Went with the GX 460 over the TP.......

4Runner over the Lexus GX 460

Congrat's on your Lexus GX 460. I looked at it but I was shopping for less expensive gas and better mileage. It runs on premium gas rather than regular, so add $0.20 per gallon. And the gas mileage will make the Lexus very expensive when the price of gas goes back up next year, which it will.
The Lexus is several inches taller which is a hard fit under my driveway tree/shrubs. Do they make a decent aftermarket roof rack for the Lexus? And will it fit in a low clearance parking garage with a roof rack?
Not only does it have a big wide swing gate, it mainly or only comes in a 3 row seat version, as far as I know. I don't need 3 rows and the floor is higher, taking up valuable cargo space.
These reasons and the higher price is what made me choose the 4Runner.

I wonder how many potential sales the side-open rear door causes Lexus to lose on the GX? Since it's being sold in a market that drives on the right, it makes it even harder to swallow as opening it on a street blocks your access to the sidewalk (which makes sense in other markets that drive on the left.)

It's just absolutely a mystery why they wouldn't convert it to a lift gate for the NA market or if that was deemed to expensive, at least reversed the direction it opened. I mean they do this with dryer doors for crying out loud.

If the GX had a lift gate similar to my 4Runner with roll down rear window, my wife would be very upset with me.

I'd personally prefer the side doors. I really hate hatches. Ever try loading something with a forklift into a hatch? The door is much more practical if you use it as a utility truck. However... I would opt for the twin barn doors if they offered it. That is the best setup IMO.

If the GX were 800lbs lighter, I'd have one. The weight is the killer. It eats up all the engine difference. They're a tank. Possibly you could strip one down? but at what cost. I will admit I've been looking at a white GX460 that I might trade for - they'll trade me the GX with 80k miles plus put $10k in my pocket for my 4runner with 17k miles. Hard not to pick it up, strip it out, and spend 10k on mods.

I'm going the other way this week on the air suspension. I'm converting to GX460 rear air springs with my own controller. Air springs are under $200. Might be a mistake anyway. There's a reason I don't like ARB lockers.

New GX460 Owner

I posted a reply to the original post in the GX sub-forum. I’m trying to get in the habit of posting GX-related information over there, but the reality is that there seems to be a lot of interest in the GX from 5th gen owners, and a lot more feedback here as well.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/lexus...advice-bfg-all-terrain-t-ko2.html#post2330685

Also, I posted the following input on the GX sub-forum about my experience so far and happy to share more details with anyone who is interested. I thought my feedback might be interesting to anyone coming from a 4th and/or 5th gen considering a GX.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/lexus-gx470-460/217646-2016-gx460.html

Blitzkrieg said:

I am saying this totally in a joking manner so please don't take it the wrong way.

My girlfriends Ford Edge Sport with a twin turbo 2.7L V6 makes 14 HP and 21 FT LBS torque more than your V-8.

opcorn:

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Only thing is that 2.7L V6 feels like a go kart compared to the GX's V8. Power on the Ford motor is nice, but the 4.6L V8 is about as smooth as they come, so just depends on your priorities I guess.

DesertCanyons said:

Congrat's on your Lexus GX 460. I looked at it but I was shopping for less expensive gas and better mileage. It runs on premium gas rather than regular, so add $0.20 per gallon. And the gas mileage will make the Lexus very expensive when the price of gas goes back up next year, which it will.
These reasons and the higher price is what made me choose the 4Runner.

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GX can take regular gas.

Jetboy said:

I'd personally prefer the side doors. I really hate hatches. Ever try loading something with a forklift into a hatch? The door is much more practical if you use it as a utility truck.
.

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Jet - I always appreciate your posts, and knowledge, and experience, and.. and..

But WTF are you talking about "forklift"? These are SUVs fer shitsake, not utility trucks. Thinkin' maybe you've lost your mind bro. Respectfully, of course.

eep: :crazy:

philsey said:

Jet - I always appreciate your posts, and knowledge, and experience, and.. and..

But WTF are you talking about "forklift"? These are SUVs fer shitsake, not utility trucks. Thinkin' maybe you've lost your mind bro. Respectfully, of course.

eep: :crazy:

Click to expand...

I promise you I'm impossible to offend.

