I thought I'd write a quick review and comparison between my 2022 Limited and a 2023 GX460 Black Edition I just test drove.
I am a previous GX470 owner, putting 120K miles on an '07 Sport (yes, KDSS
). Loved that truck. At the time it felt like a clear upgrade from the v8 4R I tested.
My primary issue w/our 4Runner Limited is that the 4.0 v6 is a little weak on torque and sounds like a bucket of bolts. I love v8s. The new Black edition of the GX460 is appealing because it's fairly basic while having some benefits like real roof rails.
My impressions in no particular order:
- Everything is cushy. The whole thing feels like a layer of butter. Softer seats. Softer steering. Softer ride. Quiet. Hushed.
- Steering is kind of heavy at low speeds, but light and without any feel at higher speeds. Steering feel on 4r much better.
- Rear view camera is way better than the 4r
- Interior materials feel a step up. Everything. Dash, door panels, turn signal stalks, gauges, etc. All just a step up in quality.
- Front seats fit me about as well. My old GX was made for shorter folks and the seat cushions were too short. Front seat OK in the GX460
- Rear seat is less comfortable. Higher floor. Less comfortable seat. I think this is a byproduct of the compromise for 3rd row and the 2nd needing to fold for access
- Rear seat fold-down is janky as heck compared to 4r due to 3rd row
- Load height of rear is really high and the overall cargo area is lower than the 4r due to the mandatory 3rd row in the floor
- Engine is super muted. Can barely hear it.
- Engine/tranny is tuned for "lazy progress". It is torquier but doesn't want to shift down so it really encourages you to chill and "waft"
- Like a bit old shot of novicaine
- Even the Black edition is ugly
- Only the Luxury version (top) gets leather. The Black edition is trim on the base and is vinyl. SUPER nice vinyl.
- Handles worse; less fun to drive overall. You can feel the extra 600lbs of weight. My 4r felt instantly more "responsive and alert" pulling out of the dealership
Net: going to pass. Really surprised I didn't like it more.
I am a previous GX470 owner, putting 120K miles on an '07 Sport (yes, KDSS
). Loved that truck. At the time it felt like a clear upgrade from the v8 4R I tested.My primary issue w/our 4Runner Limited is that the 4.0 v6 is a little weak on torque and sounds like a bucket of bolts. I love v8s. The new Black edition of the GX460 is appealing because it's fairly basic while having some benefits like real roof rails.
My impressions in no particular order:
- Everything is cushy. The whole thing feels like a layer of butter. Softer seats. Softer steering. Softer ride. Quiet. Hushed.
- Steering is kind of heavy at low speeds, but light and without any feel at higher speeds. Steering feel on 4r much better.
- Rear view camera is way better than the 4r
- Interior materials feel a step up. Everything. Dash, door panels, turn signal stalks, gauges, etc. All just a step up in quality.
- Front seats fit me about as well. My old GX was made for shorter folks and the seat cushions were too short. Front seat OK in the GX460
- Rear seat is less comfortable. Higher floor. Less comfortable seat. I think this is a byproduct of the compromise for 3rd row and the 2nd needing to fold for access
- Rear seat fold-down is janky as heck compared to 4r due to 3rd row
- Load height of rear is really high and the overall cargo area is lower than the 4r due to the mandatory 3rd row in the floor
- Engine is super muted. Can barely hear it.
- Engine/tranny is tuned for "lazy progress". It is torquier but doesn't want to shift down so it really encourages you to chill and "waft"
- Like a bit old shot of novicaine
- Even the Black edition is ugly
- Only the Luxury version (top) gets leather. The Black edition is trim on the base and is vinyl. SUPER nice vinyl.
- Handles worse; less fun to drive overall. You can feel the extra 600lbs of weight. My 4r felt instantly more "responsive and alert" pulling out of the dealership
Net: going to pass. Really surprised I didn't like it more.
