Lexus GX550 is MORE CAPABLE Than Your Lifted Toyota | Is E-KDSS Good?

A VERY nerdy technical review of the GX550 suspension and E-KDSS. What mechanically changed from the GX460 or other last gen Toyotas?
Support my by checking out the products I designed on tinkererdesign.com/
Many shots in this review were captured by DJI Action 4. They were crushed by the GX550 when filming the suspension flex but 100% survived. Highly recommended if you want to film yourself going off-road. Use my affiliate link below is another good way to support this channel!
amzn.to/3wnXf4F

[@96kylar]

Most youtubers just talk about new colors and bullshit with the new yota/lexus rigs coming out,..... Kai, gets it, and gives you what you actually want to hear about. Well done Kai.

[@floofy117]

That's because most youtubers decided to call themselves "auto journalists" just to make content for money on KZbin and aren't into most automotive things. Guys like Tinkerer actually spend time with cars as their hobbies/lifestyle

[@rickmontelongo4230]

KIAs are garbage you can’t compare it to Lexus or Toyota buddy are you that 😜

[@jean-pierrelutsheto6386]

@@rickmontelongo4230 You’re the crazy one since you failed to understand that Kai is the name of the guy in the video and not “ Kia the brand.” Read his sentence again 😂

[@rickmontelongo4230]

@@jean-pierrelutsheto6386 sorry sorry my bad didn’t have my glasses on Kia vehicles are garbage though 😂

[@mattb9664]

I unsubscribed from a major Toyota channel because he didn't want to respond to my comments about how the older GX appears way more luxurious than the new one...after begging for the "let me know what you guys think in the comments". (And I got sick of his bragging in every video about how he was going to change out his current Toyota again to the latest and greatest.) Those guys all thrive on providing neutral opinions in order to keep getting invited to manufacturer press events. They claim it's unbiased, but the invites influence their bias.

[@LyleTanner]

LOVE the fact you stopped the vehicle in the middle of the test track to measure articulation and then brought your own paper templates with magnets!

[@MHam1]

Very needy! Was Koji impressed? It’s no wonder you got 1-1 time with him. Nice job @Kai

[@nitrofreakmanho]

Agreed! He’s committed to the cause👍🏼. I’ve never seen anyone willing to do that under those circumstances. Kudos to Kai for the impressive videos he puts out.

[@ronaldrussell5481]

Like Kia said, "I'm nerdy!".

[@alexgavieres8293]

😅 When he whipped out the paper cutouts, I instantly thought...this is some next-level nerdiness happening!! LOL!!

[@vincefairleigh6899]

You should become an automotive journalist, I hate hearing about the interiors of trucks when a new truck comes out.. most if not all automotive journalists know nothing about suspension travel, so for the first time in a long time Toyota came out with something that isn’t just a crossover.. I’m still not convinced that this is a really capable truck, now if it came with 285-70-17” tires I’d be interested, keep those engineers on their toes😎

[@IndependenceOverland]

Thank you Toyota and Lexus for inviting someone who actually does this kind of stuff. A lot of the reviewers spend next to no time actually using these kinds of vehicles, and I always have to sift through their vague information to find the details that I actually care about. Invite some race enthusiasts to the sport car events, off road enthusiasts to your 4wd events, and someone with a family of 6 to your mini van events 🤣 Solid work as usual man!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks man! It almost won my heart from the trailhunter. But if the trailhunter would cost $65K, I'll probably get the overtrail lol

[@levikender4820]

I hope Toyota is watching your videos. They should be proud of their engineers and thankful for people like you Kai. You truly appreciate their systems and understand them better than most mechanics. Great video!

[@Tacoexplorer]

Probably most engineers as well!!

[@InGratitudeIam]

What an honor to be able to visit with the chief engineer of this vehicle! This shows that they have tremendous respect for your work. Congratulations, Kai!

[@chefgiovanni]

We love LEXUS, keep it up.

[@TheJmatagi]

I don’t think the engineers expected Tink. Your speciations show 24” flex I brought a measuring tape… haha Thanks for asking the hard questions.

