5th Gen -> GX470 a good idea?

[Daneshavis]

I currently own a 2011 5th Gen Salsa Red Trail Edition w/KDSS no/NAV and love almost everything about the vehicle however there is a big exception.

The V6 is really bad and my eyes have been wandering to the 4.7l V8. I , of course, looked at the LC100 and LX570 but ultimately they just seemed too large for what I needed and the 4th Gen 4Runner is not my favorite body style.

This led to the GX470 and after driving a few they are quite posh relative to my Runner.

Anyone with experience in going backwards from a 5th Gen or any advice on trading in a 2011 for a 200x, it just doesn't seem to make sense however every time I drive that V6 I am convinced it is the right move. The current vehicle feels so much cheaper (the hood vibrates at speed!) relative to the 2007/8/9 and it seems the auto companies are making decisions based on CAFE standards rather than what I want.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GXO]

Go test drive a GX is my advice. You will know what you want in a few minutes. People here will have opinions, advice, etc but your own feel when you sit in the seat will tell you if it will work.

 

[Daneshavis]

I have driven several GX's and have to say the ride feels much more comfortable and that engine is "BUTTER"! However, it still hasn't convinced me unfortunately. I am hoping someone will have an incredible bit of insight that pushes me over the edge and I can end this indecision misery I find myself in. Maybe someone who went through the same experience of switching and found after time that they were convinced it was the right move.

Strangely, in nearly every other aspect I make decisions and move forward but this is a really twister.

 

[GXO]

I went from a 100 to a GX and I don't regret it one bit...not that that helps you

 

[IanB]

I test drove a '11 4Runner Trail Edition, and didn't like it. The interior was all blocky plastic, I just wasn't sold on it. Newer isn't always better, my favorite vehicle to date was my '91 Land Cruiser HDJ81, new vehicles have no character it seems.

 

[phishtaco]

Supercharge the 4.0 6cyl

 

[GXO]

would offer you a drive in my GX if you were close to ATL. I fully built mine for less than a newer 4runner (including price of truck).

 

[woody]

Visibility was the big factor for me...as an 80-series owner, I've been spoiled with all the windows and lack of blind spots...when you are exploring the mountains, those windows are nice

Drove a built 4Runner at last years Summit, and the over-hood visibility combined with the view/blockage out the windows just didn't impress either of us...not terrible, but not ideal either.

The GX470 had a better driving position, more headroom, much more window/view visibility and a better view over the hood, plus much more from an interior/comfort standpoint...and as a result, it won

 

[SouthernSS]

I'll echo the comments already posted here. When we were looking for my wifes vehicle she test drove the 5th gen 4runner AFTER she drove the older GX and she wasnt impressed at all.

 

[BonnerBB]

Wives will always pick a Lexus. Just saying.

 

[SouthernSS]

true that....

 

[IanB]

Wives will always pick a Lexus. Just saying.

I started out trying to get her into a 4th gen 4Runner, so I'd say you're spot on with that, lol!