2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its timeless styling and practical utility. The 4Runner's exterior, with its flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, projected a sense of balance and strength. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastics and an old-school dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, emphasizing functionality over luxury. The SUV's various trim levels and packages offered a range of options, from the basic Trail model to the more equipped SR5 with TRD Pro package, catering to different preferences and budgets.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX, while also retaining a familiar design, offered a more refined and luxurious experience. The GX's exterior, marked by the signature Lexus spindle grille and LED headlights, provided a modern touch to its otherwise traditional appearance. Inside, the GX boasted a high-quality cabin with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, thanks to its standard V8 engine. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with the Black Line Special Edition adding unique styling elements. Despite its dated design, the GX's interior comfort and quality were undeniable, offering a more upscale experience compared to the 4Runner.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate performance for off-road adventures, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes that required effort. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but they also contributed to its less-than-ideal fuel efficiency, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a more refined driving experience. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its stability and comfort, both on and off-road. Despite its higher curb weight and less aerodynamic design, the GX managed a similar fuel consumption rate of 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The GX's performance was characterized by its smooth power delivery and capable off-road abilities, though its steering and braking could be improved for better on-road handling.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and practical interior, with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. Its high ground clearance provided excellent visibility, though shorter passengers might find entry challenging without running boards. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats folded, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Interior storage was decent, and the SUV's design allowed for an open-air experience with the moonroof and windows down.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus GX provided a more luxurious interior with comfortable seating and high-quality materials. The GX's design, while narrow and tall, offered good visibility and maneuverability. However, the rear seat access was somewhat restricted due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second-row seats folded, and the side-opening tailgate added to the loading challenges. Despite these limitations, the GX's interior comfort and quality were notable, providing a more upscale experience than the 4Runner.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was functional and easy to use, it lacked the sophistication of more modern setups. The 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with optional upgrades available for the audio system and navigation.

The 2022 Lexus GX, however, introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, significantly enhancing its technological appeal. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX's infotainment system offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition, though the placement of stereo controls was less intuitive. The GX also featured standard Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras, adding to its technological advantages over the 4Runner.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a more comprehensive safety package with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additionally, the GX featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, its standard safety features provided a solid foundation for collision avoidance.