Lexus LX570 vs LX470 vs GX460 vs 4Runner

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Never like the seating position in any other forerunners I own you kind of sat on the floor not like you’re in a chair with your legs straight out about the suspension changes you have the best suspension made with the 570 a hydraulic suspension and it’s adjustability for height and comfort the only reason you would ever need to go after market would be if you gonna take it out and beat the hell out of it on rocks or something and if you’re going to do that you might as will get yourself a jeep that’s made for
 
The "fold-flat" third row takes up a huge amount of space. When folded, the rear floor is a good 5" above the bottom of the rear door. I don't need a third row, but there is no easy provision for removing those seats (and if you did, the side panels wouldn't reach the floor). The 4th gen 4Runner had 70 cu ft with the 2nd row folded. The 5th gen has 80 cu ft with the 2nd row folded. The GX460

THIS!

We had a new GX (sold it) and got a ‘14 LC.

Our Tahoe has a power 3rd row that folds flat just like the GX. That feature truly kills the amount of space in ther cargo area. I could not fit my mtn bike (650b wheels) upright in either the GX or the Tahoe. But I could in the LC.
 
@chopsticksonly What did you end up going with?
I ended up with a 2010 GX460.

However, I was actually going to pull the trigger on a 2008 LX570 which had ~150k kms asking 36k CAD (27k USD). But one week before I was going to fly out, I found a local GX460 that was worth considering. It had 8k CAD worth of damage, 5.4k non collision in 2010 and 2.6k front centre in 2012. But the claims did not bother me as I plan on keeping the car for the next little while. It had 190k kms (~122k miles) but the condition was really good. The interior was really clean except the the trunk area.

An inspection was completed and overall the car was in good shape except for a few things that needs monitoring. But ultimately what made me buy the GX460 was the price. I paid less than 17k CAD (<13k USD). The car has been fantastic since I bought it (except the gas haha) and I hope it will last me for the next several years. I still plan on getting my 200 series down the road, but I don't think I could go wrong buying the GX at that price.
 
@chopsticksonly...thank you for creating this post and for your ongoing monitoring of it...it is very helpful.

As others have also said here, I too have been pondering these same purchase questions for some time now myself...reading and watching everything I can find on the vehicles you mentioned in your opening post...narrowing it down to the LX570 and GX460. There have been a number of interesting and helpful posts here...some supporting each other and others slightly contradicting. I'd really appreciate your thoughts...now that you have the GX460...as a *DD for work, but also trips for family (2 kids and Labrador)...highway/offroad...with plans to keep it for a *very long time*...which of the two vehicles would you recommend (thinking 2011-14 LX570 or 2013-2016 GX460).

Thank you very much!

(Other people's thoughts also appreciated...thanks).
 
Drive several samples of both and you’ll determine which is worth what to you, then the market can drive your decision. For most older 200s they are in the flat part of their depreciation curve so it is likely you won’t lose much on a resale.
 
Open the rear door of the GX460, fold down the third row seats, and see how little space will be left for your luggage and the dog. Then go buy the LX.

I second this.
 
I also live in Canada. I bought my 09 LX570 last year and nothing goes wrong so far. I picked up the vehicle from my local Lexus dealership.
Make sure you get the vehicle from a decent place and carefully check the paint, the welding points and drive it to a local shop for a detailed check.
 
The GX is a great vehicle, and one of the biggest pros that I read was that it is smaller than the LX so it is "easier" to drive in the city. However, my end goal is still getting a LX/LC200. I like its size and I read it is a very capable vehicle.

I read that the 2013+ LX has 2 more speed for the crawl control compared to pre 2013, so it might be worth your while if the price is similar.

Ultimately you need to decide how much you want/are going to spend. As mentioned, the price was the only reason why I bought the GX over the LX. Had my GX been 10k+ CAD more, I probably would be driving an LX right now.
 
While it's fun to compare, contrast, and tease out the pros and cons of each model, the reality is that they are all excellent vehicles. Depending on ones needs there's going to be preferences. I have driven and owned almost every one of these, and have enjoyed each one.

On a trail, I think the GX really is the perfect size.

To the OP @chopsticksonly , great choice. Not many get to own such a fine vehicle at your age. I think they look great modified too.

1946239
 
Oddly enough, the GX460 has a bigger turning circle than the LX570. 41.1’ vs 38.7.
 
