Thinking about a GX460

Hi all, wanted to hear from current or previous GX460 owners. Did you have a 4R before and traded in for GX or vise versa? Do you miss your 4R or GX? I have a 2020 SR5P but I like the features such as V8 smoothness, full time 4WD, cooled seats, auto wiper/headlights and others. They're of course not must haves but I'd much prefer to have them vs not. Thoughts?

 

We have both. I love both. Does budget play into it at all?

Edit - how do you use your 4Runner currently?

 

Never had a GX and just bought my 4Runner 12 days ago, but here's some vids you should watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rmee4fCtd4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zLFEWs43W0

 

The GX460 is built on the J150 Light Duty Land Cruiser platform as is the 4Runner.

Have you considered the J200 platform either in the 2008 - 2021 Land Cruiser or the Lexus LX570?

If you're considering the GX460 I would strongly recommend looking at a late model J200 Land Cruiser or LX570 if money allows.

 

Few threads available on this topic

 

Budget does play a bit. I'd be looking in the $50k range for a GX. 4r is a second vehicle and I do off road it, but nothing a lifted GX couldn't do.

 

I'd love a LC or LX but from a value mindset, they seem too expensive for the mileage or age. I know they're reliable, just don't like the amount of mileage on em for my budget

 

We looked at the GX for my wife and ended up buying a new 22 4Runner Limited 4WD and haven't looked back. Absolutely love it. We already had a 21 4Runner Venture (mine) and our beloved FJ40.

There were some nice things about the GX that weren't present in the 4R Limited but there were some other utilitarian items that were present on the 4R that weren't on the GX. All tolled the difference was about $9k. The 4R has ventilated seats with memory, auto-dimming headlights, dual zone climate controls and the exact same electrically-selectable 4WD system as on the GX. Visually, we thought that the Limited just looked better (body styling). Maybe that was because we already had a 4Runner and loved it.

Suggestion - before you buy the GX used for $50k-ish, look at the 4R Limited 4WD new. Compare the two like we did.

BTW, this is a TOUGH decision. They are both GREAT vehicles and nearly identical in lots of ways. Enjoy the fun in your purchase journey. You're comparing two of the best vehicles ever.

Brad

 

Honestly thinking the same. I'm ruined after driving my uncle's new RX350. Just the headlights alone are 1 billion times better but the V8, higher towing capacity and AWD would be nice. I'd trade in for a a new GX but then I'd be in payments again. Besides the payments, the barely better towing capacity is a deal breaker for me. I want more but more than 1500lbs.

 

Thanks Brad! I might be in the minority here but I actually do prefer the big ol' maw on the GX. You're right though on the features, they're most similar than you would think! I think the biggest difference is the V8. Man o man is that thing smooth compared to the V6 4.0. Both are reliable no doubt. When I look at the used market, it seems Limiteds and GX460s are around the same price. The 4R certainly holds its value!

 

My friend has a 2016 GX and just the smoothness alone is a selling point. I would have to lift it to have its clearances and angles on par with my 4R. I guess I'm a sucker for auto everything: climate control, lights, 4WD, air recirculation, and wipers.

 

I'm new to the forum but I just took the '23 GX460 off my list and am now looking at the 4R Limited. The GX has a great interior and possibly softer ride, but on paper (for me) it just doesn't make much sense. The GX Blackline is roughly $13k more than the 4R Limited, plus another $4k-$5k- in premium gas over 5 years. The decision maker was that the GX has 24 less cubic feet of cargo space than the 4R. With two kids in college and our taking them back and forth, for my needs the GX didn't make the cut.

 

I do understand. Then I would go with a Limited 4Runner for the full-time 4WD AND one of the best engines Toyota has ever produced: The 1GR-FE. It is THE standard engine on all Land Cruiser Prado and 300 series Land Cruisers sold in the Middle East which is the largest market for the Land Cruiser. I would choose the 1GR-FE over any other engine in the J70, J150 or J300 Land Cruiser Platform. When I bought my 2023 4Runner I was really buying the 1GR-FE and the A750 transmission on the J150 platform. I didn't care about body panels and I would take that engine over the V8 in the Gx460. It's that good.

 

Have owned two 5th Gen 4Runners prior to the GX. Few things I do miss from the 4Runner is the non premium fuel and driving around with the rear glass down.

