I've owned both and it is obvious...

[CVsGX470]

that the GX 470 is a far nicer ride than my 4Runner. With that being said, I still love 4Runners and understand that I am fortunate enough to not have to watch the amount of money that I spend on an automobile. The GX is just so smooth and the little things like the steering wheel going in and out when you put the key in the ignition is just so uplifting every morning. The engine noise is null and you can't even hear it unless you need to punch it on the highway. The seats are very comfortable and headroom and legroom are superb. I am so glad that I decided to spend the extra 9-10K for this ride. I think that I am in love.
CV

 

[xikar]

I agree, I love my GX! The 4runner is sweet and i just considered one for a second vehicle. I just cannot get used to the plain interiors they throw in them. I'll stick with Lexus...

 

[azskyrider]

This is good news. I plan to test drive the 06 4runner and the GX. I just want a really comfortable seat to ride 6+ hours with out feeling it after the long drive. With the new changes to the 06 runner I wonder if the comfort will be equal to the GX or is the GX that much more comfortable to warrant the extra $$.

 

[PolkManiac]

Of course the GX is nice if money isn't an option...

I can't think of many people who'd pick a 4Runner over a GX if money wasn't part of the decision. I know I'd take a GX over my 4Runner any day if I could afford it - except that I don't really like the look of the GX exterior that much, but that's just me.

Glad to hear you're liking the Lexus, but you're kind of stating the obvious - I don't think anyone would expect the 4Runner to compare with the GX in terms of ride quality and interior design.

I like Outback Steakhouse okay, but Ruth's Chris is alot better

 

[azskyrider]

The changes to the '06 runner has me thinking that there has been a big step up in the comfort department. I am mostly concerned about the seat comfort. I drive 6+ hours quite often in a year for many years and I guess I am getting old. I just want a really comfortable seat that will not wear me down after the long non stop trip.

The GX is in my price range but I am practical and simple by nature. All the extra LUXO stuff is nice but not a high priority on my list. But if the 06 4r comfort closes the gap enough then why pay the extra $$ (for me).

Sucks getting old

 

[Gromulus]

GX vs. 4Runner

The changes to the '06 runner has me thinking that there has been a big step up in the comfort department. I am mostly concerned about the seat comfort. I drive 6+ hours quite often in a year for many years and I guess I am getting old. I just want a really comfortable seat that will not wear me down after the long non stop trip.

The GX is in my price range but I am practical and simple by nature. All the extra LUXO stuff is nice but not a high priority on my list. But if the 06 4r comfort closes the gap enough then why pay the extra $$ (for me).

Sucks getting old

My feelings exactly. I paid cash for my Limited and could have done the same for a GX. I just couldn't justify the extra $. Law of diminishing returns IMHO. Then again, I actually use mine as an SUV. While I like (in general) the interior of the GX better, I really couldn't live with the side opening rear door (w/o an opening window!). I also like the Runner's center console, handling, and exterior styling better.

Meanwhile my extra $ was invested in Talisman energy stock and with the price of gas..........well, you know the story!

 

[ASUGold]

Hi! I bought a 2006 4Runner SR5 V8 4wd in February. I drive a lot. The seats are very comfortable on long drives. As expected, it is nice through snow/ice/slush/rain/clear weather and even gridlock traffic. On the road, it's nice 0 to 60, and more importantly - very nice with passing power. I decided not to go for the upgraded stereo because I liked the idea of the rear mirrors - nice touch for changing lanes, not that great for parallel parking. I don't like side opening rear hatches (like the GX). I prefer the older Blazer style of the window opening upward and the lower (metal) portion opening downward. With the 4Runner, the whole hatch opens up. The really nice benefit is to open the rear window and the moonroof together. The wind noise is low enough (it's less than having just the roof open) and you get a real good air flow (has changed my preference on the old rental Blazers). Between the two, the Lexus obviously has more status and the addition of more options - but does not include rear seat belt pretensioners (the 4Runner does). But as it's been said, both vehicles are a great value. It depends on your wants/needs of the necessity of options and status. Also, with the 2006 4Runner, the exterior is a bit more upscale looking. Good luck!

