Help Me Decide - 2018 Lexus GX or 2018 4Runner Limited

[SCTrojans]

Hey Everyone-

I have two solid quotes in front of me for two solid rides. 2018 Lexus GX and 2018 Limited 4Runner. I love both trucks and the rides are damn comparable. Pricing aside, what would you lean to? Of course this is 4Runner forum but I want to get you thoughts.

I am leaning towards the GX but love the functionality of the 4Runner.

What are your thoughts?

TR

 

[DavidR1]

What do you plan to use the truck for? If mostly mall crawling, the GX, if you plan on getting in some camping and other off road adventures, I would lean towards the 4Runner.

If you don't plan to leave the road, I would seriously consider another SUV. There are some great trucks out there with similar room.

 

[wadle5]

GX has a v8 and higher towing capacity(if that matters to you)
GX has a 3rd row
GX has more tech

GX depreciates quicker

4Runner Limited model is a very well optioned/comfortable/capable vehicle. While not as many bells and whistles as the GX it has the ones that count. Also depending on your car plan or duration you would keep the vehicle the 4Runner would definitely hold its value more.

As others have said really comes down to what you plan on doing with it.

 

[bythehour]

I was happier in my 4RLtd than in my GX. The Lexus has status and comfort, but the 4R just felt more honest and real, if that makes sense.

 

[SCTrojans]

Thanks for the replies.

My next truck needs to be a little bit of everything. I have two dogs and to kids that I will haul and also use it to visit clients. The boys and I will head to the woods as well this year since they are older.

 

[rebel4ever]

Go with the 4R because of : 1. resale will be higher 2. can be used in a wider variety of applications (street-offload) 3. ride/comfort are very similar 4. fewer "tech gadgets" to break 5. very likely a better built vehicle.
I have a 17 4R and my daughter has a 16 Lex G. We both prefer the 4R after about 20,000 miles on each.

 

[SCTrojans]

I am leaning towards the 4Runner as well. So that is the next question, Limited or TRD Pro?

 

[Agent_Outside]

For what it’s worth I was just contemplating the same thing.



The GX sucks, these were some numbers that stuck out to me.

4Runner - 17.79 lbs per HP, 9.6" ground clearance, 33/26 approach/departure, 17/21 mpg unleaded, 1550lb max payload, 88.8 cu.ft max cargo capacity.

GX 460 - 17.05 lbs per HP, 8.1" ground clearance, 21/23 approach/departure, 15/20 mpg premium, 1470lb max payload, 81.7 cu.ft max cargo capacity.

 

[Alyosha]

Considering all the nicer features of the GX, myself gave it a serious look as well. I would stick with the 4runner because you have so much more options to do mods. If you plan to leave the truck stock and want a softer, plush ride, then the GX it is


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ghostrider]

Might also consider the cost to repair some of the fancier features on the GX. A lot of these features are an arm and leg when/if they go wrong. Granted the LTD has some of these also

 

[Cymon]

I am leaning towards the 4Runner as well. So that is the next question, Limited or TRD Pro?

Do you need/want the 3rd row seating? Do you want ventilated seats? Do you want full time 4wd? Do you want dual climate control?

Both are more than capable enough for your other needs. If you answered yes to these then go Limited. If no then go TRD Pro or save some cash and get the TRD off-Road Premium and mod it how you want with the extra $.

 

[philsey]

I too looked at the GX... I much preferred the liftgate and sliding window of the 4R.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

[MENTION=209536]SCTrojans[/MENTION] If you have a family, the GX may appeal more to them. If you are single or just have a better half, I think you'll like the balance of the 4R LTD. You'll get luxury with the DNA of a BOF that can work well both on and off the paved road.

 

[Thai]

Hey Everyone-

I have two solid quotes in front of me for two solid rides. 2018 Lexus GX and 2018 Limited 4Runner. I love both trucks and the rides are damn comparable. Pricing aside, what would you lean to? Of course this is 4Runner forum but I want to get you thoughts.

I am leaning towards the GX but love the functionality of the 4Runner.

What are your thoughts?

