Looking for a Luxury Mid-Size SUV
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Looking for a Luxury Mid-Size SUV
I've been reading a lot of great information on your forum lately, and appreciate your knowledge of the GX. I am a new user, and am trying to decide on a new SUV. I currently own a 08 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4 that I bought new. It has been a great vehicle with absolutely zero problems over its 109,000 mile life. It still runs like new. I am totally happy with its performance, but I am ready for something newer and more luxurious.
I have to write off Nissan and Infiniti because they've turned the Pathfinder/QX60 into a soccer mom car (in my opinion). I immediately thought of the GX because of the true off road capability combined with the luxury of Lexus. I love the exterior, but the interior reminds me of a similar (although slightly nicer) style as my Pathfinder. It's way outdated. I won't beat a dead horse there. I know there are tons of online reviews that beat up the GX interior. I started looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit line. It looks really nice to me with a great interior, and off road heritage. I just can't get past the historically awful reliability of Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler. I've been lurking on the Grand Cherokee forum as well. I think the consensus there is that they love their Grand Cherokees, but seem like most or all of them opt for the lifetime warranty unless they plan to trade before the normal warranty runs out. I don't really like that idea. I typically keep me cars about 10 years. I don't want to be a regular at the service shop for any dealer.
I don't think I can bring myself to getting a crossover like the RX, Q7, X5, QX60. So, what am I to do? Just drive mine until sometime later this year and see what Lexus does with the 2019 GX? If nothing changes for 2019, do I wait another year for 2020? Do I buy the Grand Cherokee with the lifetime warranty and roll the dice? I'm really torn, but have a serious desire to get something by the end of the year.
I did see that the UX was getting Apple CarPlay for 2019. Maybe that will signal a possibility for that to happen in the GX too? What do you think? Even a small interior refresh in Navigation system/infotainment system would make me very happy.
Btw, I'm not interested in the larger SUVs like LX or QX80, although they are nice. I just don't need something that big.
What would you do?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I have to write off Nissan and Infiniti because they've turned the Pathfinder/QX60 into a soccer mom car (in my opinion). I immediately thought of the GX because of the true off road capability combined with the luxury of Lexus. I love the exterior, but the interior reminds me of a similar (although slightly nicer) style as my Pathfinder. It's way outdated. I won't beat a dead horse there. I know there are tons of online reviews that beat up the GX interior. I started looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit line. It looks really nice to me with a great interior, and off road heritage. I just can't get past the historically awful reliability of Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler. I've been lurking on the Grand Cherokee forum as well. I think the consensus there is that they love their Grand Cherokees, but seem like most or all of them opt for the lifetime warranty unless they plan to trade before the normal warranty runs out. I don't really like that idea. I typically keep me cars about 10 years. I don't want to be a regular at the service shop for any dealer.
I don't think I can bring myself to getting a crossover like the RX, Q7, X5, QX60. So, what am I to do? Just drive mine until sometime later this year and see what Lexus does with the 2019 GX? If nothing changes for 2019, do I wait another year for 2020? Do I buy the Grand Cherokee with the lifetime warranty and roll the dice? I'm really torn, but have a serious desire to get something by the end of the year.
I did see that the UX was getting Apple CarPlay for 2019. Maybe that will signal a possibility for that to happen in the GX too? What do you think? Even a small interior refresh in Navigation system/infotainment system would make me very happy.
Btw, I'm not interested in the larger SUVs like LX or QX80, although they are nice. I just don't need something that big.
What would you do?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Last edited by MagnumP45; 05-02-18 at 12:04 PM.
#2
at this point, nobody can be sure if 19' GX will bring substantial changes. I agree that the current interior and infotainment technology leave a lot to desire for. No car is perfect. What is more important to you, updated tech or proven reliability? With Lexus, you will always be a few steps behind on technology.
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MagnumP45 (05-02-18)
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
at this point, nobody can be sure if 19' GX will bring substantial changes. I agree that the current interior and infotainment technology leave a lot to desire for. No car is perfect. What is more important to you, updated tech or proven reliability? With Lexus, you will always be a few steps behind on technology.
I'm just trying to future proof my new car purchase as much as I can. I don't want to buy a GX, settle for current interior, then next year's model is exactly what I want. That's all. I realize no one knows what's going to happen next year, but just thought I would see what everyone's opinion is on my current situation.
#4
Driver School Candidate
I've been reading a lot of great information on your forum lately, and appreciate your knowledge of the GX. I am a new user, and am trying to decide on a new SUV. I currently own a 08 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4 that I bought new. It has been a great vehicle with absolutely zero problems over its 109,000 mile life. It still runs like new. I am totally happy with its performance, but I am ready for something newer and more luxurious.
