When it comes to towing, most people think of trucks as the ultimate vehicle for the job. It IS hard to beat a truck for pure versatility, but the Lexus GX550 might give you pause. This luxury SUV offers premium ride comfort, rugged off-road ability, and the capability to tow up to 9,000 pounds of whatever your plans are for the weekend.
The New Lexus GX550 Raises Standards
Previous Lexus SUVs have been dependable, powerful, and luxurious, but they couldn’t always tow like a truck. Not only that, but the big V8 engines in the GX460 and GX470 delivered very poor fuel economy. However, the GX550 raises standards by providing power and substance.
The GX550 features a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 9,063 pounds and returns 21 mpg in highway driving. The base price of the GX550 will set you back about $65,285, but it can go much higher. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels and is the same one on the Toyota Tundra.
The Lexus flagship SUV also has an e-KDSS suspension that effectively does the job of adaptive sway bars. It can decouple based on the terrain and drive mode. It also has adaptive dampers to fine-tune ride comfort.
Off-Road Plus Towing With the Overtrail+
For those who want impressive off-road ability and powerful towing ability, the GX550 Overtrail+ trim is the one to get at your Lexus dealer. Let’s start with how it tows. With its short body and wheelbase, the GX550 is easy to maneuver when hooking up a trailer. The surround-view cameras make backing up a cinch.
Inside, the 14-inch screen gives you superior visibility that includes a precision guiding line to show where the tow hitch is. The GX is already raked for towing and features an integrated trailer brake controller. Even though this is often standard on trucks these days, it’s nice to find it on a luxury SUV.
Once you’re on the road, you’ll quickly notice that very little of the trailer movement affects the cabin. If you’ve ever towed an unloaded trailer with a truck, you’re probably aware of how uncomfortable the ride can get on rough roads. However, the GX550 handles it with ease thanks to its body rigidity and the e-KDSS suspension.
Impressive Pros and a Few Cons
The most impressive thing about the GX550’s towing ability is that it’s smooth in almost every area. It doesn’t buck or bounce, and it has plenty of passing power. The turbo V6 also does a great job of providing a smooth, serene experience. It doesn’t feel labored, and it’s not noisy. The adaptive cruise control adds confidence by braking early enough so that driver intervention isn’t needed.
The only con in towing with the GX550 is that heavier loads aren’t quite as serene. The brake pedal requires a bit more pressure to stop, and fuel economy takes a pretty big dive when you’re towing over 6,000 pounds. Nevertheless, it’s still reasonable for a gas-powered tow vehicle.
Ultimately, the Lexus GX550 is far more comfortable than the average top-trim half-ton pickup, and it nearly matches this type of truck in towing ability.
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Stacy Wilson