2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end was highlighted by small, angular headlights, and the grille varied by trim, with body-color bars on most trims and blacked-out accents on the TRD Pro. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured chrome accents and leather upholstery, though the utilitarian DNA was still evident with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained the same basic body shell from a decade ago, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The Premium trim level came with standard silver 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch wheels were also available. Despite not being originally designed around the spindle grille, the GX's styling was coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and plenty of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim level.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was not designed for smoothness or efficiency but for durability and off-road capability, allowing for up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The 4Runner's fuel economy was poor, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The Limited trim featured a full-time 4WD system, while the TRD models had a part-time system better suited for off-roading.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was a throwback to an earlier generation of SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with significant body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled off-road with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and multi-view camera system. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The seating position was tall, with power-retractable running boards on the Limited trim. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, though they were best suited for short and occasional use. The third-row seats were narrow and thin, lacking legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel was positioned at an odd angle, and the tall seating position felt bus-like. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, though forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. The center-console storage bin and cupholders were small, and the third row was best reserved for children. The GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, less than the Land Rover Discovery's 73.0 cubic feet. With the third row up, cargo space was minimal.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system included Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio and WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a JBL stereo and navigation system, though the onboard navigation was less efficient than Google Maps. While the 4Runner's tech was improved, it still lagged behind competitors in features and usability.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a more straightforward interface than many modern luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also had eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.