4Runner vs. GX
- Thread starter brettc34
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Mark86
Super Moderator
Thai said:Well, TLC is quite expensive these days. It would be a close decision between TLC and GX470 KDSS. I love memory seats...so, i will probably pick GX.I really cannot believe that Toyota still does not offer this when Avalon has it.
I can't believe they gave the 4Runner and Sienna memory seats but the Land Cruiser still doesn't have it for that premium price. The other thing that angers me is the new RAV4 has an all in one key (like Lexus) and our 4Runner's still have the old fashioned remote.
If I had the money for a $62,000 Land Cruiser, I would defiinitely find a way to come up with $5,000 to go for the LX470. I have driven both vehicles and the LX470 is a much better ride. I wasn't happy with the way the Land Cruiser handled.
Thai said:Well, TLC is quite expensive these days. It would be a close decision between TLC and GX470 KDSS. I love memory seats...so, i will probably pick GX.
Memory sets
You let someone else drive your SUV??? They are discounting the LC's up to $10K in some parts of the country (LA), so a 2006 that lists for $62K could be picked up for $52K.
Uneek
Super Moderator
LX470 definately if money was no object. I got a chance to drive it at a Lexus ride and drive and I'm impressed (the GX handled just as well, if not better because of it's smaller size), way better off road manners than the X5, ML, Escalade, Range Rover... what a shame, the Navigator was there the year before (2003) but not in 2004 due to off road capabilities, 2005 just had a cheezy metal ramp, thick cords/ropes and rubber rings. 2003-04 had a dirt trail, big mud hill, rutted trail for suspension travel/articulation. The Navigator was directed to go around mud hill.
I wouldn't consider the GX, CRV or RAV4 for sole reason of it having a barn door on the back. What's worst of all, the mentioned doors are hinged on the wrong side, unless you're parked on the left side of a one way street. If the GX did not have that barn door, it'd be a very appealing SUV. The KDSS is very nice though.
I like the extra amenities in the GX, but most major features are present on the 4R as well, navi, bluetooth, memory seats (no mirrors on the 4R), backup cam, dual zone climate. What one gains in one area is missing in another, i.e. aux input on the 4R, Mark Levinson on the GX, roll down rear glass on the 4R, auto up/down windows on 4 doors on the GX, etc.
Too bad Lexus hasn't incorporated Smart Acess in their SUV line up. Even the Prius and Avalon has it, if the 4R has it, it'd be a perfect vehicle. Also, someone mentioned the remote on key (Lexus style) on the RAV4, the Scion tC has it as well.
I wouldn't consider the GX, CRV or RAV4 for sole reason of it having a barn door on the back. What's worst of all, the mentioned doors are hinged on the wrong side, unless you're parked on the left side of a one way street. If the GX did not have that barn door, it'd be a very appealing SUV. The KDSS is very nice though.
I like the extra amenities in the GX, but most major features are present on the 4R as well, navi, bluetooth, memory seats (no mirrors on the 4R), backup cam, dual zone climate. What one gains in one area is missing in another, i.e. aux input on the 4R, Mark Levinson on the GX, roll down rear glass on the 4R, auto up/down windows on 4 doors on the GX, etc.
Too bad Lexus hasn't incorporated Smart Acess in their SUV line up. Even the Prius and Avalon has it, if the 4R has it, it'd be a perfect vehicle. Also, someone mentioned the remote on key (Lexus style) on the RAV4, the Scion tC has it as well.
Koz
New member
The GX is more luxurious then the 4Runner but I don't feel it's worth $10K. It doesn't handle as well as a 4Runner, even with the mandatory KDSS (which limits the color). There are some advantages like an inch or two more head room, but I think it affects the handling (makes it tip/lean more in the turns). Again, it is more plush but it weighs more so it is a little slower (not really an issue). If you want to tow the 4Runner is definitely better with the rear auto leveling air suspension (not available on the GX). I just don't see 10,000 dollars, sorry!
Koz
Koz
dingo
New member
Koz said:
Can someone please enlighten my clueless @ss and tell me what KDSS stands for?