[@ap-1994]

This guy is a REAL engineer. As an Mechanical Engineer myself I can say this guy is a cut above the rest.

[@RJ-vc2ju]

Then there's the other guy that puts automotive engineer in every title and limits his "engineering" analysis to measuring panel gaps and paint thickness lol!!! Well done Kai!

[@loafboi_]

It's all fun & games until Kai pulls out his measuring tape.

[@beri232]

….. and magnetic templates. Don’t forget the magnetic templates!!! Lol

[@jcurbin305]

😂😂

[@monoped_adventures]

Everyone else "reviews" a vehicle. Kai "investigates" it. Great video.

[@4WDisLife]

the BEST GX review on the internet!

[@myleshebert2885]

You are the only auto journalist on KZbin that has any real knowledge of vehicles. What a breath of fresh air. You are greatly appreciated sir.

[@floofy117]

"only" is a stretch. There's a literal automotive engineer that covers cars on his KZbin channel. I forget his name but he goes to car shows and events with his device that checks panel gaps😂

[@TrevorDyck]

​@@floofy117 Engineering Explained?

[@trublueeq]

Mike Kojima knows some stuff.

[@floofy117]

@@TrevorDyck engineering as in the guy is a mechanical engineer that used to work for an automotive manufacturer

[@myleshebert2885]

@@floofy117 Okay sure. Correction, only interesting journalists with knowledge. Lol

[@mattb9664]

I bet the Toyota Standard involves having each wheel in its own independent articulation stand, and then controlling the amount of Down and Up applied at each corner to achieve those numbers. So it's an ideal number that won't typically be achieved in the real world. Sound like the Toyota engineers were very respectful to make sure they didn't attack his method of measuring which was a real world measurement.

[@Ikki11235]

maybe the toyota standart is to measure it with some weights in the car simulating 4 Adults and stuff in the trunk? maybe even close to the max allowed weight to compress the suspension as far as possible.

[@toyotatrailtrash]

This is why I waited years to get a bumper for my AWESOME FJ from Kai, it was designed and engineered! Thanks for the videos! So much info. To call you a KZbinr would be a disrespect to you!💪🏻💪🏻FJ4Life!

[@GoodkatNW]

So the new Overland trim w/ ~9" of stock ground clearance and center/rear lockers is basically better (or at least equal) to a heavily modded 460? That's pretty damn cool that Lexus is spending so much effort in improving the offroad performance, knowing that very few 550 owners will actually take it somewhere where 19"+ of flex is even necessary

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Brilliant stuff! We can always count on you to bring us the truly important nerdy details that the automotive "journalists" skip over. This platform looks pretty damn cool.

[@geepuller1]

I love the templates and magnets. No wonder the head engineer had respect for you. Your videos are great. You are a dork in the best possible way.

[@williamd8146]

Thanks, Kai! You present valuable information and analysis unavailable elsewhere. TA is my favorite KZbin channel!

[@brianpeck697]

Your channel is criminally underrated! Thank you for making such quality content

[@dmb350]

I cannot express enough gratitude to you for these videos. You've made REALLY understanding suspension supported with actual data accessible to everyone. 100% the best channel on KZbin on this subject.

[@numbr17]

I agree. Best I have found yet. Kai is amazing.

[@samro9744]

Wow! I'm pretty excited for the new Toyota trucks that are gonna come. This is superb journalism and you explain it flawlessly. Brilliant engineering on their new E-KDSS which I think will be safer and more effective than a true sway bar disconnect. Keep up the good work, Kai!

[@faheemabbas3965]

Well, the new LC250 pricing and MPG got posted today, and unfortunately, imo it’s a flop.

[@andyo.593]

Toshi from JDM Insider!!! That dude has a long history of car influence, true OG

[@TinkerersAdventure]

yes! glad you recognized him. a very talented person.

[@Dshzzzt]

The new GX is almost as sweet as these videos... keep up the great work.

