GX470 vs 5th Gen

[SouthernSS]

Hands down the GX. You can make it as mild or wild you want with all that luxury.

 

[blakjack23]

Curious why you didn't list the GX460? Price or looks? Seems the 2010-2012 can be had for under 30k now if you watch for them.

 

[amalik]

So I'm going to retire my 3rd Gen and pick up something that's a little more highway friendly. I was shopping for a 4th Gen with the V8, and realized the GX470 was much nicer and could be had for about the same money.

Now I'm seeing that some 5th Gens are down into my price range, and that has me intrigued. $30k is the absolute upper end for me, but I'd rather be under $25k. I can get a GX with under 100k miles for that price with no problem, but I'd like to have one with KDDS, and they're rare.

I'm not a huge fan of the looks of the GX, but they drive great. I won't be getting too crazy with the mods on either one of them, at least not for a couple of years. Either way I'll probably do a mild lift with some decent wheels and tires, and keep it comfortable because it's going to be doing a lot of highway duty.

What are your opinions on the three, and what options should I be looking for on a 5th gen? I had assumed they were out of my budget until today so I haven't done a lot of research yet.

hey Jeremy, I know you from the 3rd gen section.

Have you test drove a 5th gen? I heard they are slow as dogs. Might end up having the same highway experience as you are trying to avoid with the 3rd gen.

I'm not knocking the 5th, I'm saying make sure you test drive it. It's a very large vehicle compared to the 3rd gen and still rolls with a V6, albeit a more powerful one. IMHO though, the added weight shaves the performance of the faster V6 and you end up relatively the same.

 

[DKFTPNYC]

Regarding the rear air suspension, MetalTech has a rear coil conversion that my buddy used with success.

Lexus GX470 Rear Coil Conversion Kit Complete

Yes, that's what I mean. Thanks! =)

 

[GreenbowCounty]

功

Curious why you didn't list the GX460? Price or looks? Seems the 2010-2012 can be had for under 30k now if you watch for them.

This^^

I'm in the same boat as you (OP). Got a 3rd Gen and considering something new(ER). As much as I love the 3rd Gen it is starting to feel old and dated. I would also say look more at the pre-facelift GX460 and compare that to a 5th Gen. Even if you don't like the look of it you can buy bumper swap parts and update. My plan is to purchase and build one or a 5th Gen from spring. The 5th Gen definitely has the truck feel and look but I appreciate the power of a V8 and some of the features the GX has. Plus, no one builds a GX460. NO ONE!

Whichever route you go you've got plenty to work with on T4R. I've tried Club Lexus but that forum definitely has little to no offroad related items.

 

[jeremyc74]

Curious why you didn't list the GX460? Price or looks? Seems the 2010-2012 can be had for under 30k now if you watch for them.

I just haven't warmed up to the new grill at all, and it would be a stretch to keep it within budget.

hey Jeremy, I know you from the 3rd gen section.

Have you test drove a 5th gen? I heard they are slow as dogs. Might end up having the same highway experience as you are trying to avoid with the 3rd gen.

I'm not knocking the 5th, I'm saying make sure you test drive it. It's a very large vehicle compared to the 3rd gen and still rolls with a V6, albeit a more powerful one. IMHO though, the added weight shaves the performance of the faster V6 and you end up relatively the same.

I haven't test driven one yet, but I will for sure. I was originally looking for something in the $15-20k range, and wasn't even considering them.

This^^

I'm in the same boat as you (OP). Got a 3rd Gen and considering something new(ER). As much as I love the 3rd Gen it is starting to feel old and dated. I would also say look more at the pre-facelift GX460 and compare that to a 5th Gen. Even if you don't like the look of it you can buy bumper swap parts and update. My plan is to purchase and build one or a 5th Gen from spring. The 5th Gen definitely has the truck feel and look but I appreciate the power of a V8 and some of the features the GX has. Plus, no one builds a GX460. NO ONE!

Whichever route you go you've got plenty to work with on T4R. I've tried Club Lexus but that forum definitely has little to no offroad related items.

I'll give the 460 a look if I see one in my price range.

My plan is to replace the truck, then replace the car in the spring, so I want something I can pay off quickly.


Thanks for the thoughts everyone. Sounds like I'm not going wrong either way.

 

[JSparky]

One more thing. I'm not sure what years or models have it, but I've heard the built in climate control navigation touch screen thing can be kind of a pain to work around, depending what you're doing. If you can find one with stand alone climate control you may be happier.

 

[T5RUNNER]

Have you test drove a 5th gen? I heard they are slow as dogs. Might end up having the same highway experience as you are trying to avoid with the 3rd gen.

I'm not knocking the 5th, I'm saying make sure you test drive it. It's a very large vehicle compared to the 3rd gen and still rolls with a V6, albeit a more powerful one. IMHO though, the added weight shaves the performance of the faster V6 and you end up relatively the same.

I don't love the way my 5th gen drives, but to claim that it is anywhere near as slow as my 3rd gen is rediculous. It is 20% heavier but makes 50% more power and has an extra gear. Since you have no actual experience, why not check acceleration times instead of just throwing this out there?

 

[07V8]

Get the one with a V8.

After driving a stock 5th gen, they're slow and severely lack low end torque. Sure you can wind it out but that gets old and is unnecessary wear. The V8 just moved, loaded or unloaded.

 

[Peyto]

Being able to unlock is a must have if you need 4WD on high traction surfaces or in the snow.

A nice feature? Sure. A must? Absolutely not.

 

[Bumbo]

A nice feature? Sure. A must? Absolutely not.

Ok fine... maybe not an absolute must, but I love having it.

