2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced its visual appeal and presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, offering a luxurious interior with options for upgraded features.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nod to the past, maintaining its classic, boxy shape since its last redesign in 2010. Despite its outdated appearance, the 4Runner's rugged design, with flared fenders and a wide stance, conveyed stability essential for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model featured underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with old-school styling and outdated technology, including an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the interior had hard plastics, it offered cushioned panels for comfort. The 4Runner's design leaned heavily on nostalgia, similar to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but lacked modern touches.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt soft but manageable.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While comparable to the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. On-road, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a noisy engine. The soft suspension, while beneficial off-road, resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner remained composed under hard braking and offered a comfortable ride over larger road imperfections.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a luxurious interior with premium materials and standard heated and ventilated seats in Canada. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though lacking a massage function. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models, and provided decent cargo space. The TX featured numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, was functional with easy-to-use controls and excellent outward visibility. The front seats offered ample space, but the steering wheel's limited telescoping range might not suit taller drivers. The second row provided generous legroom, though headroom was limited. The 4Runner offered various storage options, including cupholders and door pockets. Cargo capacity reached 1,337 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,540 litres with the rear seats stowed. The 4Runner lacked remote seat releases and a powered liftgate but featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver with a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options in the Executive packages. The infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems for off-roading. The 4Runner lacked some off-road-specific apps found in competitors.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system allowed for hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. IIHS ratings were similarly mixed, with some "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system. Some safety alerts were oversensitive, but adjustments were possible.