Newbie Here with a few questions...

[DeathtoToasters]

Hi All!!

I am a current owner of a Acura TL 2005, which I love but because of a 4th kid coming am in need of a second truck to haul everyone around!

We have a GMC Yukon Denali XL for the wife.

I have been looking for a SUV that can handle 6 seats at least, but can also off-road nicely.

My location is southern california, in the desert area. So I am in need of a SUV that can handle the sand very well.

I was looking into the Acura MDX, because I love acura...but am finding it not the best suv for any type of off road use.

So once again I come back to the 4Runner which seems to be the first choice of most people out there for off road SUV...then I find this category.

My question is simple...is the GX470 as capable as the 4Runner Limited in the off road category?

I like the inside of the Lexus better then the 4Runner, so it would be a great choice...if it can handle it's own.

I expect mostly sand driving, but I am sure the mountains will be driven on also.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[Thai]

GX is just as good, if not a bit better if you get the Sport/KDSS package. KDSS significantly increases suspension travel, thus improving traction. I would HIGHLY recommend this option if you do plan on off-roading. In addition, with KDSS, on-road handling is better. So, you can have your cake and eat it too!

GX has electronic shocks, which should provide a comfy ride on- and off-road.

Otherwise, the 4runner and GX are identical mechanically.

If you have extra $$, then i would also consider the upcoming 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser...it will run around $60-65K. See: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30761

Another good GX forum that you may want to visit is: http://clublexus.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=115

Hope this helps.

 

[GatorGreg]

For sand driving be sure you remember to lock the center diff on either your GX or T4R, this will disable the VSC system and thereby kill the computer that cuts your throttle and would leave you stranded in the sand. ATRAC will still function however to apply brakes to each slipping wheel but with the VSC disabled you'll be able to use heavy throttle to overcome it.

On '08 T4R's there is a new seperate VSC kill switch, not sure whether they added this same switch to the GX.

 

[DeathtoToasters]

Just spoke to my local dealer and they are getting me a quote for the GX 470 with the Sport/KDSS package.

I'm excited....to finally be able to go into the desert and have some fun with the kids....not the wife, she will yell at me too much

I can say that I am a VERY large car lover....but it will be fun to have something different for a change....and to get 'off' the road every once in a while.

Thanks for the advice! I will keep you informed.

 

[Mark86]

My daily driver is a 2005 Limited and my parents have a 2007 GX470 that I drive often. Basically, I have not taken any of the trucks on an offroading course yet but I could give you my opinion on everything else. The interior of the GX is nicer than the 4Runner. The materials are softer, fancy wood trim, and it seems to look more luxurious. As for features, the only things a 4Runner lacks are opitron gauges, adjustable suspension (comfort ride or sporty ride), and Lexus link. On the other hand, you can't get the soft touch closing liftgate, LED taillights, and power rear window on a GX470. Everything else is EXACTLY the same on both trucks. It only looks better in the GX470. As for ride quality, the GX handles more like a luxury car. It is much smoother on bumps and the ride is Lexus quiet. Since our GX doesn't have the KDSS, I really can't give a fair comparison on handling. Under the hood, they both have the same V8 and 5-speed transmission. My advice to you is test drive both for a period of time. I don't think the GX470 is worth the extra money. Compared to the non-KDSS GX470, I prefer the ride on my 4Runner because I want to feel the road a bit and the steering is better.

There is also a 2007 MDX in our family too. If you want, I can help you there too! I don't drive the Acura as often as the 4Runner and GX though.

 

[Gromulus]

Ditto

My daily driver is a 2005 Limited and my parents have a 2007 GX470 that I drive often. Basically, I have not taken any of the trucks on an offroading course yet but I could give you my opinion on everything else. The interior of the GX is nicer than the 4Runner. The materials are softer, fancy wood trim, and it seems to look more luxurious. As for features, the only things a 4Runner lacks are opitron gauges, adjustable suspension (comfort ride or sporty ride), and Lexus link. On the other hand, you can't get the soft touch closing liftgate, LED taillights, and power rear window on a GX470. Everything else is EXACTLY the same on both trucks. It only looks better in the GX470. As for ride quality, the GX handles more like a luxury car. It is much smoother on bumps and the ride is Lexus quiet. Since our GX doesn't have the KDSS, I really can't give a fair comparison on handling. Under the hood, they both have the same V8 and 5-speed transmission. My advice to you is test drive both for a period of time. I don't think the GX470 is worth the extra money. Compared to the non-KDSS GX470, I prefer the ride on my 4Runner because I want to feel the road a bit and the steering is better.

There is also a 2007 MDX in our family too. If you want, I can help you there too! I don't drive the Acura as often as the 4Runner and GX though.

I compared the Limited 4Runner and GX extensively myself back in 2004. I concur with Mark86.

The GX has a much nicer interior with a more open feeling - due to its higher height. The rear seats are also configured better for comfort with more foot/toe room.

I aso think the 4Runner with X-REAS handles better than a non-KDSS GX. Maybe not as quiet and soft, but it seemed to handle curves better with a less "tippy' feeling.

I like the more masculine exterior of the 4Runner better as well as the fold down rear seats which we utilize a great deal for sleeping while camping. I also like the hatch tailgate with sliding rear window much better than the GX's "barn-door" I would think this side opening door would get in the way when hitched up to a trailer.

Drive both and decide. Although if you really need seating for six or more and don't ge off paved roads much, then the MDX is a very nice alternative. I never thought I would recommend a GM vehicle, but the new lambda series crossovers (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook) are great crossover alternatives with lots of interior room. A crossover with IRS will lave a more useable and comfortable third row seat than a tuck based SUV with live rear axle.

 

[Mark86]

Re: Ditto

I compared the Limiterd4Runner and GX extensively myself back in 2004. I concur with Mark86.

The GX has a much nicer interior with a more open feeling - due to its higher height. The rear seats are also configured better for comfort wot more foot/toe room.

I aso think the 4Runner with X-REAS handles better than a non-KDSS GX. Maybe not as quiet and soft, but it seemd to handle curves better with a less "tippy' feeling.

I like the more masculine exterior of the 4Runner better as well as the fold down rear seats which we utilize a great deal for sleeping while camping. I also like the hatch tailgate with sliding rear window much better than the GX's "barn-door" I would think this side opening door would get in the way when hitched up to a trailer.

Drive both and decide. Although if you really need seating for six or more and don't ge off paved roads much, then the MDX is a very nice alternative. I never thought I would recommend a GM vehicle, but the new lambda series crossovers (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook) are great crossover alternatives with lots of interior room. A crossover with IRS will lave a more useable and comfortable third row seat than a tuck based SUV with live rear axle.

Forgot about the exterior comparison! I agree with everything you say. I would take the 4Runner looks and tailgate any day over the GX.

 

[GatorGreg]

I wish they'd just create something with all the best features of both, but, as the Rolling Stones used to say "You can't always get what you want" I'd like a 4Runner with the GX's 14 speaker ML audio system, optitron gauges, and one touch windows, and while I'm at it, the FJ's rear locker. Alternativly, I'd like a GX with the 4Runner's tailgate/sliding rear window, LED tails, and 18" Ltd rims (well, I've succeeded on the rims at least )