Just curious of the model year break down of current/active users on site.

 

i doubt there will be 2018 of this current generation.
it may even be discontinued...

 

I think the 2014+ increased sales is due to the spindle grille and rear bumper reflectors. The grille shows that it is an updated model (some like and some dislike) along with other Lexus cars. The bumper reflectors are not attractive on the 2010-2013.

The updated firmware touchscreen options are a perk, but I don't think this update is a major factor with the sales increase.

 

Here is an old 2014 article from Autoblog on increased sales. It sounds like base was de-contented somewhat as well to lower the base price below $50k

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/07/26/l...ed-sales-2014/

I was open to a '14+ with the right deal but as I plan to use off-road some the worse approach/departure angles made me somewhat resistant. I frankly have no aversion to the look.... the functionality though would have likely been a problem.

 

Did power fold 3rd row go manual in '14 for base models?

This '12 product sheet make me think it was standard in all trims from '10-'13.

 

Power third row is only on Luxury after 2013 to cut cost down. Standard power third row and Leather seats on '10-'13 years base models.

 

This is a good cost cutting area since you might use the 3rd row 5-10 times a year (I used it about 3 times in 2.5 years) and some don't even touch it.

the new lower starting price, all LED headlights , new front end contribute to the sales increase.

 

I have 14" luxury packages and i hate it due to the lean front passenger side and the dealer keep saying in it specs (

 

The updated grille and light did it for me. Those are the reasons why I wanted the GX initially. Not sure how CL responded but 2017 comes with captain chair option which was supposed to address complaint from previous model buyers. For me, I don't like it so I went with the old bench option.

 

I think the lower entry price from 2014 model are the major reason for sale increase. When I was shopping for used 2014 GX, almost half of them on sale are base model. I wish air suspension and driver assist package are available to all trim level so I can order them with base trim.

 

The newer style front looks really nice on a sedan/coupe/RX, but on the GX seems a bit out of place IMHO. Reason I feel this way is that I think of the GX as being a traditional holdover of the body-on-frame style and it being an off-road capable vehicle. The larger and lower front grill looks to take away some of the front clearance/approach angle while the earlier face looks a bit more traditional and closer to the Prado. I do understand though that those who want to go off road a lot and want this chassis would choose a new 4Runner with off-road package and 17" wheels over a new GX. Meaning that the GX appeal is ruggedness and towing ability. With that, later style front looks more modern and is keeping with the rest of the Lexus range.

In the other thread about Lexus discontinuing, I reasoned that since the GX is based on the Prado, there is little cost to continue on. One thing I didn't take into account is the new EPA rating of 15-18. To bring up their CAFE ratings, I could see Lexus discontinuing the GX and bringing a larger RX (based on the latest Highlander with 3rd row and 5K towing).

 

Just a poll bump

 

I’ve got a silver 2017 Luxury, Premium w the ML sound system that is my wife’s and a knights armor 2013 Premium that I’ve modified to look less like a Lexus (for now). Plasti-dipped the factory alloy wheels and grill in anthracite to mute the look and leveled it. Like the look. Have complete update for both on the way to update them to 2021 sport look.

 

I think we are in need of some before/after pictures.

 

In a perfect world(I know you can’t) I would order a 17 base model with captain chairs,heated steering wheel, adjustable shocks without height adjustment. I think there should be stand alone options to add to base model. The fact you can’t add heated steering wheel alone is ridiculous, I’ve had Hyundai rentals with heated steering wheel.