2024 GX wait list

[Roody]

So I'm wondering if maybe Toyota, now that they've made their intention known for GX, will either discontinue the 4Runner badge, or water it down from what it is currently. They have tried once before to redesign it into a crossover (2010) but FJ Cruiser wasn't selling well, so they kept the 4Runner as the offroad mid market choice. Began a TRD Pro trim.

They keep selling them as if to say to customers "grab them while you can", with the same engine and 5 speed automatic never changing. Other models with a similiar heritage (Tacoma) received more attention at refresh cycles. It makes no sense to have three (GX550, 4Runner, LC250) in the same lineup all with the same GA-F platform. It makes more sense to have the LC250 as the new Toyota offroad focused vehicle. Almost as if they sat down and debated which name and heritage they want to market for the US. I think Land Cruiser won. It will slot in right where TRD Pro is. $45-60k depending on options and trims.

Toyota knows the reason the 4Runner sells so well is because the customers prefer the 5 speed and 4.0. The 4Runner crowd knows that won't continue for the 6th generation. I doubt many from that crowd are thrilled about the new engine. I believe Toyota also knows that most 4Runner owners aspired to own a 200 and some purchased both. It's the name, Land Cruiser. I don't think those owners will miss the 4Runner if they know they can finally purchase their dream at a much cheaper price than $86,000. It will bring the Land Cruiser name back where it belongs, competing with Wrangler, Bronco, and Defender. Might call my dealer.

Going to politely disagree with the assertation that the T4R sells well because of the 1GR-FE/5-speed combo. I'm willing to bet that its gas mileage and relative lack of power versus the competition in fact drive potential customers away. Toyota isn't moving >120k 4Runners/year solely to enthusiasts who are die-hards for naturally aspirated engines and scooping them up before the T4R goes forced induction; there simply aren't that many people who care. It's the styling, reliability, and perceived ability to "go anywhere" that moves these things, the same way the aspirational, outdoorsy "lifestyle" moves Wranglers for Jeep.

 

[GBman]

Which trucks are we talking here? I mean most base model pickups like F150 or Silverado are going to be 1000 pounds lighter than this. Surely as an LC200 driver you realize all those off road bits are heavy. There’s no special sauce to make a 6k+ lb 4x4 with 33 ATs put up 20+ on the highway except maybe diesel or EV. Having the aerodynamics of a block of cheddar doesn’t help either. That said I will happily trade mpg for all these features just like I have with all my Toyota trucks over the years!

If the rumors of the LC reboot having a hybrid 4 turbo are true I’d prefer this engine.

 

[ypyun]

## pros
* increase storage volume
* fold flat floor (hopefully the seats can be secured in place)
* 2 row model
* more power
* better off road angles
* larger tires
* rear locker
* styling
* stock AT tire

## cons
* ac vents
* dimensions (bigger isn't better on tight trails)

overall i would buy it. hopefully they are not outlawed in ca in 2040. given the larger size i would consider the lx in an overtrail spec.

the gas mileage is a non-issue for me.

 

[Specialeyes]

So I'm wondering if maybe Toyota, now that they've made their intention known for GX, will either discontinue the 4Runner badge, or water it down from what it is currently. They have tried once before to redesign it into a crossover (2010) but FJ Cruiser wasn't selling well, so they kept the 4Runner as the offroad mid market choice. Began a TRD Pro trim.

They keep selling them as if to say to customers "grab them while you can", with the same engine and 5 speed automatic never changing. Other models with a similiar heritage (Tacoma) received more attention at refresh cycles. It makes no sense to have three (GX550, 4Runner, LC250) in the same lineup all with the same GA-F platform. It makes more sense to have the LC250 as the new Toyota offroad focused vehicle. Almost as if they sat down and debated which name and heritage they want to market for the US. I think Land Cruiser won. It will slot in right where TRD Pro is. $45-60k depending on options and trims.

