4Runner vs Lexus GX 470
- Thread starter jongolds
- Start date
:audiqtr said:
It's the Ross-Tech USB interface, I don't have their website handy but I'm sure you can google them to find out details. It's a full blown scanner though not just USB. I really only ended up using it 3 times and it's less than a year old but with an Audi, that was plenty to pay for itself a few times over. Even if you don't want mine and prefer to buy direct from them I highly reccomend it. It's a great tool and was suprisingly easy to use even for a novice like me. The software periodically updates automatically. They have great phone support. It's a great product. I wish they did Lexus too. It's kind of off topic though so feel free to email me if you'd like more information. Oh, you'll also find them on Ebay but for the marginal savings I was more comfortable dealing direct with the company. I wanted to be sure I could get their tech support.
Anyway, back on topic. It's a done deal. We pick up a black GX Saturday morning so I guess I'll be around here for a while now. Thanks again to all of you for the help and advice.
TitaniumToy
New member
One thing I really dislike about the Lexus is the lack of a center console/armrest. The little pull down things the Lexus has are lame. I used to have a vehicle with those type of armrests and found them useless as they are too small and close to you. The 4Runners console has a large perfect armrest.
audiqtr said:Here is my non-professional view of the 2 cars visually:
Lexus is Girly
4Runner is Rugged & Tough
Spend some time in a GX and you'd think otherwise.
The GX is literally the rich cousin with everything. Just as tough but more luxurious, refined, and more capable.
Mark86
Super Moderator
I have both in the family (I drive a 4Runner limited and parents have a GX470). I drive the GX a lot and it is NOT worth the extra money. To start, the 4Runner handles much better because the GX is so top heavy. Just note that we do not have KDSS on the GX470. The GX tailgate opens like a barn door, which could be very hard if you parallel park a lot. In addition, you have the rear window that rolls down on the 4Runner. In my opinion, I think the 4Runner is a better truck to look at. As for the interior, you can't beat a Lexus. The wood, materials, and leather are better quality. As for features, the 4Runner offers almost everything that the GX does. It just doesn't look as fancy. In my opinion, the fancy interior and L symbol are not worth the extra money. Both trucks are identical under the hood as well (if you get a V8).
Uneek
Super Moderator
Mark86 said:
I went to the Taste of Lexus event this morning and saw the GX. That rear door reaffirms my decision to get the 4Runner over the GX. Even if parallel parked or backed up against something where I cannot open the hatch, the roll down window will still give me access to whatever I need to get at.
Additionally, the rear for most situations isn't swinging on the correct side. It would block access from side walk more than 95% of the time. I asked the Lexus rep about it at the same ToL event a couple years ago, she said the left side makes it handy for the driver to toss something back there and go... true, but 95% of the it's blocking the sidewalk.
But as Mark86 pointed out, the interior materials are top notch. The leather is much more supple and softer than my 4Runner's.
In real use, I've never had a problem with the door opening to the side. I guess if you live in a big city where all you have is street parking, there *may* be an issue...but in my use, I don't even think about it.
Truthfully, the fact that it's a side opening door makes it much easier for my aging parents to use. The T4R overhead door is much harder for the ladies to gracefully close the door and can be stiff at times.
I see the point as moot since there's minor pro/cons to either configuration.
And if you get the GX, KDSS really makes the car. You don't get that sometimes jarring side to side motion from driveways and side to side dips that a fully engaged sway bar will make. The ride is buttery smooth when you want it and aggressively stiff when you want it.
Truthfully, the fact that it's a side opening door makes it much easier for my aging parents to use. The T4R overhead door is much harder for the ladies to gracefully close the door and can be stiff at times.
I see the point as moot since there's minor pro/cons to either configuration.
And if you get the GX, KDSS really makes the car. You don't get that sometimes jarring side to side motion from driveways and side to side dips that a fully engaged sway bar will make. The ride is buttery smooth when you want it and aggressively stiff when you want it.
My wife preferred the side opening door too. She hates the overhead door on my Cherokee's tailgate for the same reason. It's too hard to shut. Of course, I put a slightly heavier shock on that door so that it would just pop up on it's own when I hit the latch. Also, she's never tailgated in the rain or moved anything that wouldnt' fit with the door closed. One thign that I do like about the side opening door is that it works in our garage. An overhead door would smack in to the garage door that was open above it.
Unfortunately, we don't have the KDSS. Still it's a much nicer ride than my Jeep and she's happy with it coming from her Audi so that's good enough for us.
Unfortunately, we don't have the KDSS. Still it's a much nicer ride than my Jeep and she's happy with it coming from her Audi so that's good enough for us.
