Lexus GX460 vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Is the Better Off-Road Build for the Long Haul?
Both the Lexus GX460 and Toyota 4Runner have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, but you can’t really go wrong either way.
Over the years, both the Lexus GX460 and Toyota 4Runner have earned a reputation for being capable off-road vehicles right out of the box, and can be even more so with the addition of the right aftermarket upgrades. Both of these vehicles are also incredibly reliable, capable of racking up well over a hundred thousand miles without breaking a sweat, making them rather appealing for more reasons than one. The folks behind the YouTube channel Lifestyle Overland just so happen to own both a 2016 Lexus GX460 and a 2014 Toyota 4Runner, in which they’ve accumulated a total of 260,804 miles thus far, which makes them perfect for a very in depth comparison.
Making this comparison even more comprehensive is the fact that both of these vehicles have spent around half of that mileage total either off-roading or towing something, meaning that each has been worked rather hard, not just babied on smooth pavement. Through the course of this comparison, it becomes quite clear that both share quite a lot in common in terms of size and mechanicals, though the 4Runner has historically depreciated at a far slower rate than the GX460, making the latter a better bargain.
The biggest difference, of course, is that the 4Runner is more of a mainstream vehicle, while the GX460 is a luxurious SUV. Our hosts point out that this isn’t necessarily a big deal with a vehicle that one intends to take off-roading a lot, but it is nice to have more amenities in a daily driver, of course. When it comes down to reliability, neither vehicle has left its owner stranded, though the 4Runner has needed new rear wheel bearings and a wiring harness, while the GX received a new steering rack and has presented some issues with the air conditioning.
Ultimately, each of these two vehicles have proven to be very capable and mostly reliable, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, as one would imagine. Our host points out that the 4Runner has superior ergonomics and a more tactile feel, while the GX460 is more comfortable and luxurious, while also representing a far better value on the used vehicle market. The good news is, it certainly seems like you can’t go wrong with either vehicle, making both a solid target for anyone looking for their next off-road build.
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