4Runner VS. GX470

[CMiller]

The GX and the 4Runner are both the same 120 series Land Cruiser Prado chassis, suspension, and drive train. They both share the 2UZ V8 similar to the one found in most 100 series, optional in 4Runner the 1GR V6. All of the V8's are full time 4WD in both GX and 4Runner whereas the V6 is selectable 2 or 4wd. Both Have the same A750F transmission as the 100 series Land Cruiser, FJ, Tacoma, Tundra, Hilux as well. PNut stated good benefits for both engines. The big difference is really which body style you like on that chassis since that's where your butt spends its time. The GX is essentially the same body as the Land Cruiser Prado 120 in VX trim level just with a Lexus badge and slight facelift, no rear tire carrier on door.

Both have 3rd seating row option I believe.
Both made in the same plant in Japan.
Same wheelbase 109.8"


4Runner:
*5 trim levels to choose from, (SR5, Sport Edition, Limited, Trail, Urban Runner)
*2 Engine options, 2UZ or 1GR
*Lower pre-owned cost compared
*electronic transfer case selector
*Rear door is a hatch with rolling window
*A slight better selection of after market support in the US
*Pedal parking brake
*XREAS suspension (Sport Edition standard, optional in other trims)
*600lbs lighter than GX (4200lbs vs 4800)

GX470:
*all V8's
*luxury interior spec, similar to a Limited Trim in 4Runner
*Manual lever transfer case
*Full time 4WD
*Rear door is a swing gate
*Not as good of after market support in US, its improving though
*hand brake
*KDSS
*Air Suspension and AVS
*Slightly wider and taller body only

Both have various improvements over their respective lifespans so get on Wikipedia and see what was offered when. Again both have the same good bones just sit in each, drive it, and fit it to your lifestyle and comfort needs. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[bkg]

Don't forget... GX requires 92 Octane...

We wanted a GX, but finding one in good condition with viable miles has proven difficult. Had CarMax ship one from TX and promptly asked for (and got) our money back from the transfer. POS, it was.

So we're holding off for a while... Likely, we'll end up with a newer 4Runner (currently have 2010) in Limited Trim

 

[chmura]

Both are great vehicles. You will be happy with either that you pick.

I like the GX460 much better in the looks department than the GX470. GX470 looks really dated to me in the exterior and looks unproportional (tall/narrow) than the GX460 to me as well. GX460 looks better (not the horrid face lifted f sport bumper).

Also in the GX460 there is not a lot of aftermarket options. Will you be getting a aftermarket front/rear bumpers? Roof rack? If so you maybe a 4runner is better for you because the aftermarket support is much much better than the GX.

 

[SWITAWI]

Don't forget... GX requires 92 Octane...

Not exactly. 92 octane is required to get the full advertised HP/TQ ratings, and recommended for towing/severe duty situations. Same misconception was all over the early couple years of the FJ Cruiser with the same 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 in the 4Runner. I run mostly 89 octane in my FJC and get +/- 18mpg combined driving however I want. And let's just say that I am mostly a 'proactive' driver.

...GX470 looks really dated to me in the exterior and looks more proportional (tall/narrow) than the GX460 to me as well.

Agreed on the aftermarket for the 4Runner being huge , but a timeless bullbar-shaped Prado front bumper does wonders for the GX's 'designed-in-1999' looks.

 

[bkg]

Not exactly. 92 octane is required to get the full advertised HP/TQ ratings, and recommended for towing/severe duty situations. Same misconception was all over the early couple years of the FJ Cruiser with the same 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 in the 4Runner. I run mostly 89 octane in my FJC and get +/- 18mpg combined driving however I want. And let's just say that I am mostly a 'proactive' driver.



Agreed on the aftermarket for the 4Runner being huge , but a timeless bullbar-shaped Prado front bumper does wonders for the GX's 'designed-in-1999' looks.

Okay, ill rephrase. The Lexus owners manual, and indeed the sticker inside the fuel filler door say "premium fuel only."

