We drove them 250,000+ miles! | Toyota 4Runner vs. Lexus GX460 Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- In one of the hardest and longest test drives ever of these models, we have put a combined 260,804 miles on our 2014 4Runner Trail Edition and 2016 Lexus GX460. Needless to say... we've got a few thoughts to share on what we liked best! Oh and fun fact; over 130,000 miles of travel were off-road AND towing... talk about a thorough test drive.
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0:00 Intro
3:13 Surprising Prices
3:57 Size Comparison
5:59 Weight and Ratings
6:42 Engine Comparison
8:26 Transmission Differences
9:38 Tow Ratings
9:52 "The Catch" & Fuel Mileage
11:29 Drivetrains and Traction
16:58 Snow!?
18:02 Suspension
20:12 Luxury vs. Utility
25:00 Rear Hatch vs. Rear Door
26:00 Maintenance & Weaknesses
28:18 Summary
#4runner #toyota #lexus - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I’ve owned both. I like the simplicity of the 4Runner and the roll down back window. I also think it looks better. The drive of the GX is night and day better, obviously more power, quieter and smoother. As a daily, it’s not even close, the GX is better.
Which trim of the 4Runner did you own? I feel that the Limited would be closer to the GX in comfort.
@@MHN212it’s not mate completely different car, soundproofing etc.
Why does no one ever speak about the fact that the GX has 3:90 diff gears while the 4Runner has 3:75. That makes a difference in towing. Also no one talks about the torque curve of the engine. That's what matters in towing also. Why these engine make so little power is because lower power in a larger engine reduces cylinder heat and pressure while increasing the duty cycle of the engine. That's why your low power 4Runner and GX can run at high RPM with no issue. The 4Runner has a deep skirted block with a main web girdle, 6 bolt main with cross bolted mains, and windage tray. The heads are large high port heads, and the lower aluminum intake has a tunnel ram design. All this for only 270 Lbs of torque. This is why this engine does not break. So much so that over seas Toyota put this V6 in the Land Cruiser 300.
Only mechanically inclined ppl know about it. For a layman this is terrible on the paper, only 265 hp, no turbo, port injection and mileage is 17mpg combined!
That gearing won't make a big difference. That's like a 4% difference. The torque on the v8 is all of the difference
Edit: The extra gear the GX has helps more too
Thank you for the brilliant comment. I never knew and wondered…for example, drove a rental Armada with a beautiful growl and powerful V8, by comparison my 4R ORP is slower and struggles…
Outstanding comment, Henry! Thank you for sharing these design details of this engine!!!
Most people who put that much extra weight in the 4RNR regear the diffs. You should even really do it after a lift kit & bigger tires. Can't say I've seen a video where they've talked about doing it, especially with all that armor & towing a trailer. I regeared mine w/ Yukon gears after lifting & bigger tires. Made a big difference!
I went to buy a 4Runner a few months ago. After getting a ridiculous run around, game playing, outright lying from Toyota dealers on availability and actual cost, I started looking at the GX. Turned out I could get a new GX premium plus for about the same that Toyota dealers want for a TRD (not the pro version which was actually thousands more than the GX due to the market adjustment add in).
Nah.. no way a trd off road was selling for same price as gx…
Yeah but you must have forgot about the resale value and how much the 4 runner holds it value...?
@@Invertmini1212GX holds value as well, though lol
This is, hands down, THE BEST comparison video on these two machines BAR NONE. Extremely well done and articulated.. THANK YOU 🙏🏻
I absolutely love the 4runner. Its simplicity is its charm.
Absolutely love my 5th Gen Limited. Gorgeous. Easy to enhance and customize your look just a bit with only a few minor mods. Raptors, visors, hood protector and a couple more. Yes I LOVE it. ❤
I’ve driven 5th gen 4Runners and own a 3rd gen 4runner and GX460 and I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. Basically it comes down to personal preference because they are both amazing vehicles and you can’t go wrong with either. Keep up the good work, I love hearing your opinion as you have used your stuff for a long time vs some people that just give quick first impressions.
Loved my 4th gen V8 4runner. It was the best of both 4Runner and GX. I should have never gotten rid of it.
i have a 2005 with the V8 but its 2wd😭 i really want one in 4wd but they are hard to find now and the few you find are very expensive or are gone in a day
Glad I was able to snag a GX 460 last year for the Wife while they still have the V8! It's been wonderful to drive, and hauls everything we need for beach trips. Super comfortable and quiet ride on long drives, and zero back pain from sitting in the seats for a long time. Once it's paid off.. gotta consider bumpers and tires!