I have to write off Nissan and Infiniti because they've turned the Pathfinder/QX60 into a soccer mom car (in my opinion). I immediately thought of the GX because of the true off road capability combined with the luxury of Lexus. I love the exterior, but the interior reminds me of a similar (although slightly nicer) style as my Pathfinder. It's way outdated. I won't beat a dead horse there. I know there are tons of online reviews the beat up the GX interior. I started looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit line. It looks really nice to me with a great interior, and off road heritage. I just can't get past the historically awful reliability of Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler. I've been lurking on the Grand Cherokee forum as well. I think the consensus there is that they love their Grand Cherokees, but seem like most or all of them opt for the lifetime warranty unless they plan to trade before the normal warranty runs out. I don't really like that idea. I typically keep me cars about 10 years. I don't want to be a regular at the service shop for any dealer.
I don't think I can bring myself to getting a crossover like the RX, Q7, X5, QX60. So, what am I to do? Just drive mine until sometime later this year and see what Lexus does with the 2019 GX? If nothing changes for 2019, do I wait another year for 2020? Do I buy the Grand Cherokee with the lifetime warranty and roll the dice? I'm really torn, but have a serious desire to get something by the end of the year.
I did see that the UX was getting Apple CarPlay for 2019. Maybe that will signal a possibility for that to happen in the GX too? What do you think? Even a small interior refresh in Navigation system/infotainment system would make me very happy.
Btw, I'm not interested in the larger SUVs like LX or QX80, although they are nice. I just don't need something that big.
What would you do?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I have to write off Nissan and Infiniti because they've turned the Pathfinder/QX60 into a soccer mom car (in my opinion). I immediately thought of the GX because of the true off road capability combined with the luxury of Lexus. I love the exterior, but the interior reminds me of a similar (although slightly nicer) style as my Pathfinder. It's way outdated. I won't beat a dead horse there. I know there are tons of online reviews the beat up the GX interior. I started looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit line. It looks really nice to me with a great interior, and off road heritage. I just can't get past the historically awful reliability of Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler. I've been lurking on the Grand Cherokee forum as well. I think the consensus there is that they love their Grand Cherokees, but seem like most or all of them opt for the lifetime warranty unless they plan to trade before the normal warranty runs out. I don't really like that idea. I typically keep me cars about 10 years. I don't want to be a regular at the service shop for any dealer.
I don't think I can bring myself to getting a crossover like the RX, Q7, X5, QX60. So, what am I to do? Just drive mine until sometime later this year and see what Lexus does with the 2019 GX? If nothing changes for 2019, do I wait another year for 2020? Do I buy the Grand Cherokee with the lifetime warranty and roll the dice? I'm really torn, but have a serious desire to get something by the end of the year.
I did see that the UX was getting Apple CarPlay for 2019. Maybe that will signal a possibility for that to happen in the GX too? What do you think? Even a small interior refresh in Navigation system/infotainment system would make me very happy.
Btw, I'm not interested in the larger SUVs like LX or QX80, although they are nice. I just don't need something that big.
What would you do?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Honestly, I was under the same dilemma as you are with the similar options that you have been looking for until day before yesterday however I broke my overthought process and went for 18 GX460 Premium and honestly I'm missing my favorite adaptive cruise control option and auto fold side mirrors etc. HOWEVER the feel of driving this beast is beyond words.
The wait for updated GX is beyond question here since who knows if Lexus will ever come with this change or not? OR may be even if they do relaunch who can tell Lexus would keep same old ruggedness or will make this a fancy crossover.
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MagnumP45 (05-02-18)
#5
Driver
Thread Starter
Honestly, I was under the same dilemma as you are with the similar options that you have been looking for until day before yesterday however I broke my overthought process and went for 18 GX460 Premium and honestly I'm missing my favorite adaptive cruise control option and auto fold side mirrors etc. HOWEVER the feel of driving this beast is beyond words.
The wait for updated GX is beyond question here since who knows if Lexus will ever come with this change or not? OR may be even if they do relaunch who can tell Lexus would keep same old ruggedness or will make this a fancy crossover.
The wait for updated GX is beyond question here since who knows if Lexus will ever come with this change or not? OR may be even if they do relaunch who can tell Lexus would keep same old ruggedness or will make this a fancy crossover.
#7
Driver
Thread Starter
Ha ha. I didn’t mean anything bad by that comment. I just wanted something with true off road capability instead of all the car based platforms popping up lately. I want something I can pack up and go camping in the mountains as well as ride around town in style.
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#8
If you are looking to buy new I suggest you wait for the questionable 2019 possibilities.
By the way, welcome to CL
By the way, welcome to CL
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MagnumP45 (05-02-18)
#9
What you want is what you want. But as best as I can tell CarPlay is the most overhyped feature ever offered. I have it on my BMW 540 and have yet to figure out why I would want to use it. I admit I mainly care about good music and don't care where it comes from. Nor do I care to trade messages while I drive. But, virtually everyone on the BMW forum who has commented on CarPlay have said they have tried it and don't like it.
I bought the GX for my wife. I'm a serious enthusiast and if it were for me I would have bought a more performance oriented SUV. Yet I find myself enjoying the solid, refined competence of the GX. The ML stereo is spectacular. The whole vehicle feels like "old money" where competence becomes more important than flash.
