Offroad capabilities? GX vs. 4R

[GRunner]

um... if I am reading all the GX and a V8 4R debates correctly and that their underpinnings are indeed the same (despite some available options), then can you say that they:

1/ same rig with different trim?
2/ same offroad proudness and capabilities?
3/ can share most parts?
4/ have same chassis?
5/ can both be called a Land Cruiser?
6/ can both be called a 4Runner/Surf?

 

[Thai]

I am not sure how to exactly answer your question with one answer.

4runner and GX share the same chassis, powertrain, and basic suspension (IFS, axle, control arms).

GX470 obviously has a different body. GX has more headroom and more sound insulation. 4runner has a better cargo door.

GX470 has a more luxurious interior (memory seats, Mark Levinson sound system, wood, etc.).

GX470 has electronic shocks to control ride motion. 4runner has regular gas shocks.

GX470 can be optioned with KDSS which improves handling AND off-road ability. 4runner can be optioned with XREAS which improves handling, but does not have much effects off-road.

Both use the same 4wd system (V8 4runner vs. GX). GX has a lever for the transfer case. 4runner uses a electronic dial.

As far as off-road ability, they are both similar. If you get the KDSS option on the GX, then you have a little bit of advantage due to increase suspension travel. Otherwise, they should perform similarly.

Hope this helps.

 

[GRunner]

Great!

Yea! Got my first reply...

Thanks for your reply, Thai. The comparison for the headroom and the "cabin" make sense as that's the selling point between the Lexus and 4Runner, and also the design aim for the Land Cruiser line of "luxury" off-roader. But where I am going with this thread, or trying to devire a conclusion is to see if these two vehicles are "fundamentally" the same. Or may I comfortably say that most of the upgrade parts (chassis I mean) designed for the GX would fit for the 4Runner?

Say if I find a set of shocks from Opposite Lock that was designed for the Prado then I can be almost sure that it would fit my Runner? Or if a locker is out for the Prado then I can get it to fit my Runner too? The reason is because there are lots of aftermarket companies making parts for the Prado (GX) line in Australia, so instead of waiting for ARB to come up with something "specaifically" designed for the 4th gen (and charge an arm and a leg for it) we can go ahead and purchase parts made for his bigger brother and would be ok.

Hope you understand my poor English.

Thanks!

 

[Thai]

Doesn't ARB have a locker for 4runner yet??

Under my best knowledge, the rear axle of the GX is the same as 4runner. You may want to stop by Lexus and Toyota and ask for parts number...maybe they match and this will answer your question. You can always call ARB up...i assume that you did this already.

Good luck.

 

[Good Times]

Since the drivetrain and the motor (motor only applies to USA) are the same you can swap them out.

This includes:
the basic suspension (non of the KDSS/XREAS/AIR Suspension stuff)
rear axle
front axles
driveshaft (front and rear)
motor (v8 only)
transmission (5 A/T)

that pretty much sums it up.

Things that will fit from ARB:
Prado suspension available here already - search as part numbers are floating
Rear locker - RD23
Pending Front Locker - RD111 and RD121

Things that won't fit (most likely):
Any body armor such as bumpers.

Both GX and 4r are the same basically just the trim is different. One looks luxy the other more rugged but both perform exactly the same if it has the same suspension setup (i.e. none of the xreas/kdss/rear air stuff).

Hope that makes sense

Good luck!

 

[Koz]

From what I have read and experienced the GX (has a higher center of gravity) needs the KDSS system to stop the body from leaning on pavement. When I test drove the GX (non-KDSS) I noticed it didn't handle as well as the 4Runner, on the road. Several new owners were disappointed with the ride/handling without the KDSS. The GX also weights more then the 4Runner. Honestly I felt the 4Runner had an overall better ride. The GX was quieter and had a nicer interior with more head room. I didn't feel the GX was worth the extra money.

Koz

 

[Gromulus]

GX Impressions

Same impressions here Koz. I compared the 4Runner Limited to the GX (non-KDSS equipped) when I was shopping, having driven both several times - even on the same day. (My area Lexu sdealer never seemed to have any KDSS equipped models on his lot.)

Same feelings here. The GX was a bit quieter, has more headroom and a more open feeling, as well as a more luxurious interor with softer, more supple leather. Perhaps because of the higher height, absence of X-REAS, additional weight or a combination of all - I also felt the X-REAS equipped Runner was faster, held onto curves better, and was easier to "toss around".

I personally like the exterior styling of the Runner better as welll as the center console. I would miss the rear power window and could never get used to the "Japanese side opening" rear door.

Don't tell the guys on the Lexus forum. Most don't know or would not even admit to the common lineage of the Runner and GX!

 

[Thai]

Did you guys turn the Adaptive suspension dial to "Sport" when you testdrove it?? Putting it in Sport mode may help with the sporty ride.

 

[Gromulus]

Sport Setting

Did you guys turn the Adaptive suspension dial to "Sport" when you testdrove it?? Putting it in Sport mode may help with the sporty ride.

Hi Thai,

Yes, the "Sport" mode did help somewhat but I still thought the X-REAS Runner had the advantage.

 

[TexGX]

I would say that KDSS makes the GX. As most of you I test drove both the 4R and GX(Kdss and Non). The KDSS GX preformed much better than the 4R. As Thai said. KDSS helps on the road by decreasing body roll and off road by increaseing wheel flex. When I have the ride set on sport, the GX eats up the corners. Now interior wise, no contest. The real wood. creamy leather. quite cabin and more head room.

The rear door on the GX is growing on me. I just got a ford Explore for my company car, and it has the lift door. I will have to say that it is more comfortable to open the GX door. The only problem I have is I wish that the rear window slide down like the 4R.

Now if you are really going to take the truck off-road, then I would say buy the 4R. With a few thousand dollars you can lift, get the OMU kit, bigger tires, and sliders. There is not much after market stuff for the GX. I do take my GX off-road, but it sucks to get a scratch on her. I think it would hurt a little less in the 4R. They are both great trucks, it just depends on how you want to use it, and IF YOU WIFE LIKES THE INTRIOR OF THE GX BETTER.

TexGX

 

[Mark86]

Did you guys turn the Adaptive suspension dial to "Sport" when you testdrove it?? Putting it in Sport mode may help with the sporty ride.

I test drove the GX470 twice. I was playing with all the modes on the Adaptive suspension dial and it felt very top heavy around the corners. Of course, my dealer never had a KDSS one on the lot either. The main breaker for myself and my parents was that side opening lift gate. We couldn't see that working when parallel parking on the streets of New York. As for off-roading, I am sure they both have basically the same capabilities. They both have a center locking differential, same hp, same torque, and the same basic mechanics. You will just be in a bit more of a luxurious environment when offroading in the GX470!

 

[Thai]

parallel parking

What's this?? Damn, i haven't parrallel park in years! I will probably end up on the sidewalk or in the middle of the street if i tried.

 

[Thai]

The rear door on the GX is growing on me. I just got a ford Explore for my company car, and it has the lift door. I will have to say that it is more comfortable to open the GX door. The only problem I have is I wish that the rear window slide down like the 4R.

My G500's rear door opens like GX...except it opens on the opposite side. I must say that it may not be as space efficient, but it is easier to close for gals. Like TEXGX, i would have liked a roll down window in the cargo door.

 

[TeCKis300]

KDSS will never be able to compensate for the biggest variable which is weight in cornering. No amount of technology can offset the inherant disadvantage of additional weight. That said...I would still rather have the GX if I could justify the cost.