It's not often, but I've loaded a couple suv's with a forklift. When all you have is a hammer - everything looks like a nail... If you have a fork lift everything looks like a forklift load. I bought an engine once in Washington and had to go pick it up. Almost lost the hatch. Forklift op was watching the load not the door. Extended forks and we got it in easy enough. The other times have been loading landscaping supplies. I've had to hand stack pallets of stuff in the back half a dozen times that could have just been dropped in there with a forklift. Retaining wall blocks, portland cement, that sort of stuff. It's just easier to set the pallet in the back than load and unload it all. My guess is that is the reason for the rear door going sideways like it does. Not sure why else they'd do it that way. And I suspect it's the same reason you won't find a hatch on most utility intended vehicles - like full size vans etc.

Not a big deal. Just an observation. I've always preferred ambulance doors. I haven't lived with a huge single rear door like the GX. Maybe it's horrible. I'm not really sure.

Jetboy said:

I promise you I'm impossible to offend.

It's not often, but I've loaded a couple suv's with a forklift. When all you have is a hammer - everything looks like a nail... If you have a fork lift everything looks like a forklift load. I bought an engine once in Washington and had to go pick it up. Almost lost the hatch. Forklift op was watching the load not the door. Extended forks and we got it in easy enough. The other times have been loading landscaping supplies. I've had to hand stack pallets of stuff in the back half a dozen times that could have just been dropped in there with a forklift. Retaining wall blocks, portland cement, that sort of stuff. It's just easier to set the pallet in the back than load and unload it all. My guess is that is the reason for the rear door going sideways like it does. Not sure why else they'd do it that way. And I suspect it's the same reason you won't find a hatch on most utility intended vehicles - like full size vans etc.

Not a big deal. Just an observation. I've always preferred ambulance doors. I haven't lived with a huge single rear door like the GX. Maybe it's horrible. I'm not really sure.

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With your stable .... and no F250SD ?

An often overlooked place to shop for tires is the Ford Service Centers. They often have buy 3 get one free which simply can't be beat. Around here they carry the KO2s

Spoke with a customer service rep at tire rack.....

......was helpful but I'm not sure he really knew his stuff as well as he came across.

He was concerned that the KO2's won't fit on the GX initially even though I told him I had the premium edition and not the luxury with the variable suspension.

He later recanted and said well maybe it would be possible, but the diameter increase from the OE Bridgestone Duelers to the KO2's would be at least 1.5".
From what I read on the GX forum, most there did not have issues with KO2's except for one person who had the luxury trim and the variable suspension and had quite a bit of rubbing as a result. So I think going up to 275/65/18 will be fine.

Second, he was concerned about the rough ride with KO2's and recommended a non E load AT tire-- like the Firestone ATs, which are apparently standard AT tires.
The funny thing is that on their own website, Tire rack doesn't differentiate between E load AT tires and Standard AT tires, so there's no way of distinguishing that.
He was also wrong about the max speed (class) of my OEM Bridgestones, stating they are 130 mph, when they're actually 112 mph (speed rating S) which is not much difference from the KO2's, which have a speed rating of R.
(edit-- he wasn't wrong about that-- the OEM bridgestones are in fact speed rating H, which is 130 mph). The link I found initially had them as a speed rating of S, which was wrong.

Bottom line, I don't know how much to rely on what this guy says. The reviews on the KO2's seem great in terms of on road manners-- even for people who've come from light truck highway tires, like what I have now with the Bridgestones (which have some not so great reviews).

Any other tire recs for the GX guys? What about the Nitto Grapplers as a compromise between a highway tires and AT tire? Or what about the Firestone AT's ? They are half the price of the KO2's.

Finally, lexus said there would be no issues with the warranty by changing out the tires or even the wheels/tires together. Would I be better off going down to 17's with some TRD pro rims or something similar and if so, I'm guessing I should stay with 275/65? Or go bigger (assuming no after market lift/mods)?

Final final issue is that of the TPMS -- I've read there could be glitches if I put new tires on the truck, but when I asked my lexus dealer about it, they didn't seem concerned, saying it could be an issue and to watch for it.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback thus far

The KO2 has been a great tire for us. Love the traction and the ride, although it is a bit firm compared to the P rated tire. The 275/65/18 will fit no problems and only issue we have had is a minor rub at half turn and wheel articulating going into steep driveways. I could fix with a little heat on plastic lining but haven't had the time to really mess with it.
Here is my thread with pictures of this set up you are thinking of.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/lexus-gx470-460/177514-hrod79-gx460.html

oh BTW we were getting 18.5 with 265/60/18 P tire. Now we get 15.5 avg with 265/65/18 load-E tire. but that isn't corrected for larger diameter. so probably not quite a full 3 mpg actually.

hrod79 said:

The KO2 has been a great tire for us. Love the traction and the ride, although it is a bit firm compared to the P rated tire. The 275/65/18 will fit no problems and only issue we have had is a minor rub at half turn and wheel articulating going into steep driveways. I could fix with a little heat on plastic lining but haven't had the time to really mess with it.
Here is my thread with pictures of this set up you are thinking of.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/lexus-gx470-460/177514-hrod79-gx460.html

oh BTW we were getting 18.5 with 265/60/18 P tire. Now we get 15.5 avg with 265/65/18 load-E tire. but that isn't corrected for larger diameter. so probably not quite a full 3 mpg actually.