[@gregmgm06]

Your explanations are phenomenal. I went back and replayed a few section so I could understand better. Your comparison templates.....no one does that. So excellent!

[@joegenshlea6827]

Well articulated!! haha. BEST BEST BEST review of the GX 550! And I've watched just about every one of them. You filled in the gaps that all were missing. Seems like an awkward conversation though with the Toyota Engineers.

[@numbr17]

Hahaha. I see what you did there.

[@nitrofreakmanho]

You’re making some pretty amazing video Kai. Your explanations are top class! Your videos are helping so many of us understand suspension geometry and how all the parts work together better than most. Thank you for taking the time to test, document and explain all of the details that you share with us all. Keep up the great work!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@halvorhelland7768]

Just discovered your channel, and I think I'm addicted now. The perfect balance between informational, technical and entertaining. Love it!

[@PatrickRich]

This was great. I got all the answers I couldn't get at the time. I still think its a crime that eKDSS is not an option on the Land Cruiser 250. The main benefit I noticed was how incredibly level the body stayed in all terrain. no head toss, I was amazing. Then you can rip into a corner and not roll like a boat because its automatic. I was very impressed.

[@jefftravis384]

Love how you dig deep into this information. Also breaking it down for us so we can understand is so helpful. Thank you so much and look forward to the next video

[@lotsad1234]

Congrats for doing all that measurements, the models on paper and the very clear technical explanations!!

[@calvinkang1224]

Thank you for uploading, really appreciate Kai putting SO much effort into one single video.

[@mwmarks7713]

Kai, your videos rock! Been waiting to hear your take on the new GX 550 for a while now. You do such a great job explaining the science of off-roading. Can't believe Lexus/Toyota hasn't offered you an opportunity to join their team yet... Keep it up and thank you for helping me solidify my decision to buy an Overtrail this year!

[@rednekroketsci]

I love how much access you are getting to the new toyota launches. The templates of your control arms were great! I love this level of detail!

[@ericchristian8805]

Kai, your channel is fast becoming my favorite content on KZbin! I really appreciate your approach to testing and reviewing off-road vehicles and suspension systems. Most reviews I watch are a waste of time to try to find any useful information. Your videos I rewatch several times to understand the concepts you present. Keep up the outstanding work! Thank you!

[@jmacb996]

Has to be the most informative review I've ever seen, well done!!

[@abelardoboyettenerida8134]

good to see you with top guys of lexus and yes front lockers pls.

[@russellbaker7026]

Dog, you out here teaching us. Thank you! You are contributing to the off-road community in great measure. I am very grateful for your excellent, informed and thoughtful content. Keep up the great work!

[@stephensmalling]

This is great to see Kai. Really is a pleasure watching how quickly you've grown your channel to where you are getting this type of access, but still sticking to your core values that made it successful. Not an easy thing to accomplish.

[@starrisk]

Pure gold in terms of information. Good work. Clear concise, well prepared, you know what you want to look for. Keep it up!

[@stefancremer4615]

Phenomenal content! Just the type of nerdy info we’re craving on this new suspension design.

[@bradstevens993]

I'm 43 years old. One day I want to grow up to be like Kai.

[@chrisridebike8]

holy cow! this was super in depth. i've never seen someone make control arm templates and overlay them onto a new suspension. that's insanity. I love it!

[@xCaldazar]

Your videos are always amazing! Love how prepared you came to the press event

[@abrahamdz1471]

Cant wait on the LC video! Thank you for going the extra mile for us!

[@mrblondeheart9562]

Your videos are unmatched, Kai. Keep doing what you’re doing

[@willwilliams141]

Thank you for continually providing quality videos.

[@h2o_dug]

Great job filming, investigating, reporting, and explaining the differences Kai. The subtle Land Rover shade is 100% deserved.

[@BlakDawnman]

Incredible breakdown!! Thank you for diving into the minutiae on the platform vs. e-kdss changes. Can't wait to watch the sdm vs e-kdss comparison!

[@LucasJulienOutdoors]

The detail in this video is unmatched. Subscribed.

