I’ve used my gx extensively off-road in the 10 years I’ve owned it, putting 10s of thousands of km on rough forest service roads and extreme access roads where even ATV shy away. I’ve kept my 2012 model because the approach angles are good with the body work. It’s never let me down and I have over 170k kms now and have put nothing but two batteries and oil into it. Great vehicle.
170,000, NYC Miles on my 2011 with occasional (not enough) off road ventures. Upgraded to OME suspension about 3 years ago. Went from very competent to “athletic”. Drive it every day for work, family and fun.
Unrelated, but I love how my GX can easily take 40mph ramps doing 60-65mph with almost no body roll while my Escalde inspires no such confidence! The KDSS in the GX is amazing!
I’ve purchased two new 4Runners, and FWIW, four Tacomas over the years. Late last year we purchased a new ‘22 GX460 specificity for the well vetted design and V8. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts here. There is a noticeable driving difference, and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase.
I have had my 2023 Lexus GX Luxury for 3 months now and I cannot tell you how much I love the smooth ride of the GX over my FJ Cruiser. The GX rides like a old limousine- solid, quiet, comfortable and assuring.
Surprisingly, it’s the truck feel that I love so much about my ‘21 ORP 4R that was handed over to me with 3 miles. Many automakers are moving towards the softer side but then it feels like an in a car. I even drove it to Toronto from Boston last summer and the engine looooved it between 60-80 the whole time. 9 hours each way.
Agree. I previously owned a 2016 4RUNNER Limited. I sold it in 2018 and purchased a 2018 GX 460 and the driving experience is very different. Comfort, handling, quietness in the engine bay and the interior. Steering response and let’s not even talk about the acceleration and transmission. I currently have 62,000 miles on my GX 460 and I have NO plans on selling it.
@@arashefi gas mileage is about the same as the 4runner. +/- 1 mpg variation BUT you are pumping premium gas on the GX460 vs 87 on the 4RUNNER. As to brakes; is a 5000+ pounds SUV. Stopping power is adequate. I hope it answers your question.
I owned a new 2023 Gx 460 Premium Plus for 9 months and traded it for a 2024 4Runner TRD Off Road **with KDSS**. True, the Gx is slightly quieter, and the Mark Levinson stereo is amazing. But the 4R with KDSS feels more agile to me given it’s lighter, and given you’re in 2WD most of the time, steering is quicker….very noticeable advantage in traffic, and, KDSS keeps it from leaning in turns. The 4R accelerates slightly quicker. The 4R has more cargo room, and the load floor is lower since you don’t have to contend with the thickness of the required folded 3rd row seats in the GX. The 4R feels smaller when driving but it’s actually not. Lastly, as a taller driver I appreciate not having a moonroof in the 4R because this gives me another inch or so of headroom. Just thought this alternate experience would be helpful to those considering these vehicles. A 4R with KDSS is hard to beat, and you’ll save a ton of $$ in initial cost, depreciation, insurance, and even a bit in gas since 4R doesn’t require premium fuel.
I agree with parts of your analysis. More specifically, the cargo space and saving money on gas. However, my 2004 gx 470 drove better than my 2022 4Runner off-road premium. The throttle response was better (even with a power commander) and the all-wheel drive / v8 made the car quicker from 0-60. Also, the vehicle is noticeably quieter and more comfortable for longer car rides. That being said, I traded my 2022 4Runner for a 2022 gx 460 (with KDSS) and shits on both SUVs. Unless you’re 6’5” you shouldn’t having any issues with the headroom (I’m 6’3”). I did love my 4Runner but it wasn’t better than GXs.
Super informative assessment David. Thank for taking the time to provide so much detail and seemingly unbiased approach to your opinions shared. Your experience is clearly above and beyond most of the other reviewers out there. We are loving the 23 GX and while we don’t off road per se it is a remarkable difference in ride quality when matched to potholes, bumps etc from regular roads. And the mark Levinson sound system is extremely well executed. One of the few sound systems where it is immediately noticeable between lossless vs compressed sound. Keep up these great videos and please try to stay true to your roots and opinions for these new Land Cruiser, GX offerings. (So many other recent reviews look like paid ads). We’ll be following your observations closely for whether to get another 22 or 23 GX vs the newer choices.