Toyota knows the reason the 4Runner sells so well is because the customers prefer the 5 speed and 4.0. The 4Runner crowd knows that won't continue for the 6th generation. I doubt many from that crowd are thrilled about the new engine. I believe Toyota also knows that most 4Runner owners aspired to own a 200 and some purchased both. It's the name, Land Cruiser. I don't think those owners will miss the 4Runner if they know they can finally purchase their dream at a much cheaper price than $86,000. It will bring the Land Cruiser name back where it belongs, competing with Wrangler, Bronco, and Defender. Might call my dealer.

A 6th 4Runner is coming. Expect it to fill the same role in Toyota’s lineup as a mid size “all arounder” type of vehicle. Internal issues at Toyota caused it to be delayed a couple of times (it was originally supposed to be here by now as a 2023 MY). Expect it to be revealed next spring with a launch for MY ‘25. This coming model year will be the last for the 5th gen 4R.

My biggest complaint along with many other 5th gen 4R owners is the power train. It might be a split on those who prefer the V6/5spd but trust me there are many of us wanting more in that department.

New LC is supposed to be a purpose built off roader. If that ends up being the case I don’t see why these models cannot co-exist?

GX is a luxo trimmed over landing spec wagon. 4R will continue to be a jack of all trades, but master of none. LC presumably is going to be a Rubicon/Badlands spec 4x4.

 

[Specialeyes]

What I find somewhat fascinating is that just a decade or so ago Toyo/Lex was allegedly planning their move to “end of life” phase on both the 4Runner and GX. Then in a unexpected turn of events in the years leading up and into the 2020’s sales picked up and they decided to plan re designs for them both sometime around 2019. This is rumored to also be around the same time frame that planning began for the LC relaunch we are now anticipating here in the U.S.

 

[Rednexus]

Let's not forget that *many* of us found and have come to love the GX470/460 platforms long after their debut. Neither was perfect upon their launch by any means, but time has been kind to them.

I expect the same for the 550.

Back in the 'aughts I thought GXs were funny-looking, tall, faux-SUV things driven by snooty rich people wearing boat shoes. Austin - where I lived at that time - was full of GXs and those kind of people. It's funny that the new GX550 release is explicitly still marketing to those kind of people - at least they know their market!

Now I think they are the best looking SUVs on the road and will hold on to mine forever.

 

[Specialeyes]

Back in the 'aughts I thought GXs were funny-looking, tall, faux-SUV things driven by snooty rich people wearing boat shoes. Austin - where I lived at that time - was full of GXs and those kind of people. It's funny that the new GX550 release is explicitly still marketing to those kind of people - at least they know their market!

Now I think they are the best looking SUVs on the road and will hold on to mine forever.

I thought the 4Runner looked like a walrus on wheels back then and now I have one in my garage. I also felt the same as you about the GX except living in DFW it's mostly grey hairs around here I see driving them. Nowadays I think they have aged gracefully and look good for the most part, still not a fan of the big predator grill though though. My favorite GX is terms of styling even after the 550's reveal is the 470. That thing is handsome, classy, and can look tough all at the same time. Much like the 200 Series LC.

 

[M1911]

Toyota knows the reason the 4Runner sells so well is because the customers prefer the 5 speed and 4.0.

My previous vehicle was a 2003 V8 4Runner. When it came time to replace it, I test drove the 2016 4Runner 3 times. The size was perfect for me. But I hated that drivetrain. Absolutely hated it. The 4.0 doesn't have much torque off the line, you really have to wind it up to get decent acceleration and then the 4.0 gets noisy and harsh. Yes, it is about as fast 0-60 as my old '03 V8, but the V8 was so much more refined when accelerating.

So, no, I don't prefer the 5-speed and the 4.0. For me it was a deal killer. YMMV.

 

[shelby95]

Funny. I remember when Austin was largely American trucks and SUVs.

 

[Patassa]

When fullsize pickup trucks get better fuel economy than a midsize SUV, yes, they blew it.

You're comparing rwd and lighter trucks to an AWD heavier SUV? Do you expect the laws of physics to magically bend here? Also this new GX is roughly the size of the old 200 series, or at least the size of my 100 series. Not exactly "mid sized". The Tacoma and 4Runner are mid sized.

 

[LCHOU]

premium level trim.

 

[Rednexus]

Funny. I remember when Austin was largely American trucks and SUVs.