Thanks.A parent from my daughter's school always picks her kids up in a GX. I parked my runner next to it and the GX is noticeably taller. I took a look and it is certainly plush inside. However, I thought I was imagining things because it seems a little smaller/narrower on the inside than my 4Runner. The body styling also seems less agressive imho. I always get compliments that my 4runner looks more "badass". My coworker said my tail lights looked like something out of Terminator. Even my daughter says the runner looks better, even with mud. Something I rarely see on a GX.
dingo said:Can someone please enlighten my clueless @ss and tell me what KDSS stands for?
A parent from my daughter's school always picks her kids up in a GX. I parked my runner next to it and the GX is noticeably taller. I took a look and it is certainly plush inside. However, I thought I was imagining things because it seems a little smaller/narrower on the inside than my 4Runner. The body styling also seems less agressive imho. I always get compliments that my 4runner looks more "badass". My coworker said my tail lights looked like something out of Terminator. Even my daughter says the runner looks better, even with mud. Something I rarely see on a GX.
The GX hits me as a rich chicks SUV and the runner as a guys ride.
Thai
Elite Member
SWUtah said:The GX hits me as a rich chicks SUV and the runner as a guys ride.
That may be so...but Toyota seems to be confused...
GX has a traditional transfer case lever...while 4runner uses an electronic dial.
IMO, the transfer case lever in the GX does not belong in the interior design...a dial would have been perfect (to go along with the adaptive suspension dial). The 4runner is the one that needs the beefy, manly lever.
GX KDSS system is an excellent system on-road AND off-road. I have seen it in action...KDSS is amazing off-road in terms of increasing wheel articulation (similar to TLC/LX's flex).
4runner's XREAS is purely on-road only...to provide neutral sporty handling.
IMO, XREAS should belong on the GX, while KDSS on the 4runner since more 4runner owners take their's off-road.
But, i can tell who is enjoying all of this...owners of GX470 with KDSS. He/she (rich or not) has the best of both worlds. That is why i say that it's a tough choice between TLC vs. GX470 KDSS.
Uneek
Super Moderator
dingo said:Can someone please enlighten my clueless @ss and tell me what KDSS stands for?
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.
From: http://www.lexus.com/models/gx/performance.html#kinetic
dingo
New member
Thanks for the quick link, Uneek. I had my kid in one hand and was just too lazy to search the darn thing. :bash:
I agree. I'm afraid that electronic dial will wear out or have some kind of short one of these days. A real lever is what I prefer. The plastic dial also feels kinda cheap. In a previous posting, I expressed that it should be made of something sturdier than plastic, more like anodized aluminum or metal at the least.
Thai said:
I agree. I'm afraid that electronic dial will wear out or have some kind of short one of these days. A real lever is what I prefer. The plastic dial also feels kinda cheap. In a previous posting, I expressed that it should be made of something sturdier than plastic, more like anodized aluminum or metal at the least.
Bill42
New member
If money wasn't the object... Sheesh, now we are comparing apples to oranges.
I am glad to see the discussion of other vehicles as comparisons to the GX besides the 4Runner. I mean yeah I would rather have a Porsche 911 than a Mazda Miata. Both are fine cars but c'mon.
Personally, I find the 4th generation of the 4Runner to be an enigma. What is Toyota really thinking here. They lower the ground clearance, the front and rear approach angles aren't that great and of course that HUGE hood scoop that interferes with driving off road.
They market the off road prowess and history of the 4Runner and then offer a sport model with an on road handling system. Forget about getting an off road model with high ground clearance and better off road suspension.
With all the changes and additions to the SUV line I am concerned that Toyota has lost their way as to what the 4Runner is about. At least with the Tacoma they understood that they could have their cake and eat it too. Both a Sport and Off Road variant.
Adventuring is a huge trend. The 4Runner needs to embrace that change moving forward by bringing out a serious off road variant to compliment the present line.
Otherwise, Lance is going to continue giving me ideas about how to spend my money. First it was rock sliders, next it will be suspension upgrades, oh the horror...
I am glad to see the discussion of other vehicles as comparisons to the GX besides the 4Runner. I mean yeah I would rather have a Porsche 911 than a Mazda Miata. Both are fine cars but c'mon.
