Premium Suspension Review
08-27-12 | 11:40 AM
#1
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From: Utah
Premium Suspension Review
After almost 2 years of ownership I feel I can give an objective opinion of the 2nd gen GX’s optional premium suspension systems (auto leveling air springs and adaptive variable suspension – AVS).
Ride & handling – When I first got the GX I felt the ride & handling was super smooth and cushy/soft. I could not feel much of a difference between the ride settings using the AVS system. Now after many miles of city and highway miles, under various conditions, I can say there is a distinct difference in the three settings. I now can actually feel which mode the system is in and find myself setting the system for each type driving condition, for a better ride. When driving around town I use the comfort setting. It allows the suspension to sort of float over poor road surfaces and yet not allow the vehicle to wallow or buck. If the system is set on the sport mode around town the vehicle hits the bumps instead of absorbing them. It also tends to buck. When I change the setting to comfort, the vehicle immediately smoothes out. I also use the comfort setting when towing, even when towing on the highway, at the speed limit. I found that if I use the sport setting when towing, the trailer’s movement is transmitted to the tow vehicle (TV) much more easily. When using the comfort setting the suspension seems to absorb the movement and keeps the TV more stable. When I’m towing at higher speeds (depending on what speed) I use the normal and sport mode to control sway in the turns. I found that the sport mode is most effective when traveling at speeds above 60 mph. If I’m on the highway at speed and the system is in the comfort mode, I find it’s harder to hold the line through the turn (it also leans/plows). When using the sport mode there’s almost no leaning. I find that speed is pretty much the deciding factor in which mode I use. For city (up to 35 mph) I use the comfort mode. For speeds between 35 and 55 mph, I tend to use the normal mode. For spirited and high speed highway driving I use the sport mode.
The main reason I purchased the premium model was because of the auto leveling rear air spring suspension. I tow and travel on easy/moderate off-road trails and RV back road (unpaved). I would not want to be without the air susp when towing. It actually spoils you. It makes everything from hooking up to the trailer to stabilizing and carrying the extra weight MUCH easier. Because the TV is perfectly level with added cargo and the tongue weight of the trailer, every aspect driving is stable and well mannered. Even braking is more controlled. It is so nice to back up to the trailer (with the backup camera) and perfectly line up (in one try) and simply push a button and engage the ball. Also cool is when maneuvering over driveways/dips/moguls you can adjust the height of the tongue and the rear of the trailer with the push of a button. There are many times when several inches clearance is the difference of dragging and not. To raise the rear of trailer you lower the rear of the TV. After clearing the obstacle you can raise the rear so the tongue will clear. This is especially helpful when off the beaten path. The system also helps when off-road without the trailer. The difference between the low and high setting is approx 4 inched and it increases the departure angle. It also helps when loading or washing the vehicle (low setting).
Koz
Ride & handling – When I first got the GX I felt the ride & handling was super smooth and cushy/soft. I could not feel much of a difference between the ride settings using the AVS system. Now after many miles of city and highway miles, under various conditions, I can say there is a distinct difference in the three settings. I now can actually feel which mode the system is in and find myself setting the system for each type driving condition, for a better ride. When driving around town I use the comfort setting. It allows the suspension to sort of float over poor road surfaces and yet not allow the vehicle to wallow or buck. If the system is set on the sport mode around town the vehicle hits the bumps instead of absorbing them. It also tends to buck. When I change the setting to comfort, the vehicle immediately smoothes out. I also use the comfort setting when towing, even when towing on the highway, at the speed limit. I found that if I use the sport setting when towing, the trailer’s movement is transmitted to the tow vehicle (TV) much more easily. When using the comfort setting the suspension seems to absorb the movement and keeps the TV more stable. When I’m towing at higher speeds (depending on what speed) I use the normal and sport mode to control sway in the turns. I found that the sport mode is most effective when traveling at speeds above 60 mph. If I’m on the highway at speed and the system is in the comfort mode, I find it’s harder to hold the line through the turn (it also leans/plows). When using the sport mode there’s almost no leaning. I find that speed is pretty much the deciding factor in which mode I use. For city (up to 35 mph) I use the comfort mode. For speeds between 35 and 55 mph, I tend to use the normal mode. For spirited and high speed highway driving I use the sport mode.
