I'm looking at the 2016 GX Premium to replace my '03 4Runner. There are a couple issues that concern me:

1. It seems smaller inside with the seats down. Partly that is due to the 3rd row. There are times when I fill up the 4Runner and use a Thule box on top, so I'm concerned that I'm going to run out of room. Has anyone else traded a 4th gen 4Runner for the GX? Have you noticed the interior capacity being significantly less? The specs on Toyota's and Lexus's web sites seem to bear this out as well.
2. The GXs on the lots don't come with the tow package. So I would have to get the tow hitch installed. That seems as though it isn't a big deal, but it will be another $600 or so.
3. The low profile roof rails look nice, but I use Thule crossbars so that I can fit both my cargo box and a fishing rod holder on top. I won't have room with the factory Lexus crossbars. I've seen one person replaced the factory roof rails with Prado rails. I'd rather not have to do that, but I don't see another alternative.

Your thoughts? Any regrets after buying a GX?

 

Yes the inside is smaller overall. I had a 5th gen that I sold and it was the same with that. As far as tow package, it is already wired for a hitch. The Lexus list price is $600. You can buy one yourself for just about $200 and bolt it on yourself.

 

Are you happier with the GX than the 5th gen?

 

This is the hitch I installed in about 15 minutes. I tow my 4000 pound boat all over. I personally think the bigger Lexus hitch is overkill and looks awful.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Curt-Class-3-Rear-Mounting-Towing-Trailer-Hitch-2-inch-Receiver-Part-13043-/111787679930?fits=Model%3AGX460&hash=item1a0710a0ba&vxp=mtr

 

Yes, I liked the fifth gen. I have a 2012 Lexus LS 460 AWD and wanted to move up to a better ride with more features. I have the 2015 Luxury Edition GX with the Mark Levinson audio system, as I also have in my LS. The ML in the GX has a couple of less speakers and a lower power output. Also, I got a very good price for my 5th Gen 4Runner. I also got a decent deal on the GX and was standing there looking at it when they drove it off the truck.

 

I recently went from a 5th Gen T4R into a GX and am very disappointed with the space difference when loading for a trip. I didn't think it would really have an impact, boy was I wrong..

Edited to add, in everyday driving, I am happier with the GX than the T4R. Should be, it's a nicer truck. But the damn 3rd row is nothing but a space hog, and for whats is worth, the JBL in the T4R is a much better sound system than the junk system in the GX (premium no ML for me).

 

Ha, I have the fix
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...r-upgrade.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...t-removal.html

 

I moved from a '05 4Runner to the GX.

The GX has less total cargo volume, behind the 2nd row is not much different. Another thing to consider, the rear door is different than a 4Runner's hatch.

Cargo Capacity Behind Front Second
2005 4Runner 75 42
2015 4Runner 89.7 47.2
2015 4Runner 3r 88.8 46.3
2015 GX 460 64.7 46.7

The 2nd row seat backs in the GX fold, does not tumble and fold like the 4Runner.

I had the dealer add the Class III hitch and roof rails. If you buy a GX from the Lexus dealer, they should give you some kind of discount on the hitch and rails. But both are easy to install.

I do not like the low profile rails with my Yakima Skybox Pro 12. The clamps touch the roof when installing, and are very close to the roof when closed. I used microfiber towels to slide the clamps on the roof. I may install clear paint protection fill on the roof to protect it when installing the box. But the clamps are 1/4" off the roof once installed. Hopefully the crossbars won't deflect enough for the clamps to contact the roof.

Yakima and Inno mounts and rails work:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...ck-bars-2.html

 

Yeah, I know. I'm not a fan of the barn door.

Yup. And as a result, they take up more room.

Thanks for the pointer to that! The Inno mounts look like they would work. Ugly, but cheaper than replacing the rails themselves, which would cost ~$600 in parts alone.

I test drove a GX (base model, no premium) again yesterday, but unfortunately I found the seats to be uncomfortable. I also tested the 2016 4Runner again and found the seats to be more comfortable.

 

lol you turn coat

best of luck in your adventures M1911. GX are awesome if only there was an official dealer closer than 550 miles away from me. I would have gone either a GS350 AWD or GX460 Prem. I was leaning more toward a GX460 in the end.

 

There is a dealer about 1/2 way between my home and work, so the dealer is convenient for me.

 

yeah the 550 miles distance was a deal killer. after talking with lexus financial (who handle warranty work), they said any warranty work would have to be done at an official lexus dealer. they would come pick it up and cover the cost if they deemed it was cover by warranty. if it wasn't I would have to cover the cost of transport.

if it was covered by warranty or not, either case it was my dime to come get it after it was finished. I couldn't afford to take 2-3 days of time off to go get it every time warranty work was being done that rendered the vehicle undriveable.

on the flip side, I didn't have time to drive 550 miles, spend the nite and then drive back when I needed non critical warranty work done either.

 

Yeah, that would be a killer.

 

I'm skipping the GX. Found a low mileage 2013 Land Cruiser.

 

^ good choice.


and the GX 460 is actually a Land Cruiser Prado outside North America.
so to compare it with a 4runner is not really accurate