I agree with you Jason.

The GX Premium has 18" wheels and the 4Runner Limited has 20" wheels.

Something's not quite right about that.

 

Lexus is way to conservative when it comes to their SUVs I find.

****, the LX is still waiting for a turbo. Yet the Tundra has one.

 

You bet I am! That's what I was saying a few pages ago. To boot, those wheels are almost identical to the ones in the previous generation Prado... Not that the ones in the current, soon-to-be-phased-out GX are the nicest wheels ever, but they look a heck of a lot better, particularly in the graphite finish used in '08 and '09 models.

I am trying hard to like this GX because of all the features, but I am really believing they have cheapened the exterior way too much. That, combined with the likely $60k price once everything is added in, may push me away. I'll wait to see it...

 

I will probably be in the market for a new vehicle sometime early next year, and was strongly leaning towards the new 2010 Acura MDX Advance, but after seeing the specs on this I may seriously have to reconsider.

This vehicle is a WHOPPING 700lbs+ heavier than the MDX (for me this is a plus HEAVIER == SAFER - remember the laws of physics are the laws of physics), has a SUPER-TORQUEY V8 (big plus-THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT) over the MDX's V6, and hopefully the V8 engine will be ULTRA-SUPER-QUIET (keeps fingers crossed), unlike some of the newer offerings from Lexus to please the idiotic "throaty growl" crowd....and LAST BUT NOT LEAST, it is no whimpy crossover, but a gas-mileage-robbing HARDCORE "four-buh-four"

Now here's the kicker: The reason I explicitly mentioned all those attributes above is because this vehicle is able to get 15mpg in the city and 20mpg on the hwy (friggin IDENTICAL to the 2007-2009 MDX).....How the hell did they manage this????.....or more specifically why is the damn MDXs gas mileage so friggin bad????....they managed to tweak the 2010 MDX to get 16mpg/21mpg ....wooo hooo! ....let's go get that Nobel Prize for gas mileage

 

From a practical standpoint, keeping 18" rims on the GX makes sense.

- Comfort & Noise
- On & Off road performance.

Sure majority who buy a GX will not take it off roading, but because of the GX's underpinnings, it was designed to perform well both on and off road. It's a very capable truck. Imagine the GX with 20" wheels or larger, not only will the ride quality suffer, fuel economy, off road performance/wheel clearance will diminish. If you're looking for plain looks, there's a good chance you will swap out the wheels for something larger.

 

Completely agree. Target market is not the same and has different needs/requirements.

 

I like this SUV alot....one thing that is upsetting is the way in which they got the 3rd row seats to be flush. They had to raise the entire floor up 3 inches. Now when you open the door there is a 3 inch lip there. It looks goofy IMO. It is tough enough to raise a double stroller that high, yet another 3 inches may make it tough.

 

I bet those will bolt right on

 

I thought the GX was supposed to have some resemblance to a true off road capable vehicle. Have you guys ever tried 20" wheels offroad- they SUCK. 18" imho is too large with a tire size under 37". You need enough tire sidewall to be pliable and absorb hits or you crush your rim.
Lexus atleast thought about this when they chose 18s over 20s. Big rims are gay bling, sorry if that offends anyone- sometimes the truth hurts

 

You are right about big wheels "SUCK"ing off road. I am not sure how appropriate your term "gay bling" is, but the reality is that most people who buy these cars will never take them off road. So they should come with better looking, better handling (on road), larger wheels.

And anyone who has the cash to buy a $50k off raod vehichle will have no problem dropping another couple of G's on a set of off road wheels.

 

^^not a sexual reference. Intended in the sense of aloof/fruity excessively happy

How bout if you have 50k to buy a 4x4 and want sexy bling inappropriate rims then you must have $ to spend on them. I would hate to see Lexus take a very capable but luxurious rig and put items on it that actually hinder its capabilities as they are intended.

anyhow- its just a peeve of mine. I think all cars should have spinners- there cool, do whatever you want to your toys

 

I agree with the 18" wheels. You need to provide the BEST capability/ability of the vehicle leaving the showroom. The aftermarket modders will not be happy with any factory rims anyway, so they'll go out and get new sets anyway. I think the 18" are fine.

Again, general populance, not forum rats, are going to enjoy the 18" more than having 20" which result in a more harsh ride. Lexus is all about smooth... smooth baby. I say put 16" back in there.

 

Well said.

You are right...and even if it came with 20"s I would change them for something more personal anyway. I like my sexy inappropriate wheels just as much as my 17's...they are just for different occasions...


PS...sorry for the tangent...now let's get back "on topic"

 

Nailed it!!!!!

Man, i cant wait to buy our GX. The suspense is killing me. Toyota's are sweet, but its time to spoil ourselves.

 

GX 460 OEM Trailer Hitch

~ Cap