Switching to an LX700 OT

Muskie128 · Sep 18, 2026

I bought my 26 GX550 the end of March and absolutely love it except for the ride. I knew going in and even after my test ride it wouldn’t ride like my Expedition and thought I could get accustomed to it but I can’t. It’s just to firm and somewhat bouncy so I put a deposit on an LX700 OT in color white. I was offered full MSRP for my GX plus the dealer is discounting the LX an additional couple thousand.

I have not driven the LX 700 OT but assume that after all of my research that there is a substantial difference in ride quality and overall quality of the vehicle.

So my question is to those that have switched from the GX550 OT to the LX700 OT what has been your experience? Have you been satisfied by your decision?

Thank you for your responses

El Chorizo · Sep 19, 2026

I don't have any knowledge of this but I hope someone else chimes in for ya!

ShottsCruisers · Sep 20, 2026

Muskie128 said:
I bought my 26 GX550 the end of March and absolutely love it except for the ride. I knew going in and even after my test ride it wouldn’t ride like my Expedition and thought I could get accustomed to it but I can’t. It’s just to firm and somewhat bouncy so I put a deposit on an LX700 OT in color white. I was offered full MSRP for my GX plus the dealer is discounting the LX an additional couple thousand.

I have not driven the LX 700 OT but assume that after all of my research that there is a substantial difference in ride quality and overall quality of the vehicle.

So my question is to those that have switched from the GX550 OT to the LX700 OT what has been your experience? Have you been satisfied by your decision?

Thank you for your responses

I never bought a GX550. The test ride shut it down ASAP. Plus, I always wanted another Land Cruiser so we waited for the 700h OT. LEAPS and BOUNDS better ride. And QUIET! QUIET! Big differenced between 4Runner guts (GX) annd a 310-series Cruiser guts (700h). The 18" rim/Toyo A/T combo offer a great ride (better than the sport combo's...OT is better ride). But if you do go to a more aggressive A/T tire , like my KO3's, the noise is same but the ride does jiggle-up a touch over little bumps. Oh, and enjoy your mileage. Just got back from a 3-day road trip. 22MPG one tank. 18.9MPG on another (2/3 highway and 1/3 arround Safford AZ). Went from 3000' to 9500' up Mount Graham...10.1MPG. Back down...16.1. Ride home 65-79...18.1 including 2 drive-thru orders and waits for food. And this is with my oversized KO3'.

Muskie128 · Sep 20, 2026

ShottsCruisers said:
I never bought a GX550. The test ride shut it down ASAP. Plus, I always wanted another Land Cruiser so we waited for the 700h OT. LEAPS and BOUNDS better ride. And QUIET! QUIET! Big differenced between 4Runner guts (GX) annd a 310-series Cruiser guts (700h). The 18" rim/Toyo A/T combo offer a great ride (better than the sport combo's...OT is better ride). But if you do go to a more aggressive A/T tire , like my KO3's, the noise is same but the ride does jiggle-up a touch over little bumps. Oh, and enjoy your mileage. Just got back from a 3-day road trip. 22MPG one tank. 18.9MPG on another (2/3 highway and 1/3 arround Safford AZ). Went from 3000' to 9500' up Mount Graham...10.1MPG. Back down...16.1. Ride home 65-79...18.1 including 2 drive-thru orders and waits for food. And this is with my oversized KO3'.

Thank you for your input. I have been trying through research to justify the additional costs over the GX OT and this type of information helps. Definitely wanting a quieter and smoother ride but also the ability to go off road and towing ability. Curious to what size KO’s you installed and if you needed any alterations?

ShottsCruisers · Sep 21, 2026

No mods needed...275/70-18. 35x12.5 also fit on 17" rims.

GadgetmanKT · Sep 21, 2026

I switched from a GX550 to the Lx700hOT and could not be happier.

If you check out my introduction I think I explained the differences.

I am very happy with the switch

ShottsCruisers · Sep 21, 2026

Muskie128 said:
Thank you for your input. I have been trying through research to justify the additional costs over the GX OT and this type of information helps. Definitely wanting a quieter and smoother ride but also the ability to go off road and towing ability. Curious to what size KO’s you installed and if you needed any alterations?

Oh, and this is a BIG difference especially in warm climates. GX 3-row? A/C is pretty good as they add two roof vents in the rear. GX 2-row? A/C sucks...you only get the 2 vents in the front of the 2nd row by your knees. Just like a 4Runner. Inexcusable for a $75-90K vehicle let alone a Lexus. The LX700h not only has the two low vents by the knees but FOUR roof top vents in the back alongside each row of seats. IT ROCKS and I'm in Arizona....Tucson.

Muskie128 · Sep 21, 2026

That would be a welcome addition.

hobbsserv · Oct 2, 2026

Muskie128 said:
I bought my 26 GX550 the end of March and absolutely love it except for the ride. I knew going in and even after my test ride it wouldn’t ride like my Expedition and thought I could get accustomed to it but I can’t. It’s just to firm and somewhat bouncy so I put a deposit on an LX700 OT in color white. I was offered full MSRP for my GX plus the dealer is discounting the LX an additional couple thousand.

I have not driven the LX 700 OT but assume that after all of my research that there is a substantial difference in ride quality and overall quality of the vehicle.

So my question is to those that have switched from the GX550 OT to the LX700 OT what has been your experience? Have you been satisfied by your decision?

Thank you for your responses

I test drove the GX, I had thought that was what I wanted. Then my salesman suggested I test drive the LX and I was no longer interested in the GX. I absolutely love my LX OT. I am excited to get to drive it everyday and have felt that way for my 6 months of ownership. My 4x4 experience has always been old school jeeps. This is definitely a mature mans off road vehicle. I don't even want to drive my jeep off road anymore. And yes every time I park it I have to turn back and admire it.

ShottsCruisers · Oct 2, 2026

hobbsserv said:
I test drove the GX, I had thought that was what I wanted. Then my salesman suggested I test drive the LX and I was no longer interested in the GX. I absolutely love my LX OT. I am excited to get to drive it everyday and have felt that way for my 6 months of ownership. My 4x4 experience has always been old school jeeps. This is definitely a mature mans off road vehicle. I don't even want to drive my jeep off road anymore. And yes every time I park it I have to turn back and admire it.

HAHAHAHA! It's funny you mention your Jeep. Since I bought the 700h OT, I hardly ever drive my lovely C7 Corvette Grand Sport.