Och

iTrader: (3)

Don't forget that the GX is designed as an offroad vehicle afterall, and for an offroad vehicle instant torque is key. When you're trying to crawl over a big rock, you want instant torque on tap of throttle - and a turbo engine is just not going to provide that, there is always some lag. And a diesel engine isn't making any torque or power until turbo kicks in.

SteVTEC

Understood, but I think with low-range gearing and proper technique it shouldn't be an issue. Toyota does offer these things in other markets with diesel engines, just not in the U.S. Jeep is offering diesel models also....

I parked my wife's X5 in a parking spot that was obstructed by a mound of snow that other people had avoided. When I was backing out it was going to take a bit of power, and I could feel it wanting to take off as the low-RPM turbocharger spooled up. But... application of some light power-on braking and that smoothed things out.

spwolf

well, it got pretty decent reviews in european press, compared to other diesels in same vehicles, for instance Q7.

V8 petrol is just better, a lot, in everything but mpg. You get instant response from the engine, it is really quiet, it is just very nice V8 engine.

X5 and Land Cruiser drive completely different though. I dont think you can compare the feel properly between the two.

SteVTEC

I think you just don't like diesels.

Och

iTrader: (3)

One could argue for and against diesels, and there are many legit arguments on both sides. But nobody seems to mention one reason why diesel in luxury cars, at least in the US, is a nuisance. You see, diesel pumps at most gas stations are just plain out filthy. I guess it might have to do with diesel fuel being "oily" and therefore it doesn't really evaporate - so often the pump handle is all greasy and often there is a puddle of diesel spilled by the pump. My work truck is a diesel ford, and I actually carry a pair of heavy duty gloves in it all the time, and I wear them whenever I have to fuel up. Otherwise, if you get diesel on your hands, that smell i hard to wash off, and I wouldn't want to get it on the steering wheel/interior parts.

Also, not every gas station has diesel. Most gas stations that carry diesel are in high traffic, filthy, industrial areas. You not gonna find it in posh neighborhoods where luxury owners usually reside.

Trexus

Congratulations to your daughter and son-in-law. We got our GX in starfire pearl as well on December 1 and we love it!

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

i like the new facelift, the price is reasonable for its class. but it's underpowered, 310hp from a V8 is pretty lame especially with the weight of this truck. my other gripe is the manual swing-out rear door, why does the 4runner has option of power lift gate and the GX does not?

LexFather

Nice pick ups!! Sales for the GX have risen so the changes have worked. It has its niche it has always met. I also much prefer the new spindle grill whereas the pre-facelift just was very inoffensive.

Trexus

Thanks! Agreed the spindle grill treatment and the LED headlights were improvements and adding a base model and pricing it at a lower price point has definitely increased sales.

Hopefully Lexus keeps the GX and adds the TX (3 row unibody SUV based off the LF-X) into the lineup. Infiniti has a 4 SUV lineup, EX, FX, JX and QX. BMW as well, X1, X3, X5, X6 and there have been talks of the X7...and Mercedes as well...G, GL, GLK and M Class...

Lexus with a wide variety of SUV's:

NX
RX
TX
GX
LX

SteVTEC

Has not been an issue for me here in the DC suburbs.

TangoRed

Definitely not a problem in metro Atlanta. Also, many places are now carrying a pump "condom" of sorts so you don't have touch dirty diesel nozzles with your own hand.