Toyota 4Runner vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included the original's slanted rearmost window and a sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. It was designed to endure punishment with hard plastic materials, yet offered light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking new look compared to its predecessor. Its shape echoed the boxy, old-school Land Rover style, with a brawny facial expression accentuated by LED headlights and a large grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, rock rails, and a distinctive brown colour called Earth. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with clean and elegant design elements. The switchgear had a quality feel, and the dashboard, centre console, and door trim were chic. The front and rear seats offered ample headroom, and the head-up display was adjustable for perfect visibility. The seats, made of stitched black and tan faux leather, included heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Overall visibility was excellent, thanks to tall windows and the elevated ride height.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous five-speed unit. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, combined with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivered 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. It was more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. The 4Runner's off-road prowess remained intact, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most impressive, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise. Off-road specs varied by trim, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees, departure angles between 22 and 24 degrees, and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 centimetres.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The GX accelerated from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. The GX's performance was robust, with ample power throughout the rev band. Highway merges were effortless, though the transmission occasionally hesitated. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 15.3 L/100 km in the city, 11.2 on the highway, and 13.5 combined, though real-world driving averaged 19.0 L/100 km. The GX's chassis, with double-wishbone suspension and adaptive dampers, provided good ride quality, though the rear axle exhibited some jiggliness. Off-road, the GX excelled, with easy gear range switching and centre differential locking. The GX handled steep and challenging terrain with ease, aided by downhill assist control. The Overtrail+ package added off-road features, though at a higher cost.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. Despite the longer wheelbase, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and tactile off-road controls. The 4Runner offered various terrain programs and off-road features, though some controls lacked clear labels. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack supported a static load of 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior dimensions, with front headroom of 1,001 millimetres and rear headroom of 1,095 mm. Legroom measured 1,047 mm in the front and 933 mm in the second row, with ample shoulder room. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with 291 litres behind the third row, 1,138 litres with the third row stowed, and 2,177 litres with both rows folded. The Overtrail packages, without a third row, offered 2,563 litres of space. The GX's towing capacity was 4,111 kilograms. Despite its size, the GX was easy to park, with a width of 1,999 millimetres and a length of 5,005 mm.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a charging pad. Hybrid models had a digital instrument panel. Off-road models offered external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and other tech features marked a significant advancement for the 4Runner.

The 2025 Lexus GX boasted a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, both with excellent clarity and intuitive operation. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard. A Mark Levinson Premium Audio system was included in higher packages, though it required higher volume at highway speeds. Six USB-C ports were standard, and the armrest storage included cooling in certain packages.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, though the Tacoma, on which it was based, was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be disabled if intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard in Canada.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, road sign assist, and more. The Overtrail+ package included pedestrian detection. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but included 10 airbags for occupant protection. A 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras enhanced safety and visibility.