We've owned three of each, short of the roll down rear window and the sportier styling on the 4Runner we choose the GX over the 5th Gen every single time. Both are great vehicles, especially when used in this overland segment and they will go down as some of the best of all time for this use as well.
Is the Gx in the shop much? Our 2006 lx470 is always in the shop and our 2000 Land Cruiser is never in there.
What is happening, what is the milage, and are you the original owner. No vehicle can overcome poor maintenance. That is why the question if someone else owned it prior. @@tnc925
3 each?! Now that's brand loyalty!
@@tnc925think you might just have a bad LX… they are typically solid rigs
Gx has to be my favorite. Have owned both. Better gas mileage with the gx and improved comfort.
One additional preference I've found that really matters for traveling / overlanding / sightseeing: at 6'1", the 5th gen 4R cockpit glass feels very much bunker-like to me when looking forward and to the sides, whereas the GX glass is sooooo much more expansive. Without doing any contortions you can see higher up hillsides in canyons, lower down into valleys on passes (and into ditches when in the dirt) and the forward margins are larger as well.
The first words a coworker said as he got into my 4Runner were "I feel like I'm back in a tank" LOL
Thats such a huge consideration. A lot of crossovers feel that way too.
I've just learned so much about these two vehicles and overlanding from watching your video. No one that I am aware has produced such an informative video regarding these topics. Thank you for producing this video and sharing your knowledge!
Glad it was helpful!
I just came across your channel, going down the rabbit hole of TH-cam. I do have to say, I don’t know what your employment was before, but you are one of the best presenters I’ve watched in a long time. Keep up the good work!!!
I love our 4Runner. It is just so simple and reliable as well as unbelievable off road pulling our trailer. Great video Kevin.
Nice! Glad you enjoyed it!
My old GX470 doesn’t have that handy back window that opens. But I sure love it!!!! 160,000 owned miles in and looking for at least another 100k!!
Mine too!
excellent auto journalism...you are concise , organized, and hold the audience attention!!
Great video! I took my 5th gen up to Pikes Peak yesterday. She was puffing, but too us up with no protest fully loaded. Y’all have a unique perspective bc you have both. Also appreciate the Dukes of Hazard ref
Excellent video. I have owned two GX 460s a 2011 as well as a current 2022 both luxury models, and I have to say it is the best driving suv arguably on the planet other than the LX 570 but who wants to have something that large and expensive not me. The GX is the sweet spot and I love that V8.
I would argue it is the greatest cruising motor ever made it’s so smooth and the instant power is so nice especially when you compare it to these tiny overstressed turbos. I don’t know how anyone enjoys those cars I’ll be flat out honest naturally aspirated V8s are the greatest motors ever made.
100% I have gx with 204 k miles runs silky smooth and the power of my goodness specially when u downshift to 4 th gear wow can’t beat it for the size
The best video comparison ever. You hit all the points, great sarcastic humor, excellent lived experiences and definitely makes me consider buying one of the two, yet undecided on which one. I’m simple but looking for a daily (used) with comfort and a great price.
Thanks and keep up the adventure.
Geez this is what a deep review/comparison means! Thanks for sharing...
The main things for me that make the 460 superior are:
1. V8 for towing
2. Full-time 4wd. Its one of the best drivelines ive used for snow driving and I love being able to put it in 4Lo unlocked. It will tackle some pretty gnarly terrain unlocked and it makes moving my trailer around the yard easy without binding up.
3. The 6 speed with the shorter axle ratio. I bet my GX gets the same MPG's as a 4Runner and yet has deeper gearing. It can reasonably turn 33's without having to regear.
4. KDSS on all 460's vs just TRD OR 4Runners.
The GX is missing the locker but ATRAC can get you threw a lot.
The v8 is gone now
That’s why he said the 460, not the 550 (the new GX).
Install ARB it will outsmart most of the jeeps
@@SylentONEYeah but the TTV6 is better than the V8 IMHO. My GX460 motor was fine, but pretty weak all things considered. Just not as weak as the 4.0 in the 4Runner. But I MUCH preferred my 3.5L Ecoboost in my F150. 35" tires and the Ecoboost didnt even notice them.
I've since gotten rid of my GX460 and have an LX570 now. The 5.7L is so much better than the 4.6L it not even funny.
Very informative and straight to the point. On the whole, very positive feed back on both platforms. To paraphrase your summary, it comes down to what style of driving you do and preferences you like. Very well done. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the comparison. I love your sense of humor!
Nothing else looks like the unique and capable 4-Runner.
Thank you for making this. It is one of the most informative for my own personal needs that I have found on youtube.
Glad it was helpful!