 

One has to consider the lack of a roll-down rear window (opens outward and up); and the tailgate that swings to the side, which when towing, can be an issue, on the GX460.

 

I forgot to mention in my "weigh-in" above that the premium fuel requirement on the GX was the final thing that moved us back to the 4R Limited for my wife. Also agree on the live-forever 1GR-FE 4.0l V6 in the 4Runner. There's never been a better Toyota engine built - ever IMHO... I don't really care that it's not as smooth as the Lexus V8. Like I've said before, I have 2 4Runners (one for me and one for my wife) and we have never regretted a single thing about the purchase of either one. Nothing against the GX at all - great vehicle. I just think you get more for your money - short and long term - with the 4R.

 

The roll down window is nice but it makes the interior dirty. I already use premium fuel on the Runner to avoid ping.

 

In addition, the GX460 loses value faster than T4R. Been a V8. Its a hard sell for most dealership.
When the gas prices went up last year. Many GX460 hit the markets.

I like the GX460 but i also need a truck that holds value.

 

Curious, were you getting ping? Under what conditions? Or did you mean a avoiding ping as a general thing.

 

It was a known issue with the single VVT-i 1GR in the Tacoma under high load/low RPM situations (AC on and inclines) and switching to premium was the easy fix but even then I installed a supercharger so I needed it anyway. I just carried on with the Runner when I bought it.

 

That is true. I do love having all the windows, moonroof, and rear window down. Our dog loves it too

 

If I had to pick one, I'd pick the GX. There's no arguing it's a nicer vehicle all around. I have no doubt it will go as long as the 4Runner with proper maintenance. I hate the barn door and I'd miss the rear roll down window. No one buys either of these vehicles for efficiency. You can make it as capable as you'd like.

In the end, I truly believe there is not a wrong choice between the two though.

Getting a brand new 4Runner is definitely easier (generally) than finding the perfect used GX.

 

Oh man, this is a tough one between the two. If the huskies didn’t rule my house, and want a roll down back window, I would jump on the black line GX460 in Nori Green Pearl. The only things that I don’t like about the GX are lack of roll down rear window and the 3rd row seats that take up room in the rear cargo area. I already run premium in my 4Runner, so that wouldn’t be an issue.

 

Nori green is a great color. We were considering it but went with caviar. Still not sure if it was the right choice ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

The GX is so sexy!

 

That Nori Green is beautiful. Did you run premium from the start? If not, you notice any difference, such as MPG?

 

Yes, premium from day one. When I had my 2016 limited, I averaged 19MPG and also ran premium in it.

In the 2020 Pro, I’m averaging 18.1MPG. I’m pretty sure the OEM AT tires impact that.

I’ll have to see if I can find the section in the 2016 owner’s manual where premium is recommended and will actually increase HP. After reading this, I went with premium.

Edit: I found this from the Tacoma owner's manual. I'll see if I can find the one from the 4Runner manual. Supposedly, it increases your MPGs slightly and HP up 15-30. I'd love to see someone run a dyno test to confirm the HP numbers.

 

I had a ‘21 Nebula Grey GX460 for around 3 months and while I did trade it for a 4Runner, there are some things I miss.

On the good front, it really did feel more like my old Land Cruiser which I miss dearly. The GX has a much taller greenhouse to the point when I traded in my GX for a 4Runner, it felt kinda like a turret comparatively

Also, the steering wheel which is shared with the LX (at least the 200 Series) was leagues nicer than the one on the 4Runner.
The engine is certainly smoother, but never felt noticeably quicker.

On the negative, the front grill is an abomination. I had travelled from Humboldt down to San Fran to pickup a 2013 GX (old front end) that could not pass smog and finally after waiting days trapped in Daly City during the darkest times of COVID, the dealer offered my a great deal on a new one and my trade in was barely running at that point so…

While addressed in ‘22, my ‘21 not having AirPlay felt patently absurd. As did it having a vinyl interior considering the upscale pretensions as leather is only offered on the top trim level. The barn door is pretty useless as well.

That said, I would probably choose a ‘22+ GX over a Limited owing to vastly preferring KDSS to the Limited’s XREAS suspension.

 

I have a 4Runner and my wife is on her second GX460. They are fantastic if you like some luxury with your 4WD. I always joke about a luxury SUV with a 4Lo switch and hill descent control.

 

Oh, good find on that excerpt! I might have to try a few tanks of 91 since the price has come down a bit. haha