TR

If you could afford it, then get GX. You get full-time 4wd + KDSS = deadly combo! That alone makes it very capable on-road AND off-road. End of story. (Oh yeah, you also get better interior, quieter ride, better headlights, and longer warranty...and if you get the special package, you also get safety enhancements.)

 

[Gecko]

If you can swing the GX, go for it. They have more of the luxury and tech features that any vehicle 40k+ should have, and those things really are nice to have every day.

The 4.6L V8 is much more refined than the 4.0L V6 - smoother, quieter and about the same MPG.

Also, unless you're rock crawling, you'll have a hard time really getting that extra value that the 4R offers off road.

Keep in mind that the audience here is mostly folks who lift and modify their vehicles, so the few extra things like expanded aftermarket support and departure angles will be sensationalized here much more so than in the real world. If you're looking for something that will be comfortable, easy to live with, reliable, and can get you in and out of the woods for hunting or cabin trips, go with the GX.

 

[White Shad0w]

7:55 PM - "I am leaning towards the GX"

10:05 PM - "I am leaning towards the 4Runner as well. So that is the next question, Limited or TRD Pro?"

I'd suggest you truly evaluate them and not switch so quickly based on what a message board says.

 

[Thai]

For what it’s worth I was just contemplating the same thing.



The GX sucks, these were some numbers that stuck out to me.

4Runner - 17.79 lbs per HP, 9.6" ground clearance, 33/26 approach/departure, 17/21 mpg unleaded, 1550lb max payload, 88.8 cu.ft max cargo capacity.

GX 460 - 17.05 lbs per HP, 8.1" ground clearance, 21/23 approach/departure, 15/20 mpg premium, 1470lb max payload, 81.7 cu.ft max cargo capacity.

Just FYI...Toyota inflates their clearance numbers and measures ground clearance at “questionable” area to inflate that number. Lexus gives true value. This was true when i first started this forum...and true today. (I still remember my 2002 4runner with 11” of ground clearance...and i found out that they measured it at an area of the frame at its highest point!)

Think of it this way...Lbs per HP...great...but which one makes more torque below 2000 RPM if you care about off-roading?

KDSS vs. XREAS? On-road, probably same. Off-road, KDSS all the way.

 

[mybabydaddy]

GX - plush ride. But I felt it was really heavy and sluggish. Quieter and “smoother” tho at 80-85 mph down the highway. Hated the barn-door back hatch.

Limited.... comfy, easy to drive, still capable, good for family and doggies in the back (see window/tailgate). Few nice touches of luxury still there.

Current ride: Trail Premium w/ KDSS. Excellent on road manners, happy medium on steering feel between GX and Ltd. Softex (in mine anyhow) still looks brand new after plenty of kid and dog abuse. Amazing SUV that is very capable right out of the box.

Next up? Not sure... may go back to a Ltd. I live in TX... cooled seats go a LONG way here. Who knows.

Short version: kids and doggie, I think you’ll be more content in a T4R (any model). Just pick the one that has the options that fit your needs. And don’t expect it to drive/ride like GX at speed.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Agent_Outside]

Just FYI...Toyota inflates their clearance numbers and measures ground clearance at “questionable” area to inflate that number. Lexus gives true value. This was true when i first started this forum...and true today. (I still remember my 2002 4runner with 11” of ground clearance...and i found out that they measured it at an area of the frame at its highest point!)

Think of it this way...Lbs per HP...great...but which one makes more torque below 2000 RPM if you care about off-roading?

KDSS vs. XREAS? On-road, probably same. Off-road, KDSS all the way.

Realistically in 4 low a slight gain in low end torque isn’t going to make much of a difference. My concern was more power will driving up mountains at 10,000+ feet, especially when pulling a small utility trailer with my RZR. My point though is the GX has more downsides than upsides when compared to its cousin.

 

[Thai]

Realistically in 4 low a slight gain in low end torque isn’t going to make much of a difference. My concern was more power will driving up mountains at 10,000+ feet, especially when pulling a small utility trailer with my RZR. My point though is the GX has more downsides than upsides when compared to its cousin.

I am pretty sure GX V8 (and a damn good one at that) can pull its own weight + trailer easier than 4runner V6. V8 has power down low and everywhere that you need esp when towing vs. a V6. Remember TORQUE rules especially in what you wrote above.