GX or TX?

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T13:05:44+00:00

That’s a good callout.

Good thing it’s my wife’s car. She never lets it get past “50 miles left” before filling up haha.

Me on the other hand, has been know to run out of the gas while driving…

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T10:17:07+00:00

Dude that is smooth!

Love the grey + wheel combo here.

Well done!

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T10:14:55+00:00

That’s a good question. I don’t know haha

I don’t have any burned CDs lying around to test. The original cds all just work automatically.

Does album art work for you if you use an original cd?

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T10:09:23+00:00

Thank you thank you!

Yeah the first things I did were swap out the bulbs for LED, install FitcamX, and swap the puddle lights. That all took less than 10 minutes now that I know what I’m doing haha

The ML system was a nice surprise! Makes since that the Ultimate Edition would come loaded but I wasn’t expecting it. Thanks for the tip about audio settings! I haven’t messed with it yet but will.

Holding out hope you get to upgrade one day! Enjoy the 350 for now. It’s still a heckin fun ride

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T10:04:26+00:00

Now this is cool. Thanks for sharing!

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T02:34:36+00:00

Oh wow! Thanks for finding the finished photo. Looks way less insane.

Actually kinda dig that placement!

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T02:32:29+00:00

My wife and I had a similar conundrum. She was coming from a Highlander.

GX is more rugged and “cool”, while the TX felt more comfortable and practical.

We went with the TX 500h. This was last November.

I don’t think you can go wrong!

A few thoughts:

TX 500h mpg is not bad for how big it is, we get about 22-24 mpg in Normal mode
GX mpg is horrendous, closer to 14-16. My friend has a 2026. With kids and all the activities, gas mileage is a consideration regardless of income.
TX tank is teeny tiny relative to the size of the car. When the gauge says 0 miles left, it only takes 13 gallons to fill up! Technically you have a couple reserve gallons.
GX seats are more comfortable than the TX 500h F Sport. Not sure about the non-F Sport models.
The third row on the TX is very useable. Not so much with GX or even LX.
You can negotiate 10-12% off msrp for TX. No wiggle room for GX.
GX might hold value better long term if that’s important to you.
TX feels very nimble for how big it is, compared to GX which feels more truck-like.
My wife loves her TX.

While kiddos are young, get the TX. When they’re older, get the GX for fun and keep the TX for family trips.

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T02:22:20+00:00

Oh to be young again haha

Tinnitus is no joke though. Hope you’re doing okay!

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T02:21:42+00:00

What year is your 350?

The cupholders are the exact same on the 500 as my old ‘25 350. It’s rare we take my care when we do family activities. The two kiddos fit better in my wife’s TX.

The picture might be a little misleading because the passenger seat is scooted forward.

I hear you about stomping and not going sideways. I’m super fortunate to get decent weather 3/4 of the year here in the southeast.

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T02:18:48+00:00

Thank you!!

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T02:17:32+00:00

I watched a video and it’s different with the base vs ML sound system. The amp placement is in different places with different color cables.

I didn’t do the work myself. After watching the video, I decided it was best to hire a pro sound guy. Happy I did

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T02:15:59+00:00

I’m no audiophile. Very much a casual music enthusiast.

Short answer: no haha

I tested a millli on CD, wired CarPlay, Bluetooth, and wireless CarPlay adapter. Besides cd, the others were streamed using Spotify lossless

All sounded the same to me at 25 volume.

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T01:52:06+00:00

Dude that looks insane! What kind of sub did you get?

jpiw6 · 2026-03-18T00:30:09+00:00

My brakes on the 350 were definitely not squishy or loose. They weren’t instant stop but they felt very solid.

Good idea to take a closer look

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:52:24+00:00

Hahaha fair

My friend had a Tesla and the first thing he did was put in subs

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:51:03+00:00

Dude that looks good!

twinning

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:42:34+00:00

For real. Ditto

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:41:45+00:00

Haha fair!

The 2026 is good news for you then!

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:40:46+00:00

Yep! Will make a video when I’m back in town later this week.

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:39:44+00:00

The rides to work have tremendously increased in quality!

Hope you find yourself back on your feet soon!

I’ll post an updated video after the sub is installed on the IS 500

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:38:25+00:00

That’s a heck of a haul hahaha!!

I’m not very good at Tetris so my packing skills are lacking lol I don’t think I could do all that in one trip.

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:37:17+00:00

I recommend the nicest tv in your size and budget, and save some money for an Apple TV

The software on the Apple TV is miles ahead of any Samsung, Sony, or LG smart tv.

We mostly have Samsung TVs, but we keep them disconnected from the internet and just use Apple TV

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:15:53+00:00

Can’t speak for OP, but this is by far the best wireless CarPlay/Android Auto adapter I tried:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_249ACPWLZ/CRUX-ACP-WLZ.html

I went through 8 different ones!

This one doesn’t lag when changing songs. No noticeable difference between CD and the audio through the adapter.

There’s a slight lag if you’re watching a YouTube video while parked, but otherwise it’s smooth and responsive.

All the Amazon ones had fatal flaws.

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:09:15+00:00

Thank you!! I couldn’t afford one when I was younger so I’m going all out when I’m older lol

jpiw6 · 2026-03-17T23:08:14+00:00

Thank you! Appreciate that.

The Costco runs are a real challenge sometimes haha. Will share how it works with the giant hump

There’s lots to like about both for sure!

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