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I've wheeled mine a bit around Boulder and in Ouray. It's got low range (duh), with good control and traction in base form. And we know the Aussie's wheel their Prado 150's, so there is proof that the underlying components are strong (many parts overlap with the 4Runner). But I dinged the bottom of my front lower bumper plastic, and you have to be very careful with tire placement if you are on rocks to ensure you don't ding the floor boards.
A set of AT tires and removal of the running boards would go a long way toward basic off road capabilities. But compared to the 4Runner and Tacoma, aftermarket support will be very limited for the new GX's.
Somehow my girlfriend and I ended up in Ocotillo Wells this weekend. 110* outside, stock tires and sand, this thing just mobbed until I caught air. Bumper has a fair bit of cosmetic damage, but not a concern. For those that know Ocotillo, I drove through the Shell Expressway to the Tarantula Wash for those familiar with the area.
I agree with Nick. Crawl is not a 'must'. But, if you do some serious off-roading, it sure is nice - and it works! The same goes for 'Down Hill Assist' and '4-wheel Lock'.
Those feature are probably never used in 95% of the GX's; nor do most GX owners have any idea as to what they are for. However, for those of us who do use those features, they are very useful and dramatically expand the capabilities of the vehicle.
I also agree with Nick about the 'Ride Control' with the luxury package and air suspension - That it really limits one's ability to add any aftermarket suspension accessories, such as a slight lift. For those of us who do go off-road, a 1.5 or 2 inch lift would be beneficial in many cases.
I recently bought the certified 2012 GX 460 Premium, it has the air suspension, how does limit the vehicles aftermarket options?
I was hoping to install better off road tires, when these wear out.
Thanks!
I recently bought the certified 2012 GX 460 Premium, it has the air suspension, how does limit the vehicles aftermarket options?
I was hoping to install better off road tires, when these wear out.
Thanks!
The premiums with air suspension includes KDSS. This means extra lines/hardware running throughout the under body to the suspension. The limits happen when you want to implement aftermarket suspension parts. I guess I wouldn't say limit, you just have to deal with it a little more. For off road tires, there's not limit other than how big you go.
Thanks, currently it has the Bridgestone Dueler H/L.
They're ok, and I've used them on the beach and very light trails, would like to upgrade to something a little more off road aggressive, without giving up the nice quite road manners....
A bonus, since the tires have plenty of tread, I've got plenty of time, to find the right setup!
Only had the GX for a couple months and already have over 5K miles and several nights of sleeping in it.
So far, this is a great vehicle.
I tried it on the desert (flat and small dunes ) and took the car to the beach its very capable, however I am afraid from taking the car on serious off road as I didn't find a switch to turn off the airbag
I tried it on the desert (flat and small dunes ) and took the car to the beach its very capable, however I am afraid from taking the car on serious off road as I didn't find a switch to turn off the airbag
Do you not have a button below the start button, where the center diff lock button is? It should say RSCA Off, if equipped. If there's a blank button above your center diff lock button that's where it usually is.
Do you not have a button below the start button, where the center diff lock button is? It should say RSCA Off, if equipped. If there's a blank button above your center diff lock button that's where it usually is.
When I bought the car I have it fully loaded and I was mainly concerned about the crawl option, and I forgot to check the option to switch off the air bag, sadly mine doesn't have it, there is a place for it so I wonder if its possible to add that option ?
=== Update ====
I checked with the lexus dealer in Dubai this options is not available here
I have seen far less capable vehicles off roading. Running boards are the biggest issue. As that is where you like to put the most dangerous obstacle. Removing just the running boards would make a huge difference.
do you feel that crawl control is a must on gx? Is luxury model even worth the money?
JKonquer:
Crawl Control/Downhill Assist is a very nice feature to have - if/when needed. Likewise, it is normally only needed when doing more extreme or very steep downhill approaches. I take my GX offroad a lot, but have only use those features a few times. Unless you plan on doing a lot of off-roading, I wouldn't put a high priority on those features.
