Hi All,

Make a long story short, with used 4Runner prices being so high right now, my dealer has offered me exactly what I paid for my 2019 Limited 4x4 a year and a half ago. If I did it, this would be my third 5th gen and I'd probably spec/build it the same way.

This got me to thinking: Why don't I try something a little different?

I've always been hot and cold with the GX, but I feel like the 2020+ model is a bit nicer. I'm looking at a 2021 GX 460 Premium model with the premium plus package (Levinson audio, etc), but a 2021 4Runner Limited is also in the back of my head. The problem there is being able to get ahold of a 4Runner because there is such a shortage.

So, anyone jumped to a GX and regretted it? Or any specific insights to share?

The biggest plus for me is the V8 + 6AT with the same MPG as the 4Runner's V6 and 5AT. The downsides are losing the roll down rear window, the swing out door and greater depreciation.

However, I'm seeing/hearing that Lexus is making some sweet deals on GXs right now because they're struggling to sell without CarPlay/Android Auto... and that's not something I care about. It seems like the Premium model I want is $59-60k, and I'm curious if it's possible to get that down to more like $51-52k.

Any thoughts/experiences shared here are appreciated.

Recently moved from a '15 4Runner Limited to a '15 GX460 Luxury w/ Driver Support Package, and I feel you've nailed the short list of shortcomings between the 2 platforms. The rear hatch is worse, the lack of roll down window is missed, and I went from used to used so depreciation was minimized.

I've also noticed, the 4Runner takes larger tires more easily, specifically what fits in the spare spot due to the KDSS on the GX460 (255/75/17 did not fit, not even close). I don't find the LED headlights on the GX460 are as good as the HID upgrade I'd done on the 4Runner, and upgrades aren't really a thing when you have the factory LED setup. Smaller fogs mean I can't swap my DD SS3's over to the GX460 as well, so lighting output is way down from what I had on the 4R. Carplay is a big deal for me, I had a Pioneer deck in the 4R, and I'm stuck with a GROM or similar on the GX460. Those gripes aside, the GX460 is better in every other way IMO.

One sort of random question: How much bigger/smaller is the GX's cargo area for day to day use, with the rear seats down?

My first 5th gen didn't have the sliding tray and the cargo area felt so much larger. My second 5th gen does have it and I hate it, and it eats considerable floor space. I have a feeling the GX with the third row folded down and a 5th gen with the cargo tray will feel pretty comparable for cargo space...

The GX is a LOT MORE Car. That said, it has its quirks. One thing that people don't seem to appreciate. The gX makes its power at about 1000 rpm lower than the 4R does. that makes for a much better driver. You just don't have your foot in it as much and the extra gear just adds icing to the cake. The rear door is strange, and takes some getting used to. I have not found it to be an issue, but would prefer the lift gate, or split tail gate. The higher roof line is really nice,even if your not tall. The 4R seats in the back lie flat more like the Jeep Cherokee, that's really nice compared to the gX middle row. But the third row folding into the floor is much better. Break over angles suck, and its ugly.
I get better gas mileage than reported by my 4R friends report. I drive with a light foot, and the extra torque at lower RPM lends to better fuel mileage. The suspension setting are worthless. My guess on the sound system is.....It sounds great until you turn it up. I think it lacks amps to drive the speakers at higher volume.
Over all, I'm really glad we bough the GX in stead of the 4R. It's so much more car. And we would have bought the Limited 4R and it really sucks in many ways that the TRD is great in, but the TRD lacks in the areas the GX shines in. So best in all worlds. This comes to mind. The part time T-case in the TRD and some (I don't know if all) Limiteds can't lock up the Torsen like the gX can. That's a big deal for us. Good luck on your choice. I think a new GX goes down in value quicker than a 4R because many people don't understand what they have.

Our 5th gen Ltd. had the 3rd row seats, so cargo space with 3rd row folded flat compared to the GX with power folding 3rd row is pretty well the same. The 3rd row seats eat up 6-8" of cargo floor height, and it does make it pretty small back there for an SUV of this size.

