2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those who valued utility over aesthetics. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with a sense of timelessness, thanks to its balanced proportions and functional styling. The 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastics and an old-school dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, which added to its utilitarian appeal. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $43,729, offered a unique blend of affordability and off-road capability, with features like a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a custom-made cooler.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX presented a more refined yet equally dated appearance. The Black Line Special Edition, with its Black Onyx paint and minimal chrome, gave the SUV a sleek, modern look, albeit one that quickly showed dirt. Inside, the GX boasted high-quality materials and a quiet cabin, with comfortable seating and a focus on luxury. However, its design and some switchgear felt outdated, reminiscent of earlier models. The GX's pricing started at $60,535, reflecting its premium positioning and additional features like heated and ventilated seats and triple-zone climate control.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac and optional upgrades such as a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel economy was a downside, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It offered a more refined driving experience, aided by a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System improved stability and off-road capability, while its towing capacity reached 6,500 pounds. Despite its power, the GX's fuel economy was similar to the 4Runner's, at 16.8 mpg during testing. The GX's ride was more agreeable, though its steering and brakes required effort, especially in urban settings.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner provided a high driving position and comfortable seating, with ample legroom and visibility. Its interior was practical, with features like a sliding cargo deck and a large roof rack. Cargo space was generous, offering up to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the 4Runner's high step-in height could be challenging for shorter passengers.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and comfortable seating, with a focus on luxury. Its interior featured NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim, with heated and ventilated front seats. However, the GX's third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, reducing cargo space when in use. The side-swinging tailgate also posed challenges in tight spaces. With the third row stowed, the GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the 4Runner.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added navigation and voice recognition, but the system's physical controls were a highlight, allowing easy operation even with gloves.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The system's dual-screen view and voice recognition were praised, though the placement of stereo controls was less intuitive.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus GX included Lexus Safety System+, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian detection. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While lacking some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, the GX's standard safety features were comprehensive, though no crash-test ratings were available.