Lexus GX vs Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Lexus GX embodied a significant design departure from its predecessors. While the 2023 GX 470 sported softer, more rounded corners, the 2024 GX 550 adopted a thoroughly geometric look. The spindle grille, a Lexus trademark, remained but was less pronounced. Triple-beam LED headlights flanked this grille, sitting prominently on the squared-off front fascia that provided a more aggressive outlook, moving away from the previously softer design. The hood featured raised humps over each front wheel, aiding off-road driving awareness. From the side, the GX seemed as if it were carved from a single piece of metal, with minimal character lines. Designers kept the window beltline low for better off-road visibility. This design theme continued to the rear, rounded off by standard running boards or powered units on the Luxury+ trim. Lexus offered the GX in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The Premium+ was projected to be the bestseller, while the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ highlighted the best features, balancing between luxury and hardcore off-roading. Overtrail models focused on ruggedness, with 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires, eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery, and robust off-road hardware. Inside, the GX interior melded luxury and utility, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, and polyurethane-derived touchpoints. The dashboard, distinctively flat and upright, housed a central 14-inch touchscreen complemented by physical off-road controls and climate knobs. Although less opulent than a Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the third-gen GX felt premium and ready for challenging terrains. By contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, if somewhat outdated, design. Its last major redesign was for the 2010 model year, and it showed. However, the boxy shape remained a practical choice for an all-terrain vehicle. The flared fenders gave it a wide stance, enhancing its off-road credibility. The TRD Pro model featured rugged elements like underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a tubular roof rack. Inside, the 4Runner reflected its age with a straightforward but dated aesthetic. Analog instruments and an eight-inch touchscreen underscored its old-school vibe. Large dials and traditional levers remained functional for those familiar with older vehicles. While hard plastics abounded, cushioned surfaces and grained upholstery aimed to approximate leather. Overall, it appealed to a sense of nostalgia rather than modernity. The 4Runner’s interior might have felt even older compared to the more modern Bronco and Wrangler, though it retained its simplistic charm.

The 2024 Lexus GX moved away from the naturally aspirated V8 engine of previous models, opting instead for a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. This engine produced 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, a significant boost in power. The torque was available early in the rev range, easing off-road maneuvers. Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with several Toyota and Lexus models, the GX’s chassis was significantly stiffer, improving on-road stability and off-road toughness. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, devoid of the gear-hunting issues found in the Tundra. The GX featured standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, with Overtrail trims adding a locking rear differential. Lexus's Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) also featured, enhancing wheel articulation and road contact in rugged conditions. Despite its 5,000-pound-plus weight, the GX demonstrated commendable on-road composure and effective braking. However, comprehensive off-road testing was limited due to environmental conditions. In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Though not significantly lower in power compared to its peers, it was hindered by an outdated five-speed automatic transmission, resulting in slower acceleration and poorer fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came with standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive with four-wheel drive options. The 4Runner’s engine felt underpowered on highways, often necessitating aggressive throttle use, and the sportier exhaust of the TRD Pro model added unnecessary noise. The soft suspension, while beneficial off-road, resulted in pronounced nose-dive under braking and significant body roll in corners. Handling on paved roads left much to be desired, and the overall ride was floaty and prone to residual bounces. However, the soft suspension did smooth out larger road imperfections, albeit at the cost of stability.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior marked a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Key physical controls remained while the number of buttons was reduced for a more minimalist and sophisticated design. The dashboard featured a large 14-inch touchscreen with rotary climate control knobs and dedicated off-road buttons lower down. The GX offered ample space for six-foot adults in the first and second rows, boasting 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, although available, was cramped, suitable primarily for children with its 31.7 inches of legroom. Comparatively, the GX's primary rival, the Land Rover Defender 110, offered tighter front and third-row spaces but slightly more second-row space. However, the Defender 110's overall shorter length made it less practical for seven passengers. The GX led in cargo capacity, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Overtrail models, without the third row, offered an expansive 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a total cargo space of 90.5 cubic feet. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior layout, although easy to use, felt outdated. It featured straightforward controls suitable for use with gloves and excellent outward visibility. The seats were spacious, though the steering wheel’s limited telescoping range was a drawback for taller drivers. The second-row seats provided abundant legroom but limited headroom due to elevated bench seats. Select trims offered a third row. Storage was plentiful with large door pockets, multiple bins, and cupholders. The 4Runner excelled in cargo space, offering 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 89.7 cubic feet when the seats were stowed. However, stowing the seats required manual effort, unlike the almost flat load floor which the GX offered for easier load handling. The unique sliding glass rear window and tailgate party speakers added minor conveniences.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a centrally-mounted 14-inch touchscreen, USB-C ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk. It supported Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and came with services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect, although only with initial free trials, post which they required paid subscriptions. The standard audio system had 10 speakers, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims. Conversely, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner's eight-inch touchscreen was less impressive. Though it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, using the small screen while driving could be challenging. The TRD Pro trim offered a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, though road noise and loud engine sounds compromised audio enjoyment. The 4Runner's terrain controls, located in the headliner console, required familiarity due to pictogram labeling. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities, though they demanded a thorough read of the owner's manual.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety technologies. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 became standard, including features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature was also introduced. However, the model awaited crash testing results from IIHS and NHTSA. For the 2024 Toyota 4Runner, NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars for overall and frontal crash protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars for rollover evaluations. IIHS results were mixed, with positive scores for moderate overlap frontal and side protection tests, but worrying scores in newer small overlap tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitor, and a surround-view camera system on higher trims, though the alert systems were sometimes overly sensitive.