2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the 2023 GX 470, with its bold geometric styling. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front fascia a more aggressive and vertical stance. The hood's design, with its raised humps above the front wheels, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The side profile of the GX was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility. The SUV was offered in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims emphasized off-road capabilities with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the GX blended luxury with utility, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and robust materials, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, evolved its design rather than completely reinventing it. The exterior retained the horseshoe-shaped grille but adopted a bulkier, industrial look. The side panels featured deep beveled creases, giving the SUV a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, featuring a purposeful and comfortable cabin with hard plastics for durability. The interior materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender. The 4Runner's design was practical, with elevated seats offering excellent outward views, and controls were logically placed for ease of use.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, making off-road driving more accessible. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with minimal body roll on winding roads.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, and the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant provided stronger low-speed power, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's eight-speed automatic transmission improved acceleration and fuel economy. The SUV was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll compared to its predecessor. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were particularly capable, with approach angles up to 33 degrees and ground clearance up to 10.1 inches.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 76.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 90.5 cubic feet of total cargo capacity.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While front seats accommodated taller passengers, the middle row offered adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit featured logically placed controls, with oversized knobs for climate control and off-road features. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers, with additional ports for rear passengers in Overtrail models. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a voice assistant and subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. It included Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a digital instrument panel for hybrid variants. Off-road models featured external camera views and automatic activation for improved trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and a digital key function were also offered.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While crash test results were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional. While crash test results were pending, the Tacoma's Top Safety Pick rating provided some reassurance.