If you are doing a gx, premium, why not go for a 21 and get the same combo but add in the Mark Levinson sound? Highly recommended.

 

ML only on Luxury, right?

 

For MY '21 ML can be had with the Prem Plus package. Looks like P+ is only $1,700 more than P - that seems totally worth it ( P+ also includes power 3rd row) The base stereo is the main thing I don't like about our GX.
(prob already listed elsewhere but here are the packages and prices https://www.lexus.com/models/GX/packages)

 

So what exactly was "Garbage" in your experience?

 

it’s almost a no brainer in my opinion.

 

I am not a new car buyer, but yeah, if I was, there is no way I am getting a GX without the ML. Not even sure that the ML is so great, it is just that the base is really pretty bad (IMO). I have the base stereo in my '07 IS250 and even though I am sure the ML for the IS is better sounding than base, it wouldn't be worth it to me to pay for the upgrade. But in the GX, I can't see not getting it. Sort of shocking that they sell the Luxury without it. My base '13 GX has the power third row seats and the Semi-aniline leather seating, and power side mirrors, but I would easily give that all up for the ML.

With the Prem Plus, I think the GX becomes way more interesting as a new car purchase if you can afford it.

 

i don’t need bass. I listen to talk radio country and jazz. The stock stereo is fine and not worth the $1700 IMO. I can’t get a 2021 in my timeframe plus I doubt that they will have the same deals on 2021 as 2020. When I shopped I saw 2020s flooded in NJ dealers.
im more concerned about the brakes and seat lumbar in the ride. Still hate the mushy brakes and it took me a long time to get used to/break in the seats.

 

That is fair -those seats are pretty uncomfortable for me as well - esp if you know what the deal is. Although, my guess is that everyone from Armstrong to Zorn will sound better with the ML system

 

The ML system is a personal decision first and foremost, and secondly you need high fidelity audio; Tidal high quality or studio recorded cds/dvds you`ll get the full moneys worth.
XM, am/fm, pandora, or mp3s etc are not gonna offer anything over the base.

Seats, well thats nothing you really can do about that. The seat cushion design is archaic and comfort conveniences are non existent. Thankfully its the not the bottom of the barrel of Lexus seats (that award goes to the IS/NX F sport seats).

 

Seat cushion/pads - it doesn't make it great, and kinda ruins the Lux vibe, but it helps. Plus it helps keep the Ecru from turning blue.

 

Ecru looks the best imho, but yup its like a sponge for dye transfer. The cushion thing idk, for MY20 buyer; if seat comfort is paramount, i`d drop by the local XC90/GLE/Q7/X5 dealer and compare there seats. My personal opinion for optimum seats ironically has been the XC90, its not as complex as the german rivals but outclass them in comfort and fatigue (lack of during long trips).

 

With regards to my Armada quote. Something about their seating, very uncomfortable to me. Every Nissan I have ever driven feels the same way. I also don’t like their fake transmission, which apparently is a very common problem. Feels cheap to me.

 

So the seating was bad. Was the 8 speed regular transmission (non cvt) and 5.7L naturally aspirated V8 bad as well? Did the rental have any of the safety kit or 360 cameras?

 

Okay man, you like Nissan. Congrats. I do not. Enjoy your car.

 

Nissan's longevity in their SUV's is not good. Parts are not too expensive though. Not a big fan of their vehicles honestly.

The semi ainiline leather is nice IMO. Worth the upgrade. My seats nice and comfy.