I’m glad I found your channel. I’ve been wanting to do some overlanding. Not a full time thing, just weekend getaways or week long vacation trips. I have a 2006 wrangler but there just isn’t a lot of room inside. I’ve been torn between the GX and the 4Runner, but your video helped me decide on the simplicity of the 4Runner. Thanks for giving us the rundown on the two platforms. Greatly appreciated.
Best information on the 4Runner I’ve seen on TH-cam Thanks. Your comparison on the four-wheel-drive systems of both of your vehicles. It’s necessary for me to make a decision on whether I should buy a GX or not. Keep up the great work.
Best overall comparison ever!!! Very Informative!!!
Glad it was helpful!
I love listening to reviews with reputation. Thank you.
Great comparison and content!!! Keep Grinding 👍🏾✌🏾
Here in Georgia, most of us in this community know the GX and it definitely has trickled into the used market around here and the prices for them have been pretty high. Unless moon miles don't matter to you. 4runner is just plain expensive, even for the good old 2nd thru 4th gens.
That's about as good a breakdown comparison as I've ever watched. First video I've watched of yours and i subscribed on this one alone! I look forward to checking out some more! Great job, thanks.
Awesome, thank you!
Just found your channel. You did an excellent job! Great content and the way you present it is clear, well-paced and easy to absorb. Thank you for giving us such great content!
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you so much for this insightful and thorough analysis, which was very professionally produced and amazingly well edited.
I am in the northern Colorado area and will be doing some over landing, some wilderness shooting, and some commuting, so no matter which vehicle I end up with, I know I’ll be able to maximize my advantage because I listened to your hard-earned insights.
Glad you found it helpful! 👍
What a journey! Very excited to tune into this one
What great commentary and I agree both are winners! In regards to your comments on steering pull and steering rack replacement - it's likely the aggressive offset wheels. Impacts scrub radius and torque steer on power, as well as puts much more load on the steering rack.
My first Toyota is my current (2019 luxury) Lexus GX460. I absolutely love it. It’s a lovely place to be, and I look forward to doing some light to moderate off roading, and going from there.
This is absolutely a great video. You did a great job of getting into details but not too much. I love the fact that you have hands on experience with both the 4Runner and the G so you are not blowing amoke. That gives you credibility. I'm driving a 470. It sounds like many of the interior switchery things you dont like about the 460 are not in a 470. It would be interesting to know how it would compare against the 4Runner. It's still got the V8 and a manual 4x shift linkage.
Awesome video thank you! Super helpful. Any thoughts on the new GX 550 ?
I have owned my 2010 5gen trail with KDSS since January 2010 and it has run flawlessly since. Only the dealer services it and the only mod I've done was changing up the suspension slightly with Fox shocks and larger UCRs and I had the dealer's front end guy do the work in house, which was excellent (he's a well versed off-road enthusiast). The only other mod was in the beginning when I added sound deadening front to back, top to bottom; it added about 180lbs but well worth the effort IMHO. I also removed the cloth about 3 years ago and had the seats and arm rest completely wrapped in some high grade perforated gray leather. I've thought about picking up a GX, which think are great, except for the approach and departure angles, but whenever I'd go drive one and then get back in my 4Runner I'd ask myself why. Lately I've been thinking about having my Toyota dealer install a Magnuson supercharger. Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed the comparison of the two vehicles. Thanks.
Dang, by far the most patient and detailed narration I've seen..wow!
I was a sceptic until I watched your Lexus build and some of your initial testing. I was impressed.
Great review. Where I live, in the Seattle area, having a full-time 4-wheel drive is a must because of all the rain. My 4runner limited performs flawlessly and love it.
Hi. I live in Seattle too. I have same feeling that for traveling over mountain passes in winter on highways requires full time 4wd. While part time in such conditions should be operated in 2wd , which would be harder to drive, because 4wd with no central differential would just dangerous. Am I figuring out that right?
I've got a 2012 GX460 Base, I love that there's no nav screen, all buttons for climate control and settings 🙏
Wait, I’ve owned 2 2012 gx460 base, and they’ve both had the terrible touchscreen. And the HVAC fan speed is in the touchscreen controls. That screen is the worst part of the car. Gx460s were available in the USA without the screen?
That was awesome, thank you for the video
fantastic video, great work
Excellent comparison. Well done.
One of the very very best comparison videos I've ever seen!! I have a 3rd Gen 4Runner. Very interested in the GX. Thanks again.
Great review, thank you.
@Lifestyle Overland Hi, great video and thanks for sharing your experience. Just wondering how would you say their difference in comfortness when traveling long distances such as seats, noise on highway, maneuverability on highway, or other factors. Thanks.