One thing worth mentioning is I found a huge improvement in driveability on the 4Runner when I added a Sprint Booster to fix the throttle by wire lag, it totally changed the character of the vehicle and it's well worth the price on 5th gens as they are worse than most for factory DBW calibration.

Well, that escalated quickly... sort of. I'm the type of person who has been thinking about it for a long while before it materializes, so it wasn't that crazy.

As mentioned above, I really wanted a Premium with Premium Plus package but ended up falling in love with the Atomic Silver/Black color combination on a Luxury model they had, and the dealer got the numbers as close to the Premium as possible.













I do, again, really appreciate the input shared in this thread. Going into it, I was expecting the GX 460 to feel like a 4Runner with a little more sound insulation and a smoother ride. In my head I was saying, "Like a 4Runner but $10k nicer."

I was wrong. The GX feels like 2x as much vehicle compared to the 4Runner, for not really that much more money. Everything is several levels higher and nicer: ride, interior, quality, the V8, the handling, etc. Going back to back, the 4Runner feels like a tractor compared to the GX... the difference is night and day.

Really happy so far, and with 103 miles down, can't say enough good things.

I think you will keep being impressed. As i said, "It's so much more car". I think most don't realize how much more. Looks really nice.

That mirrors my impressions, I found everything you touch to be higher quality, even the turn signal noise sounds higher end, lol.

I initially wanted to buy the GX, but after test driving it, I opted for a 2021 ORP. For the price, I wish the interior was updated. I know the 4runner isn't that much better, but apple car play is huge for it especially when it already comes with the car and just works.

I don't see a reason to choose 4R if not offroading seriously.

And I see no reason to choose GX if offroading seriously.

My brief experience with GX460: After years, FINALLY back in SUV!

Just curious, coz we don't get land cruiser in Canada. I thought it would be the perfect option if you struggle between 4R and Gx?

Land Cruiser/LX570 is larger and a lot more expensive. Hold its value better than the GX. Thirstier. More space, but not really efficiently done. It's like a mid sized pick up compared to a full size. Like Ranger compared to F-150. The gX being mid size, the LC/LX being full size.

I’m very fortunate to have both a 4R ORP (me) and a GX (wife) A 2020 and 17 respectively.

I truly enjoy the 4R, fully equipped overlander. The wife likes the 4R but hated the V6 when she test drove one. So she got the GX. Since I’ve got the opportunity to drive either one each day, I’ve got to admit I love that V8, the ride, and some of the creature comforts. And seeing all the aftermarket overlanding gear for the GX… I’m tempted. However…

As previously mentioned, I can’t stand the rear door. I might reconsider if it swung toward the curb side. I asked my service manager about why the way the rear opens… big seller in countries where they drive on the left. Curb side for them.

And then yes, same MPG as the 4R. But premium unleaded… one thing the we both don’t like.


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I just drove a 2018 GX 460 (Premium) and a '17 4R (Limited) at a local dealer back to back. The GX was actually a few thousand cheaper as it had almost twice as many miles (80k miles vs 40k), and I was really expecting that I'd vastly prefer the GX.

While the V8 in the GX was definitely a much smoother engine and the interior was a nicer place to be, I was very surprised when I preferred driving the 4R. I found the GX to be very floaty on the road and it felt like you were driving a much bigger vehicle. I also liked the looks of the 4R much more and really wanted the roll-down rear window.


GX 460
----------
+Smoother Engine
+Significantly nicer interior (materials & comfort)
+3rd row if we ever needed it
-Ugly exterior
-Floaty, boat-like ride
-Worse cargo w/ seats down
-(Slightly) worse fuel economy
-Barn door/no roll-down window

4R Limited
----------
+More nimble handling on-road
+Better cargo capacity (no 3rd row)
+Traditional gate w/ roll-down window
+Significantly more attractive exterior
-V6 is just ok performance-wise
-Boring interior

It was still a tough decision, but I ended up going with the 4R and have been very happy!