2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights introduced in previous years. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive yet aggressive, appealing to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior feel was not up to par with contemporary luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, tracing back to the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts, with its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper. Inside, the 4Runner's design was reminiscent of the late 2000s, with a dash layout that felt dated. Despite this, the 4Runner offered a range of trims and packages, each with unique features catering to different driving needs, from off-road adventures to more road-oriented experiences.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and off-road-specific features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX boasted a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, but its off-road prowess was slightly overshadowed by competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough suspension on paved roads. However, off-road, the 4Runner shone, with its suspension absorbing terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, which was modest compared to compact pickups but exceeded most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior design reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row in use.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with slightly less space in the three-row model. The three-row configuration, available only on the Limited package, increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 2,514 litres. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While the cabin packaging was not as efficient as newer SUVs, the 4Runner provided ample storage spaces for gear, though it could have been more spacious.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, offering a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces. The GX featured a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but the overall tech offering was lacking for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics, appealing to those who appreciated its analog driving style.

The 2021 Lexus GX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, but only three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.