Is Lexus equivalent to 4Runner? Purchasers frequently turn to Toyota and Lexus for a practical, dependable automobile. These businesses also have solutions if you’re specifically interested in a superb off-road vehicle.
The 4Runner is undoubtedly Toyota’s most well-liked model, and the GX is the most popular model offered by Lexus. However, you might be asking if the Lexus GX and 4Runner are equivalent.
Even though you might not realize it, the Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX 460 are more alike than different. Both cars are capable of off-roading due to their favorable approach and departure angles, robust rear axles, and a variety of driver-selectable off-road features. We will look at various aspects to give you an idea of how the GX and 4Runner compare.
- A Short History
- What is Toyota 4Runner?
- What is Lexus GX?
- Lexus vs Toyota
- Toyota 4Runner Generations
- Which is More Reliable?
- Toyota 4Runner Competitor
- GX 460 vs GX 470
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner
The 1983 model year saw the initial release of the Toyota 4Runner. Currently, the 4Runner is in its fifth generation. Over time, it has undergone a substantial design shift. The history of the 4Runner is extensive. With a brand-new design that looked less like a pickup truck, the second generation was introduced in 1989.
The third generation 4Runner and Tacoma pickup shared a new engine when they arrived in 1995. The fourth generation, which debuted in 2002, introduced considerable revisions to the body design and changes to the chassis. In 2009, the fifth generation finally appeared. The Toyota Land Cruiser serves as the basis for the Lexus GX. In 2002, the first generation was released.
It was the Lexus brand’s third SUV. Since its debut, body styling hasn’t changed much.
Lexus started introducing safety measures in 2009; by 2019, all models came equipped with all available safety features. The GX had a makeover in 2013 that included a new grille, headlights, and daytime running lights. It had a second facelift in 2019.
Toyota 4Runner
The fifth generation of this vehicle is the Toyota 4Runner. One of the earliest cars on the market right now. In 1983, the first model originally appeared. The 4.0L V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission are the same for this model of 4Runner. Although most cars are four-wheel drives, the entry-level models are two-wheel drives. There is no V8 available in this 4Runner model.
Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is a high-end mid-size SUV with a truck-like body. It sports an adjustable suspension and a 4.6L V8 engine. The Black Line Special Edition for this model year has a blacked-out exterior and interior. You get a matte-black ash wood trim and a dark interior in the GX 460 Black Line.
The matte finish on the wood is a lovely touch, yet from some perspectives, it seemed more like regular upholstery. The Lexus GX 460 interior is excellent, although it has a more premium than a luxurious vibe. Jeep and Land Rover both outperform the GX in this regard.
It comes with a huge 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay as standard equipment. It features heated power outside mirrors, dashboard navigation, and parking assistance. The GX460 overland continues to be ground-breaking since it is synonymous with the luxury that comes with Lexus and has been built with off-roading in mind. The 2010+ Lexus GX460 offers the allure of lush comfort along with the strength and capability suited for any off-road adventure.
The interior of the Lexus GX underwent a revamp back in 2010, which may be part of the reason why it looks a little worn out. Some hard plastics on the inside appear out of place in a car of this price level, but there is also wood and leather that looks suitably opulent.
Lexus Vs Toyota
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #1: Security
Pretensioners can tighten the seat belt and take up dangerous slack in the case of an accident, while force limiters stop the belts from pressing too hard on the occupants. The Toyota 4Runner lacks pretensioners for the middle seat belts. The pre-crash front seatbelts on the GX will automatically tighten during an accident, significantly increasing safety. The 4Runner does not have pre-crash pretensioners.
You may adjust the Lexus GX’s front and center seat shoulder belts to fit a wide variety of drivers and passengers. Passengers are more likely to buckle up, and the danger of injury is decreased by improved fit. The middle seat belts of the Toyota 4Runner are not height-adjustable. The GX is equipped with all-wheel drive to offer the best traction and stability on any road surface. But there is an extra charge for it on the 4Runner.
