,
I am considering between GX460 and GX550, so will be watching this thread.

I don't think I will be able to buy a GX550 due to the demand as I don't want to pay markup for it.

The GX460 will be pretty much care free.

I have not really looked into GX550 engine setup. Some say it's a detuned LX600 engine. But if it's two turbos attached to the cylinder head and twin liquid intercooler (lots more coolant and hoses), plus maybe plastic valve cover, then I could see it will be significant more trouble to maintain compared to a 4Runner V6 or GX V8 engine. That's without discussing the Hybrid system which the battery will make the trunk floor high, no 3rd row as common drawbacks of Hybrid.

Looking deeper into the GX550, I really doubt it fits our needs as well as the old GX460 we have. No idea what the GX600 is going to be like. But so far I'm not impressed with what I see.

I admit when I am wrong. After test driving a 4Runner Limited and a GX460 on the same exact route that had varying road conditions. The GX was better in every way and the sale price I am getting makes it close in price to the Runner Limited and Pro.

I think I will never regret buying the Lexus...

Yeah, the Lexus salesman wanted to gauge my interest in getting on their still short waitlist for the new GX550 and I told him I'd rather go for the bulletproof Prado and call it a day.

The gX is a lot more car than the 4 runner, in almost every way. The exception is that the extra weight of the GX makes it not as quick handling. It's just heavier and thus not a zippy. The breakover angles really suck as well. I think in the used market they are a much better value. Since many buyers don't know what they are, there isn't the emotional desire that the 4 runner has. New its probably the opposite. The GX costs more at initially, but seems to depreciate faster at first, but then stabilizes close to 4 runner prices.

Everything I have seen and read on the GX550 looks good with a several major exceptions.

1. The engine is so complex and user unfriendly due to the placement of the intercooler and associated coolant hoses, DIY maintenance will be extremely difficult resulting in a big increase in cost of ownership.

2. The face-scanning feature on the top of the steering wheel is an absolute no go for me. I know it can be turned off but I hate all of these TSS features that I am paying mucho dinero for and never use. Personally, I think the face scanner is over the top that's not safety, that's downright intrusive.

3. I am not a fan of a digital game cluster and the much larger infotainment screen as opposed to my GX460. I also hate that the HVAC settings are buried in the screen rather than physical buttons.

4. I would miss the KDSS in the Premium + trim, the one most comparable to my GX460. The Overtrail, while perfect since it is only a two-row and has the eKDSS, is way out of my budget and represents a massive jump from the outgoing model.

5. 22" wheels on any GX is an abomination, even worse that the 20s Toyota threw on the 4runner Limited. Toyota is forcing buyers to jump up to the overtrail just to get a proper wheel size.

6. Despite the price jump, some of the luxury features traditionally found on any Lexus have been abandoned - wood steering wheel, wood accent panels, etc. I know it is an off-road oriented vehicle but it is still a Lexus that is supposed to project Luxury. Considering the vast majority of GX550 buyers will never do anything more than daily commuting, these types of finishing touches may be missed.

7. The windshield would frighten me to death. It will be worse that the 5th gen 4Runner as far as rock chip damage by a mile.