gx 460 rear door swinging gate vs traditional tailgates

[ptrsn]

Momma wants one but I've been hesitant to consider the GX because of that swinging gate. Have a 100 TLC that has the top & bottom which provides more functionality. GX door is so big I'd think it's hard to get to in tight spaces without 6' for clearance.
THe GX gate just seems like a mistake since it's not on any other Toyota Lexus model.

Does anyone prefer it? If so what do you see as advantages etc.
Has anyone ever modified or replaced one with a conventional split up/down gate?

Even though its similar to the 4runner the GX seems to have a smoother ride. Just can't get past that damn door!

 

[silverfstop]

I don't own an LC or GX, but I've labored over this for ages and have used the tailgate type on LR's before.

The only thing annoying about the GX is that the door is setup for the right hand drive market. Otherwise, in real world I don't think it matters much. Some like the swinging door because you can add a drop-down flat surface (cooking, etc). The LC/LC tailgate is a great place to sit, and personally I like having the top window open (as it does on the GX as well). Super useful for snagging things quickly. The hatchback style is the least desirable IMHO. I have one on the Touareg and hate it. Pain to shut / open when the cargo area is full, no clean place to sit. It's a loser all around.

 

[KJ6IRM]

Form my experience I actually like the swing out door. I used to have a 4runner with the swing up hatch. I like that I can open the door, step on the bumper and get to things on my roof rack, and now tent. Plus there's a bit of a step up from bumper at the floor where the 3rd row seats are. I actually find it easer to get stuff in and out in a tight spot. If it was a tight spot with the 4runner I'd hav to crawl under the hatch to get at things. The GX it's more like trying to squeeze in your car door in a tight spot. It can also provide a decent wind brake when dealing with things in the back while the door is open if you're positioned correctly. On the 460 (the 470 didn't offer this) you can pop open the rear glass to get at things without having to open the rear door.

The one thing I do miss about the swing up of the 4runner is the quick 'awning' it provided during stops for lunch. I also miss the roll down rear window.

THe GX gate just seems like a mistake since it's not on any other Toyota Lexus model.

The FJ Cruiser has the same door, but it's hinged on the driver's side because it was mainly (at least initially) a US market vehicle.

 

[TX GX460]

Form my experience I actually like the swing out door. I used to have a 4runner with the swing up hatch. I like that I can open the door, step on the bumper and get to things on my roof rack, and now tent. Plus there's a bit of a step up from bumper at the floor where the 3rd row seats are. I actually find it easer to get stuff in and out in a tight spot. If it was a tight spot with the 4runner I'd hav to crawl under the hatch to get at things. The GX it's more like trying to squeeze in your car door in a tight spot. It can also provide a decent wind brake when dealing with things in the back while the door is open if you're positioned correctly. On the 460 (the 470 didn't offer this) you can pop open the rear glass to get at things without having to open the rear door.

The one thing I do miss about the swing up of the 4runner is the quick 'awning' it provided during stops for lunch. I also miss the roll down rear window.


The FJ Cruiser has the same door, but it's hinged on the driver's side because it was mainly (at least initially) a US market vehicle.

I agree 100%. I have a 200 series and my GX, and it is easier to access the back in tight spaces in the GX than the LC, both when opening the door and using the window access. It is also easier to step up because the step location is lower, and easier for my dogs to get in and out. I do enjoy the tailgate and cover in the LC for sitting, but overall I actually prefer the GX door design.

 

[Ol Yeller]

Was not sure on the door after a decade piloting a minivan...but she is doing fine with it, we too like the opening glass for quick access.

 

[ptrsn]

Wow thanks for all the replies. I didn't know you could get thru the window. Makes sense because the door seems like its 6 feet long. I'll always prefer the LC flop down because you have a greater hauling capacity with it. I'll have to go check out the window function on one.

 

[BMRisko]

Disregard...thinking of something else.

 

[r2m]

Personally I have owned two 1998 100 series Landcruisers for a total of about 18 years, one of which was setup as an overlander.
I now own a 2013 GX 460 Premium that I have also set up as an overland/expedition rig for about 7 months. You can find my rig in posts here on MUD. My daughter has owned a Rav4 for about 6 years. I note my daughter because 1) the Rav4 has the same swing-out door 2) she lives with us and I'm familiar with her car.
Now that I've qualified myself to answer your question, my answer is:
It's a mixed bag.
Remember that the GX 460's have the lift-up rear window! You don't always have to be swinging out that barn door!
I have twice the issues with rig since I not only have the GX rear door to contend with, I also have my bumper with a swing-out spare tire, Hi-Lift jack and jerry cans to deal with. Swinging that out adds about another 6 inches to the throw of the rear. So far I have not had any issues AND it has not been a bother. The only time you'll ever have an issues is if you parallel park or back into a space with wall or something behind you. If you're going to park like that just have the presence of mind to think that you may need something out of the back and give yourself space. My daughter has never had any issues and has to use your rear door all the time because of my granddaughter, always need to get to her stroller and baby stuff everywhere she goes.

Now about Landcruisers/split tailgates. Whenever my family goes surfing and we use longboards (instead of our short boards or bodyboarding), the rear hatch always bumps into the surfboards hanging off the back of the vehicle. Because of this and that the surfboards often have residual sand on the nose of the boards (boards pointing rearward), eventually the rear hatch glass became scratched.
Also, now I have a roof top tent on my GX and with the swing-out door, I don't have any issues with a lift up hatch bumping into the tent above it or anything else I strap to the racks.