The GX’s blind-spot warning system may use the sensors to alert the driver of an object in the blind zones of the car that is hidden from view in the side view mirrors. The blind-spot detection option for the 4Runner is an add-on.
The GX includes a rear cross-path warning system as standard, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to warn the driver of automobiles approaching from the side and make pulling out of a parking space safer. An extra cost for the 4Runner is a rear cross-path alert.
Front seatbelt adjustability, plastic fuel tanks, driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, knee airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and traction control are all standard on the GX and the 4Runner.
Both also are equipped with crash-reducing brakes and electronic stability systems to avoid stumbling. Additionally offered are lane departure warning systems and daytime running lights.
The Lexus GX outperforms other vehicles in fatality rates. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the GX has 15.5 percent fewer fatal accidents per registered vehicle than the 4Runner.
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #2: Warranty
The standard 4-year/50,000-mile guarantee for the GX’s parts includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 4Runner’s standard warranty will not end for another year or 14,000 miles. Toyota’s powertrain warranty is one year and 10,000 miles shorter than Lexus’s GX warranty.
An extensive warranty covers the entire engine and gearbox of the vehicle for the first six years or 70,000 miles of ownership. After five years and 60,000 miles of use, the 4Runner’s warranty is over. The 4Runner’s corrosion warranty is longer by one year than the GX’s corrosion warranty (6 vs. 5 years).
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #3: Exterior
These cars have tough exteriors that convey a feeling of history and sturdiness. Both types have squared-off front and back ends. However, the GX 460’s off-road geometry is compromised by the fact that its body cladding is significantly higher than the 4Runner’s.
A car whose main selling point is its off-road competence seems out of place with low-hanging front and rear aero components. You cannot remove the running boards because they are integrated into the rocker panels. The 4Runner, meanwhile, has a body that is high up. The 4Runner is less susceptible to off-road harm than the GX 460.
One of the 4Runner’s greatest features is the power retractable rear window. Accessing the cargo area of the 4Runner without opening the hatch is simple due to roll-down windows on the sides and hatch.
On warm days, they are also useful for internal ventilation. The side-hinged rear door of the GX is a unique feature. In addition to being difficult to open, the door’s location on the passenger side makes it challenging to carry cargo while parallel parking.
The arrangement of the rear doors on the GX has far more drawbacks than benefits. Compared to the 4Runner’s back door, which includes a retractable rear glass, the GX’s back door is significantly simpler to load and unload small items into and out of.
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #4: Engine
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner’s 4.0-liter V6 engine generates 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Every model has a dated 5-speed automatic transmission connected to it. The 4Runner has a 5,000-pound towing capability. The 4.6-liter V8 engine in the Lexus GX 460 generates 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque.
This gearbox is still years behind the eight or more-gear configurations used by the rivals, albeit being a step toward the 4Runner’s 5-speed automatic. The 2020 Lexus GX460 mpg gets even worse than the 4Runner, with only 15 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the interstate, and 16 mpg on the combined cycle.
When correctly equipped, the Lexus GX460 towing capacity is up to 6,500 pounds. With its sturdy body-on-frame design and ability to handle any adventure, this SUV is the best choice. Although the GX’s 4.6-liter V8 is neither powerful nor efficient, it should last for many hundred thousand miles before needing significant mechanical maintenance. The V6 in the 4Runner can be justified in the same way.
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #5: Rims And Tires
To increase grip, the GX sports tires have larger tires than the 4Runner (265/60R18 vs. 245/60R20). The GX’s standard tires offer better handling than the 4Runner’s 70 series tires because of the lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) and the resulting stronger sidewall.
Compared to the 4Runner Limited/TRD Sport tires, the GX’s available tires have a lower profile (55 vs. 60 series). 18-inch wheels are standard on the GX and provide a smoother ride, greater handling, and better brake cooling. 17-inch wheels are standard on 4Runners.
