Comparing the Lexus GX470 to my 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road
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- čas přidán 24. 03. 2022
- A few of the pros and cons of both the Lexus GX470 and Toyota 4Runner. Having owned both SUVs, I figured I would make this video comparing both of these amazing 4x4. GX470 vs. 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner.
Both trucks are amazing. Toyota goodness at its best, but for my location I prefer one over the other, and here is why.... 🏔🚗🍻
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Went from a 2017 4Runner TRD PRO in Cement to a 2004 GX470 and I haven’t looked back. The GX has everything the 4Runner was missing. Plus I have another 20k+ cash in my pocket after selling and buying the GX in cash lol. No brainer
Thanks for the comment, and I definitely agree with you. it is a no-brainer. Have fun with the GX 👍👍👍🍻
Ya. More room, more towing, more luxury, and cheaper.
Wait till your repair cost come.
@@achilles5197 would you care to elaborate, or were you just gonna stop there? to me, the diff, trans, engine, etc are all the same labor 🤷🏼♂️
Only thing I'd take the 4 runner for is a tad bit better gas milage. Bout it honestly. At least on my gx I get maybe 15 mpg but I also have a steel bumper and running 33 inch tires and I really don't hammer on the throttle that much
GX is always the answer
Nice review. Thanks. I love my GX470 (2005, 150K miles), and agree with all of the advantages you note. One more, and it's big. The GX has the best view out of the back compared to any another other vehicle I've owned. Big windows. With a quick glance you can really see things to the side and behind you. I found with the 4Runner / Rav4 etc. you can't really see out the back. Anyway, really appreciate this about my GX. Thx.
Thanks Lee, much appreciated. And thanks for mentioning the visibility, it is yet another bonus for sure. Thanks for that. Enjoy your GX, it should last for a long, long time!👍👍
Spot on review as always Jimmy! Completely agree about those 4runner cons and that was ultimately the reason I unloaded mine too! Great to know these GX stack way up there. Thanks for the shout out and can't wait for the GX upcoming mods!
Thanks, buddy. Great Channel, by the way, keep them coming!!
Respect your opinion and always glad to see someone enjoy their ride. I’ve had my 21 4Runner Pro for a year now and I just love it. I think the 4Runner is at its peak with this 5th gen. Perfect/reliable 1gr engine paired with the long geared 5spd and consistently over 20mpgs. I look forward to driving it everyday and get compliments on it.
Thanks for the comment and congrats on your truck. They're definitely awesome trucks. I had one for three and a half years and loved it
Absolutely love my 06 GX!
I’ve owned 2 newer TRD 4Runners…sold them and now I own 2 old GX470s. The GX is way smoother and comfortable ride…but you gotta get over the fear of high mileage with them GX models since most folks drive them to about 200k miles and then abandon them. My 2003 has 336,000 miles and my 2004 has 227,000 miles. Both run great…like virtually new.
I agree
Went from a 2018 Tacoma with 40k to a 2004 gx470 with 140k. Both great, but the taco is not in the same league as my 19 year old GX. Love that V8 full time 4wd. With a lift and good tires you rarely even need to lock the center diff.
Another convert here (2008 GX470, 130K miles) from the 2018 TRD Pro 4Runner. Great review and you really hit the highlights of what makes the GX a great move from the 4Runner. Pocketed a nice chunk of change and hard to beat the V8 in the GX. Live in CO and the 4Runner would really struggle up hills and steeper inclines, GX just smoothly crushes those hills. Putting an Eibach lift, wheels, and tires on the GX with money to spare. Do miss the aggressive front end of the 4Runner though.
Hey, thanks for the comment 👍. The GX is a dream machine for sure. The V8 is a game changer, and having AWD is also awesome. Enjoy your new toy and have a great sunday 👍🍺
Own a build 5th Gen 4Runner , build V8 4th Gen 4Runner, and now building a newer purchased 2004 GX470. I honestly love all 3 rigs each having their own pros n Cons. 🤘🏼😆
I own both a gx470 and a 5th gen 4Runner and I concur with your review
Thanks Sammy for the comment. It's one of those things where you really have to own both to really know. 😁👍🍻
Just bought a 2008 GX470 and loving it so far. Mine has a center diff lock, I was surprised to hear yours does not. Thanks for your video.
Mine also has a centre diff lock, all of them do. Thanks for the comment, and enjoy your g x
They don't come with a rear differential lock though. The 4Runner TRD off-road does
@@JimmyMeatwhistle ok. Gotcha.
