4Runner vs GX460

If you have the bankroll to purchase either one...we'll call it TRD PRO vs GX 460 - which would you buy and why? The PRO is, approximately 51k, the GX is 53K for entry level and the "premium" levels offer only fluff and stuff I don't care about. So, go with the entry level model.

 

Lexus plus- V8, amenities you don't care about, burns premium gas, has better popcorn and stuff in the waiting room.
4runner plus- You would not need the 4runner fascia to get rid of the Lexus ugly. Honestly, wish you could drop the V8 in a runner. win win

 

Since my wife and I like over-landing and having the security of full off-road tires and a more rugged suspension, I would always take the 4R. While I am sure the GX can go a lot of places, there is no where near the off-road accessories for a GX to be off-road competitive with a 4R in my humble opinion. Can you add a winch to a GX? I don't know for certain, but I think you would be hard pressed to find bumpers, sliders, and lift kits for a GX.

 

I know the runner and Lexus share the same aftermarket suspension, seen a few built in my area. These are random net pics.
If it wasn't for the Lexus front grill I suppose I would consider one. I like the top pic with the older look

 

The GX is ugly as sin but if I didn't care about trails I'd probably take it over the 4runner just for the V8 and the extra luxury.

 

Aftermarket support aside, the GX is basically identical to the 4runner. Same frame and suspension, but a V8 instead of V6. Many of the suspension options for the 4runner are compatible with the GX as well.

 

As far as the OP: If money and aesthetics weren't a factor, definitely the Lexus. Especially VS a PRO. More luxurious, probably quieter. I would love to have both!

 

GX was on my list when I was looking to buy for my wife since she was complaining of switching back on forth on 4runner. One time she even drifted forgetting to switch to 4wd on my SR5.

The vehicle on the list were Highlander Limited with TV-AWD (other trims have regular awd), 4runner Limited, GX 460.

I did not pick the GX because I wasn't happy it having same 23gal tank for a v8. (I think even 4runners should have a bigger tank). Also GX have less ground clearance. I wasn't a fan of ones with air bags as well. I do like a interior and the looks of the GX over 4runner.

Anyway I got my wife a Limited with 7 seats. I lifted it 2.5in front and 1.5in rear. I was able to fit 285/70R17 which gave a nice look vs the minivan look it had before. Automatic running boards was an excellent choice since both of us are small. She gets 15+mpg been someone who is always late to work.

Again I'm sharing just my experience not saying anyone to do the same.

 

Great responses! I like the looks of that mint green GX. AFAIK, CBI and Metal Tech are the only companies making bumpers for 2014+ GXs.
I've often wondered if the 4wd system on the GXs and 4Runner Limited were the same...both are full time 4wd with Center Diff Lock switch. The GX has a few notable advantages that I've seen - one of the biggest is A/C vents that are roof mounted with rear climate control. The V8, more head room and much better insulation are a few others. The rear A/C on the 4Runner leaves a lot to be desired - at least in AZ in the summer. As others have said, there a lot bells and whistles the GX has that would hardly ever get used.

 

I have to admit that I find the grill on the Lexus models unattractive as well.

 

Just for fun i priced out a GX460 in the off-road package and a few other minor options to get close to my 4R Off-Road Premium in the Predator package with KDSS. I got my 4R for $49,500 OTD. Felt that was a great price given all the package upgrades I got. The GX460 retails for $67,700 with the off-road package and some minor add-ons. Let's estimate a great price would be $61,500 OTD. So by getting the 4R, you would give up some luxury, but would have $12k to spend on aftermarket accessories.
A decision to be made by ones desires.

 

The new GX’s look I was interested in the older ones, but with +200k miles they were asking 12k-15k.

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not believe that the rear window of the GX rolls down! That puts the 4Runner in the win column for me.

 

I liked the GX but if you are towing a trailer good luck trying to open the rear hatch while your trailer is attached. The V8 was the appeal but how are you supposed to get stuff out of the back with a boat trailer attached? Most boat trailers have longer tongues also than say a camper

 

my wife has a 2020 gx460, and I just got a 2021 trd pro last week. they are actually very different. this is our second 460, having owned a 2017 before it. our first one was flawless - literally, put gas and changed the oil twice. nothing went wrong with it, hence a repeat purchase. we use regular gas in ours and its fine. the mileage difference is not noticeable.

for everyday driving, the 460 cruises quieter on the highway, has more comfortable seats and a nicer interior that seats 7 when needed, and the v8 sounds great and has more power throughout the range. its totally fine for mild off-road excursions, as long as you don't approach anything that will rip the front spoiler off. we took ours on a mild trail and it was actually very good.

the pro looks awesome, is comfortable enough (if it had a memory seat, heated steering wheel and wireless CarPlay it would be perfect), and obviously performs better in the snow and off road. I drove it a snow storm last week and it was fantastic. 2wd tracked straight on a snow-covered highway, and it was very predictable on secondary roads under power. I love everything about this thing and can't believe it took me this long to get into one. For context, my last 4 cars were GT3; C63; 750, M550, and now the pro. its my second favorite to the gt3 in terms of just pure driving experience, and in a way reminds me of my 1987 e30 that was my winter car when I had the gt3.

if you plan to primarily drive around town and camp in places that are reachable via decent roads, the 460 is the better choice.

 

I think he made the right choice? I was going to suggest a 4runner Limited since it is a 4 runner and more luxurious without being crazy ugly like the Lexus model.

 

I may be in the minority here, but I love the look of the GX.

