GX & t4R(Gen V) AC in the Desert

[bap]

Here's my question. I've got a LC100 and am looking to go to something a bit smaller, that will still tow a fair load -- nothing terribly exotic. T4R and GX470/460 are at the top of my list. The AC on my 2004 LC100 is amazing in the summer here in Phoenix. The system is sized well and has vents in the ceiling, which I think adds to the distribution of cold air.

The Gen 5 T4R appears to be a great vehicle, but AC is different in how it vents. Has anyone noticed how well (or poorly) the AC performs in the harsh summer heat we have in Phoenix, Yuma, or any other intense desert location? Same question on the GX?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[the great him]

the GX 470 has roof venting for AC as well. i do not believe the 4runners have that, at least not the 4th gens, i dont know about the 5th gens though. anyhow the GX also has separate rear control for the AC as well. i probably can not relate to phoenix or yuma summers but i can tell it does better than my old 3rd gen, and that was more than enough for 100* days that we get in portland and the high desert of oregon and washington.

 

[470SNC]

Love the AC in the GX, it has ceiling vents for second and third row with separate climate controls, blows cold, almost too cold sometimes

 

[TFJ-4runner]

I had two fourth gens before my GX and I will side with the GX each time. I even spoke to the Adventure Driven crew who are in remote locations regularly and "it freezes the rear passengers knees" is their report! The GX/Prado body has a lot more head room than the 4runner and since heat rises it helps but takes sightly longer to get cool 0.02

 

[acas1229]

My GX cools fairly quickly. Plus, as mentioned the roof vents are a plus. They definitely help to get the GX cooler faster. Also, my GX has heated and cooled seats. My 4th gen had a rear passenger vent, but wasn't nearly as powerful as the ones in my GX. My parents have a 2014 5th Gen T4R Limited, and are envious of my 2010 GX. Most of the luxury items are the same. My dads only compliant is the 5th Gens lack of power. He also has a 4th Gen and prefers to drive it more for that reason. At the end of the day, the GX's V8 and 6-Speed Trans are what sold me. Luxury is subjective and up to your personal requirements. I actually preferred the T4R's interior myself, but I had to have a V8.

 

[BlackCat914]

the GX 470 has roof venting for AC as well. i do not believe the 4runners have that, at least not the 4th gens, i dont know about the 5th gens though. anyhow the GX also has separate rear control for the AC as well. i probably can not relate to phoenix or yuma summers but i can tell it does better than my old 3rd gen, and that was more than enough for 100* days that we get in portland and the high desert of oregon and washington.

See, mine is the opposite. I thought my 3rd gen 4runner had much better A/C than my GX does. Don't get me wrong, my GX has cold air, but my t4r would freeze me right out of it. Granted, I had limo tint on all the windows and didn't go that dark on my GX.

 

[acas1229]

Window Tint definitely makes a difference. My GX460 is plenty cool for me (in Texas heat), but I feel the best decision I ever made was having my windows tinted. Just the two front windows and windshield were enough for me. And my GF doesn't complain anymore about being blasted by the A/C.

 

[GX4SEVEND]

See, mine is the opposite. I thought my 3rd gen 4runner had much better A/C than my GX does. Don't get me wrong, my GX has cold air, but my t4r would freeze me right out of it. Granted, I had limo tint on all the windows and didn't go that dark on my GX.

I was just thinking about this today......then I remembered the 3rd gens have that vent right below the wheel that freezes your balls. That's why you thought it had better ac haha :lol:

 

[BlackCat914]

I was just thinking about this today......then I remembered the 3rd gens have that vent right below the wheel that freezes your balls. That's why you thought it had better ac haha :lol:

The ball cooler was the BEST.