I absolutely appreciate your reviews. I have been thinking about a 4runner for several years and honestly didn't even know the GX existed on the same platform. I just purchased a 2023 GX. Thanks
Thanks for the video! I have a 2012 4Runner Limited and I was considering selling it for the 2023 GX. I’m 44 and just want a little more comfort in my ride so this video really helped me understand the difference in both.
The 4Runner practicality overcome the driving part I think... The 4Runner backdoor is 50% the reason why I opted for it. Roll down glass and lift gate is so much better than the GX swing gate. You're right about the handling though, my 2023 Limited rides very similarly as my 2016 Tacoma TRD OR, even with the x-reas suspension system.
Got two GX460 and a 4Runner 5gen limited in the house. I actually feel like the GX feels a bit numb at times. The GX is quiet, refined and sporty, but I just dont feel the road through the steering like the 4 runner. With 17" wheels and winter LT tires, you can really feel how much the steering changes in response to the tire swap. Maybe because it's the mall crawler limited trim with 20's every other day, other models might feel very different. The Lexus is quite a bit better as long haul ride. The 4 runner actually feels like it wants to tell you everything on a shorter drive.
David, thank you for this excellent assessment and summary with real world driving to compare the driving characteristics of both. I have been driving different 4Runner generations for so many years I am so used to the driving characteristics of it. Looking forward to driving a GX.
David love the detail you provide us! I’m also an engineer and appreciate these videos! Also my choice is the Land Cruiser! :). But will be cool to see whichever you get! Thanks again!!
I’ve only test driven the GX but it was smooth as silk. My 2023 40th anniversary 4runner shook so bad at highway speeds you could see the steering wheel going back and forth. I got rid of it but before I did I got an alignment, TWO road force balances and a whole new set of tires which were also road force balanced. No luck. Something was seriously wrong and Toyota service would not address it because I bought new tires…which were to address the vibration issue.
Ahh. Same thing is happening with my new 2024 TRD Pro. I absolutely love my new 4Runner but I have recently noticed at my cars 500 miles only my steering wheel shake back and forth on the highway. It’s driving me crazy and I’m even asking others in person to see if they have the same issue and even here to read real buyers like you with real experiences. It makes me uneasy as I don’t want it to be a transmission mount already bad or some other mechanical issue. Any other takes on how to fix? I really don’t want to change it as it was very expensive new.
@@djcan9503 Unfortunately, after doing tons of online forum reading and speaking with other owners I decided to just get rid of it. It seems that the sentiment is “if you get a shaker from the factory then you just got a shaker forever” luck of the draw if you will. No thank you. I care way too much about comfort to live with the shaking steering wheel. You can see everything I did to address the issue in my precious comment which is absolutely ridiculous to buy a 50 thousand dollar vehicle and have to troubleshoot a shake. Thankfully I didn’t lose too much trading it because I only had a couple thousand miles on it and inventory was still low back then but to be honest I would have gotten rid of it even if I would have lost more. I don’t care how reliable that car is when it was so unenjoyable to drive. The thought of ignoring that shake for 250k miles was terrible. It’s a shame because I REALLY loved it other than that but at the end of the day comfort is king to me. I’ll test drive the new body style when they hit the lots for sure and see how it feels but honestly it put a bad taste in my mouth for Toyota.
@@djcan9503 not sure what happened to my comment I just made to you but I got rid of the 4runner. There was no fix and I wasn’t going to put up with the shaking. I really hope they are not deleting peoples comments because I am just telling the truth.
@@djcan9503dump the SUV. I had the same issue with my 2022 4Runner off-road premium. My 2022 gx 460 is noticeable better on the highway and actually has the power to pass people..
I took my 23 GX to a very rough forest road a month ago on a hiking trip. I barely made it to the trailhead and back with some minor scratches on the plastic lower bumper. Its poor approach angle and modest ground clearance is really limiting its off-road capability. Last week we took my friend’s 22 4Runner SR5 to the same road and it felt more capable and secure. The extra 1.4 inch clearance made a difference, and more importantly the much better approach angle made the line choice much easier. The 4Runner felt more solid (or numb) on those bumpy road. But on road GX felt more refined and responsive. So 4Runner is really made for off-road adventure while GX is an all-around great SUV suited for daily driving and modest off-road. My plan is to lift the GX in a couple of years to remove the said limitation and let the Prado really come out
Steering Wheel Shimmy/Vibration? David, I love your channel and have the utmost respect for your expertise. Please share your thoughts about the very common issue of vibration/shimmy between 60-70 mph with these vehicles, particularly the 4Runner. This has been well known and documented for years, but Toyota refuses to acknowledge the problem publicly. Many thanks!
