2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 presented a stark contrast to its predecessor, the 2023 Lexus GX 460, with its bold geometric styling. The redesign featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front a more aggressive and vertical stance. The hood's design, with its raised sides, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline enhancing visibility. The GX was available in Canada in a single trim with five packages, each catering to different needs, from luxury to off-roading. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit outdated, boxy design, reminiscent of its 2010 redesign. Its rugged appearance was accentuated by flared fenders and a wide stance, suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model added underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with an analog instrument panel and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior featured hard plastics, cushioned panels, and grained upholstery, offering durability over luxury. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner's visibility was excellent, and it provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for adventure seekers.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, built on the GA-F truck platform, offered improved stability and off-road capability. The GX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation. During testing, the GX demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking, with a composed on-road performance despite its size.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While adequate for off-roading, the 4Runner felt sluggish on highways, requiring aggressive acceleration. Its soft suspension provided excellent wheel articulation but resulted in noticeable body roll and nosedive during braking. The 4Runner's on-road handling was less refined, with residual bounces and floatiness over uneven surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner's off-road prowess remained a strong selling point.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, featuring a minimalist design with fewer physical buttons. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in select packages, was cramped for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, was functional with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. It provided ample space for larger passengers in the front, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was impressive, with 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,540 litres with them stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were notable inconveniences.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service offered an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect provided remote locking, unlocking, and diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual to fully utilize the 4Runner's capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were pending, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored lower in rollover evaluations and some IIHS tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though the system's sensitivity could be adjusted.