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Tire looks absolutely awesome-- thanks for sharing that.
Glad to hear there is no rub aside from the minor one on steep driveways. No mods at all to fit them, right?
The loss of 3mpg is huge, however.
Also, I went to another tire website where the KO2's weren't nearly as well rated as they were on tire rack. Is your GX a daily driver? If so, how does it ride on the highway/city roads/bad roads/potholes compared to the OEM Bridgestones??

Second, did you notice the change in speed rating of H to R (130 mph to 106 mph)?

Depending on what you think about ride quality on road, I'm also thinking of a more 'tame' tire meant more for inroad and some light off roading-- the Nitto Dura Grappler, which seems to combine a good look for a highway tire while still providing plenty of functionality.
If I do that, then I'm definitely getting new wheels to go with them-- but will keep them at 18".

Bruin1md said:

......was helpful but I'm not sure he really knew his stuff as well as he came across.

He was concerned that the KO2's won't fit on the GX initially even though I told him I had the premium edition and not the luxury with the variable suspension.

He later recanted and said well maybe it would be possible, but the diameter increase from the OE Bridgestone Duelers to the KO2's would be at least 1.5".
From what I read on the GX forum, most there did not have issues with KO2's except for one person who had the luxury trim and the variable suspension and had quite a bit of rubbing as a result. So I think going up to 275/65/18 will be fine.

Second, he was concerned about the rough ride with KO2's and recommended a non E load AT tire-- like the Firestone ATs, which are apparently standard AT tires.
The funny thing is that on their own website, Tire rack doesn't differentiate between E load AT tires and Standard AT tires, so there's no way of distinguishing that.
He was also wrong about the max speed (class) of my OEM Bridgestones, stating they are 130 mph, when they're actually 112 mph (speed rating S) which is not much difference from the KO2's, which have a speed rating of R.
(edit-- he wasn't wrong about that-- the OEM bridgestones are in fact speed rating H, which is 130 mph). The link I found initially had them as a speed rating of S, which was wrong.

Bottom line, I don't know how much to rely on what this guy says. The reviews on the KO2's seem great in terms of on road manners-- even for people who've come from light truck highway tires, like what I have now with the Bridgestones (which have some not so great reviews).

Any other tire recs for the GX guys? What about the Nitto Grapplers as a compromise between a highway tires and AT tire? Or what about the Firestone AT's ? They are half the price of the KO2's.

Finally, lexus said there would be no issues with the warranty by changing out the tires or even the wheels/tires together. Would I be better off going down to 17's with some TRD pro rims or something similar and if so, I'm guessing I should stay with 275/65? Or go bigger (assuming no after market lift/mods)?

Final final issue is that of the TPMS -- I've read there could be glitches if I put new tires on the truck, but when I asked my lexus dealer about it, they didn't seem concerned, saying it could be an issue and to watch for it.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback thus far

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You have to realize that 99.99% of GX buyers will not be happy with how an E range tire rides - they bought a luxury vehicle and it should be Charmin Ultra-Soft. They will never go off road or tow, so E is never even a consideration. KO2's are a fine tire, but IMHO there are better out there. The speed rating is meaningless. BOF SUV's should not be going over 100 mph. If you need to go faster than that, please choose a something different than an AT tire , or a different vehicle all together. Also, people install different tires and wheels all the time, and generally the TPMS has no issues with it. Just have it done by someone who knows what they are doing.

FrontRange4Runner said:

You have to realize that 99.99% of GX buyers will not be happy with how an E range tire rides - they bought a luxury vehicle and it should be Charmin Ultra-Soft. They will never go off road or tow, so E is never even a consideration. KO2's are a fine tire, but IMHO there are better out there. The speed rating is meaningless. BOF SUV's should not be going over 100 mph. If you need to go faster than that, please choose a something different than an AT tire , or a different vehicle all together. Also, people install different tires and wheels all the time, and generally the TPMS has no issues with it. Just have it done by someone who knows what they are doing.