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #6: Driving And Suspension
The suspension system on the GX is adjustable by the driver. The driver can choose between a sport mode for greater control on winding roads or off-road conditions and a soft ride to aid in long journeys.
The shock absorbers on the 4Runner’s suspension cannot be changed. To maintain a level ride height, whether towing or hauling a heavy load, the GX 460 Luxury variant comes standard with an electronic rear load-leveling suspension.
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #7: Features And Innovations
Neither of these cars is overly equipped with features and amenities. The outdated GX infotainment system, which is still in use today, is miles behind the new 2020 4Runner’s system.
The 4Runner sports a sizable 8-inch touchscreen with the most recent Toyota software, but it also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The GX’s 8-inch touchscreen has a low resolution and responds to inputs more slowly than the 4Runner’s upgraded touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported.
The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro off-road versions of the 4Runner feature a locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control systems, as well as a locking rear differential. The brilliant Toyota Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), also referred to as KDSS intelligently adjusts the stiffness of the sway bar depending on whether you are driving on or off the road.
Surprisingly, KDSS isn’t included with the 4Runner TRD Pro. However, the addition of Fox internal-bypass shock absorbers, an aluminum front skid plate, modest all-terrain tires, black rims, a sport exhaust, and a distinctive roof rack somewhat makes up for it.
Toyota believes that the Lexus GX exhibits its off-road qualities in upscale packaging.
However, the vehicle’s bodywork actually undermines the benefits of several parts, making it awkward. Four-wheel drive comes as standard on the GX. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro 4Runners have separate part-time systems in this instance. The GX offers hill assist, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, KDSS, and a locking center differential.
An optional air suspension is available for the rear wheels. Increasing break-over and departure angles implies raising the rear and approaching at a steeper angle. The vehicle’s rear air suspension causes it to level out automatically while towing. For the GX, a trail camera is available as an option, but the low resolution won’t be as valuable as a full-resolution camera.
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #8: Resilience
One of the top 5 most dependable luxury SUVs is the Lexus GX. Furthermore, repairs generally cost less than $1,000. The Lexus GX frequently needs repairs, but these are usually not major ones. One of the top 10 most dependable midsize SUVs is the Toyota 4Runner. The cost of repairs is about $500. In comparison to other similar vehicles, the 4Runner requires an average number of repairs.
Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner Features #9: Cost
The Lexus GX is priced between $53,450 and $66,210. Price points for the Toyota 4Runner range from $37,605 to $53,335.
Which Toyota 4Runner Generations Is Bestr
The most trustworthy Toyota 4Runner generation is 2017. The most reliable used Toyota 4Runner model year is 2017, even though practically every model has the potential to be an excellent, trustworthy SUV. Most vehicles in the fifth and current generation, which debuted in 2010, are powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine.
Consumers ranked the 2018 and 2017 models first, according to J.D. Power. The 2017 model, however, has a higher reliability rating. The 2017 Toyota 4Runner additionally received a J.D. This capable pre-owned SUV gets an 88/100 reliability rating. The 4Runner gained a few trim levels in 2017 and now offers three TRD-branded variants. However, because 4Runner models retain their value well, even second-hand ones are frequently quite pricey.
Which Is More Reliable, The 4Runner Or GX 460
Of the two SUVs, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 is, without a doubt, more dependable. In fact, it is named the most reliable car of the year by Consumer Reports. The Lexus GX reliability score for 2022 is 5/5. Consumer Reports analyzed information from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years to make its prediction. Every one of those model years has an unblemished dependability record, which says a lot about how long the Lexus GX usually lasts.
The Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, is anticipated to have a 4/5 reliability rating. This ranking by Consumer Reports is based on the Toyota 4Runner models from 2019 through 2021. The reliability rating for the 2019 and 2020 Toyota 4Runners is 4/5, while the 2021 4Runner has a perfect score of 5/5. The fuel system, brakes, and body integrity are problematic areas for the 2019 and 2020 models, respectively.