I drove them both back to back in the spring, as at the time I was leaning to getting the GX. However, I preferred the driving feel and seating position of the 4runner, which surprised me. Yes the GX has a more powerful engine, but the 2023 4runner TRD Off Road Premium won me over. I love my 4runner!
@Bradlee418Trd pro suspension is softer than the off-road suspension by bilstein, I’d describe Trd offroad as bouncy tbh, that’s what got me looking into the pro.
David, I love your channel and have the utmost respect for your expertise. Please share your thoughts about the very common issue of vibration/shimmy between 60-70 mph with these vehicles, particularly the 4Runner. This has been well known and documented for years, but Toyota refuses to acknowledge the problem publicly. Many thanks!
I just purchased and brand new 24 Pro and just at 500 miles my steering wheel is shaking back and forth. My backpack on passenger seat rattles and I can even see it vibrating. It’s driving crazy why the so expensive well trusted new truck is doing this. Hopefully the dealer employees didn’t screw it up when I picked up just with 8 miles. Any takes how to fix?
@@djcan9503 There was a TSB issued by Toyota to address balancing issues that references using a Haweka adapter plate. I have not found any shops in my area that are familiar with it. The best solution that I have found is balancing on a Hunter Road Force machine with an experienced operator.
GX / Prado is a smaller Land Cruiser / LX, so offroad capabilities and ride comfort is way better than HiluxSurf/4runner even before, hilux surf seats below the prado. nice comparison, im following!
The older 4Runner with the 4.7 v8 feels very similar. The GX was about 1000 lbs heavier than the 4Runner so the extra power was gobbled up by the 1000 lbs but both are nice rides.
David, I would make the point that you are not comparing the 4Runner that most closely resembles the GX. The 40th Anniversary edition is based on the SR5. Which means no KDSS. Your GX comes standard with KDSS. If you compare your GX with an Off Road Premium with KDSS, you may arrive at different opinions. Especially in the handling and steering departments.
I agree with the driving feel on the 4Runner. I bought it for the durability and offroad capability. I've added a 3" lift, dual batteries, fridge and 33" tires. Now it is even more truck like. Look forward to the 6th gen and the 24 Land Cruiser. Hopefully they will be more capable and get better fuel economy with turbo/hybrid power.
The dual Optima AGM batteries power my fridge and other camping accessories like my winch and lights. I also have solar panels and a Redarc Dc to Dc charge controller to charge them when parked. I'm more of an Overlander than a heavy rock crawler.
While these are both great naturally aspirated vehicles (V6 & V8), the GX requires "premium octane" fuel, whereas the 4Runner only requires "regular 87" octane. The 4Runner also comes with better approach angles for off roading without damaging your trim. While both are fantastic off-road vehicles, I think the 4Runner is a bit more extreme, while the GX is a much better 4X4 road vehicle. But don't take my advice, my daily driver is an RX350.
Ive owned a 2004 4Runner v8 awd, 2014 4Runner trail with multi-terrain and now a 23 gx460…the 5th gen 4Runner really lacks power. The gx and 2004 4Runner v8 imo are almost the same vehicle. I would not buy another 4Runner v6. This is coming from real ownership. Btw - v6 sucks a lot of gas…I didn’t see any improved gas mileage. They all suck a lot of gas
David, just bought a GX 2 months ago for beach driving to surf (don't worry, I got the undercarriage coated). This purchase was largely due to your channel. What are the seat covers you use? I can't seem to find them online. Thank you!
Thank you for this! I enjoy watching your engineering perspective on every vehicle you get your hands on. I almost pulled the trigger on an IS500 after seeing your thoughts about it. I own both of the vehicles you discussed in this video, and I was just telling my wife the other day how much more connected the GX460 felt to the road than our 2024 4Runner TRD Pro. What is your favorite performance/sporty car that you would consider owning if you could only have one?