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I wasn't implying that I need a tire that will let me go faster than 100 mph-- just the differences, and that some sites I've read have indicated it's the not the best idea to either go down or up from the OEM speed rating one's original tires come with. However, after reading what I have on this forum, that doesn't seem to be an issue for people.

You mentioned you think there are better options than the KO2's. Any recs you could provide among AT tires? I"m looking for something that gives a nice combo of on road comfort with off road durability and toughness and specifically wet traction for days of heavy rain?

I'm thinking I'm changing out the wheels as well -- probably stay with 18's with some 18 x9's from the existing 18x 7's, and like I said above, I'm open to the idea of a standard load AT tire like the Firestone Destination AT (which will probably ride more comfortably than an E load AT tire), or even a less aggressive tread like the Michelin LTX M/S 2-- which as an all purpose light truck tire-- might be one the best out there from what I've heard and read, especially in wet weather.

I have been running TA/KO2's since last fall. they impressed with ride quality handling and road noise. I had them switch a brand new pair on my new trail premium for my KO2's . Awesome tires you wont be dissapointed

Bruin1md said:

Tire looks absolutely awesome-- thanks for sharing that.
Glad to hear there is no rub aside from the minor one on steep driveways. No mods at all to fit them, right?
The loss of 3mpg is huge, however.
Also, I went to another tire website where the KO2's weren't nearly as well rated as they were on tire rack. Is your GX a daily driver? If so, how does it ride on the highway/city roads/bad roads/potholes compared to the OEM Bridgestones??

Second, did you notice the change in speed rating of H to R (130 mph to 106 mph)?

Depending on what you think about ride quality on road, I'm also thinking of a more 'tame' tire meant more for inroad and some light off roading-- the Nitto Dura Grappler, which seems to combine a good look for a highway tire while still providing plenty of functionality.
If I do that, then I'm definitely getting new wheels to go with them-- but will keep them at 18".

Click to expand...

We love the tires. I realize that E load tire is over kill but we wanted an aggressive appearance and Duratrac was other option in size. I have Duratrac on my 4Runner and they are a ton louder than the KO2. Truck is sure footed in all weather and quiet. Noticed no change with speed ratong. But fastest i have driven is about 85. I realize loss of mpg is not ideal but it is a V8 with Awd. I personally wouldn't go with a nitto over a BFG. But that is with my personal experience with both.

There are lots of benefit of having a barn door. I actually would rather want one in an overlanding camping standpoint.

1. You can install a 270 degree awning with a barn door. Without you cannot.
2. You can install a camping table on the inside of the door.
3. Your hard shell tent can overhang the rear more. With my 4Runner I would like to put the RTT overhanging the rear a bit. But I cannot because it hits the spoiler once the tail gate is open.

Lots of benefits of a barn door style cargo door in an overland standpoint.

My .02…Your individual circumstances are what it’s all about. Who is going to be in your vehicle with any level of regularity should probably help dictate what you purchase. 5 years ago, I would have taken internal bleeding over a cushy ride like the GX has for the sake of better handling. I bought the GX460 because it was the best (practically only) compromise between my BOF/na V8/full-time 4WD preference and a safe, reliable, and comfortable vehicle for my kids. I’d be all about an aggressive AT tire if this vehicle was for me and me only, but I probably wouldn’t have bought the GX if I didn’t have kids. For me, when it’s time to replace or supplement the Michelins that came from the factory (I refused to buy one with the fisher price version of the Bridgestone Duelers in spite of my dislike for the Michelin brand), I’m going to go with what I consider a compromise AT tire (Bridgestone Dueler AT REVO2 or Firestone Destination AT probably) that has enough capability to satisfy my perceived needs and the comfort of the three females that come with me on long trips. Noise from tires, exhaust, etc. can’t be part of the equation anymore. Along with that, I will choose a size that has a nearly identical circumference if I am going with a different size wheel so that the odometer and speedometer are accurate and there is no strain if I need to put on the spare. Otherwise, I’m sticking with the factory size tires. Sorry for the old man post, but it might be something to consider.

chmura said:

There are lots of benefit of having a barn door. I actually would rather want one in an overlanding camping standpoint.

1. You can install a 270 degree awning with a barn door. Without you cannot.
2. You can install a camping table on the inside of the door.
3. Your hard shell tent can overhang the rear more. With my 4Runner I would like to put the RTT overhanging the rear a bit. But I cannot because it hits the spoiler once the tail gate is open.

