2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a visual spectacle, particularly when finished in Black Onyx. With virtually all chrome elements eradicated from its exterior, this version transformed into a rolling black void that seemed poised to absorb all light. However, it didn’t take long—less than 24 hours of a windy day, to be precise—for a thin layer of brown dust to turn this SUV's aesthetic from glamorous to somewhat drab and neglected.

Though its design aimed to be modern, every new GX visually communicated its age. The distinctive Lexus spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights were some of the only elements differentiating the 2022 model from a 2002 GX 470. The interior, though more up-to-date, still echoed the design themes of older models, despite some advancements.

Quality was a strong suit within the cabin of the GX. Nearly every surface depicted careful craftsmanship with the trademark Lexus silky refinement. The interior was also notably quiet, save for the purring of the standard V8 engine. The GX 460 came in three trims: Standard, Premium, and Luxury, ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, with the Black Line Special Edition starting at $60,535.

The Toyota 4Runner traced its lineage back to the rugged SUVs of the 1980s, sharing much of its robust character with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike many modern SUVs that had transitioned to car platforms, the 4Runner retained its truck-based underpinnings.

This approach wasn't due to Toyota's reluctance to advance but rather a strategic decision. The brand recognized that vehicles like the Highlander fulfilled family-hauling needs, which allowed the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. From its high ride height to its boxy and angular front bumper, the 4Runner presented itself as the embodiment of adventure.

Inside, the 4Runner's utilitarian nature continued but was accompanied by a decidedly late-2000s dash layout, revealing its age. The 2022 4Runner came in an extensive array of trims, including SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each having unique features. For instance, the Trail Special Edition boasted 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels and a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, while the TRD Sport had more road-oriented touches like 20-inch alloy wheels and X-REAS performance suspension.

Underneath its hood, the GX 460 carried a hefty 4.6-liter V8 engine that churned out 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powerplant, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, achieved a leisurely 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. It wasn't the most potent on the market, but it provided a gratifying driving experience. The torque was ample, supporting a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock ensured stability, distributing 40% of the power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear under regular conditions. Despite its tall and narrow boxy shape contributing to a less than favorable drag coefficient of 0.35, the GX managed a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg, which matched its real-world performance during test drives.

Additionally, the GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) played a critical role in enhancing ride comfort and stability, especially off-road. However, the slow and heavy steering alongside a touchy brake pedal introduced some inconveniences during urban driving.

In contrast, the Toyota 4Runner relied on a single-engine option: a 4.0-liter V6, generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable and efficient for low-speed off-road adventures, it felt underwhelming and dated in other driving scenarios. The engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, powered either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with a low range.

On paved roads, the 4Runner exhibited significant body roll and a bumpy ride quality, traits familiar to drivers accustomed to traditional trucks or SUVs. However, these drawbacks disappeared off-road, where the 4Runner truly shone by absorbing obstacles like rocks and root beds effortlessly.

Equipped models like the TRD Pro came with additional features such as Crawl Control and a locking differential to enhance off-road capabilities. The 4Runner’s towing capacity stood at 5,000 pounds, modest by truck standards but adequate relative to car-based crossovers.

Inside the Lexus GX, drivers found a commanding driving position courtesy of a 10-way power-adjustable seat providing excellent outward visibility. The vehicle's tall height, narrow width, and short length made it maneuverable across different terrains, though the sluggish steering posed a significant drawback.

The seats provided comfort, with well-placed padding throughout the interior. Despite some old-school switchgear, the presence of physical controls made operations straightforward. However, confusion between stereo and off-road control knobs marred the experience occasionally.

The Black Line Special Edition featured convincing simulated leather (NuLuxe) upholstery. Other comforts included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and triple-zone automatic climate control. Despite these amenities, accessing the rear seat was challenging, narrowing door openings hindered entry, and the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults and children alike.

Lacking adequate cargo space, the GX, with the third-row seat in use, offered only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo. With the third-row stowed, cargo space increased to 46.7 cubic feet, and folding down the second row provided a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet—less than what a Toyota RAV4 offered.

The Toyota 4Runner excelled in cargo capacity, offering a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet in the two-row model and slightly less in the three-row version. With the second row in use, the two-row 4Runner offered 47.2 cubic feet, while the three-row model provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded down.

The three-row configuration was an option for SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited trims, accommodating up to seven passengers, but reducing cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet behind the front row and only 9 cubic feet behind the rearmost seats. Although it lacked a power rear liftgate, the 4Runner compensated with a power rear window for easy access.

Despite its age showing in some of the interior design aspects, the 4Runner proved to be suitably spacious, if not the most efficiently packaged. There were ample storage spaces for smaller items, though the cabin could have been more optimized.

The 2022 GX 460 introduced a much-needed 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. Placed prominently above the air vents for easy access, this system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. An available Lexus app and smartwatch compatibility added a modern touch, while a CD player offered a throwback to the 90s.

However, the arrangement of the control knobs was less than ideal. Stereo controls located below off-road controls and with less ergonomic design interfered with seamless operation. Despite these quirks, the dual-screen view for navigation and radio display, along with an efficient voice recognition system, made the GX’s infotainment system user-friendly.

The GX also offered standard Intuitive Parking Assist, which included front and rear parking sensors, and options like surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 4Runner's standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while straightforward and robust, was less advanced compared to more recent systems. It featured tactile controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

Though lacking features like a head-up display, the system’s simplicity had its merits, particularly for drivers wearing gloves on rugged trails. Despite not being the most cutting-edge, it served the practical needs of 4Runner owners.

With a structural design unchanged over many years, the Lexus GX had no recent crash-test ratings. Nevertheless, it came equipped with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a three-year complimentary Safety Connect service secured its safety profile.

However, it lacked several modern driving aids found in rival luxury SUVs. The absence of lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and other advanced technologies could turn potential buyers towards other options.

Despite its age, Toyota equipped the 4Runner with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, providing forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning as standard. Additionally, buyers could opt for blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 4Runner earned mixed results in NHTSA testing, securing four stars in frontal and side-impact tests but only three stars in rollover tests. The vehicle came with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.