I test drove a 2016 GX with 30-something thousand miles, and while the V8 was nice, I didn't care as much for the interior design and the ancient tech of the infotainment system. I know it could have been upgraded/changed later, but I have a hard time justifying expenses like that. The ride seemed a lot stiffer to me as well (perhaps the KDSS and overinflated tires, IDK). If those things had appealed to me more, I would have bought a GX.

Ended up with a new Off Road. In hindsight, I wish I would have gotten the premium just for the seats (I bring my dog on a lot of trips and the hair is insane). Otherwise, I absolutely love the 'basic' tech of the 4Runner.

 

The GX was on our short list when we purchased ouR 21 Venture. The V8 is nice, considerable more torque and 31 more hp.. Also on average the GX weight 400-500 lbs more. Have several friends that have GX's and they go everywhere and no issues, just have to pick a better line. We just did Black Gap train in Big Bend, think we had 4-5 GX with us. Most had lifts but one 2016 just has wheels and tires. Did great.
We got a really fair deal on out Venture, maybe if not I would have a GX.

 

The Limited looks shockingly great like that. Nice rig.

 

Thank you for your kind words..

 

I'm with you on the GX - I like the looks, although if Toyota was on a quest to make a front "bumper" less aftermarket-bumper friendly than the 4Runner, they succeeded with the GX. I also like how basic the 4Runner dash is - simple and clean. My Ford is like sitting in the space shuttle.

 

Not seeing pointed out here that the Lexus has a lot less cargo capacity than the 4Runner. About 65 cu ft vs about 90 on the 4Runner. The V8 is sweet, as is an extra gear in the tranny and the better driveability and livability on road in general. The paint might be better too. And MPG is about the same. But that cargo difference could be big for some people. It would be for me. Like Bassguy said, it'd be cool to have both.

But if I had both, the pair wouldn't be the Lexus and the TRD Pro, it'd be the Lexus and an ORP. Who needs anything more than an ORP in terms of features when you have all the goodies of the Lexus. And why spend the extra $10K on the Pro when you could have an ORP stock or spend a fraction of the money you saved to mod it to out-do the Pro.

 

I was in a similar boat cross shopping these vehicles. I have had a 2006 Tacoma, a 2000 4runner, and a 2012 Tacoma in the past. All lifted, armor (sliders, bumpers), wheels and tires, etc. and I am a weekend warrior. Need to drive comfortably to work everyday, but also be able to hit the trails on the weekend without damage.

What I found is that in the used market, these things are really about the same price - and if anything, the GX's seemed to be more affordable. When you consider the amount of standard features you get in a GX, it made it an easy choice for me.

I ended up with a GX460 with the V8 and highway cruising comfort being the main benefits. I got a 2012 which has the first gen front end, and looks (to me) much better/more conservative than the new Lexus design. Threw some wheels and tires on it so far. Skid plates ordered and on the way. Lift to come this spring.

Here's mine:

 

Also, the rear window doesn't slide down like the 4runner (boo) but it does pop up, so you can hang wood/building supplies out or lift just the glass to throw groceries and backpacks in the trunk. The swinging rear door is kind of weird and took some getting used to, but I honestly like it now. Never have to worry about smacking my head on the hatch which I did on my old 4runner a couple of times and I'm not even all that tall (maybe I'm just an idiot).

 

Went to the dealership to look at a 2018 4Runner. I was ready to buy when I noticed a 2017 GX 460 was the same price and the color I actually was looking for.

Full time 4wd, V8, much better interior, air conditioned seats, 3rd row, sun roof, etc.. all for the same price of a SR5 Premium. No brainer there. I drove home with the GX that night.

I have owned it for 8 months now and still love driving it. Very comfortable. I recently added Ironman stage 2 lift kit, victory 4x4 roof rack, SCS F5 wheels, Cali raised ditch lights and a few other accessories. These trucks can look really good when modded correctly.

With that said, 2 weeks ago we picked up a 2016 4Runner SR5 premium for the wife haha. Already added a Dobinsons lift kit, trd wheels and a few lights up front. Now I have both!

 

I keep trying to gently push/nudge my wife in the direction of ae GX or similar, but she's happy in her Q5 for now and is eyeing an X3 for her next car. I'm not looking forward to that maintenance/repair nightmare. She's the type that needs something that looks "fancy" and has all the bells/whistles. Trying to talk to her about reliability/longevity/value is about as useful as arguing with a signpost.

 

My wife is the same way. Wants fancy and luxurious. I refused to buy anything German for the maintenance headaches. So 3 years ago we got her a brand new Durango with the luxury package. We loved the Durango but a month ago the engine started rattling and driving really weird so it was time to trade it in. I picked the 4runner for her haha.

 

I made the mistake of getting her an Audi a couple years ago (of the big three German luxury brands, I'm more willing to stick with Audi since it's basically a really nice VW). As far as luxury brands go, the Germans know how to do it the right way.

 

I haven't use Audi for sufficient time but my experience with 2015 BMW X5 for about 1 month rent in 2015 it was a really nice experience, even my ELKA suspension cannot give a comfy ride like the X5. Fuel range and mpg is excellent for the driving pleasure it gave. I have little experience with the newer generation 2020 X5 but it was even better experience when it comes to interior and driving experience. As far as understand the design for the turbo is different from 2015 gen vs 2020 ones. In fact I love X5 3T over the Porsche Cayenne 3T. Too bad I heven't had a chance to test a X5M with the 4.4T.

Still decided to have boring 4Runners for the family.

I think leasing is the way to go with Germans so you are not worried about reliability issues. If I give my wifey a German 1. she will damage the wheels with curbs and 2. have speeding tickets.. LoL..

(found this old pic of the X5 where it shows 445miles range)

 

Getting back on topic...

GX is super nice. 4Runner is super nice in different ways. Pick which ever one makes you happiest.