Personally, I find the 4th generation of the 4Runner to be an enigma. What is Toyota really thinking here. They lower the ground clearance, the front and rear approach angles aren't that great and of course that HUGE hood scoop that interferes with driving off road.
They market the off road prowess and history of the 4Runner and then offer a sport model with an on road handling system. Forget about getting an off road model with high ground clearance and better off road suspension.
With all the changes and additions to the SUV line I am concerned that Toyota has lost their way as to what the 4Runner is about. At least with the Tacoma they understood that they could have their cake and eat it too. Both a Sport and Off Road variant.
Adventuring is a huge trend. The 4Runner needs to embrace that change moving forward by bringing out a serious off road variant to compliment the present line.
Otherwise, Lance is going to continue giving me ideas about how to spend my money. First it was rock sliders, next it will be suspension upgrades, oh the horror...
Thai
Elite Member
Bill42 said:
Unfortunately, this is no longer the 4runner's job (or Tacoma's for that matter). Toyota is focusing all of it's off-roading heritage and experience into the upcoming FJ Cruiser. The FJ Cruiser will be the truck to battle the off-roading/"adventure" competitors (Jeep Rubicon Unlimited, Hummer H3, and to a lesser extent, Xterras).
boston_kevin
New member
when you compare the amount of money being spent for off-road vs on-road vehicles, there is no comparison for manufacturers. When you look at the SUV market, you get about 1% of the buyers that actually modify their trucks to go off-road, and most of them will only add beefier tires and maybe a skid plate. Probably 0.1% which actually add a lift kit, sliders, winch and look at doing some more difficult off-roading... Seems like a very narrow market to hit which such a big money market left to the competitors.
Personally, I think Toyota has a nice blend of off-road prowess and on-road refinement in the same vehicle. Jeeps lack the on-road refinement (Wrangler) or the off-road prowess (Grand Cherokee/Commanche) and the reliability. GM leaves the off-road stuff to the Yukon/Tahoe line, but even those are not meant for difficult rocky terrain. Ford - now honestly... would you ever take an explorer off-road?
When you look at the GX vs the 4Runner, you are really looking at different levels of refinement. Does that lever actually change the gears in the case or is it another switch (though much beefier looking) to electronically change the gears... I suppose if money was not an obstacle, I would probably still go for the 4Runner, and invest the $10k saved in stocks. I don't need to show off, and if my ass can't handle a couple of hours in the seat, I stop and walk around a bit...
Personally, I think Toyota has a nice blend of off-road prowess and on-road refinement in the same vehicle. Jeeps lack the on-road refinement (Wrangler) or the off-road prowess (Grand Cherokee/Commanche) and the reliability. GM leaves the off-road stuff to the Yukon/Tahoe line, but even those are not meant for difficult rocky terrain. Ford - now honestly... would you ever take an explorer off-road?
When you look at the GX vs the 4Runner, you are really looking at different levels of refinement. Does that lever actually change the gears in the case or is it another switch (though much beefier looking) to electronically change the gears... I suppose if money was not an obstacle, I would probably still go for the 4Runner, and invest the $10k saved in stocks. I don't need to show off, and if my ass can't handle a couple of hours in the seat, I stop and walk around a bit...
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boston_kevin said:
Kevin I think you nailed it. My wife drives "her" 4runner on unimproved roads everyday and it handles great with the xreas suspension. The xreas handles these roads better then our LC (better ride, firm but not rough). The LC is better on the rougher stuff at slow speed since it has better clearence, articulation and nothing hanging down to catch. The LC is more comfortable on the highway, rides like a luxury car and has more room and nicer seating. I think the new FJ40 will be a great vehicle that will do the best job far off road and is cheap enough that you would not mind taking it there. Saw one at the SEMA show in Vegas this year and it is sharp.
Boston_Runner
New member
I just price out a 4runner limited with the GX about 3 months ago, the GX was about 5000 dollars more. I think with all the extras you get in a GX, plus the longer warrenty, road side assistance and the Lexus dealer experience, it is well worth the extra $5000.