Had a 2018 ORP for 40 months, paid $41k for it new. Used car dealer offered me $40k even with 39k miles. Picked up a 2009 GX470 for $15k and 97k miles and not one regret. Only car I do want to get the with the V6 4.0 would be the FJ for the design.
Can not go wrong 👌 🙌 👏
All vehicles should have mirrors that do that when in reverse! This was very interesting. You did a wonderful review of the vehicles.
Yeah, it's a pretty cool feature for sure and a fluke that I found it, ha!
We can get these as the LC Prado here in Romania. The current version is the J150 2.8 liter diesel (new version of the 2.8 as of 2020).
Thanks for the comment and info. We don't have a diesel option here but I wish we did. These guys come in a V8 and that's the only option.
You don't have a rear locking diff but you have something very close, you have Atrac and thats badass
Great review, the way how you picked word's on drive performance etc makes me beleive that GX is totally awesome vehicle!👍
( Glk 320 cdi here)
Yes, these are amazing vehicles. Tough as nails and powerful! You have a great vehicle as well 👍🍻 Thanks for the comment, and have a great week
@@JimmyMeatwhistle thanks , You to👍
I love my airbags for now. The ride is perfect. I also needed a timing belt and AC compressor; plus front wheel bearings, front brake kit... Def need to replace the skid plate and bolts too.
Great review. I’m a stunt owner of an ‘08 GX with over 245k miles.
One note - that ‘4-wheel drive button’ you mention toward the end is actually the center differential lock, which is mainly to be used for offroad and pretty ‘unstable’ conditions at low speed.
The Aeropress works great too! I love my 04' Gx 165k miles and runs great. I have a 03' Tacoma SR5 with a V6, I have to say the V8 power is much better than V6.
Both great rigs but you just can't beat that buttery smooth GX V8 and top notch fit and finishes of it compared to the 4RUNNER......Love my stock 2004 GX470 with 225k and runs like a champ
Agreed 💯 🍺👍
Wow I just looked up fuel consumption of this Lexus GX 470 and a Mercedes-Benz E500 4matic (Wagon) and the Lexus only uses 1L more per 100km. I didn't expect THAT.
Ya and the gx will go literally everywhere u want it to and the 4.7l v8 is known for being able to reach a ton of miles and keep trucking with proper maintenance
I have a fully built 470 and it still scoots with all the armor! Definitely get the Metal Tech Goblin front bumper it really ups the look!
Thanks for the great info. Yeah lots of power that's for sure. I'm looking at getting a Red Dog Fabrications bumper.
Nice comparison. In my humble opinion, the 4th gen 4Runner V8 and the GX470 drivetrain is better than the 5th gen 4Runner's. It is also shared on the 2003 - 2007 Land Cruiser 100 platform. Definitely the best combination Full-time AWD and 4WD option from that decade of Toyota/Lexus 4x4s. If you hit the sand dunes or want to do donuts in the snow without VSC/TRAC and not lock the center differential, you can pull the ABS plug (2-wire) going into the master brake cylinder while the vehicle is on, then plug it back in. It will temporarily disable the VSC/TRAC while the vehicle remains on. It will reset once you shut the vehicle is off. Some savvy folks will wire a switch to have the ability to manually disable and enable VSC/TRAC on the fly (essentially a variant of the 3rd gen/4th gen 4Runner's Andy mod). This way it won't cut power while you are climbing the dunes/mud or rallying in the forest roads. Newer Yotas/Lexus 4x4 have the VSC/TRAC off button that you can source to install the Andy mod.
Great comment. Thanks for that and I agree 100% 👍👍🍻
If only more people bought the V8 4Runner.
The Gen4 V8 4Runners are awesome!
Thanks for the mirror tip.
Really cool video of your GX...I thought I wanted a 4Runner, now you got me all excited and thinking about a GX! Your lucky you bought (found) the one you got, man...they are hard to find, even used ones. New ones are going for about $65K...which is pretty expensive. Your front end is much better then the new ones though - better to avoid tearing out the bottom baleen whale front end when off roading on these new ones! I would think the GX rides much better then the 4Runner, so much better insulation and having a V8, I can see it just drives much better. Checking out the mileage difference, there really isn't that much when comparing to the 4Runner. Thanks for doing this video, love the vehicle (I'm envious!) and love the views of the mountains!