 

[calicamper]

Okay, ill rephrase. The Lexus owners manual, and indeed the sticker inside the fuel filler door say "premium fuel only."

We'll it is a premium car its just there to remind the buyer they have a premium ride ;-)

Very possible it was tuned differently but in my experience Toyota gives their tall CG V8 trucks with short wheel bases a muted throttle response and the longer and wider you get the sharper the throttle and power is off the very same engine being shared between the various platforms. The v8 in the Land Cruiser seems like a total ********** cat where as the same engine in the Tundra and Sequoia are poised to tear someone's arm off at every stop light. Driving the LC back to back with the Sequoia or Tundra the difference is pretty shocking.
Our 07 Sequoia is pretty stupid regarding throttle response and power its the definition of the WAY over powered soccer mom rig. The damn thing will break the tires loose and roar off from a light like a scalded cat fired out of a cannon. The V8 LC sorta trundles along and the GX is quick but lacks the violence the Tundra and Sequoias can dish out. Never driven the V8 4runner but a neighbor has one good friend actually and he said the V8 4runner seems to sorta sit between the Sequoia and the GX in regard to how it response to throttle.

I would bet that the 4runner gets a very different throttle response and tune mapping than the GX

 

[knox]

If you buy a 2nd car like everybody is mentioning you then need to factor in maintenance and insurance etc, which i wouldn't believe you'd be coming in much of a lead if at all $$$ wise. I would personally get the runner but ive also never had the gx470. Go test drive them both.

 

[p nut]

If you buy a 2nd car like everybody is mentioning you then need to factor in maintenance and insurance etc, which i wouldn't believe you'd be coming in much of a lead if at all $$$ wise.

Not necessarily true. Maintenance won't be any more. In fact, it will be less. The majority of miles you would be putting on the truck would be transferred to your commuter. Tires, brakes, and general wear/tear items are usually cheaper on an econobox. Insurance companies also give multi-car discounts and if you've got a car that you don't drive much, some give discounts for that as well. Driving a second car also keeps the mileage down on your truck, which means higher resale value or generally, the life of the vehicle. So there are definite upsides to having a second car.

 

[kilohotel]

I'm leaning towards the V6 T4R, not i'm just trying to figure out if mounting a 32in tire will kill the MPG compared to the V8 and wether i'll be needing a regearing job

 

[occasionaldirt]

Ha! Maybe your 'freeways' have a 45 mph speed limit... get real, a 4wd 4-runner will average 15-18mpg at 65-75 mph... but, as OP said, not a concern of his... totally roll the GX unless aftermarket rock crawler parts matter.

Depends on what you want. From my experience, the 4Runner feels more agile and sporty (...for an suv) while the GX feels more refined. MPG may still be a factor. My friend's bone stock gx460 gets 13 mixed driving. 16-17 highway. 4runners generally do 21-22 freeway (stock).

 

[p nut]

Ha! Maybe your 'freeways' have a 45 mph speed limit... get real, a 4wd 4-runner will average 15-18mpg at 65-75 mph... but, as OP said, not a concern of his... totally roll the GX unless aftermarket rock crawler parts matter.

I've had numerous 4Runners and Tacoma's now. All 4WD, V6. Highway speeds of ~70mph, they all got 21-22mpg stock. One was supercharged. Have pages of Excel spreads on record. But why do I need to prove it to you or anyone else? Later.

 

[Ryanmb21]

I get 18-20 mpg highway, with all the ******** I've added.

 

[kilohotel]

Could one dare say the V6 is a stronger and more reliable (less maintenance heavy) engine than the v8?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[p nut]

Could one dare say the V6 is a stronger and more reliable (less maintenance heavy) engine than the v8?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, not stronger nor more reliable. My LC with 4.7 V8 had over 170k miles and ran smooth as day 1. 2UZ is a SOLID engine.

 

[Subspd]

I have had both the v8 in a LC100 and my current 4runner and Tacoma. If you want the v8 get a LX470 but if MPG is a concern then the v6 does get better MPG and it also requires less maintanence.