Is The Lexus GX Suitable For Off-Roading And Long Distance Travel
The Lexus GX460 overland build. Is the Lexus GX suitable for off-road and cross-country travel? Yes, in a word! First off, it is based on the tried-and-true Land Cruiser platform, which has been known to travel miles upon miles of the toughest roads without breaking down. Due to the Land Cruiser’s exceptional construction quality and dependable engine, vehicles with 300,000 or more miles on them are not uncommon.
Second, the Lexus GX has numerous features and choices that enable it to carry out Lexus GX 460 off-road build, such as:
- Four-Wheel Drive (AWD Or Full-Time 4wd)
- Control Of Downhill Ascent
- Crawl Control
- Locking Differential
- Multi-Terrain Management
- KDSS
- A-TRAC
Toyota 4Runner Competitor
The Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are superior to the 4Runner in terms of four-wheeling enjoyment. However, those two models are significantly more expensive when equipped similarly, and their suitability as everyday vehicles is severely jeopardized.
Most 4Runner owners will find plenty of capabilities in a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Subaru Outback, two vehicles that provide exceptional off-road comfort and excellent city handling.
The Honda Passport is a frequently overlooked, undervalued option that offers car-like handling in exchange for a dose of off-road capability.
GX460 Vs GX470
The GX 470 is no longer being manufactured. This indicates that it is unlikely that you will find a brand-new model. However, you can easily find a foreign used GX 470 because some countries like Nigeria have a sizable used car industry.
Given that the Lexus GX470 is no longer being manufactured, you can assume that it lacks the more modern technical features, aesthetics, and engine choices found in more recent GX460 models. However, you can choose to upgrade it to packages that work for you; however, this will cost you a lot of money.
An identical 4.6 Liter V8 and 4.7 Liter V8 engine powers the Lexus GX 460 and 470, respectively. Given that it is a V8, both SUVs have eight cylinders. Because there are more cylinders, more fuel is forced into them, producing greater power to propel the car.
The GX 470 gets about 14 MPG on the highway and 18 MPG on the city roads on average. The GX 460 gets about average gas efficiency, though, with 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway with a 23 gal fuel tank. It can reach 60 MPH in a little under seven seconds, so of course, it has speed.
GX Vs LX
The GX is a midsize SUV, whereas the LX is a big SUV. Both vehicles have V8 engines, but the LX is more potent. A 5.7-liter V8 engine with 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque powers the 2020 LX. A basic automatic transmission is an eight-speed unit.
The LX’s three rows can accommodate up to eight passengers; two-row variants may accommodate five. Despite having a poor cargo area, the LX exhibits the extravagance you would expect from a luxury vehicle. In addition to having leather as standard, the LX’s interior is decorated with high-end accents.
Faux leather upholstery is standard on the GX, while genuine leather is an option. Although the GX’s style is a little outmoded, it is nonetheless classy. If you choose the captain’s chair configuration, this Lexus can carry up to six passengers instead of seven.
In comparison to the GX, the LX provides more power and extravagance, as one would expect, given the price. Starting prices for the 2020 LX and GX are respectively $86,480 and $53,000. Although the LX is technically the superior choice, the GX offers luxury at a more reasonable cost.
Toyota 4Runner vs Lexus GX: Comparison of two off-road SUVs
- The fifth-gen Toyota 4Runner is one of the oldest new vehicles on sale, debuting in 2009 and having the same body-on-frame SUV with the same engine and transmission, but sales have increased yearly since 2015.
- The fifth-gen 4Runner is highly popular in the US with approximately 130,000 vehicles sold annually despite no significant mechanical updates.
- The Lexus GX460 shares underpinnings with the 4Runner and debuted in 2010, offering a V8 engine that is more powerful at 301 horsepower and a longer list of standard amenities than the 4Runner.
- Both vehicles hold their value, with used examples of the fifth-gen 4Runner and the first-gen GX460 enjoying some of the highest resale values of any SUV in the market.