Lots of benefits of a barn door style cargo door in an overland standpoint.

Click to expand...

Item #3 also applies to roof boxes, like the Thule one I use for skis. The one I have is older and pretty long, but fit great on the GX470s we had. On the 4Runner, I don't like how far forward it has to sit to clear the rear spoiler. It leaves a ton of the box forward of the front rack cross bar. I have the same issue with putting it on our X5.

Don't get me wrong....I still don't like the barn door, but that was the one advantage I can think of.

Threev8s said:

My .02…Your individual circumstances are what it’s all about. Who is going to be in your vehicle with any level of regularity should probably help dictate what you purchase. 5 years ago, I would have taken internal bleeding over a cushy ride like the GX has for the sake of better handling. I bought the GX460 because it was the best (practically only) compromise between my BOF/na V8/full-time 4WD preference and a safe, reliable, and comfortable vehicle for my kids. I’d be all about an aggressive AT tire if this vehicle was for me and me only, but I probably wouldn’t have bought the GX if I didn’t have kids. For me, when it’s time to replace or supplement the Michelins that came from the factory (I refused to buy one with the fisher price version of the Bridgestone Duelers in spite of my dislike for the Michelin brand), I’m going to go with what I consider a compromise AT tire (Bridgestone Dueler AT REVO2 or Firestone Destination AT probably) that has enough capability to satisfy my perceived needs and the comfort of the three females that come with me on long trips. Noise from tires, exhaust, etc. can’t be part of the equation anymore. Along with that, I will choose a size that has a nearly identical circumference if I am going with a different size wheel so that the odometer and speedometer are accurate and there is no strain if I need to put on the spare. Otherwise, I’m sticking with the factory size tires. Sorry for the old man post, but it might be something to consider.

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Not at all an old man post...... appreciate the input.

You're going to laugh your ass of at me.........I've always been the german car whore among my friends and won't get into my various crazy purchases, but suffice it to say, my only other SUV was a 2009 BMW X6 50 that I put after market wheels on and drive like a banshee.

Because I have a second 'fun' car in a 911 997.2, I decided to sell the BMW and buy the first new car/truck I've ever owned. I wanted a trail premium with KDSS but gulf states toyota doesn't make them, and after getting tired of the hassle in getting one ordered out of state or waiting on one with the color combo I wanted and negotiating over it, I decided to go full soccer mom and get the GX460 after test driving it. I was very pleasantly surprised and don't give two sh*ts if my friends now laugh at me for being the single guy in the GX. It's a great daily driver that I do want to take off road occasionally when possible (light off roading and nothing nuts).

I think those of you here who know what the GX can actually do, appreciate it for being the luxury truck that it is with nice multi purpose capability, including hauling the precious cargo in your life-- your 3 girls. : )

As for me, I love the GX and for as long as I'm blessed to do so, will always probably have some used 2nd car for fun that I can auto cross and occasionally track and just drive for fun, so I don't need a high performance sports coupe disguised as a SUV -- a la the X6.

Which brings me back to the tires.......... as you said, the OEM Bridgstones this thing comes with are GARBAGE, as I've learned during the first 4000 miles. So it's a good excuse for me to 'toughen' up the look of the GX while also getting more rugged tires for practical reasons. I go to new orleans a lot and that city is Mogadishu after a bomb with all the pot holes there.
But to get there, it's 2 hours on the highway. Hence, for me, I want a rugged tire that has presence but that I won't be *****ing about on the highway drive either because of too much road noise or a much rougher ride.

So to me, a standard load AT terrain like the Firestone destination AT3 seems to make a lot sense, more so than the E load KO2's, even though many here seem to say the KO2's are very comparable in terms of ride comfort to the AT3. The guys at tire rack say the AT3 is going to be a smoother ride......
The Nitto Terra Grapplers are also an option-- another standard load AT terrain that seems slightly better quality than the Firestones and I've heard good things about.
Lastly, there are the Michelin LTX A/T2 All terrain tires.......which seem to be well rated but I know nothing about.

Or I could be more 'practical' and stay in the same class of tire as the OEM Bridgestones but switch to the Michelin LTX M/S2......which everyone and their mother seem to love as a tire, but just go bigger than what I have -- 275/65/18, with new wheels.

Again, sorry for my ramble, but I think I'm down to the Firestone Dest AT3, KO2's (maybe), (fill in the blank 3rd option standard load AT tire), or stay in the truck highway class and go with the Michelin LTX M/S2.........

1st world problems.