Thank you, Steve. Yeah, this thing absolutely is perfect. Although it seems like everywhere I go, it cost me a hundred bucks in fuel, LOL. Have a great weekend, and I hope you get out doing some photography 📷 👍👍
@@JimmyMeatwhistle Hey thanks Jimmy! I have to admit, have been in photo slump, picked up my camera only one time since November! I plan to head to Yosemite next Friday, hopefully will get back into the swing of things.
I think that location will snap you out of it, LOL. 👍👍
I owned a 120 series Prado in Australia, which is in essence the same car as the GX470. It had the 4.0 V6, which would have been the engine in the US 4Runner. That was a great motor up to about 100 kph (~62 mph), but would run out of breath above that, especially in the hills. I would have gladly paid a bit more in fuel to get the V8 of the GX had that been available. You did have the option of the 3.0 D4D turbo-diesel there which was nice, but overtaking on a two-lane road is a bit of a religious experience with that one!
From factory spare tire in the rear of the truck must of the time is for an additional petrol tank.
My Toyota Prado 120, similar to the GX470 has a double tank (48 US gallons petrol capacity) giving a longer driving range.
I have 2003 gx 470 and would not trade it for a brand new Bentley ❤
The GX has a full-time all wheel drive system so it's always in 4 wheel drive. The button you pressed with the X in the middle is for the center locking differential. It doesn't have a rear locker but it has a center locker, a locker nonetheless & even without a rear locker the GX is a very capable offroader.
I don't really care much about the gas prices and I'll still take my GX on road trips. That V8 is smooth and I love the power.
The "full time 4WD" is essentially similar to an AWD system. It's not in what most would call 4WD until the center diff lock is engaged.
My GX with 2 1/2 lift and 33s get one more MPG than my 19 Tacoma TRD Off road. that has a 2 inch lift and 32s. That 3.5L V6 is a pig.
Thanks for the comment and info. Few friends of mine have the 3.5 and are not happy with it.
@@7sunsetmaro7 the new Tacoma is terrible. I went from a 4Runner to Tacoma and right back into a 4Runner.
@@MrCasezilla no.. not true.. fulltime 4wd is a true system. Most AWD systems today are slip and grip systems... the fulltime 4wd is always going and remember there's a limited slip center differential also
Well, that was different! Unusual to see you in front of the camera for a change! That was a good review. Does this mean now, you got rid of the Fords??🤣🤣
Thanks, Ken! Can you imagine that white Ford I had with the 460 engine with today's gas prices? I did the calcs, and the trip I recently did to the island and back would have cost me about $1200 in fuel with that thing 😂😂
@@JimmyMeatwhistle I'm sure it would have!!😂
Jimmy have a great weekend.
Thanks, Nancy, and right back at you! Mild temps here, I think we're into an early spring. 😁😁
@@JimmyMeatwhistle we’re to get cold temps high winds and up to eight inches of snow!
Owner of a heavily modified 2006 GX470 here. I want to correct your statement that you can switch the GX between AWD and 4WD. The GX is *always* in 4WD (HI or LOW). Perhaps what you're referring to is that you can engage the center-locking differential, which is true. But even with the center-locking diff disengaged, the truck is STILL in 4WD. Cheers!
Yeah, just watched further into your video after making the above comment. You seem to think that the center-locking diff button is a 4WD button. This is not correct. I suggest reviewing that section of the owner's manual.
I disagree. It has a viscous coupler in all-wheel drive which means the front and rear can slip unlike when it's locked into four-wheel...
"It has a center diff lock, which when locked sends power 50/50 to the front and rear axles, otherwise known as 4x4 = 4wd. When the CDL is unlocked, which is how you would normally drive around, it is functionally full time AWD.
The GX has a fancy center diff that acts as an LSD, so if a tire on the rear axle slips it can transfer power to the front, but this is not the same as 4wd. The GX is also equipped with ATRAC which acts as an electronic LSD for the front and rear axles."
@@JimmyMeatwhistle Please share the source of your quotation. Thanks!
It's pretty much common knowledge that it has a centre viscous coupler. If it didn't it would be squack front or rear tires as you go around a corner just as if you were locked in four-wheel-drive, which it isn't until you press the button. 👍
I didn't know Bill Burr did Car reviews..... Very awesome
😁👍
@@JimmyMeatwhistle Has nobody said this before,,? Of course a compliment, ......at least from me. Take care sir
Hi Robert. Thanks for the comment. Yes, I have heard that before 😂👍
Keeping my 21 Limited 4 Runner. The only thing I don't like about the GX is the Rick slides or step up. It looks suburban living, mall life in my opinion. Great video as always brother.