Nice comparison breakdown. Extremely informative.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just purchased 2023 GX 460 and Google algorithm got me here and I love this channel!!!!
Welcome! Glad you're enjoying it! 🙌
In 2017 I completed my doctoral research, presented my dissertation to my peers and research supervisors, and published the dissertation. My friend, this is what you just did. Well done, and you passed with distinction! BTW, I've owned two 2nd Gen 4Runners, three Land Cruisers, two GX470s, two Rubicons, a 1996 Discovery, a 2008 LR3, and a Sportsmobile.
I'm here because we're interested on the GX 460 and or a Sequoia. Granted this was a 4runner but I heard how honest you talked about your Lexus so this video helped a lot, thanks
Great video.
Could you please let us know what app you had on the screen of the tab with the OBD data etc.
Many thanks!
Hi Kevin! Thanks for putting this great comparison video between gx and 4 runner.I have 2016 4 runner limited with around 60k miles.I started following your channel from 2016 and love all your videos.Would you please share your major services with intervals like the transmission and other fluids like coolants service till 197,000 miles on the 4 Runner.Thank You!
Great video!!!! I currently have a 4Runner and wanted fo add a GX to my vehicle collection.
This is probably by far the BEST review/comparison I have seen or read anywhere last several years. Some so many ignorant people just say they are the same truck with a little luxury and a different engine. Thank you for this. Ignorant TH-camr like @PRviewsvlogs can definitely watch and learn from this video and open his horizon that what he knows isn't everything...
Thank you for doing this video. It also taught me a lot about the differences in two vehicles as I definitely noticed the driving dynamics between the two are vastly different on highways yet some don't agree. Maybe their brain and nerves may be missing some senses on their body.
Great video and thanks for for making my decision a lot more difficult!
Thanks for the great video Kevin. I’m getting read to purchase a used GX460 for my wife as a family hauler/sleeper off roader.
We have one of each. Love the 4 Runner. GX is a more recent purchase so still learning the nuances of the touch screen.
Traded Rock Warrior Tundra in on the GX so still adjusting to the change as well. Jury still out.
Great review, thanks.
GX460 was $5-10k less than most of the comparable 4Runners in the Reno area
Great video! I have a 4runner and a lx and will be getting the prado in the gx body with the diesel motor, will see how long it will last.
Great video! I wish I had seen it three years ago...
Love your videos....looking at a 4runner after my xterra fades...any new info on what 4runner year is best ? Looking at 2023 model trd pro, and any recommendations on modifications on trd...for off road...in your opinion?
I love my silver 2014 Trail edition 4 runner…. 127,000 miles and not a single problem. Silver is amazing!
Great video, very informative
Glad it was helpful!
perfect review, just simply perfect. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Awesome review! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video, if you were to do the Dempster HWY again which one would you choose for the trip?
I ABSOLUTELY love my 21 nightshade Limited 4Runner. It’s the Lexus and the 4Runner combined! Not to mention has a mean look!
Do you know of any good high passes that are open during the winter? I noticed you mentioned it in the snow section, I'd like to camp among some pines or evergreens here in the winter!
Great video. Thanks
Hi Kevin
Just watch your comparison video. Well done, covered a lot , easy to watch, well thought out presentation. Cheers!
No I don’t own either and probably won’t. Have watched you guys from almost the beginning so maybe I’m biased but don’t think so.
Thank you for what y’all do.
Russ
I change a Forester diesel for a 4Runner and im in love with the toyota. Its just amazing. Great video man
Great video, thanks!
Awesome video !!!
I’ve driven gx460 with the V8 in a few countries and own one myself. Those engines are designed to RUN, doesn’t matter what kind of gas you can get your hands on. I run cheap stuff, non ethanol. Every oil change(just for SnGs)a bottle of B12. I’ve got almost double the miles than yours and she don’t knock ..I’ve never heard of one going bad on 87octane. If you have proof, I’d love to see it🤔
Just subscribed! I love this info. May you please do a video how one can afford to be a full time TH-cam overlander or how you did it? PLEASE.
Here ya go: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlmZXN0eWxlb3ZlcmxhbmQuY29tL3BvZGNhc3Q_Zm9ybWF0PXJzcw/episode/NjIwNWQyOWUxZGJhZGY2YWQ2YjZkODg2OjYyZmQzYzBmMzUyMTQ1MDAyMGVhNjNmOTo2MmZkNTNkNzgxYmVhNTAyMjI5YjRjY2I?ep=14
Nice job on the comparison
Great video Kevin! My 2019 4R TRD Off Road has KDSS and a 2" lift. On KO2s that things goes everywhere and is plenty comfortable going down the highway as well. And...it's still worth about what I paid for it 4 year ago! Crazy.