I'm sure it's Tesla- and BMW-ville today! It was blowing up in population and expats from CA and the Northeast when I left in 2009. I loved the food, nightlife, beautiful women, and going to UT but was glad to move back home to MO which is much more laid back and has better outdoor opportunities/public land/etc.

 

[stridertexas]

I sold my LC200 to get a 4-Runner and absolutely hated the 4R drivetrain. It’s just so bad.

Sold the 4R and got a Defender and have absolutely loved this vehicle. It has had some LR issues and given me pause of if I wanna risk it outside warranty.

If I get rid of the Defender, it will be definitely for a GX. Beautiful rig. Good job Toyota!

 

[M1911]

You're comparing rwd and lighter trucks to an AWD heavier SUV? Do you expect the laws of physics to magically bend here? Also this new GX is roughly the size of the old 200 series, or at least the size of my 100 series. Not exactly "mid sized". The Tacoma and 4Runner are mid sized.

Sorry, but you're wrong. The Ford F-150 Supercrew 4x4 is over 5,000 lbs. EPA combined rating is over 20 mpg.

 

[Specialeyes]

I sold my LC200 to get a 4-Runner and absolutely hated the 4R drivetrain. It’s just so bad.

Sold the 4R and got a Defender and have absolutely loved this vehicle. It has had some LR issues and given me pause of if I wanna risk it outside warranty.

If I get rid of the Defender, it will be definitely for a GX. Beautiful rig. Good job Toyota!

I tried sending you a DM so as not to clog the thread but I am about to go from 4R to a 200 Series and was curious why you went the opposite? Prior to buying my 4R I test drove and really liked the new Defender but got spooked by the LR lack of reliability among other things.

 

[Specialeyes]

premium level trim.

Jeff is such a cornball but I kind of don't mind. lol "You'll be swiping"

 

[windnsea00]

One of the biggest reasons I have a GX460 over a 4Runner is that I don't care for the 4.0/5-spd combo. However, I'm excited about the TTV6 and 10-spd!

 

[M1911]

I tried sending you a DM so as not to clog the thread but I am about to go from 4R to a 200 Series and was curious why you went the opposite? Prior to buying my 4R I test drove and really liked the new Defender but got spooked by the LR lack of reliability among other things.

I went the other way, from an '03 V8 4Runner to a '13 200. Things I like about the 200: more power, quieter, and more comfortable. Things I don't like about the 200: wider so harder to get in and out in the tight parking garage at work. Bigger than I need and the third row seats that I don't use take up cargo space (yes, I could remove them but then have to deal with the holes in the sidewalls). The 200's fuel economy is horrifically bad (yes, I knew that going in). And I wish the head unit supported CarPlay.

The 5th gen 4Runner was a better size for me, but the powertrain was a deal killer. I test drove the 2016 GX, but the third row killed the cargo capacity (60 cu ft with the 2nd and 3rd fow folded compared to 80 cu ft for the 4Runner), I hated the barn door, visibility out the back was bad, and I found the seat bottom cushions to be uncomfortable. YMMV.

 

[stridertexas]

I tried sending you a DM so as not to clog the thread but I am about to go from 4R to a 200 Series and was curious why you went the opposite? Prior to buying my 4R I test drove and really liked the new Defender but got spooked by the LR lack of reliability among other things.

I went from a 200 to a 4R to free up capital for another car. Thought I could get my fix with the 4R, but drivetrain was so pathetic I just bailed on it after a year. It’s a dog and after having the 200 V8 it was not enjoyable to drive at all. You’ll enjoy the jump up to a 200.

The Defender has been so fun. I have had a DRL go out and had the o-ring turbo coolant leak + some software glitches needing the computer to be wiped twice. But the character of the car is so great…while it’s under warranty…not sure how I would feel outside of the warranty.

For my situation…do I spend an extra $15k to jump from the Defender into a GX…or ear mark $15k in future repairs for the Defender and just wing it…

My gut says these new GXs will be close to $90k fully loaded…

 

[M1911]

My gut says these new GXs will be close to $90k fully loaded…

The current GX seems to top out around $70k, so $90k would be a huge jump. I don't think it will be that high, but time will tell.