2023 Lexus GX vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner harkened back to the SUV boom of the 1980s, maintaining its rugged design closely linked to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike most SUVs that evolved to more car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its roots. This consistency wasn’t a sign of Toyota's reluctance to evolve. On the contrary, it was a strategic decision. With the three-row Highlander handling family transportation, the 4Runner could afford to be the adventure-seeker's choice.

Few vehicles were as visibly adventurous as the 4Runner. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper all screamed off-road capability. The interior reflected its durability-first ethos, but it also carried signs of its age, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. Trim options for the 4Runner included the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. The standard features on the SR5 were quite comprehensive, featuring push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX offered a different breed of visual presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches. The front end looked ready to devour the road with massive headlights accentuating its bold face. Walk around the side, however, and the GX’s short wheelbase of 109.8 inches made it seem more compact. The vehicle's design focused on handling obstacles, with minimal overhangs and big, flared fenders contributing to a sleeker appearance compared to the blocky design language seen in Toyota’s lineup.

Despite its luxury badge, the GX interior was laden with plastic materials, reflecting the model's low sales volume and need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, there were still plenty of luxury touches, including heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and top-notch leather upholstery.

In terms of performance, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single engine— a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This dated but reliable engine seemed underwhelming in most driving scenarios, providing decent acceleration through a five-speed automatic transmission to either rear-wheel drive or available 4WD with a low range. The ride felt harsh and cumbersome to those used to more modern vehicles, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the suspension excelled, effortlessly absorbing rocks, bumps, and roots. It even featured options like Crawl Control and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for enhanced off-road handling. Towing capacity for the 4Runner was up to 5,000 pounds, modest compared to other SUVs or trucks but competitive among car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Lexus GX took a different route with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated V8 provided a linear power delivery that pleased traditionalists, but on paper, it lagged behind more modern engines like those in the Toyota Sequoia and Tundra. The GX stood out with a 6,500-pound towing capacity, surpassing many three-row crossovers. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX had a predictable and controllable feel through corners despite its weight, thanks to its Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and well-calibrated brakes.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a generous 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in its two-row version, slightly reduced to 88.8 cubic feet in the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row version allowed 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and a mere 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The power rear liftgate was absent, but the power-open/close rear window was a nifty feature for easy access to the cargo area. The 4Runner’s interior was functional but lacked the efficiency seen in more modern designs.

In comparison, the 2023 Lexus GX excelled in small-item storage with a deep center console bin and side-by-side cupholders. However, it fell short in cargo space. With the third row in use, the GX offered just 11.6 cubic feet of storage, increasing to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down. Maximum cargo capacity, with both the second and third rows flat, reached only 64.7 cubic feet—less than a Toyota RAV4. The side-hinged door added to the GX's inconvenience, requiring clear space and effort to open.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with hard buttons and dials, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Additional tech included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available upgrades. The infotainment, while basic compared to more modern systems, appealed to those who appreciated simplicity and tactile controls.

The 2023 Lexus GX received a tech overhaul in 2022 with a 10.3-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The inclusion of a CD player signified its dated technology. While it had advanced features like Lexus Enform Remote, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo, and a genuine 4WD system, the touchscreen lagged and the graphics were subpar. The GX excelled in off-road tech with a two-speed transfer case, low range, locking center differential, and various assist systems, making it formidable off-road.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained relevance with safety thanks to its Toyota Safety Sense suite. This included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. NHTSA gave the 4Runner four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing, and three stars in rollover testing.

For the 2023 Lexus GX, neither NHTSA nor IIHS had crash-tested it. The SUV, originally engineered for the 2010 model year, lacked some modern structural safety enhancements. However, it boasted a suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.