The main reason I purchased the premium model was because of the auto leveling rear air spring suspension. I tow and travel on easy/moderate off-road trails and RV back road (unpaved). I would not want to be without the air susp when towing. It actually spoils you. It makes everything from hooking up to the trailer to stabilizing and carrying the extra weight MUCH easier. Because the TV is perfectly level with added cargo and the tongue weight of the trailer, every aspect driving is stable and well mannered. Even braking is more controlled. It is so nice to back up to the trailer (with the backup camera) and perfectly line up (in one try) and simply push a button and engage the ball. Also cool is when maneuvering over driveways/dips/moguls you can adjust the height of the tongue and the rear of the trailer with the push of a button. There are many times when several inches clearance is the difference of dragging and not. To raise the rear of trailer you lower the rear of the TV. After clearing the obstacle you can raise the rear so the tongue will clear. This is especially helpful when off the beaten path. The system also helps when off-road without the trailer. The difference between the low and high setting is approx 4 inched and it increases the departure angle. It also helps when loading or washing the vehicle (low setting).
Koz
10-13-13 | 03:44 PM
#3
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,330
Likes: 1
From: I wonder why I live alone here...
Koz, are you aware of the 2014 GX 460 Trailer Sway Control ??
Continually monitors the yaw rate, acceleration and steering sensors to help prevent or control unwanted trailer movement.
If excessive movement caused by wind, bumpy roads or steering operation is detected, corrective measures are engaged.
To help reduce sway, braking is applied independently to each wheel and the throttle is moderated to help reduce vehicle speed.
If deceleration is required, the brake lights are automatically illuminated.
When Trailer Sway Control is taking corrective measures, the indicator flashes to alert the driver.
~ Cap
Continually monitors the yaw rate, acceleration and steering sensors to help prevent or control unwanted trailer movement.
If excessive movement caused by wind, bumpy roads or steering operation is detected, corrective measures are engaged.
To help reduce sway, braking is applied independently to each wheel and the throttle is moderated to help reduce vehicle speed.
If deceleration is required, the brake lights are automatically illuminated.
When Trailer Sway Control is taking corrective measures, the indicator flashes to alert the driver.
~ Cap
10-15-13 | 04:42 PM
#4
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 33
From: Pennsylvania
i could tell the difference right away in my gx.
i can tell you for sure the premium with air suspension rides better than base versions.
i dont know if it has to do with the slightly lower height or the adaptive mechanism, but it does drive very good into the curves. i just wish they had it on the front wheels too. LX has it on all 4.
i dont do towing, yet.
i can tell you for sure the premium with air suspension rides better than base versions.
i dont know if it has to do with the slightly lower height or the adaptive mechanism, but it does drive very good into the curves. i just wish they had it on the front wheels too. LX has it on all 4.
i dont do towing, yet.
01-14-14 | 04:31 PM
#5
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
We just towed our 2 horses, with about a 5500 tlr weight 3000 miles from AK to SD, and love the air suspension on the GX, so much nicer than the Sequioa we used 5 years ago. Felt much more stable in sport mode, vs. uncomfortable leaning feeling in normal and comfort mode. Averaged about 11 mpg overall.
08-04-14 | 12:32 PM
#7
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,182
Likes: 302
From: Maryland
I was wondering the same thing recently. I thought to myself when another thread that he started a while ago got bumped if something happened to him. He used to be one of the first to respond to any questions and then poof, seemed to disappear. Hope he is okay, he was pretty knowledgeable about the GX.
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08-23-14 | 12:02 PM
#9
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 61
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From: tx
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