2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to devour the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design was engineered for off-road adventures, with a short 2,789 mm wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, featuring heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery, but also a surprising amount of plastic.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic throwback, retaining its boxy shape since its last redesign in 2010. Its rugged appearance was enhanced by flared fenders and a beefy tubular roof rack, making it look ready for any terrain. The TRD Pro model added underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires for a more serious off-road attitude. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with old-school styling and outdated technology, but it offered excellent outward visibility and practical features like large climate-control dials and sturdy handles. The interior space was generous, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo, although the materials used were more utilitarian than luxurious.

The 2023 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's 2,948-kilogram towing capacity was decent, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX handled predictably, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for improved traction.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While adequate for off-roading, the 4Runner felt sluggish on highways, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The TRD Pro's exhaust was loud, and the soft suspension led to body roll and floatiness on the road. However, the 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select for tackling various surfaces. Its 2,268-kilogram towing capacity was suitable for small campers, but the on-road performance left room for improvement.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep centre console bin. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was a welcome choice for ease of use. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. The front seats provided ample space, but the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row offered generous legroom, while the optional third row was available on select trims. The 4Runner excelled in cargo capacity, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats stowed. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers added convenience, but the lack of a powered liftgate was a drawback.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The inclusion of a CD player highlighted its aging tech, although the Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight. Off-road capabilities were a strong suit, with a real 4WD system, KDSS suspension, and various driving aids for challenging terrains.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro's JBL audio system delivered quality sound, but road noise often overshadowed it. Off-road controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select for tackling different surfaces. However, the lack of off-road-specific apps and gauges was a downside.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX offered modern safety features to enhance driver confidence.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. IIHS ratings were also mixed, with some "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. The 4Runner included safety features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, but its alerts could be overly sensitive.