Sold the 4Runner and bought a new GX460

Totally agree with you about the give and the take with the 4Runner and GX. It was an easier call for me as we still have my wife’s 2018 4runner so we can now have the best of both worlds.

I know the 2022 GX has a much better center stack with Apple car play, etc. The KDSS is great. I did not have it in my 4Runner and the ride is so much better.

But to each their own. GX works for some and not for others.

 

I dig that new grill!

 

My only negative on the Gx is the swing out door. Everything else is a plus: Lexus quality, 4.6L V8, AC in the rear seatings, locking center diff, etc...
Thinking about trading in the commuter Tacoma for the 2022 GX as the new daily. The 4Runner is still the off road rig

 

I love the swing out door. Don’t have to duck my 6’3” ass to avoid getting hit hahah

 

I can understand the swing out door being a pain in the ass but it’s actually pretty cool and lots of people make comments on how they like it.

My family and I tailgated at a SF giants game the other day and thought the door would be a problem. Not at all! It actually, when opened gave us like a little space and closed us off from other people. I plan on getting a tailgating table from Victory 4x4 that attaches to the tailgate.

 

Same here! Going to buy a tailgate table. It also blocks the wind at the beach. Win win

 

I can actually see the swing out being easier to use on a regular basis for groceries and stuff. Seems like it’d be quicker to just swing it open and toss something in rather than lifting, taking a couple steps back, reaching up, pulling it down, and taking a step forward again.

Not that that’s absurdly difficult or anything. It’s just more involved than simply swinging a door open a little bit and closing it again.

Am I delusional?

 

I don’t think so. I get out of the drivers side, walk down the side of the car, pop the door open, it’s opens up away from me, grab my stuff, close and done. It’s actually quite efficient.

 

Agreed! The tail gate table looks pretty cool. It was an easy sell to the wife. So that’s always a win.

 

Yep. That really does sound easier.

 

The barn door never bothered me very much when I owned one. That said, the NuLuxe (vinyl) and infotainment very much did. While I totally get the advantages to vinyl and it did not bother me in the slightest when purchasing an ORP and Venture, with the $60k buy in and it being a Lexus, it did eat at me.
The 2022 really is a game changer and I would definitely consider a Nori Green one.

 

I specifically don't want leather as it always goes to crap even when cared for while the NuLuxe seems to wear like iron with minor care.

I'm hoping my dealer can find a Nori Green for me as I put a deposit down and signed a purchase agreement yesterday on one.

If they can't find one by the 31st then I'll get the deposit back and just go with the 4Runner ORP in Barcelona Red or Army Green and be happy.

 

The 2022 Nori Green looks fantastic. The addition of Apple car play is sweet as well. I do not really mind the NuLuxe in the GX as it is much softer and comfortable than what was i my 4runner. I drove my wife's 2018 4runner yesterday and it is really amazing the different in ride quality of both cars. Having both and being able to feel the differences has been fun. Getting in hers made me miss mine but then I stepped on the V6 and realized I am enjoying the V8 of the GX.

 

Just a thought here, since I know nothing about the GX. My wife's RX will change the temperature if you tell it to. Just press the talk button and say temperature up or down, or something like that. It won't make every adjustment you might want but it helps sometimes. Maybe yours will do that??

 

The Nori Green and very little chrome is what caused me to pull the trigger yesterday. I'm not hopeful that they'll find me one but you never know if you don't try.

 

I am not much of a chrome fan as you could tell from my black 4runner. What I was pleasantly surprised about was where there is chrome on my GX, it is more of like a brushed metal than a chrome which I do not mind.

 

For sure the NuLuxe is way softer than the SofTex or whatever it is called and the ventilation is nice as well.
However, the steering wheel is what I miss the most about the GX.

As for the leather, for sure it can show wear, but holy crap does a dye job make it look just dandy as I did a few times with my 100 Series.
Also, if I remember correctly, the Off Road Package for the GX is only available on the Luxury tier which adds semi aniline leather…

 

Agreed 100% with regards to the steering wheel. The thing is amazing in the GX. And yes, the leather comes with the luxury package.

 

They paid more for your 4Runner and in return you paid more for their Lexus..

 

2020 Lexus with 8 thousand miles for 52,500. I’ll take the trade. But yes, you are correct.

 

Can you advise how much $ that Thule car top ran? Thanks!

 

Totally. I think I paid around 600 or 650 for it at my local rack and road.

 

First pic says it all with the wheels and running boards: “Don’t hurt me”. This is no 4Runner.

 

Congrats OP on your new GX460! I have a question for anyone here, is there a trim level GX460 that you can swap the radio for an aftermarket double din? My wife has a GX470 with navi and it’s not possible at all. There is going to be a time where the GX460 tech will not be upgradable and you will be stuck with old technology.

 

Thanks for your invaluable feedback.

 

That is going to be the one sticking point. I think the issue is that with the Nav and the climate controls being built into the system and no actual dials, switching to an aftermarket double din is tough. I feel you on the tech being dated but it was definitely a compromise I was willing to make for all of the other great attributes.

 

Congrats! I read your post the day you sent it, while I was looking for a 4Runner limited. My mom has a 2003 v8 4Runner and I love that thing. I have to tell you, I finally drove the new 4runner and it wasn’t the same.
I wasn’t happy about it.
So then I started looking at the gx. I drove the gx. I fell in love with the gx. I figured out what that 2003 v8 4Runner grew up to be. Then I found a used one with very low miles. So I bought it! I just wanted to say thanks for your post. I totally understand now. Cheers!

 

Congrats on the purchase and great looking ride!!! So glad you love it! I have enjoyed every minute of mine since I bought it! Enjoy the ride!

 

Thought I’d post here too.
This is our chrome free GX.
I’ll miss the roll down rear glass but the V8 makes up for it.

 

Great looking car!! Congrats!!!