[@richards996]

This might be the best KZbin video from a press drive that I have ever seen. I used to work on the OEM side and would have KILLED to have Kai on our drives. Awesome job and can’t wait for the e-KDSS overview.

[@pauldavies4650]

Great vid. So impressive that they got someone technical involved and gave you real answers and details as opposed to just journalist fluffers. Serious #respect for that. Keep up the great work

[@etb4272]

Wow, the level of detail and thoroughness in this video is amazing. Thanks! Also, props to Toyota for allowing you to meet with their head engineer, it shows they stand behind their products.

[@numbr17]

Yet another great video, Kai. Thanks for sharing all of this. I loved the interaction between you and Chief Engineer Tsukasaki. Also, those paper templates you made! Hahah. Man, that was such a great idea!

[@XcessCapital]

The breakdown in this video is ridiculous, and it's literally EXACTLY what I've been looking for since this vehicle was annouced. Thank you so much for taking the time to delve so deeply in to this subject. I think this will be our next family adventure vehicle.

[@WhiteyNorge]

Toyota tend to engineer their closed lengths to be coincident with 100% bumpstop compression, or metal-metal with bumpstop removed. The extra 4 inches or so the Lexus engineer refers to may be the remaining bump travel from bumpstop contact to full closed on the struts and shocks. The GX550 is also using the 300 Series chassis which is just a modified 200 chassis, so travel is different to the older 120/150 chassis.

[@tonymartucci7097]

Great video, a lot of effort went into your test drive with Lexus. Very cool they sat down with you.

[@SFzip]

Wow, that was some impressive analysis! I'm not usually interested in off-roading, but I couldn't stop watching.

[@heyyitsandy]

You went deep on this one! Thanks for giving us a thorough description of these new suspension systems and articulation comparisons

[@I_Am_Squirrel685]

Was so excited to see this video pop up on my feed. Keep up the great work Kai!

[@jasonchang6467]

I jump on every video you release, Kai. Good stuff!

[@Shadow56399]

This video was excellent. Not a minute wasted, well explained even if you're a novice. You showed up to the press event more prepared than any auto journalist - who else would bring suspension component templates to compare? Incredible work, glad to be a subscriber

[@arnoldoromo3231]

You are a fantastic engineer, with an even better sense of how to educate those interested in all things Toyota off-road.

[@aarongerman7857]

This. Is. the best review of the new GX550 hands down. Full stop. actual information. there's 50 reviews that tell me about the tow rating and v6 turbo. You have added an enormous amount of value for us who really want to know about this thing. THANK YOU

[@randygreer5491]

As an ME and car guy, I absolutely love your videos, the depth is so far beyond anyone else's reviews/evaluation. the depth you provide is over the head of most but I dig it. Keep up the fantastic work and I believe this is my next vehicle because of it (with the E-KDSS of course).

[@ColoradoStreetboarding]

I am not capable of creating such detailed content on this topic... but I geeked out hard and enjoyed soaking it up! New Tinkerers shirt idea "don't worry, I've taken measurements". Loved it!

[@Ivan_1986]

What an enjoyable video to watch. Overtrail GX 550 is on the top of my “new car list” at the moment. Great to see such a thorough look at the suspension🤝

[@javierpadilla4138]

Thank you! I love watching your videos. It shows how much you care about suspension geometry and real data.

[@ffsuperdave]

Again, you put out another amazing video Kai! I was very happy to see you had one on the new GX550. I am currently on the list awaiting my Overtrail+ and having owned four FJ’s since 2007, I am super excited to get my hands on one of these bad boys. Keep on doing what you do Kai, always very solid information. Cheers bud

[@hotflashfoto]

I'm glad to see how respectful you were to be honored in the presence of the designer. You were able to gather much data while also being dignified. I'm sure he appreciated it. I know I do! I also like how you came prepared with templates and magnets, and really got into the weeds with your inspections. This is great information. I wish other channels would pay attention. Then maybe "the KZbins" would start to be what they truly should be. You're doing it right. Keep it up, sir.

