I have a 03 SR5 2wd V8 with 16in wheels. I recently test drove theGX470. GX rides more smooth and is more quiet on the inside. Does the limited 4runner ride smoother than SR5? Is the limited more quiet than the SR5? How about the sport model? Any input will be appreciated.

the GX comes optional with KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), which is similiar in purpose to the x-reas on the 4Runners. i've test driven both and i think the GX is better sound dampened from road noise, other than that i didn't feel the GX was any smoother riding. however i have a V8 4Runner with x-reas; if you compare a V6 4Runner to the GX, the V6 engine noise is said to be a little louder than the V8, but you've got a V8. maybe the quieter ride and richer materials in the GX leads one to perceive that the ride is smoother as well?

GX has more soundproofing, along with thicker windshield and laminated front windows. GX also has electronic shocks to dampen the ride. KDSS actually may make the ride rougher because KDSS-equipped GX have larger anti-roll bars. KDSS helps smooth out bumps at slow speed only. KDSS helps most when taking a corner (due to bigger anti-roll bar front and rear)...and in off-roading of course. On a minor note, the GX is also slightly heavier which may help with the ride.

4runner Ltd. does not have the above features. 4runner with XREAS (aka sport model) may ride slightly rougher than your SR5 due to it's mono-tube high-pressure shocks. Ltd vs. SR5 have the same soundproofing...thus, Ltd is not quieter than SR5.

One more thing...check your tire pressure...make sure that you're within factory's recommended range.

Funny you should ask this. I am in the market for a SUV and have been considering several models including the Runner and GX. As of now the V8 4Runner Limited with X-REAS is at the top of my list. This past weekend I (again!) test drove several models including the above mentioned 4Runner (-04) and the -04 GX470 (sans KDSS). No question that the GX is quieter inside with less road noise. Other than that I felt the 4Runner was "tighter" with a more controlled feeling (w/the X-REAS). The GX is higher which gives the benefit of increased head room but this made it feel slightly "tippier" in high speed curves than the 4Runner. The Runner gave me more driving confidence if that makes any sense.

No one deos an interior better than Lexus. In comparision to the Honda Pilot EX (crossover) and new Pathfinder, the Toyota has better leather and generally better fit and finish. Also, there have been more problems with the GX than the new 4Runner.

At this point I am leaning towards the -05 V8 4Runner Limited (whenever they get here!). While the GX has a nicer interior (who designed those confusing 4Runner HVAC controls!?), I personally like the 4Runner exterior styling better. I also don't think I could live with the side opening rear door of the GX. The power rear window of the 4Runner is a great feature.

Get out and drive them yourself and decide which one give you the biggest smile!

The GX is ugly though. Whoever designed the interior must have been on vacation when the exterior was designed. Bleah.

I know some people will disagree but I've got XREAS on my limited and imo the ride feels tighter like you said.

Recently I my tire pressure ligh came on.
It was cold that day and when I checked the pressure, all 4 tires were different.
I put them all to 32.5 and it now the ride feels more bumpy.
I guess I need to lower the pressure in winter.

I test drove both back in 2003. I knew that the 4Runner was the truck for me, but my parents were on the market for a new SUV too, so I took a spin in the GX when they looked at it. Nothing can compare to that interior of the GX. The wood trim, leather, and controls are luxurious and look good. Lexus makes the best interior's by far. I did not like the design of the exterior though. The 4Runner looks a lot more rugged and I like the liftgate better. As for the ride, the Lexus was much quieter (like a luxury sedan), but you felt the bumps just as much as in the Toyota.

That GX470 interior was not worth $15,000 of my money. It also made me "feel" smarter buying the 4runner and getting the same vehicle for $15K less. I also liked the looks of the 4runner more. I think the GX470 is a good vehicle for chicks