4 Runner VS. GX 470

[Pgpd324]

Pros and cons. I’ve been looking at the Lexus compared to my 4 Runner. I know it has more bells and whistles but what is the bad side? Same V-8 etc..

 

[Terminator03]

One big difference I can think of is that the rear hatch opens to the side on the Lexus. This may be a pro, or con depending on how you use the vehicle. I would imagine that it would make access a lot more difficult in certain situations, such as opening inside a garage, or other area where the door itself would block access on the hinge side. I can’t think of a situation where this would be advantageous, but maybe someone who has one can chime in and mention something they prefer about that design. Obviously, as mentioned the Lexus also has a lot more bells/whistles, and some nicer interior details. Depending on what you want it for, these things may, or may not be important. For example, if you’re looking to build it into an off-road machine, you may not need, or care about the extra gadgets, and inmo, the more complications added, gives higher probability of issues down the road as the vehicle gets older. The last one is VERY much personal preference, but I don’t like the aesthetics of the Lexus version at all for some reason. Even though it’s essentially the same vehicle, they took everything that I like about the look, and changed it into something I don’t like. Once again, this is not a knock on anyone that prefers that look, because as I said, it a personal thing. I would consider buying one if I got a great deal on it because it’s a great vehicle, but I doubt I’d ever love the way it looks, without some major mods the the “appearance package”.

 

[hkollie1]

Was recently shopping for the Lexus vs 4runner....a few thoughts:

Lexus will have rear airbags, usually will have a tow package, but watch have found a few with no tow hitch. Rear glass will popup vs slide down for closed door access and 2x4 carrying etc.

Most used Lexus pictures avoid showing the drivers seat from the side,the leather gets beat up at that spot.

Very minor differences - May have 5th row seating, jack stored in back door panel, no secret spot in glove compartment

 

[Ed_C]

The GX470's tailgate glass does not pop up, it doesn't move it all actually.

GX differences

Taller roofline (more headroom) and the already mentioned sideways opening tailgate.

Rear airbags instead of springs, shocks have electronically adjustable dampening. You can swap the shocks with 4Runner-spec ones without causing any warning lights (done it personally). Same rear bags as the 4Runner optional suspension.

Larger front brakes - same ones as the larger brakes found on sport edition 4Runners.

The third-row seating was actually an option, but they were always ordered with those seats. I never did see a GX with "deleted" third-row seats during my time working for Lexus.

Actual shifter for the transfer case instead of a dial.

They also suffer from dash pad deterioration/cracking like 4Runners. Lexus did replace them at no charge but last time I checked they no longer honor it.

Also because of the more well-off clientele, most GXs were probably regularly maintained and didn't see any off-road action by their original owners. Obviously look up the service history when shopping, Lexus' site has an owners link like Toyota's where you can enter a VIN to look up any available dealer service history.

 

[PBCRM98]

The previous 2 post pretty much covers almost everything. My fav part of the 4runner is the back window rolls down.

 

[ZiaMan]

This thread should help:
is the Lexus GX470 as reliable as the 4th Gen 4Runner?

My post from the thread:

I have 2008 GX and did about a year of research before I bought it. I was looking at Highlanders (wife's idea - barf) and a limited V8 4runners. For all intents and purposes, a GX is a 4th Gen Runner. Same crappy calipers that seize up, same zerk fittings to lube the driveshaft, etc. Good luck trying to tell people that though, they just see lexus and wont get it. The big differences are in the interior. Most GXs come with the Nav system which also includes the Mark Levenson stereo. A BIG FYI - it is a 8ohm speaker system so you can't just call crutchfield and drop in new ones. These speakers will eventually have their cone tear. Best solution seems to swap cones or some other voodoo to bring it back to life. If you find one that doesn't have nav, it has standard car speakers and you can put whatever single/1.5/double din player you want.

**In line Edit - there is now an Apple Play plug for about $600 to add to the stock nav. Other owners have swapped non-nav center controls into nav GXs as well **

Also most GX come with a third row. I like it but it folds up in a kinda odd way.

Another interior quirk is the center console. It isn't the stacked/sliding usual toyota design. I call it the missile silo cause it looks like the ICBM launch doors on some Nebraska prairie.

You will read (what I feel) are a lot of overblown concerns/panic/whatever about the GX suspension. In addition to the rear air, the 4 shocks are magnetic ride. You have a switch in the cabin which you can choose the firmness. These shocks will eventually leak. Also those rear airbags will eventually leak as well. Some people go all in and replace both shocks and airbags with OEM replacements. I think it runs something like $3k. My plan when this happens in the metaltech mounts for actual springs in the back pair with some 5100s. In the front, I plan on going all out with some Icon coilovers.

I think the GX is an awesome truck. Totally capable off road, plush interior and some real character - what other vehicle has nav, backup, barndoor in the back and a cassette player? Not only that but you will get a lot of complements on it, especially if you get a nice color combo (mine is dark blue with tan interior).

PM if you have any other questions.

 

[pmoneys]

I just went through this and ended up buying an 05 SR5. Even has the 3rd row seats like the GX. Most of the GX's I looked at needed new rear air bags, and the dash was cracked/melted. On the other hand, they had better maintenance records than nearly all of the 4Runners I looked at.

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