Can't go wrong with the 4Runner buddy. Yeah, those running boards have to go. They'll be in the river soon, LOL.
@@JimmyMeatwhistle I would like the V8 power however.
Yeah, it's a pretty sweet machine, that's for sure. With summer gas prices looking grim, I might start thinking on a motorcycle again 🤔
Check out the GX Front Bumper by the Tinkerer Design Studio!
nope
GX has center locking diff that pros the power 50/50 front/ rear and is a full-time 4WD not AWD
It's AWD just like a Subaru, etc. Right up until you look the center diff., then it's in 4x4.
It’s not fake plastic wood. It’s real Burl wood overlay, and if you have the redwood edition it’s highly prized.
Nothing beats the 2UZ engine. +million mile engine. V8 power. Iron block.
GREAT TRUCK FOREVER THE GX470👌💖
Agreed!! 👍🍻
that wood is real
The more relevant comparison for most people would be the GX Vs the gen 4 V8 4Runner. (I understand your comparison was based on what you owned). That is more of a fair fight, but the GX still wins because you get more for your money, and they are easier to find. As far as I can tell the V8 was only in about 20-25% of the 4Runners. If you want a limited with similar options compared to the GX, even harder to find one, and it will come with a premium price. The perfect GX is the one that doesn’t have the touch screen that controls the HVAC and limits your phone connectivity, there are a few of them out there.
Definitely the best color for the GX.
Thanks for the comment and I agree 100%
Or black 🐈⬛
Personally I just don’t like the look of the GX, and more importantly I can’t find one in good condition under 100k miles for under 25k anywhere… but awesome review! I’ll be getting a TRD off road premium soon!
Thanks for the comment. Can't go wrong with a TRD off-road that's for sure. It's difficult to get anything it seems. Things are doubling in price along with the fuel to run them LOL
Bro you can get one for 10k ish with 200k mile.
You might think 200k is a lot for these Toyotas but in reality your breaking in the engine @200k.
There's been several Tundras with this engine with over a million miles. Toyota tore apart one of the engines and said it was good for another million! There's a handful of 300-500k mile GX on CZcams as well.
If you want less that 100k miles and lest than $25K, get a 460. 470s with that low of miles are rare.
What brand of pod lights are those on your gx470? I'm thinking about getting a set for mine. Do you like them?
These are great. They're called Auxbeam and these are the 7" spots 👍
How tall are you? 2 inch lift and you still clear the roof of
The GX!
hey jimmy i own a 2008 GX 470 let me know if your interested in selling the front bumper add on brush guard if you still have it since you mentioned you were going to remove it thanks
My son has that vehicle now and I just let him know. He's thinking of putting on a front bumper winch mount so I'll let you know 👍🍻
The GX is better comparison to a 4Runner limited due to the leather interior and full time 4wd.
What would you say are the advantages of a truck compared to a car in this situation?
You could get away with a Subaru or other all-wheel drive vehicles out here for sure in the winter(snow tires a must and studded snow tires even better). Most people drive some sort of all wheel drive or 4 x 4 truck out here.
But if you do mistakenly end up off the road in the all-wheel-drive car, it won't be as easy to get back on it LOL 😆
I had an older Subaru Forester. I think it was a 2002. It was an absolute beast on ice/snow covered roads. Oops, I forgot to add. Ground clearance. I did a video of my red Toyota pickup truck plowing through knee-deep snow. I think that would have pretty much stopped any car, even a Subaru
Body on frame. Tougher. Cheaper. Stronger. Safer.
Drivers.Lexus has the maintenance records (for what been done). That’s also a weird front end. Never seen any of them look like that.
What size tires are you running with that lift?
How high was your front end lift. And what type/ brand name?
Hi Brad. It's an eibach coilovers suspension lift with the springs and shocks, 2 in front and back
just got my gx470 and the first thing I did was replace the front end with an arb bumper...can't stand the stock look lol
👌👌👌👌
Thank you, my friend. Have a great weekend 👍👍👍🍻
GX470 > 4Runner all day.
Where do you live? Its gorgeous!