@@SteelmoonWatches The Communist Democrat party would love to force me out of my vehicle into a EV that they pick for me. The Church of Climate Change is led by the devil.
I know this is a driving impression video but how was the rear cargo capacity between the two? It seems like the floor is raised up on the Lexus because of the third row? It looks like there’s less room in the Lexus. Not sure if that’s true or not.
The GX is definitely the better experience, overall. I've driven multiple generations of 4Runner and my parents still own and drive a current-gen 4Runner. Great vehicles. No comparison to a GX. Especially after a long (4+ hour) road trip.
I agree, I had both and the GX is refined and has great power from its V8, unlike the 4Runner where I felt like I was pushing the gas pedal through the floor because of the weaker engine. I never off-roaded, so the GX was perfect as my daily driver: smooth, comfortable, and lots of driver amenities & safety tech. The 4Runner infotainment system felt so outdated compared to the GX, and I didn’t like the 4Runner nose-dive when braking (I had a 2022 TRD ORP with KDSS). Both are great vehicles but everyone has different tastes/preferences.
@@chrisd.817 Agree. I will say that my GX has been in several literal snow storms in the Rockies, Cascade, and Olympic mountains; did incredibly well due to the full time 4wd and Torsen center diff that finds traction with other AWD vehicles are sliding around.
Since the 40th anniversary is based on the SR5 with the basic suspension, would your opinion be any different if you were comparing the GX with a TRD Off Road Premium with KDSS, or with the TRD Pro with Fox shocks? Thank you for your excellent reviews.
@@rugged9769 Agreed; Ive driven both 4Rs w/and w/o KDSS. There is a noticeable difference when cornering. When driving the GX460 vs the 4R w/KDSS I still preferred the GX460 in terms of feel and connection to the road. Maybe part of it has to do with the l'reliable V8 it had as well
He owns a 4Runner Limited which has the same 4WD system as the GX - and - XREAS suspension for on-road handling. Dunno why he is not making that comparison. Good points about KDSS also.
Not sure about the 4Runner TRD pro, but I had a 22 4Runner TRD ORP w/kdss and IMO the GX460 drive experience is still superior in terms of comfort, quietness, and handling. GX engine and trans is so smooth, and the overall build is just solid. There’s other small details in the GX that I enjoy over the 4Runner: the GX window switches are located in front of the armrest instead of being up high on the door panel (more natural or ergonomic feel), and the GX 2nd (& 3rd row) AC vents are ceiling mounted instead being low on the console, (I feel it cools passengers better)
You should have compared an TRD OFF with KDSS. I think that would have been a fairer comparison in terms of drive. Although I'm sure that the GX is a more refine car, but as you know, it costs much more. Thanks for the info however. Enjoy your reviews. They are informative.
Love my ‘21 4runner venture edition.. only downfall is lack of power. Coming out of ‘06 tundra before, I really really miss the torque & power of a V8!
Hi David , I just purchase trd off road yesterday , and take delivery later. How quiet or noisy , the 4 runner compared to the NX 250 2021 we are driving.now. Thinks
If we could see the body roll tests conparisons of these body on frame Toyotas (incld the Sequoia) when entering/exiting an elevated curved ramp on the highway..
All GX460's comes standard with KDSS hydraulic suspension. DId the 4Runner tested have it as an option? Also the GX Luxury trim comes with auto leveling rear air bags and adaptive variable shock absorbers. All these bits certainly must affect the ride feel.
Likely not the easiest to answer but can you compare the sound system between the two. I’m considering selling my 4Runner Limited with JBL system. I like the sound & bass. Does the non premium sound compare to the JBL system? Should I seek the Mark Levinson system if I enjoy sound?
Definitely the gx 1: prado considered above the 4runner 2: gx full time 4wd 3: gx it has v8 4: gx it has center diff-lock 5: gx it has kdss 6: gx it has 6 speed 7: gx is more luxurious 4runner only have trd kit which is some body kit with advanced tyers and shock absorbers not big deal
4Runner Limited has Fulltime 4WD just like the GX - and Center diff lock. Limited also has XREAS Suspension for on-road handling. He owns a Limited, not sure why he is not making that comparison🤷♂️?!