Kdss is a must ? I almost bought one but no kdss.
@@Lexusgx550 It's nice but I wouldn't say it's a must. I think it needs a suspension upgrade over stock either way so you could make the ride much nicer by doing the upgrade. However, stock suspension with KDSS is better than without. I have an IronMan foam cell suspension upgrade and that made a noticeable difference.
What kind of lift did you get? It seems like KDSS makes lifts difficult. I had a 14 and a 16, both with KDSS, and I always wanted a lift dlbut didn't know how to go about it.
If you stay around 2” or so any of them should work. I went with the Ironman Foam Cell
U could have compared the 4runner limited with all AWD and center diff lock.... But great video and what an awesome adventure the both of u had.
Awesome video and I love your rides
Thanks!
Very good review. Lovely perspectives. Subscribed,
Welcome aboard!
@@LifestyleOverland Thanks
Thanks. Very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video Kevin with some really good talking points. Ironically it never occurred to me that when Miss Abigail came into this world, you’d have to reinstall the seat in Silver so she has somewhere secure to sit.
Right?! Lol, glad I saved it now!
This was an awesome review, thanks for your time putting this together. Unless you have an editor I know this took hours. 🔥
It was quite the project. Thanks for recognizing that!
As I am considering both vehicles, your review comes at a great time for me. As an aside, I live in New Mexico and can assure you that our rats love most any vehicle's wiring. I owned a Subaru WRX a number of years ago and lived in the foothills of the Organ Mountains. The rats not only got my wiring, they also feasted on my windshield wiper fluid hose! Thanks for the very informative review.
Comprehensive. Good on ya!
Love my GX. 2010-2013 has best approach/departure angles. 2.5" lift is perfect w/33" tires.
Great video on two great rigs.
Thank you for your opinion about MTS module add-on. I was thinking about it for the 50 miles of mild off road I drive a year. If you didn't use it in 250 k miles, I don't think I'll need it. However, taking all these panels apart looked like a fun long weekend project.
Thank you for the comparison!
Great reviews
Thanks!
I just stumbled on this video. Awesome.
I dont offroad as much so the GX made sense for me. That extra comfort in the rear is also much needed for my kids. Premium gas does suck at the pump. But neither the 4runner or gx have great gas mileage anyway.
You don't need premium gas. Same motor and tune as the 460 in the Tundra - 87. Lexus markets premium as it's premium. Euro cars a different story - they're tuning specifically for premium - and I can't think of anything made anymore than isn't forced-induction (which almost always *requires* premium...
The algorithm sent me your video here and it’s the first one I’ve seen from, and first time I’ve ever even seen, your channel to begin with. Both are beautiful trucks!! Speaking of beautiful, you’ve got a beautiful family brother, good for you! So yeah I’m a new Yota owner. I recently, four months ago, traded my lifted 2015 F2FIDDY 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel, for my 2021 Yota 4Runner TRD ORP w/XP Predator Pkg. midnight black metallic with black interior and I’m getting 19/21mpg’s and my F2FIDDY was gettin 8/10mpg’s on diesel. Absolutely love my 5th Gen and probably a good thing I got the 5th gen as it’s really looking like the 6th is gonna be forced induction or a hybrid and not the bulletproof 2nd gen 1GR-FE and will further increase the values of the 5th gens.
At any rate, appreciate the video and lookin forward to seeing more from the channel!
The LC 150 (J150 Prado) that we have here in Europe, which is basically GX 460 with diesel engine,
has the MTS and crawl control put out on the dashboard as physical buttons and knobs similar to 4runner. It also has rear diff lock.
We currently have a modified 19’ GX460. Now we’re looking to add a 4Runner to the mix….I guess opposite in order than your family. Enjoyed your videos and have inspired us to buy a GX and now a 4 runner. We realized have two older kids and 3 dogs…GX just isn’t big enough. We need a second overlander.
Great video, looked very close at both models and ended up going with a TRD OffRoad premium trim for a bit nicer interior as a compromise on the luxury of the GX. But honestly living in SoCal the way we’re getting reamed on gas prices the cost of premium fuel weighed heavily on the decision to go with the 4Runner.
Actually a little known secret about the 1ur and 2uz and any other toyota v8 is that they actually run perfectly fine for hundreds of thousands of miles on 87 octane. ;) They're down a little bit of power as the computer automatically tunes for knock and probably a few more atoms of carbon buildup per combustion, but overall 91 is not a necessity. The 4.6 came in the tundra too where it only required 87!!! don't be a simp, give her the cheap drinks, she'll still take you out to the woods for a good time!