Thank you. Yup, I forgot to mention that I already owned a 2012 Trail and sold it.
I think best bang for your buck would be either SR5-Premium or Trail-Premium rather than Limited.
There are going to be more aftermarket accessories for 4Runners than for the GX - roof rack, slider, grille, bumpers, etc...
Thank you. Also, I owned a 200 and know what you are talking about. Same feeling here, and if Toyota ever get us here a LC Diesel, that will be my last car ! ;-)
For me it boiled down really to the mileage difference. And easy of modifications. The 4runner LTD is pretty close to a GX with a v6. I wanted a locking rear diff and better mpg. I didn't like the weight of the GX and I also have an RX350 so I don't need another luxury SUV.
If a 200 series land cruiser had anywhere close to the mpg of either the GX or 4runner that would have been my first choice.
But they do. Like I said, an used GX with ~40K miles is the same price as a new LT 4Runner.
Even though both vehicles do not directly compete from a price perspective, I think many of us have cross-shopped both vehicles. The GX has the V8 which is nice especially if you tow a lot. It also has the standard third row seat and KDSS if you do a lot of off-roading which is a feature not available on the Limited. I personally would prefer a NEW 4Runner Limited when compared to a used GX with 40-60k on the odometer. Personally, I like the looks of the 4Runner better, I like the drive and features, and the resale value is fantastic. I wish the 4R had a V8 option but the V6 gets the job done.
It really comes down to what fits your needs best and what you like. I would recommend test driving both vehicles and deciding.
Indeed in the confirmation bias, but I knew many 4Runner's folks here have looked at the GX !
Thanks a lot !!!
I test drove a new GX last week to compare it to my 2015 Limited. I can't be completely objective because my perspective will be tainted with a little bit of confirmation bias (just like probably everyone on this 4Runner forum). But here's what I thought:
The leather is much softer and nicer in the GX.
The V8 is nice, but it didn't feel much sportier as I thought it would. I'm sure it still helps for towing.
The 4Runner looks a lot better from the outside, especially lifted. The GX has sort of bulbous looking lower panels that, to me, look less "cool."
The navi screen is bigger and has better resolution on the GX.
The heads up display near the speedometer is almost identical to the 4Runner.
At least the piston on the barn door locks so it stays open if it is windy?
It has some cool offroading knobs/buttons, you know, the ones that come on the trail edition of the 4Runner. But my 4Runner goes through very tough trails without them.
The GX has rear climate control instead of just a vent in the 4Runner.
When you're about to get out of the GX, the steering wheel and seat move to free up some more room if you wedge yourself in there.
A new 4Runner comes with some free service and a warranty. It's awesome. I ripped off the mesh on the seat-back because I put too many beers in there, and the dealer replaced it for free!
Personally, the interior on the GX didn't seem that much more luxurious.
I also had a goal of a vehicle with ventilated seats, and it was totally worth it!
No need/want the niche-Lexus group, just think they are fantastic vehicles. Had a LS400 and that was the best car ever, had to sell it but otherwise will still have it. I honestly do not care if it says Toyota or Lexus, it is the same for me. But the no price difference in my original post really got me to think about it. Thanks !
I was in the same predicament. For my money, the brand new 15 T4R won out easily. Unless you just have to have a Lexus, or the cost difference is no issue, then a vehicle with a new warrantee, no miles, and all of the features I wanted (without the barn door) was a no brainer for me.
I really looked hard, and really appreciate the GX, but the cost difference is too substantial for my budget.
Thanks !!!
There was an interesting thread just last week about putting the Lexus GX460 V8 engine in the Toyota 4Runner. Of course, that would be an expensive swap, but the idea is interesting. The T4R and GX460 have the same frame.
The 2015 GX460 has KDSS. Some of the 2010 to 2012 GX470 models did not.
There are lots of good comments regarding the differences between the two vehicles in this thread.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/202186-gx460-motor-our-5th-gen.html
Thank you. Have you tried the new Limited 4Runner? It got closer to a GX, that is what I am impress about, really close ! And you are right on the KDSS, all GX now have it and it is a gem !
I have a '10 Limited and a '14 GX. I would go base model GX in a heartbeat and modify to your liking. They share the same chassis so most of the suspension should be easy. The engine is a big upgrade in my book. I have taken both trucks through exact same inclines, etc...and the GX shines engine-wise. No downshifting, looking for gears.
Note that all GX come with KDSS now.
Excellent point on the thicker metal, specially the hood. I did not like that in the 2012 Trail I had, I honestly felt let down by Toyota. I know the 4Runners still have great quality, but they do not make them like the used to in the 3rd gen... I also had one of those !!! And manual !!!
The GX does these things which I have come to greatly appreciate with time:
Thicker metal including hood
LED's on all four corners
Hydrophobic windshield (this is actually a huge improvement)
KDSS in a more luxury package
Locking gas cap
6 speed with v8 and same mpg as 4r
Seat moves back and steering wheel moves forward when you turn off
Big LCD screen
50k bumper to bumper
Trailer light hookup doesn't require I crawl underneath the vehicle
Walk up to it at night and it greets you with courtesy lights and smart key access
Resale that seems to be better than anything I've owned.
Things that bother me:
Approach and departure angles with factory running board make off-roading limited while the 4r is now excellent in that department even in an sr4
While I got 1 year free maintenance, two would be even better
Thanks !!!
If something were to happen to my runner now, I would probably go GX for the V8. I would then build that up with an LT front end and convert the rear to springs. Custom bumpers, sliders, skids, flat rack and call it a day. Probably stick with a 285/70x17.
Then get one of those nifty wrap around awnings.
Oh the dreams.
I did not know that. Have not even tried new GX but will check the prices. Thanks a lot !!!
After my purchased of my 14' limited, I discovered that the 14' GX was about $5k lower then the 12-13' GX. you can find a based w/navi GX for $46-47K brand new. I might have swayed that way in favor of the V8 and amenities/features over the Limited. A used 12-13' GX w/ 30-40k miles was about the same as the 14'. I assume you should still be able to lift the GX and even remove the running board since they are on the same frame/body etc. heck, ill go on a stretch and say you could still put a bumper with some or little modification.
Mmmm... I would not think so. If we were talking a P-Cayenne maybe, but a GX being abused, well I think the group of people that offroad the GX's is pretty darn small to non-existent ! Thank you for your comment though !!!
I would buy new. Used may be abused.
