finally test drove the GX460 after driving the......

[M1911]

Those seats are moronic. You'd think after a couple of generations Lexus would have engineered something that didn't consume cargo space. A bit like that silly old barn door that only just changed. Stubborn mules.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of the barn door either.

Also, the 2nd row seats don't fold down as low as they do on the 4th gen 4Runner -- the bottom seat cushion stays in place.

 

[dekeman]

It just pains me to see the same company not put the best solutions into what is essentially a sibling vehicle (not going to raise the V8 issue!) at what would be almost no cost.

 

[Thai]

Those seats are moronic. You'd think after a couple of generations Lexus would have engineered something that didn't consume cargo space. A bit like that silly old barn door that only just changed. Stubborn mules.

Well, a solid rear axle and body-on-frame are major obstacles for fold-flat 3rd row. (Same issue on LX and TLC)

If you want fold flat 3rd row, then may I interest you in a Toyota Highlander?

 

[M1911]

It just pains me to see the same company not put the best solutions into what is essentially a sibling vehicle (not going to raise the V8 issue!) at what would be almost no cost.

I'll bring it up. I liked the way the 2016 4Runner Limited drove, but every time I got on the gas, I just didn't like the sound of the engine. It was loud and coarse. I preferred the GX 460's V8 -- it felt like more power, less noise, and the noise it made was more refined. Yes, I know that 0-60 times between the two vehicles are quite close.

 

[dekeman]

Exactly. Hence why a million posts lamenting the lack of V8. That same engine in the 4R would be ideal. The simple sophistication and smoothness of it would elevate the 4R in a big way.

 

[M1911]

Well, a solid rear axle and body-on-frame are major obstacles for fold-flat 3rd row. (Same issue on LX and TLC)



If you want fold flat 3rd row, then may I interest you in a Toyota Highlander?

I don't want a fold flat 3rd row. I don't need or want the third row. Highlander is a fine crossover, but I go off-road.

 

[M1911]

Exactly. Hence why a million posts lamenting the lack of V8. That same engine in the 4R would be ideal. The simple sophistication and smoothness of it would elevate the 4R in a big way.

Yup, I probably would have bought one today if it had that drivetrain.

 

[dekeman]

Just got back from a 3.5-hour drive through the blazing autumn colour of the Lanark Highlands after not driving my 4R for months. Yes, it can be coarse under full throttle, but she sure did impress during some passing and when speeds were kept to 100-110 km/h. Even averaged 11.4 L/100 km. Having driven nothing but V8s for the past few months, I can still say the 4R's V6 is excellent. Really, the only thing it lacks is the smoothness, sound and general feel. I'd replace mine if the V8 was available, but I'm in no way unhappy with the 4.0.

 

[dekeman]

Well, a solid rear axle and body-on-frame are major obstacles for fold-flat 3rd row. (Same issue on LX and TLC)

GM had the same obstacles with Tahoe/Yukon, which now have fold flat third rows. Sure, it ain't an easy fix, but those seats have been hanging like a drying rack of ribs for far too long. Not that I endorse third row seats anyway; roof rack is the best place for kids!

 

[M1911]

GM had the same obstacles with Tahoe/Yukon, which now have fold flat third rows. Sure, it ain't an easy fix, but those seats have been hanging like a drying rack of ribs for far too long. Not that I endorse third row seats anyway; roof rack is the best place for kids!

The GX 460 and Tahoe/Yukon both have fold-flat 3rd row seats. They did it the same way as the GX 460 -- they raised the rear deck 5 inches.

GX 460:

Tahoe:

But that elevated deck significantly reduces cargo volume.

 

[philsey]

Just got back from a 3.5-hour drive through the blazing autumn colour of the Lanark Highlands after not driving my 4R for months. Yes, it can be coarse under full throttle, but she sure did impress during some passing and when speeds were kept to 100-110 km/h. Even averaged 11.4 L/100 km. Having driven nothing but V8s for the past few months, I can still say the 4R's V6 is excellent. Really, the only thing it lacks is the smoothness, sound and general feel. I'd replace mine if the V8 was available, but I'm in no way unhappy with the 4.0.

This. We took an early leaf drive yesterday on all rural roads. At 55 mph I got 25.1 mpg, but when I floored (literally) it to pass, I was at 85 pretty quickly. Me, I love the sound of this engine when you kick the crap out of it.

But would I buy a 6G if it had a V8, oh hell yes.

 

[stiles_s]

I put nearly 100k miles on a 2007 GX470 and ultimately traded it for my 4runner (through a new GTI, but that's a different story).

I do miss the v8, but I love the simplicity and utility of the 4runner. I didn't buy a 4runner when I bought my GX only because the headroom was limited, and the seats sucked (IMO). Toyota has done a good job on both accounts with the 5th gen.

Don't underestimate the long term headaches caused by the tech in the GX. Dual zone climate control, rear air suspension (PITA), fancy ignition key (PITA), adjustable suspension (PITA), power tilt column, etc, etc. More to break over the long haul, and it does break.

Would I pay extra for a v8 in the 4runner? Absolutely. In particular, I would just love a torquier engine. Why they put a high rev v6 that makes strong high-RPM HP in the 4runner is a bit of a mystery to me. it can *barely* accelerate on the freeway without kicking down, and that's a bit embarrassing and annoying. But, beyond that it's a great truck.

I hope it's as reliable as I think it'll be. Be careful re: the GX. The extra tech can cost you longer term.

 

[M1911]

I drove both of them again today. Oddly, I found the GX 460 seat to be uncomfortable. I loved the quiet cabin of the GX. But I'm still worried about the lack of room. I would need to replace the roof rails so I can use wider cross rails, which can be done but is an added expense.

I found myself not minding the 4Runners engine as much today.

Then I found a dealer had a 2015 Land Cruiser, used, and started considering that. I'm all over the place. Of course, the dealers were all doing the "what would it take to sell a car, TODAY!" schtick.

 

[jrandom]

...the dealers were all doing the "what would it take to sell a car, TODAY!" schtick.

Haha I know right, like that isn't just the most f'n annoying bit of BS! I'll tell you what I will give you fair market value based on criteria and that will get me in the car TODAY, sharters can't even deal with that.

 

[M1911]

It really didn't bother me. I figure they wouldn't be doing their job if they weren't trying to close the sale. I just politely told them I wasn't going to buy a car today. No big deal, just a little funny.

 

[jrandom]

sure understood, it is just so generic. ya know? at least experiences.

 

[Jetboy]

Third row solution is easy. Cheap too!

 

[Kennyr44]

It really didn't bother me. I figure they wouldn't be doing their job if they weren't trying to close the sale. I just politely told them I wasn't going to buy a car today. No big deal, just a little funny.

I told the salesman I wasn't buying today on my 14 but I did buy it. He was good and congrats to him. If he didn't talk me into it I could have ended up in a Subaru, hardly my wife wanted a Land Cruiser or Escalade.

 

[M1911]

Third row solution is easy. Cheap too!

Cute, but off topic. We don't have kids. I don't need a third row. And the GX third row takes up a lot of space. It can be removed, but then you have bare metal in the back.

 

[M1911]

I told the salesman I wasn't buying today on my 14 but I did buy it. He was good and congrats to him.

And that is exactly why they try to close the sale, and why I didn't get upset. They were just trying to do their job.