Toyota 4Runner vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The cabin was equipped with hard plastics for durability, complemented by light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a strikingly different appearance from its predecessor. Its boxy shape echoed the classic Land Rover style, with a brawny front accented by LED headlights and a large grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ model featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, and rock rails, all contributing to its rugged aesthetic. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with clean, elegant design elements and quality switchgear. The dashboard, center console, and door trim were chic, and the seats offered ample headroom and legroom, even for tall passengers. The GX's seats were upholstered in stitched black and tan faux leather, with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Visibility was excellent, aided by tall windows and an elevated ride height, making the GX a comfortable and luxurious choice for both city and off-road driving.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's five-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option, while off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, offering stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll compared to the previous generation. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added some wind noise.

The 2025 Lexus GX was equipped with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The GX accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. Despite its weight, the GX felt quick and responsive, with ample power throughout the rev band. Fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 14.9 mpg. The GX's chassis, with double-wishbone suspension and adaptive dampers, provided a comfortable ride, though there was some jiggliness on the rear axle. Off-road, the GX excelled, with features like a low gear range, locking center differential, and downhill assist control. The Overtrail+ model offered enhanced off-road capabilities, though these features required an upgrade from the base Premium trim.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting up to 800 pounds.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior space, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and 43 inches in the back. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row, with ample shoulder room. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 76.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Overtrail trim, without a third row, offered 90.5 cubic feet of space. The GX's towing capacity was 9,063 pounds. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, with a width of 78 inches and a length of 197 inches, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were available, along with a digital instrument panel on hybrid models. Off-road models included external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was optional, with a portable center speaker that doubled as a Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app and a digital key function were also available.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system offered haptic feedback, smooth operation, and an intuitive layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, an optional upgrade, provided good audio quality, though it required higher volume at highway speeds. The GX featured six USB-C ports on Premium and Luxury trims, with four on Overtrail trims. The armrest storage included air conditioning, adding convenience.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, though the Tacoma, on which it was based, was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ model included pedestrian detection. A 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras aided visibility. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS but included 10 airbags for occupant protection.