Thanks! Rocky Mountains in Alberta Canada 🍻👍
GX 470 owners - have you been annoyed by having to get into a menu to control fan speed, or has that not been an issue for you?
I have the non-nav so that's not been an issue for me.
San Juans?
No, Canadian Rockies
LX LEXUS VERSION OF LAND CRUISER, GX LEXUS VERSION OF 4RUNNER
Many more differences here than with the LX/LC.
only an insane idiot would say the 4 runner is more comfortable. The GX is way quieter smother, better HVAC. In fact you cant hear the outside once you shut the door.
I’ve got both a 2009 GX 470 and a 2018 4Runner TRD Off Road. The 4.0 liter V6 is much more reliable. That timing belt in the GX is a pain to keep up with. Also- 4.7 liter has head gasket issues as the miles pile up. And nobody makes a 4.7 liter crate engine. You can buy a brand new 4.0 liter engine off the shelf. But you are correct- that GX hauls ass!
I disagree with the 4.7 liter having head gasket issues, as long as you don't overheat your engine, it usually doesn't have any issues. The 4.7 liter is the 1,000,000 mile engine.
Hey there Jimmy...just got alert for this video and thoroughly enjoyed, as always. BONUS: I DID NOT SEE CAMO CROC SHOES THE ENTIRE VIDEO!! 🤪😎 Very cool...lol. I'm hanging on to my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport still and when u showed the back hatch opening I was thinking that would be SO much better to load up for trips or massive grocery shopping at Sams Club. Yea u get rained on; but, just use a big ass golf umbrella in a very strategic way to handle the rain. Should work just dandy!! Loved the tutorial on the vehicle...the mirror gadget is an excellent invention...bet the guy that patented that is probably a millionaire lol. Agree that the luxury plastic shiney wood display is not the most attractive interior design; but, u get what they give for the most part eh? Earlier today I was shopping online for a camping coffee press...pretty expensive...think I'll go with ur idea of plopping fresh snow on top to push the grounds to the bottom...excellent redneck solution 😉. Overall a great video; but, I have to say I missed seeing a fire in the woodstove, ur feet put up, and a scotch on the rocks in ur hand 🤗...I have a feeling all 3 of those things are happening in ur cozy cabin right this minute. Enjoy the weekend sir! I'm so envious of ur adventures. Take care.
I actually have those Crocs on as I read this, but they're a little warm for this time of year, haha! Yeah, that mirror deal is a great idea. Thanks again for the awesome comment. Have a great weekend 🍻🍻
@@JimmyMeatwhistle Good morning Sir Croc🌄. Just having my first cup of coffee & saw ur reply. I'm wishing that I could walk out my door at 7am, make a fire, pull up a lounge chair and veg-out for an hour or two. Enjoy the scenary, listen to nature waking up and maybe add a few shots of Bailey's Cream to my coffee...yummy. I was wondering a few things about u... (1) Have u done any videos with any of ur many modes of transport where u play on the snow/ice..doing donuts, hydroplaning and just having fun? Or going off-road on some serious mudding trips?? Not sure how you would film that but it sure would be fun to watch and listen to ESPECIALLY if you have one of your great soundtracks of songs playing in the background!!😎
Youre right about the look though- the 4 runner DOES look "BAD" (in an extremely good way)...if I buy a GX the belt/ water pump will be done REGARDLESS of even if they show it recently done-- because I want to BE SURE... will also do all the cvjoints and boots, etc.. anything that gets a lot of wear WILL be changed or at least major service... Airbags replaced with regular support. AS to the front- I have a custom bumper I like with winch etc. and will fix mine sort of like LOGAN KING has his (check out all his vids on here).. plus I want the wheel well stuffed with a second gas tank- so I have 56 gallon capacity !! ANd an ON board air compressor..
WOW-- they are the SAME THING-- one just has a LEXUS BODY on it... not much of a comparison or test-- but I'm STILL curious.... I know I've seen this done with jeeps and the GX walks away with almost all the prizes.... I've personally seen GX's OUT DO jeeps..
Yes and no. The platform is similar, but there is more to it than that. The engines are different. The way the 4wd/Awd works is different. Many parts are not shared, even if you go back to the 4th Gen 4Runner that was out at the same time. Nowhere near as similar to each other as a Lexus LX and a Toyota LC are to each other.
@@kftc1980 Not enough difference for the AVERAGE user to know ...
@@davidwayne9982 I am concerned with what is, not what average people know.