- The current market has a high demand for used SUVs, and buyers could find a 12-year-old 4Runner with nearly 200,000 miles selling for approximately $19,000 or a used GX460 2010-2013 for around $20,000.
- Buyers interested in buying a new SUV could get a 4Runner SR5 4×4 starting at $40,000 and a GX460 starting at $57,000.
- Buyers looking for the V8 engine and better amenities of the GX for similar money may choose to purchase a used GX460.
- The 4Runner and GX460 are both overdue for a redesign, but their popularity may not be affected by their new models.
- Buyers’ choice between the 4Runner and GX460 will depend on their needs and preferences for luxury refinement, rugged personality, or a V8 engine.
FAQs – Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner
Here are some popular FAQs:
Is Lexus Made By Toyota
Although it is owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation and has its own headquarters there, the Lexus brand also operates independently.
Why Are 4Runners So Expensive
The 4Runner has a great track record for toughness, dependability, and lifespan. It’s a reliable vehicle with outstanding off-road capabilities. As a result, demand for even vehicles with high mileage is great, which raises the cost.
Do Lexus Hold Their Value
Like every vehicle, they are a depreciating asset. But because of its dependability, Lexus retains its value much better than other brands. Because Lexus shares Toyota’s reputation for dependability, this may contribute to the high value of its cars. In fact, IntelliChoice has recognized four 2021 Lexus models as having the Highest Retained Value. After five years, 2021 Lexus should still be worth at least 48% of what it originally cost.
Are Lexus And Toyota The Same
Although Toyota owns the Lexus portfolio of cars and SUVs, the two brands are independent and have headquarters in different locations. While Lexus is still based in Nagoya, Toyota is headquartered in Toyota City.
How Many Miles Per Gallon Does A 4Runner Get
The EPA estimates that the Toyota 4Runner can achieve 17 mpg total gas mileage across all variants, with 16 city and 19 highway miles per gallon.
How Much Is A Lexus GX460
The Lexus GX 460 base model’s starting price for the 2022 model year is $56,700. Price starts at $58,035 for the Lexus GX Premium variant and $60,535 for the Black Line Special Edition with identical features. Finally, the equipped Luxury model has a starting price of $66,210.
Where Is The Toyota 4 Runner Made
At Toyota’s factory in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota affiliate) factory in Hamura, every 4Runner has been produced in Japan.
When Will The Lexus GX Be Redesigned
When the luxury GA-F body-on-frame platform is used to rebuild the three-row midsize SUV in 2024, you can anticipate it to be bigger and more opulent.
How Tall Is A 4 Runner
Depending on the trim and model year, the length of the Toyota 4Runner ranges from 15.3 feet (4.66 meters) to 15.9 feet (4.86 meters).
What Is The Lexus Version Of The 4Runner
Excellent dependability ratings are one of a few similarities between the 4Runner and the GX. The 4Runner, however, appeals to the general public more because of its pricing and focus performance. The 2020 4Runner is also one of the better models to buy if you enjoy technology. The GX is an appealing option if you’d want to spend a little extra. Many consumers indeed wonder if the GX is the 4Runner’s upscale variant. The GX is also an expensive version of Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado, which is not sold in the United States. The GX has a few benefits over the 4Runner as a luxury vehicle.
Do 4Runners Hold Their Value
The Toyota 4Runner is particularly resistant to depreciation since, even after a few years, it still has a high selling price. The Toyota brand is renowned for both its dependability and durability. Even after 3-5 years, their cars typically have good resale values.
Final Verdict – Lexus Equivalent To 4Runner
Is Lexus equivalent to 4Runner? The GX provides a typical remote car starting feature that lets the motorist start the car inside their home. The driver does this to comfortably enter the automobile and start it. The climate system also allows you to regulate the temperature inside. The 4Runner does not support remote starting.
The GX engine computer turns a single key to start the engine and stops it while it’s operating. While the engine is running, using the starter could cause a grinding sound and harm the ring and starting gear. These, therefore, are the variations between the two vehicles. Examine them all, even the little things before making a purchase.