I went through this same thing before buying the 4Runner.
Interior of the GX is leaps and bounds nicer than the 4Runner. Real leather on the Premium (10-13) and Luxury (14+) models, heated/cooled seats, heated second row, can get factory screens in the optional top-end package tht are molded into the back of the front row.
HVAC / Infotainment on the GX SUCKS in my opinion. It's dated, it's clunky, and it's an all-in-on unit which means almost everything other than the temperature is a touch-screen. And the temp is up and down buttons, not a knob which I dislike.
The rear door is huge. I didn't think I'd mind it but once we saw it in person it's like "Oh, wow. That's giant." You'll never open it in the garage unless you've got an extra 3'-4' behind the car.
The transmission and engine are a much better driving combo than the 4Runner. Shifts super smooth and doesn't feel like a slug for normal city driving
KDSS was a must-have for us, so it was nice that all models had KDSS and it wasn't just an option on some trims.
Engine is a timing belt, meaning it needs changing.
All in all the lady wasn't sold on the GX and the dated all-in-one infotainment, larger size and "lethargic" looks of the car kept us with the 4Runner (we have a 13 Trail). Interior not nearly as nice and louder (plan to sound deaden at some point down the road), but we're quite happy and I wouldn't swap now.
Interior of the GX is leaps and bounds nicer than the 4Runner. Real leather on the Premium (10-13) and Luxury (14+) models, heated/cooled seats, heated second row, can get factory screens in the optional top-end package tht are molded into the back of the front row.
HVAC / Infotainment on the GX SUCKS in my opinion. It's dated, it's clunky, and it's an all-in-on unit which means almost everything other than the temperature is a touch-screen. And the temp is up and down buttons, not a knob which I dislike.
The rear door is huge. I didn't think I'd mind it but once we saw it in person it's like "Oh, wow. That's giant." You'll never open it in the garage unless you've got an extra 3'-4' behind the car.
The transmission and engine are a much better driving combo than the 4Runner. Shifts super smooth and doesn't feel like a slug for normal city driving
KDSS was a must-have for us, so it was nice that all models had KDSS and it wasn't just an option on some trims.
Engine is a timing belt, meaning it needs changing.
All in all the lady wasn't sold on the GX and the dated all-in-one infotainment, larger size and "lethargic" looks of the car kept us with the 4Runner (we have a 13 Trail). Interior not nearly as nice and louder (plan to sound deaden at some point down the road), but we're quite happy and I wouldn't swap now.
