2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, standing tall at 74.2 inches. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with paint options like Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical terrains.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit outdated, boxy shape, reminiscent of its 2010 redesign. Its flared fenders and rugged grille gave it a stable, off-road-ready appearance. The TRD Pro model enhanced this with skid plates and all-terrain tires. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with analog instruments and an eight-inch touchscreen, but its straightforward layout and excellent visibility made it practical for off-road adventures. Despite its dated look, the 4Runner's interior was functional, with cushioned panels and grained upholstery for durability.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, but its weight affected handling, causing predictable body roll. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in challenging conditions.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While adequate for off-roading, the 4Runner felt sluggish on highways, requiring aggressive acceleration. Its soft suspension excelled off-road but resulted in body roll and nosedive during on-road driving. The 4Runner's 5,000-pound towing capacity was decent, and its off-road prowess was supported by features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, though its on-road performance left room for improvement.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep center console bin. The use of hard buttons for controls was a welcome choice, though the abundance of them required familiarization. The second row provided good legroom and headroom, but the third row was cramped. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, was functional with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, while the second row offered generous legroom but limited headroom. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was impressive, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with seats stowed. The sliding glass rear window and optional sliding deck added convenience, though the lack of remote seat releases was a drawback.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX's off-road capabilities were supported by a real 4WD system, KDSS, and an Off-Road Package, enhancing its rugged appeal.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro's JBL audio system delivered quality sound, though road noise often overshadowed it. Off-road controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual for optimal use.

The 2023 Lexus GX lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it included essential ADAS features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety technology was up-to-date.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from NHTSA and "Good" scores from IIHS in some tests. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, its alerts were sometimes overly sensitive.