Sure, I'm 65 years old, but still....my car is a 540 M Sport and I ride very fast motorcycles in ways that most people outgrew 30 years younger. But I digress
I bought the GX for my wife. I'm a serious enthusiast and if it were for me I would have bought a more performance oriented SUV. Yet I find myself enjoying the solid, refined competence of the GX. The ML stereo is spectacular. The whole vehicle feels like "old money" where competence becomes more important than flash.
Sure, I'm 65 years old, but still....my car is a 540 M Sport and I ride very fast motorcycles in ways that most people outgrew 30 years younger. But I digress
#10
Lexus Champion
at this point, nobody can be sure if 19' GX will bring substantial changes. I agree that the current interior and infotainment technology leave a lot to desire for. No car is perfect. What is more important to you, updated tech or proven reliability? With Lexus, you will always be a few steps behind on technology.
One MB vehicle in my family it is very reliable from the beginning. BMWs as well no complaints of any issues from day one.BMW, Audi, MB don't charge anything for service during factory warranty period. When I had Lexus RX the charged even for an oil change. We don't our cars too long any how.
Last edited by Htony; 05-02-18 at 07:29 PM.
#11
What you want is what you want. But as best as I can tell CarPlay is the most overhyped feature ever offered. I have it on my BMW 540 and have yet to figure out why I would want to use it. I admit I mainly care about good music and don't care where it comes from. Nor do I care to trade messages while I drive. But, virtually everyone on the BMW forum who has commented on CarPlay have said they have tried it and don't like it.
I bought the GX for my wife. I'm a serious enthusiast and if it were for me I would have bought a more performance oriented SUV. Yet I find myself enjoying the solid, refined competence of the GX. The ML stereo is spectacular. The whole vehicle feels like "old money" where competence becomes more important than flash.
Sure, I'm 65 years old, but still....my car is a 540 M Sport and I ride very fast motorcycles in ways that most people outgrew 30 years younger. But I digress
I bought the GX for my wife. I'm a serious enthusiast and if it were for me I would have bought a more performance oriented SUV. Yet I find myself enjoying the solid, refined competence of the GX. The ML stereo is spectacular. The whole vehicle feels like "old money" where competence becomes more important than flash.
Sure, I'm 65 years old, but still....my car is a 540 M Sport and I ride very fast motorcycles in ways that most people outgrew 30 years younger. But I digress
#12
It has to be at least 2020, since they are still keeping the same design for the 4runners and the tundras for 2019. And even after that the new GX will most likely be a cross-over. LX might stayed the true SUV.
#13
According to Automotive News, GX redesign is supposed to be in 2020.
#14
There arent many direct competitors to the GX. I think the discovery or whatever its called now, LR3, is the most direct competitor. There arent many body on frame SUVs left out there, at least not in the US.
Sounds like you want a 4x4 with some luxury features to it then the GX is the best bet. If you dont want to wait, these trucks hold their value so well you probably wouldnt take much of or as big of a resale hit as you would with an American, German, or even Nissan. I'd personally never own any FCA product out of warranty.
The three things I am anxious to see besides a redesigned GX are the Bronco (if they offer 4 door and the TT6), maybe the Subaru Ascent (again only if they decide to offer a bigger engine), or if they ever get around to redesigning the Sequoia.
Sounds like you want a 4x4 with some luxury features to it then the GX is the best bet. If you dont want to wait, these trucks hold their value so well you probably wouldnt take much of or as big of a resale hit as you would with an American, German, or even Nissan. I'd personally never own any FCA product out of warranty.
The three things I am anxious to see besides a redesigned GX are the Bronco (if they offer 4 door and the TT6), maybe the Subaru Ascent (again only if they decide to offer a bigger engine), or if they ever get around to redesigning the Sequoia.
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MagnumP45 (05-03-18)
#15
What you want is what you want. But as best as I can tell CarPlay is the most overhyped feature ever offered. I have it on my BMW 540 and have yet to figure out why I would want to use it. I admit I mainly care about good music and don't care where it comes from. Nor do I care to trade messages while I drive. But, virtually everyone on the BMW forum who has commented on CarPlay have said they have tried it and don't like it.
I bought the GX for my wife. I'm a serious enthusiast and if it were for me I would have bought a more performance oriented SUV. Yet I find myself enjoying the solid, refined competence of the GX. The ML stereo is spectacular. The whole vehicle feels like "old money" where competence becomes more important than flash.
Sure, I'm 65 years old, but still....my car is a 540 M Sport and I ride very fast motorcycles in ways that most people outgrew 30 years younger. But I digress
I bought the GX for my wife. I'm a serious enthusiast and if it were for me I would have bought a more performance oriented SUV. Yet I find myself enjoying the solid, refined competence of the GX. The ML stereo is spectacular. The whole vehicle feels like "old money" where competence becomes more important than flash.
Sure, I'm 65 years old, but still....my car is a 540 M Sport and I ride very fast motorcycles in ways that most people outgrew 30 years younger. But I digress
Very few remaining body on frame trucks out there, so if that is what you want, as well as long term reliability, you could do far worse than the GX, just know you won't get the newest tech doodads
The following users liked this post:
MagnumP45 (05-03-18)