Toyota 4Runner Vs. Lexus GX: Which Is The Better Off-Roader?
Comparing the Toyota 4Runner with the all-new Lexus GX would be like matching an aging Oscar De La Hoya with an up-and-coming slugger in Manny Pacquiao, the "Dream Match" that took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on December 2008. The fight cemented Pacquiao's world-beating dominance as De La Hoya's corner threw in the towel early in the ninth round.
The Toyota 4Runner will most likely not get beaten to a pulp by the Lexus GX in a head-to-head comparison, but the former has been around since the 2009 model year — still wearing its fifth-gen ladder frame platform inherited from the old Land Cruiser Prado. On the other hand, the Lexus GX is all-new for the 2024 model year, and sits proudly on top of Toyota's TNGA-F architecture.
The Lexus GX will understandably be the more luxurious off-roader in the same manner a full-size Lexus LX is posher than a standard Toyota Land Cruiser. However, is it less capable on the beaten path than the Toyota 4Runner?
Toyota 4Runner: Mainstay off-roader
Toyota commemorated four decades of the 4Runner's dominance in the midsize SUV segment by debuting a 40th anniversary variant in mid-2023. Rumors are ripe of an all-new, sixth-generation 4Runner arriving by the 2025 model year, but the current fifth-gen model remains a potent off-roader with enough room to take a small family exploring in the woods. Plus, it could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road and the range-topping TRD Pro are best suited for off-roading. All 4Runners remain powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 gas engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Other trims have rear-wheel drive with a five-speed automatic gearbox, but most have a four-wheel drivetrain.
The TRD Off-Road adds off-road drive settings (like off-road cruise control), a locking rear differential, and an optional set of Toyota's Kinematic Dynamic Suspension System to deliver better grip and wheel articulation over extremely rugged terrain.
Toyota
Taking it up a notch is the 4Runner TRD Pro. It adds more trail-rated goodies like off-road suspension with FOX dampers, custom TRD wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and a roof rack. The 4Runner remains famous for its no-nonsense approach to everyday driving, without penalizing its legendary off-road smarts.
Lexus GX: Refined off-roader
Lexus wants its well-heeled clientele to venture into the wilderness with its reborn GX luxury off-roader. Despite sharing the Land Cruiser's TNGA-F architecture, the Lexus GX doesn't resemble any Land Cruiser or its first and second-generation siblings. It has a more upright, chunkier, and boxier body that brings to mind the Land Rover Defender, the GX's primary target in the premium SUV department.
Lexus
The 2024 Lexus GX has a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline V6 engine with 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claims a hybrid model is also joining the lineup soon, which signals more power and torque, but with better fuel economy. Despite losing its trusted V8, the new Lexus GX could tow up to 8,000 pounds, and has a standard four-wheel drivetrain with a Torsen limited-slip center differential.
The most rugged Lexus GX, the Overtrail variants, get an electronic locking rear differential and a slew of upgrades like crawl control, downhill assist, optional electrokinetic suspension, and multi-terrain select driving modes.
Toyota 4Runner vs Lexus GX: The verdict
The mismatch is emphasized the most when considering the MSRP. The Toyota 4Runner starts at around $42,000, and tops off at $56,000 for the top-of-the-line TRD Pro. On the other hand, the Lexus GX begins at about $62,000, and tops out at $85,000. The Toyota 4Runner is the off-roader of choice specifically, with its proven merits of durability, reliability, and aftermarket serviceability. Plus, it's easier to welcome the thought of mud-slinging a 4Runner, but cringe at doing the same to the Lexus GX.
However, it doesn't mean the Lexus GX is less capable. For the money, it delivers more comfort and luxury gear to make life easier on or off the beaten path. It has triple-beam LED headlights, 18-inch wheels garbed in 33-inch all-terrain tires (GX Overtrail), an aluminum skid plate, Ultrasuede trim & semi-aniline leather upholstery, and an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
Lexus
The most excellent news is both the Toyota and Lexus are renowned for their build quality and reliability. You can't go wrong with both if you're looking for a seven-seat off-road capable family SUV — one just happens to be much more affordable for those on a budget.