 

[Thai]

but does not include rear seat belt pretensioners (the 4Runner does).

What?! Nah...I am sure that Lexus has rear seatbelt pretensioners. Maybe it's not listed because it's so common?? It would be really weird for Lexus GX not to have this important safety feature.

 

[ASUGold]

It sounds really strange, but on Lexus and Toyota websites and in Consumer Reports Magazine, they say differently. Very strange...but a good added benefit...

Websites:

http://www.lexus.com/models/gx/safety.html (midway down the screen, under Three-Point Seatbelts)

http://www.toyota.com/4runner/models.html (under the "Safety" Tab, 5th item down)

 

[no1sportz]

The changes to the '06 runner has me thinking that there has been a big step up in the comfort department. I am mostly concerned about the seat comfort. I drive 6+ hours quite often in a year for many years and I guess I am getting old. I just want a really comfortable seat that will not wear me down after the long non stop trip.

The GX is in my price range but I am practical and simple by nature. All the extra LUXO stuff is nice but not a high priority on my list. But if the 06 4r comfort closes the gap enough then why pay the extra $$ (for me).

Sucks getting old

If seat comfort is your main concern then you should honestly steer clear of the 4Runner. The 4Runner has a high floor with a low roof line. The relationship of the seat to the floor makes for an uncomfortable ride for long drives. The changes on the 06 unfortunately did not bring anything that changed comfort.

I have had 2 Sport Editions and one Limited. The Limited was a 2006 and the seats were not any more comfortable than the Sport. I have not owned a GX but have driven them several times. Much better than the 4Runner. Much better. I did own a 2003 LX470 and that had hands down the MOST comfortable seats in any vehicle I have ever driven. You could drive for days and your butt wouldn't know the difference.

Bottom line...steer clear of the 4Runner if comfort is your priority. My brother in law just bought a 2006 (I recommended it) but he is selling after 1500 miles due to the seats.

 

[azskyrider]

play it again sam...

Well, I took my wife to the local dealer. It was my luck as the dealer had 2 new FJ cruiser, 06 limited 4runner, and GX470 all next to each other. This made it great as we were able to go back and forth multiple times testing them out.

The 4runner and GX470 had the same color interior. The leather material looked and felt the same. we could not see or feel any difference between the two no mater how many times we sat in them. Other than the extra head room and wood interior the 4runner was just as nice and quiet as the GX470. Big improvement in the 06 4runner model year but after sitting in the new ES350 the GX470 felt very outdated in both style and leather interior. I would like to see the ventilated and seat cushions as well as the panorama sun roog from the ES350 in the GX for 07.

looking at all three vehicles next to each other it looked like the FJ was much higher, wider and stout.

The power from the V6 didn't seem that bad but it was a little louder than the V8's of the 4runner and GX. I think what bothered me was the clunk that people have experienced. Both models had it. This made me think that maybe it has to deal with the V8. The prado and Fj cruiser manual has the same transfer case but with a V6. Maybe the extra power of the V8 is what is causing the extra driveline stress that is leading to the clunk experience.

The manual Fj was smooth but I thought the interior room was not big enough to change gears very comfortably but that is my body dimensions that have a problem with the steering wheel close and low to the dash for my legs to move. The auto Fj was nice and smooth but not as peppy as the manual. This had to do more with the final ratio of the Manual.

So it comes down to what you want.

Status would go to the GX but after seeing what I see in the other Lexus lines, the GX is being short changed in the luxury department.

Lux and best $: 4runner


For the off roader who wants to invest less money in aftermarket off road options by having it offered straight from the dealer is the Fj main attraction.

Rear locker, good departure and approach angles, better break over angles, good gas mileage,hitch (comes standard), higher clearance, combined with better articulation and the interior that an owner will not have to worry about getting dirty then the FJ is the way to go.