For me, UNLOCKED 4WD gets a lot of use. If you cant unlock the t-case, then your 4x4 feels more off-road only. I hate putting on tire chains, and being locked in snow feels like you have less control around turns.

I use it in the rain when on mountain roads... it adds driver confidence. I use it when I tow as well when on wet road.

I got so used to having it on my 4th Gen V6 SR5 that it was a disappointment to hear that only the Limited has it.

I also off road a great deal, but generally spend a lot of time on the road too doing other things. I like having versatility.

 

[Bumbo]

You the expert on KDSS? If it's not for you that's fine but don't somehow insinuate that 'real suspensions' are non-KDSS suspensions. A rear suspension is a suspension that does whatever the owner needs, and does it well.

And no they do not. I drove a Trail without KDSS. Sloppy and body roll. I don't consider sloppy and body roll as 'driving pretty nice'.

Not the expert, but it was anything like XREAS its going to end up on the floor of my garage next to a box that says ICON Stage 7 on it...

All the 4Runenrs I have been in that have had KDSS delete felt better to me...but I dont drive my runners like a race cars either. I have other stuff for that.

I generally never keep the stock suspension on pretty much anything I own so perhaps I am only looking at the fact I know its going to come out sooner or later. If the OP wants it, the OP should get it.

 

[DgoDog]

One more thing. I'm not sure what years or models have it, but I've heard the built in climate control navigation touch screen thing can be kind of a pain to work around, depending what you're doing. If you can find one with stand alone climate control you may be happier.

^^ Word. A search on ih8mud will surface much of the pain and anguish of these combo systems on the 100 series.

 

[STX4Runner]

I use it in the rain when on mountain roads... it adds driver confidence. I use it when I tow as well when on wet road.

4x4 does noting for you in the rain except lessen the likelihood of breaking a tire free on acceleration from a stop. The confidence is all placebo.

 

[Bumbo]

4x4 does noting for you in the rain except lessen the likelihood of breaking a tire free on acceleration from a stop. The confidence is all placebo.

I dont know... perhaps you are right. It absolutely does help during acceleration.

I only know what I know from my own experiences. I drove on road with ground frost, towing a trailer. Around turns it felt a lot better in 4 than it did 2. It was a lot more predicable and easier to control the car when I felt a little slipping.

Even with open diff in the front and rear, in 4WD, I could tell the difference. If I am playing around in the rain, you can feel a bit before traction control kicks in.

I love running locked, but it can get a bit "chirpy" or sticky at times in parking lots so I just found from my own use that unlocked center was a nice happy medium?

I looked for an example, but this is the best I could find...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBmw6Wpfe6M

 

[jeremyc74]

One more thing. I'm not sure what years or models have it, but I've heard the built in climate control navigation touch screen thing can be kind of a pain to work around, depending what you're doing. If you can find one with stand alone climate control you may be happier.

I've seen some mention of the climate control being a PITA. I'm probably going to limit my search to '07 and up, so at least I get the latest version they sold, which had an aux input. One I test drove recently had an iPod kit installed (and an integrated, completely hidden RADAR detector) but I'm not sure how well the integration works.

As long as the aux jack is there I'm ok with the factory system. I'll throw a sub in the back to fill out the low end and let it ride. :guitar3:

 

[Bossman]

Coming from a Lexus (albeit their LS400 flagship sedan with a V8 and RWD) into a 4th Gen 4Runner Limited V8 met my needs for more cargo space and better all-season (winter!) driving capability.

I did consider the GX470 at that time, but a few things made me decide on a 4th Gen 4Runner. The (optional) third row seats of the GX fold up and to the sides - eating up valuable cargo space unless they are removed. The side-hinged rear door (hinged on the passenger side) of the GX was also a turn-off. Finally, the GX requires premium fuel for its V8 (like my LS400 did).

I am now in a 5th Gen Limited and find the highway ride quite comfortable. Yes, the low end torque of my 03 V8 is missed, but if you step on the gas (I mean really step on it!) of the 5th Gen, it will giddy-up. Fold flat third row seats (good cargo space), fold down tailgate (ease of access), full-time 4WD (winter traction), and regular fuel happily kept me in a 4Runner.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

If something were to happen to my 4runner and needed it to be replaced I would probably build up a 2010-2013 GX. Long travel, bumpers, skids, sliders...all with luxury and a V8.

 

[jeremyc74]

Coming from a Lexus (albeit their LS400 flagship sedan with a V8 and RWD) into a 4th Gen 4Runner Limited V8 met my needs for more cargo space and better all-season (winter!) driving capability.

I did consider the GX470 at that time, but a few things made me decide on a 4th Gen 4Runner. The (optional) third row seats of the GX fold up and to the sides - eating up valuable cargo space unless they are removed. The side-hinged rear door (hinged on the passenger side) of the GX was also a turn-off. Finally, the GX requires premium fuel for its V8 (like my LS400 did).

I am now in a 5th Gen Limited and find the highway ride quite comfortable. Yes, the low end torque of my 03 V8 is missed, but if you step on the gas (I mean really step on it!) of the 5th Gen, it will giddy-up. Fold flat third row seats (good cargo space), fold down tailgate (ease of access), full-time 4WD (winter traction), and regular fuel happily kept me in a 4Runner.

All points noted, but just a couple of things. The premium fuel is just a recommendation. That's the same engine that's in the 4Runner, so they'll both run the same on regular, and the GX is full time 4wd.

The 3rd row seating and rear door are definitely concerns for me.

 

[philsey]

The 3rd row seating and rear door are definitely concerns for me.

I've been to look at the GX twice, and I just cannot get past this door (nor the fixed rear glass).