[@9rows]

Your videos do such a good job of scratching my nerd itch. All while being entertaining. Thank you.

[@jonathanstiemann3078]

I learned way more than I was expecting! Thats impressive work!

[@Mish3ab999]

Unparalleled depth and technical insightfulness. Very impressive.

[@rono33]

Love this channel. Another amazing analysis. Not sure how many people realize how much work goes into this analysis and video production. Kudos, hats off, liked and subbed. Can’t wait for the next one on EKDSS. 👍

[@sticky40sx71]

A true legend! We all appreciate you getting nerdy with the engineering team!

[@veroniquepaquet5092]

Great to learn about all the nurdy stuff. Makes me respect Toyota/Lexus even more! Thanks for the effort.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Another amazing video Kai! Love your attention to detail and how passionate you are about this stuff. We appreciate you being nerdy! Turns out, lots of us are the same way haha.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks Grant!

[@a36538]

Wow I am in awe of your thoroughness

[@RoyFJ65]

The most extensive technical tests comes from you, thank you.

[@scum-scum]

Nice work! Loved the magnetic trace templates of the control arms! Big brain play there!

[@pauleason2404]

Just watched your channel for the first time. What an excellent report. So much more use full than reviews I see here in Australia that comment on how much "piano black" is on a vehicle. Thank you

[@tdgarage4012]

I think I’ve left a comment on every one of your videos. I love the depth you go into. Kudos to you and Toyota/Lexus. The new GX is on my short list to replace my old Gwagen. I may end up keeping the old truck and getting the GX and its videos like this that make me appreciate the engineering behind it.

[@ramoneortiz]

Loved the in-depth analysis. GX550 is now on my list of vehicles to look into.

[@1youwatch]

I appreciate how you get into the design, functionality, along with the nuts and bolts.

[@shawnomeara6153]

Kai is the only legit reviewer of suspension function, and comparison on KZbin. Way to go Kai! I laughed out loud when you whipped out the paper diagrams of the existing Toyota control arms. That was absolutely brilliant!

[@peie04]

The most in depth review of one of the coolest technical features of the new GX. Well done!

[@CodyBunker]

First time ever seeing a video from this channel. Subscribed 2 minutes in. Absolutely phenomenal. I've always loved off-roading but have only been getting into the Japanese off road side of things just recently and I'm loving it. I had no idea you could take a Lexus on adventures. This video makes me want to buy one.

[@Scoobienorth]

Wow. Some serious thought went into making this. Loved the paper cutouts and measuring during the test drive.

[@suzu9404]

This is exactly the kind of details I was looking for, great video!

[@DTMWTD]

Another excellent review. I'll keep coming back for the for more.

[@seantibbey9368]

Can't wait for your next video you explain things in a way every one can understand I have learnt so much off ur vids thank you

[@stapleboss]

Dude- thumbs up and subscribed because you brought control arm templates to media day. You are the best kind of maniac.

[@S0FTDRAW]

Thank you very much, Kai! This has been one of the best reviews that I've seen in KZbin. I just subscribed and I look forward to more content in the future.

[@samzheng7880]

Best GX review video on KZbin, keep it up Kai!

[@glennlapres3769]

Gotta love your dedication to making great videos 🔥

[@DADVNTRS]

Incredible dedication to your craft! Thank you 👌🏼

[@seancolgan8183]

I can’t begin to thank you for finally giving care to guys a channel that is so in depth! Keep up the good work and how long until we get a Tundra with E-KDSS?

[@RJ-mq9th]

love the video, purchased a 2022 4runner with KDSS specifically for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. Added a lot of DR KDSS accessories to correct the geometry after lifting. Excited for the next video to see how Toyotas version of a sway bar disconnect works.

[@overland_cam]

This is the real info people are looking for, well done!

[@RogerCampillo]

Man! congratulations for the great work. Impressive analysis and super well executed explanation.

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

Came with your own tape, templates and magnets...respect brotha

[@ChUcK2001]

A video in which I actually learned something meaningful about the GX, that I never read or watched elsewhere. Kudos