The FJ can also offer you more clearance without sacrificing as much droop.

The downside to the Fj is that it is not a good family car. The seats are not as comfortable, the rear seats only go up to mid back (for me), and the rear passengers have to look out the airplane window. The blind side is there but no big deal.

All those are easy to live with. This time around I noticed one inconvenience of the Fj. You have to open the main doors first before opening the rear doors. So imagine giving a ride to some one or dropping them off. You have to open the door and step out so you can move the seat forward and have enough room for the rear passenger to squeeze out. Makes picking up and dropping off people a little tiring, especially if it has to be done quick in traffic. I tested this out multiple times and the front seats do have to be moved forward. Seeing the pics with the doors opened gives and impression that there is a lot of open space for the rear passenger to exit from. Lifting the Fj would just make the rear exiting or entering passengers more work to move in and out.

The Fj is cheaper at MSRP but the kicker is when the dealer told me that these are selling like hot cakes and then the words came out. " You know we have to sell the the Fj at a 5K premium"!



All three are Toyota products so you can't go wrong. I would expect Lexus to start investing time and money to update the items that do not need a major reengineering overhaul for the money that they are asking.

 

[JB.]

Re: play it again sam...

..It was my luck as the dealer had 2 new FJ cruiser, 06 limited 4runner, and GX470 all next to each other. This made it great as we were able to go back and forth multiple times testing them out..

Good writeup. A few interesting tidbits I've seen nowhere else.

 

[azskyrider]

Re: Re: play it again sam...

Good writeup. A few interesting tidbits I've seen nowhere else.

Let me back up a little. It all started when we were invited to check out the ES 350. We got some free gifts for the test ride and our comments but I mentioned that we were torn between the TOYO or Lexus SUV. The dealer prompted us to go to their other owned toyota dealer as they had the GX over there loaned for the weekend as they had a Fj in exchange for the weekend. That sparked us to go over to the Toyota dealer. I guess with 100+ degree weather, the dealer needs any gimmicks to lure people to stop by and endure the sweat and heat. Especially since it is hotter when you sit inside a closed vehicle that was baked in the sun all day. Funny part, is that earlier I mentioned to my wife that if it wasn't so hot I would be tempted to check out vehicles.



The toyota dealer also had a spacer lifted 06 SR5 4x4 sporting 285/70's to also go along with the FJ advertisement. They called it the "off road package" and had a cost of $2250 apart from the rims and tires they put on. This brought the price up for the SR5 close to the limited. I guess they needed to do something to warant the extra $5K dealer demanded premium for the Fj cruiser. Of course they didn't advertise that on the sticker. I found out when the talk became serious. Of course the guy told me that the premium was negotiable. Gee thanks!

This was the first time I have seen a lifted 4th generation 4runner with 285's in person. I was very impressed with the trimming of the front bumper as it still looked stock and the amount of clearance it gave the vehicle. No need to go more. But when you see all of them side by side... the stock 4runner looked really low while the Fj looked the best compromise in lift and height in stock config. Plus you do not have to modify the Body mounts on the 4runner like you do with the Fj and Tacoma. I answered my own question on this even though I posted this question in another thread.

My wife was dead set to get the GX while I am leaning between the 4runner and Fj (I am a simple guy) but when she compared the interior of the GX to that of the limited and the fact that we just spent a lot of time in the '07 ES350 She quickly decided that the GX was not worth it. She wanted the luxury tid bits from the other Lexus vehicles.

I concur with this. I think Lexus needs to add what they have already from the other Lexus vehicles to the GX in order to set it apart from the 4runner. the other lexus vehicles both 06 and 07 interiors is like night and day compared to the GX and this is just comparing seats. For 100+ degree summers the ventilated seats is a winner in my book and it is not offered in the GX. The ES 350 seats is best described like a pillow top. Very soft and fluffy on top with the firm seats after you sink in a few inches. And this pillow top is at the bottom and back part of the seats.

