Now trying to decide between 4Runner limited or gx460

So I was about to go for a limited 7 seater and decided to test drive a 20 gx460 with only 8k miles. They are the same price. The 4Runner is very nice but the go just seems more plush on the road and I like the fact there are vents in the 3rd row. Also heard the 4Runner rear ac vents are not that great. Lexus certified pre owned is also a really great program. Anyone else decide between the 2?

 

In my opinion since it appears you’re looking at the luxury side of things I’d say the GX..

 

Agree with @ToyotaMacGyver

The 4runner is fantastic. I love mine. But, for luxury and comfort, the Lexus wins.

Buy whichever one you enjoy driving more. That's my .02.

 

I liked the GX for the V8 but the way that tail gate opens just would not work for me for towing. I sure wish V8s were available in a 4R.

 

Thankfully I don’t tow anything. I do have a hitch bike rack and plan to get a cargo carrier. I just wish the 4Runner had vents in the 3rd row and 2nd row captain chairs

 

I was not happy with the fuel tank size on GX. Fuel range was a concern. I will never tow so don't need a v8. I had good amount of experience with the Tundra 4.7. So as the 4L v6 on 4runner. 4L v6 is adequate for my needs so picked the 4runner Limited with 7seats over GX.
Soon after I got the Limited I got a lift and changed to 17in wheels. Stock stance and wheels was not to my liking.

 

Just a suggestion on the bike carrier on a hitch with the GX. I am not familiar with how far they swing away but that was my issue with the tailgate. If you have something in that hitch it seems almost impossible to open the rear hatch door since it opens from the left out to the right. Best wishes on finding the right ride for your needs

 

I picked the 4runner Limited with 7seats over GX. I use the third row all the time and I have no ventilation/heating/cooling issue. To each his own, but I prefer the look of the Limited 4Runner over other 4Runner models and over the GX. Buy the one YOU prefer, you can't go wrong with either.

 

I tried convincing the wife to get the GX, but she said it had too many electronics that can go wrong in the future and require more money out the door. But they are super nice with a V8.

 

Your wife is probably right. I loved that V8 but tailgate would not work for towing. Then I looked at Limited 4R and liked it a lot. But all the extras after considering like your wife maybe it’s more stuff to break. I don’t know.

If I only I knew about this vehicle back in 2009 I would have got a V8. Sounds like an ad for tomato juice .

 

I actually don't like the 4runner, hahaha. I'm only here for the maintenance piece and request from the wife Anyway she has the 4runner sr5 premium (4wd). She didn't want the limited, again too many electronics to go wrong. She has used the 4wd a few time in the last couple of years when trying to find a particular hiking trail or caught in icey conditions. Since it's out of warranty now she wants it lifted maybe 2 or 3 inches as it scraped when we were in Sedona. We are currently looking at Eibach or Bilstein lift. Just trying to find out which one will have the same ride as stock. Good Luck!!! The only thing would have like from the Limited was the heated steering wheel and remote start (too have it nice and toasty when jumping in).

 

I considered a GX460 as I could have gotten a one or two year old for the same price. Decided on the Limited for the following. I needed more of a truck and maximum cargo space thus my Limited does not have the 3rd row. The side fold up seats on GX460 take up significant space and you can not get one without the 3rd row. (Similarly the folded 3rd row in a 4Runner takes up some space but to a lesser degree.) The body panels on the GX460 reduce ground clearance an inch or so. Lastly, the 4Runner flip up versus GX460 side opening hatch is so much more convenient and practical for my use.

I did consider the V8 in the GX460 as I do miss the V8 in my 2003 4Runner. However, didn't experience significantly more day to day power advantages with the GX460, given the additional weight of the GX, not to mention the lower gas mileage particularly in town.

Bottom line, the Limited is not necessarily a better vehicle than the GX460 but is the best choice for my needs. Sounds like your bias is luxury so no doubt the GX460 probably better fits your needs.

Hope this helps!

 

Both seem like good choices. FWIW, my gut tells me you'd be happier with the Lexus.

I'd considered a GX last spring but went with the Limited for the following reasons:

More interior room / cargo space, including the ability to sleep two with the seats folded. 4Runner's with the third-row option have about 6 and 1/2 feet between the front seats and the tailgate, even with the front seats in a normal position for driver and passenger, not pushed forward.

More ground clearance, espec as I expect to do a fair amount of driving in the snowbelt and some mild off roading.

The added range from having a larger gas tank. MPG is about the same.

Looks (IMHO that Lexus grill is, er, somethin)

Image. This may be a strange category, but I've done the luxury car thing and for whatever reason it always made me a bit self conscious. I just feel more comfortable in something more mainstream. Just a personal thing.

Price -- which is not an issue in your case.

All that said, I might have gone GX if I'd had the choice you're facing price wise and with that warranty -- and if the GX had as much interior room. That was really a big factor for me. But on other measures -- the relative improvements in interior quality and driving demeanor, and the power of the V8 (albeit offset by the much higher curb weight of the GX) -- the Lexus seems like a real winner.

 

That Lexus grill is so ugly.
Otherwise a nice ride.

 

I dunno, I get her point, but isn't this why we buy Toyotas? Other than air suspension, I don't hear too much about problems with tech on GX470's or early 460's.

To the OP, if you can get over the looks of the GX, and can deal with the rear door, I think it's the one to get if for no reason other than the V8.

 

I also think the V8 is a plus, but it's important to note that it doesn't result in faster acceleration than the 4Runner. In fact based on the specs I've seen it's actually a tad slower to 60. The extra 30 HP is more than eaten up by the several hundred pounds of extra weight. Not sure how the EPA MPG numbers ended up almost the same (prob due to the trans having more gears?) but the gas tank is 4 gallons smaller, which robs you of 60-80 miles of range in real world conditions.

Now, that V8 and trans as option for the 4Runner.... That would be a big differentiator from the Runners we all have.

 

Th gas tank size is a bummer, I didn't realize that. That's interesting actually, because I recently saw an Australian review of the Prado, and one of the pros of it was that it had a relatively large fuel capacity. 150 liters I think, which is about 25 gal.

Honestly I think the (foot to the floor) 0-60 of the 4R is plenty quick, it's the low and mid range performance when trying to drive normally that is lowsy. With an extra gear and more torque, I bet the GX doesn't need to downshift nearly as often as the 4R. IMO the 4.0 is just not a pleasant driving experience. I realize I'm in the minority here.

 

That's a good point. I agree the Runner is fine getting up to speed, but the GX prob feels more responsive at highway speeds, merging etc.

The only place where I feel Toyota really cheated Runner buyers is with the crappy halogen headlights that predate the 2021 models. For the last few model years there's really been no excuse for those headlights at the prices of these trucks. I don't feel cheated by our 5 spd tranny since it's proven so tough and reliable. But it is also an area where Toyota was kinda resting on its laurels IMO. A rugged 6 or 8 spd would really improve this truck, helping with both MPG and performance.

 

Prado has 150L with 2 fuel tanks(87 + 63). That is almost 40 gallons (39.6 gal). Best part is it's 2.8 turbo diesel. Gasoline fuel range is nowhere closer to diesel range.
Wish we get turbo diesel soon since overlanding is getting popular in US.
This is my class mate's Prado GXL.

 

You might as well find something else to wish for, because that's not happening.


Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to have that 2.8 in this thing if it were an option.

 

I think those who are in TX are lucky as there is a company who's doing Prado diesel engine swaps. But it costs more than an arm and a leg.

<update>
Here's the link if anyone is crazy about a diesel engine swap;
https://dieseltoys.com/4runner-diesel