Not a very good assessment and comparison. Different trims of 4R have same tech as GX, others don’t. The 4R Offroad (Premium or not) has KDSS. The Limited as full time 4WD and the XREAS more sophisticated suspension. The 4R trims fit different needs, the GX is one version mainly. If one lives in dry sunny California, the full time 4WD of the GX is not necessary and wasting fuel, so the 4R maybe a better choice. If someone is not going offroad, then a rear locker is not needed. Different trim in 4R.
what's better buy at carmax 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium $46,998*14K mi OR 2021 Lexus GX 460 Premium $47,998*23K mi? curious about opinons from experts. First time car buyer.
I traded in my 22 limited double cab 4 wheel drive Tacoma. For a 24 4runner TRD Pro. And the 4runner has a much smoother. Better ride to me. What do you think? Is that even possible?
David: What about the 4Runner Limited which has the same 4WD system as the GX? All other 4Runners are only 2WD on paved roads, dissimilar to the GX. The 4Runner Limited also has the XREAS suspension for on-road handling. How does the GX compare to the Limited?
The 4Runner does not come standard with KDSS contrary to GX460, only way to get it is as option in the TRD Off Road. I’ve heard that makes a big difference in ride quality. Have you tried the TRD Off Road with KDSS?
There is almost zero difference in ride quality without KDSS vs with KDSS. KDSS is only helpful during off-roading for balancing the load and wheel travel but does not impact ride feel during normal driving.
For someone of your engineering claim to fame, perhaps comparing a baseline SR5 4Runner (non-kdss) model to the GX460 is disingenuous. Unless that was the goal.
I just sold my '23 GX because I couldn't get it to stop vibrating between 55mph-65mph, apparently it's a pretty common thing with these vehicles and I never could figure it out.
Drive shaft(s) issues. Back in 2004 our 4RUNNER Sport Edition had a similar issue. 3 dealerships later, it was determined to be unbalanced drive shaft (or some type of Mfg defect). The fix for Toyotas actually came because of Lexus GX470 customer complaints for same issue. FWIW
That’s a shame. Tire/wheel balancing issues for sure. My 23 4R had the same issue. Had the dealer force balance the tires. 2 were out of spec and needed to be replaced. 97% better now. If the truck sits for a while and the tires flat spot, it shake a little bit until they warm up.
@@kimbuck-2 After they warm up it should be fine while you're driving, but they can always flat spot again after sitting. Some tires are better than other, and some conditions and air pressure make it more or less likely to occur.
Only two downsides I had with my GX on the road: 1.) the stitching on the seats are THICC and after a while I get sore from the bottom seat stitch. 2.) I still can't believe how badly it gets blown around the road on a windy highway; constant inputs even on straight stretches and it becomes quite tiring.
If you’re talking the 23 GX, the difference between the limited 4Runner and premium GX is about 12k which I think is worth it. I have a 22 GX and a 21 4Runner. The 4Runner is nice but the GX is a lot better.
I bought a 2020 GX460 right before the pandemic for $52k which was only $2k more then the limited 4Runner at the time. MSRP was $60k but shopping Lexus during December to remember event yields huge discounts at least back then. While Toyota didn’t discount the runner.
I’m to buy my last car I am in the same boat. I don’t know which one to get. It is me my wife girl 5 and 2 boys 14 and 16. I just got a lease 2023 cx5 awd for my wife. I own a 2008 4Runner and 2013 accord stick shift. I am looking for my last car t
Your 5 yr old probably wouldn’t mind the 3rd for of a GX if they are ready for booster. Your 14 and 16 might be too tight back there on longer trips. But the 2nd row does move back/forth (at least the captains chairs move) so may be okay in a pinch if needed for your boys in the back. Mpg is poor, just know that going in and then all is okay/normal from there once expectations are set.
Is buying the GX 460 in black a bad idea? It’s the only one I can buy with the off road package, plus I’m getting it for under invoice. There’s another dealer that has the only other white with white, but they won’t take anything less than sticker price. I live in Florida, and was worried the black color might be too so-offy and other reasons. What should I do? Get the black or white one?
Black is obviously much hotter and shows a lot more dirt. I will never buy another black vehicle again. I have a '22 GX luxury trim in white, which I believe is the best color for South Florida.
