ASE

Buy the latest GX460 now ... before the refresh ... current model is a 4-Runner on steroids ... V8 + Luxury appointments ... with the full-time 4-Wheel Drive well worth the investment if you are a long-term owner. Yes, the 4-Runner Luxury has full-time 4-Wheel Drive ... but does not have the V8 engine. The V8 does not ever break a sweat ... the V6 has to work in comparison ... and the gas mileage is close enough to not make a difference.

If "tech" is a priority ... then your question is answered ... but for me, "tech" is for those that should just stay home to be "connected" and stay off of the roads in the interest of public safety.

ScaldedDog

Given your "comfort, reliability and ride" priorities, I'd pick the GX if I were in your shoes. The reliability is likely a practical wash (though I can pretty much guarantee an argument about that will ensue), but comfort and ride will favor the GX heavily. You didn't specifically mention "quiet" or "nice", but those specific sub-attributes of "comfort" I find to be particularly large differentiators between the two. The GX is a Lexus and the 4Runner isn't, under the cover similarities aside.

FWIW, I have a 1st gen 4runner (offroad rig) and always wanted a really, really nice 4Runner to drive everyday. The purists will protest, but that's exactly what a current gen GX460 is.

In the end, of course, it's your money and your choice, so hop in both and go for a drive.

Mark

CFAI

Agree with Test drive. I don't think anyone here would argue that the 4runner isn't going to last as well as the GX. I believe they are both made in the same plant etc. I assume you are looking at 4Runner limited vs GX since that is closest comparison.
I would suggest you ask if you want third row or not. If you don't then the 4runner limited can option that out. Also 4Runner has option for auto running boards.
I think fully loaded 4WD 4Runner limited is $56 with destination. The least spec'ed 4WD limited is $52,750 (So no third row or auto running boards and standard paint). Also you get leather in the limited, which you don't get in any of the GX460 except Luxury which is pushing $70k. Cheapest GX is $60k. Cheapest Prem Plus (Which is what I would get) is $62,300.
I believe that the 4runner limited has X-REAS rather than KDSS.
Just test drive them and see if the difference in price is worth any trade off, but if I didn't want the third row, I think that might tip the scale a bit to the 4Runner (assuming you like the ride / interior sound etc) since that is about $10k less after taxes etc.

FastTurtle

How much do you love your wife?

I’m kidding. My vote is on the new GX460. Also, tell us more about your lifestyle. Are you one of those Overlander or just want to ride in style?

Aonarch

CPO GX > New 4R

GX's have a much steeper depreciation curve since they are a luxury vehicle with a higher MSRP, and obviously have less of a fan base than the 4R. They are an excellent used buy. I bought mine CPO and it seriously looks brand new. Great build quality and materials.

To me the 5 speed and the V6 is a deal breaker in the 4Runner. If it had the 6 speed it would be ok, not great. I'd have liked to see the current refresh have moved to an 8 speed with a bit more engine power.

We all know the new 4Runner will probably have the same drivetrain as the Tacoma, so all of those issues will be solved.

meitzler

I own both a GX and Luxury 4-Runner. My wife prefers the 4-Runner and I prefer the GX. My wife loves not having the 3rd row seat in the 4-Runner. For me, the GX is quieter, has more power, and much better headlights. Our GX actually gets slightly better gas mileage than the 4-Runner. Both are reliable, so it is a matter of preference.