Please do not take it like I am putting off the GX. I think it was a great LUX SUV a few years ago and it is just that Toyota decided to ignore the Lexus GX updating through the years while the rest of the lower priced line vehicles have been updated and just either caught up to it or surpassed it.

The main + for the GX is the KDSS but the majority of GX owners or potential owners could care less which is a shame.


EDIT: Thai- would this be much better if moved over to the thread labeled "4R vs. gx"?

 

[azskyrider]

Free memory stick

FYI- I wasn't sure to post a new thread or not.

My friend informed me today that Lexus had the new ES350 inside Scottsdale Fashion Mall over the weekend and they were letting people fill out a question and answer sheet while they sat in the Car. Afterwards they would give you a free memory stick. This is the same memory stick that I received during my test drive at the dealer and it says Lexus on it. The size is like 512MB. My friend is a die hard MB owner so he says he would not consider a lexus (if looks like a duck, quacks like duck then it is a duck. refering to the Toyota/Lexus).

I am not sure if they are still doing this still but if you are in the area it might be worth to stop by for a free memory stick. He said the vehicle was by the food court inside the mall.

 

[no1sportz]

I agree with part of the review above and disagree with some as well. Having owned 5 4Runners with 3 of them being the 4th generation I feel there is a big difference between the 4Runner and the GX in terms of comfort.

I recently bought a used 2005 GX and have sold both 2006 4Runners. One actually was a Limited with leather, etc. Overall quality of leather in the Toyota is not up to par with the Lexus. You should be able to tell the difference just by touch of the hide. Compare the Lexus side by side with say an e46 BMW M3 and you will immediately notice the M feels much better and much thicker than the Lexus.

The biggest difference between the 4Runner and the GX is the seats and the relationship of the seat to the floorline. Take both vehicles home before you make a final decision. Drive both for a day each with plenty of seat/ride time. You will notice that with a 4Runner your knees will typically sit higher above your hips than in the Lexus. This is due to the higher floor. The Lexus seat is higher off the floor letting your feet and legs fall lower to the floor thus creating less strain on your hip and back.

Another area the 4Runner seats fall short is adjustability and support for your thigh area. The driver seat doesn't adjust quite enough and the passenger side doesn't at all...neither does the GX passenger seat. It just so happens that they designed the front thigh area higher than the seat area.

I agree that when you first hop in both vehicles they both feel great. I still think the Lexus feels better right away. Drive both vehicles for a few hours and then you will notice a substantial difference.

Obviously the price difference between the 2 is large. Is the Lexus worth the difference? That depends on what value you place on what the Lexus has to offer. For some who place priorities in comfort it is worth every penny. Would my dad buy a Lexus? No way. He wouldn't see the value, even though Lexus markets to his age and not a 26 year old male like myself. However after owning roughly 20 cars in my short lifetime I have come to appreciate the extra mile that some of the luxury divisions go for the sake of comfort and quality.

As far as the "clunk" goes, the good news is Lexus will actually and truly FIX that now!! LOL...not just polish the splines up and send you on your way until it comes back. They have a REAL fix that addresses the issue. It is a timely fix and replaces many parts, i.e. driveshaft, rear control bars, etc. Hopefully Toyota will come around have a TSB for the 4Runner since it is the exact same issue and fix!!

 

[2003_4Runner]

_________________________________________________
The biggest difference between the 4Runner and the GX is the seats and the relationship of the seat to the floorline. Take both vehicles home before you make a final decision. Drive both for a day each with plenty of seat/ride time. You will notice that with a 4Runner your knees will typically sit higher above your hips than in the Lexus. This is due to the higher floor. The Lexus seat is higher off the floor letting your feet and legs fall lower to the floor thus creating less strain on your hip and back.
__________________________________________________


I agree with 100%. Take a long drive with both 4R and GX and you would find GX is much more comfortable and less stress than 4R.