2016 GX460 vs 2015 Limited
 

So I am looking to trade in my 2015 Limited RWD with 64k miles for a 2016 GX460 with 80k miles and comfort package. I bought my 4runner for many reasons: the exceptional resale value, the cargo space(I had a small Cadilac SUV prior to the 4R), and the many features it offers. I am about to go on a 36 hr road trip and have been contemplating a trade for a GX460. If I was to get the GX460, my monthly payment would go down $100 and insurance would go up $52/mth, giving a grand total of $48/mth savings. The GX460 has a 3rd row, blind spot monitoring with rear traffic, a trailer hitch, heated and cooled seats, and 2nd row heated seats. I drive around 23k miles per year, so the comfort of a vehicle is definitely a factor in my decision. If you were in my position, what would you do? If I am going to buy the GX460, I have 1 week to do so before my trip. How is the resale value compared to a 4R limited? How is the ride and sound isolation compared to a 4R?

I would drive it and make the decision to see if its worth the hassle…

The Limited offers a lot in terms of addressing the many complaints people have about the other 4Runner trims. I certainly like mine, enough so that it has fended off the urge to get a GX.

I really do like the GX, but its primarily because of the engine and power. It’s a smoother and quieter in operation in pretty much every way.

I personally feel the 4Runner has better resale than a GX especially when you have a 4WD 4Runner. The demographic each attract is very different and the 4WD always works in your favor during resale of the Toyota. The GX has it’s off-road adopters as well, but majority of the owners are affluent city people who don’t use the trucks in the same way. Its not that the GX has bad resale, it’s just that the 4Runner has exceptional resale.

What he said ^^^^^^^^ The GX is a LOT more car in pretty much every way. But the demographics of who buys them is different. You would be amazed at how many 4runner owners don't even know the GX exists, or what it is. So initial resale is abysmal compared to the 4 runner. It levels out better after a few years. The typical used 4 runner buyer has never heard of the GX. So they never considered it. One quick look, AND if its ok with their pier group, they buy a GX. Often the typical GX buyer is in an economical position to buy new, and they do so.
Around here, the GX goes down in resale pretty quickly to 4 runner levels. then stays pretty even after that.

I think you are answering your own question. If it were me, I would definitely get ditch the Runner and get the GX (especially if it means paying less). I drove a GX (plain Jane model) and I liked it. Definitely bigger, more comfortable but I did notice it did drink a little more. Comfort a factor? Yeah, the GX has it in spades.

I drive a 05 4Runner Limited V6 and the GX was faster (not by much), lot quieter and more practical (for me, I have 2 small daughters, having a 3rd row is HUGE for me). Comfort bells and whistles , especially safety (blind spot, parking, etc) are big too. Again, realize I have an 05 and it is in the stone age of safety gadgets. I'm not sure what your Runner Limited has in terms of these features, but b/c my parents drive Lexus cars/suvs (since 1991), I can assure you Lexus vehicles are top notch.

Good luck with your future GX, you'll love it.

One thing I didn’t mention in my above post was my bias towards off-road and camping… If this was a to be used primarily as a road truck, I would get the GX without a second though.

And this isn’t because the GX is a slouch off-road, it’s every bit as good, and in some cases, even more versatile depending on the 4Runner trim level.

I just feel it’s easier and cheaper to get a 4Runner fixed up the way I want it, vs a GX for off-road use in addition to the way the interior is setup which appears to be better for how I use it.

The REAL difference in the GX power is...……...It makes it's power at a much lower RPM than the runner does. That makes for a much better drive.

As for the gas mileage, it isn't bad at all when you figure out how to drive a heavy car. Gas mileage is a lot about the idiot with their foot on those pedals. Learn how to use them properly and you will be very surprised how efficient this car can be.
We see consistent 15 mpg around town, a little less in the winter. Low 20's on road trips. And that's with my wife doing most of the driving around town on short trips. She isn't the most efficient driver either.

If you want to know more take on the GX460 join the group GXOR in Facebook.. 9k members and most move from 4Runners.. Including myself.. I originally came from the a 5th gen and now own a Gx470.. For a 10 year old car lol it has more stuff then my 5th.. The value of the 4Runner will be higher in terms of mileage because of how well it sells.. The GX is being brought to light that its just as good and known through out the whole world as the Land Cruiser Prado.. So value will start climbing.. I enjoy my V8 because the lag isn't there at all.. The suspension of my 10 year old car was much better then the 5th gen.. Quieter as well.. The GX is the way to go if you ask me.. You will not regret it at all.. If you can find yourself the GX470 with the same miles but older obviously test drive both machines.

I knew I shouldn't have clicked here. This thread is making me miss my GX!

I just bought a gx460 and i have a 4r trd pro and the gx is way better daily than the 4r cuz of all the lux features

@HunterDonahue

What did you end up deciding?

I decided I would wait until the 2020 4Runner comes out then see if I am still looking to trade. I used the 3rd row for the first time last night, not a pleasant experience. But I have had the 4Runner for a year and this is the only time I have used it, so it isn't too big of a deal. I just saw the interior of the 2020 and I really like it. Any ways, I'm gonna wait.

Sounds good man. You've given me the GX itch again, too, so I had to know!