Another plus with the rear bumper I have, when I open the rear hatch and the swing-out spare, I actually have literally a foot of space off the rear to step on, sit on, rest a heavy load before working it into the back of the rig, etc. It's kind of like a tailgate. My wife and I actually really like it!

 

[ptrsn]

That is helpful. The 100 has loaded the kids lawn mowers for 5 years and cattle fencing and supplies etc. Thus my love for the split. Still keeping my 100 for my hunting and ranching regardless. A GX would be Momma's groceries etc. She's tired of the Volvo xc60 (but it is sporty). You know she'll need that all wheel drive and all that loading up at Costco (sarc).

Footnote, my son has a buddy from Australia and says they prefer the GX for 4 wheeling. One of the guys above put a link for many threads and there is a link to hidden tricks. You should read it. Half is about bluetooth and texting but there are many other things you may discover.
https: lexusgxor.com is the main reference to all things GX.
What hidden tricks am I missing out on? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Of course after all this thread I went on C-list for Texas and they are far and few between for sale. Guessing it should be 2014 plus with some of the updates.

 

[r2m]

That is helpful. The 100 has loaded the kids lawn mowers for 5 years and cattle fencing and supplies etc. Thus my love for the split. Still keeping my 100 for my hunting and ranching regardless. A GX would be Momma's groceries etc. She's tired of the Volvo xc60 (but it is sporty). You know she'll need that all wheel drive and all that loading up at Costco (sarc).

Footnote, my son has a buddy from Australia and says they prefer the GX for 4 wheeling. One of the guys above put a link for many threads and there is a link to hidden tricks. You should read it. Half is about bluetooth and texting but there are many other things you may discover.
https: lexusgxor.com is the main reference to all things GX.
What hidden tricks am I missing out on? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Of course after all this thread I went on C-list for Texas and they are far and few between for sale. Guessing it should be 2014 plus with some of the updates.

Try Cargurus.com
That's where I found mine. It will rate the seller and rate what the asking prices is, whether it's high, fair, low, etc.
And yes the Prado's are huge down under! Mainly because they are the same size as a 4Runner and in some ways more capable. But they also come very bare bones too, read: all vinyl interior, rubber floor mats, etc.

 

[BMRisko]

Try Cargurus.com
That's where I found mine. It will rate the seller and rate what the asking prices is, whether it's high, fair, low, etc.
And yes the Prado's are huge down under! Mainly because they are the same size as a 4Runner and in some ways more capable. But they also come very bare bones too, read: all vinyl interior, rubber floor mats, etc.

Carmax is also currently another good source with like 150 GXs for sale. The prices may be slightly higher, but CarGurus seems to rate most of the CarMax listings that cross-reference as fair in comparison to other dealers. The one advantage is you can have the vehicles shipped to your local store with no or a nominal non-refundable charge depending on originating store. A disadvantage is no haggling on price.

 

[r2m]

Another issue I've had with Carmax aside from the no-haggle, is that they will not do ANYTHING to the vehicle other than just a car wash.
When I found mine on Cargurus, it was from a Lexus dealership.
They were awesome! They detailed the vehicle, and in doing so they found a couple of minor scratches and fixed them. There was a crack on on the rear spoiler and they replaced the entire spoiler. When I picked it up, it was like a new car!

 

[BMRisko]

Another issue I've had with Carmax aside from the no-haggle, is that they will not do ANYTHING to the vehicle other than just a car wash.
When I found mine on Cargurus, it was from a Lexus dealership.
They were awesome! They detailed the vehicle, and in doing so they found a couple of minor scratches and fixed them. There was a crack on on the rear spoiler and they replaced the entire spoiler. When I picked it up, it was like a new car!

Yea, I'd much rather buy from a Lexus dealer, but pickings are pretty slim in my area, even up to 500 miles away. I don't mind flying out and driving it back for the right price, but no dice yet.

Carmax has a '13 Premium w/ 51k that is fully loaded w/ amazing Lexus service records. I haven't seen pictures of it yet, but it is on hold for me...going to look at it this week. I'll probably jump on it if the condition checks out.

 

[r2m]

Yea, I'd much rather buy from a Lexus dealer, but pickings are pretty slim in my area, even up to 500 miles away. I don't mind flying out and driving it back for the right price, but no dice yet.

Carmax has a '13 Premium w/ 51k that is fully loaded w/ amazing Lexus service records. I haven't seen pictures of it yet, but it is on hold for me...going to look at it this week. I'll probably jump on it if the condition checks out.

Good luck with it! I hope it's all it says it is!

 

[BMRisko]

Good luck with it! I hope it's all it says it is!

It is going back...had undocumented accident repairs and re-paint along with the bottom of the engine covered in oil. The sear ch continues!

 

[SocalLC150]

Momma wants one but I've been hesitant to consider the GX because of that swinging gate. Have a 100 TLC that has the top & bottom which provides more functionality. GX door is so big I'd think it's hard to get to in tight spaces without 6' for clearance.
THe GX gate just seems like a mistake since it's not on any other Toyota Lexus model.

Does anyone prefer it? If so what do you see as advantages etc.
Has anyone ever modified or replaced one with a conventional split up/down gate?

Even though its similar to the 4runner the GX seems to have a smoother ride. Just can't get past that damn door!

I have owned 4runners and GX. I have also worked and lived out of LC200s with tailgate and barn doors. They all have pros/cons but now with my personal GX I have gotten used to the swing door. Pro is that it does not interfere with any roof loads and also acts as wind block depending on parking spot. I don't think about it anymore; It's not bad, just different. 2 pennies.