I would get the one that makes you happy and puts a smile on your face.

Great that you quantified everything, but you didn't touch on the intangibles. We're all car enthusiasts, and no benchmarks/reviews/spreadsheets can quantify your passion and feelings.

If you really want a LX570 (using as example) but buy a GX/4R/470 based on the facts/numbers, that's not going to make you happy. You'll have that feeling of settling and always wishing for LX570. For some people, they may trade in and lose even more money to get their dream car.


This is our hobby -not necessity- so we should scratches our itches. Of course, buy it within confines of car budget and running costs.
 
Obviously I didn't read the thread........


Congrats and enjoy!!






I ended up with a 2010 GX460.

However, I was actually going to pull the trigger on a 2008 LX570 which had ~150k kms asking 36k CAD (27k USD). But one week before I was going to fly out, I found a local GX460 that was worth considering. It had 8k CAD worth of damage, 5.4k non collision in 2010 and 2.6k front centre in 2012. But the claims did not bother me as I plan on keeping the car for the next little while. It had 190k kms (~122k miles) but the condition was really good. The interior was really clean except the the trunk area.

An inspection was completed and overall the car was in good shape except for a few things that needs monitoring. But ultimately what made me buy the GX460 was the price. I paid less than 17k CAD (<13k USD). The car has been fantastic since I bought it (except the gas haha) and I hope it will last me for the next several years. I still plan on getting my 200 series down the road, but I don't think I could go wrong buying the GX at that price.
 
I would get the one that makes you happy and puts a smile on your face.

Great that you quantified everything, but you didn't touch on the intangibles. We're all car enthusiasts, and no benchmarks/reviews/spreadsheets can quantify your passion and feelings.

If you really want a LX570 (using as example) but buy a GX/4R/470 based on the facts/numbers, that's not going to make you happy. You'll have that feeling of settling and always wishing for LX570. For some people, they may trade in and lose even more money to get their dream car.


This is our hobby -not necessity- so we should scratches our itches. Of course, buy it within confines of car budget and running costs.

This is a very valid point. You spoke to me haha.
 
I’ve had two tacomas (one a trd offroad), a 4Runner and three land cruisers. Once you drive a land cruiser, the others don’t compare. They are all a compromise.

I tried to quantitatively and logically convince myself that a new top spec (limited, all options) 4Runner was a good replacement for a cruiser and was sadly disappointed. I was back in a cruiser within six months (luckily my wife was okay with driving the 4Runner). I’ve considered a trd pro taco, but at the end of they day it is too much of a tradeoff.

It’s hard to quantify, but there is something about the land cruiser that the others don’t have. The others are nice and work well for all of the use cases mentioned, but they just aren’t the same, they are compromises.

I can’t speak to the lexus side of the house. I’m sure they are amazing, and wonderful, but for my money, I’ll stick with the land cruiser.
 
^^^ This!!!

A few years ago I was searching for a 100 series. I tried to buy about 8 different vehicles, but was always ended up second in line. I got discouraged and took advantage of 0% financing Toyota was offering on the 4Runners. I bought a brand new '15 SR5 w 3rd row. It was a great truck for what it was, but little things bothered my like no sunroof, no homelink, etc. Less than a year later, on a whim, I bought an M-Sport 335 off the showroom floor. That car was beautiful, and it became crystal clear why the 4Runner didn't do it for me. While they are great cars, it didn't stir the sole in any way. After a back injury, I couldn't drive the BMW, so I was again looking for an LC, this time a 200 series (on Cristo's recommendation). Being a slow learner, and ultimately having issues with spending so much on a used vehicle, I bought a new '17 4Runner TRD Offroad Prem. This one had all the bells and whistles, including KDSS, sunroof and leather(ette). I built it up over the next 9 months (icon suspension, sliders, skids) but ultimately traded it for my 200. I love the 200 series! From utility to comfort, it ticks all the boxes that were lacking in the past. If I were to sell it, it would only be to get a newer LC. Honestly, though instead of upgrading, I think I am keeping this one and instead supplement the garage with a 997.2.

The moral of the story is that if I had followed my heart, not making my buying decisions so steeped in logic, I would have save an insane amount of money and likely have the 911 now. :)
 
I’ve had two tacomas (one a trd offroad), a 4Runner and three land cruisers. Once you drive a land cruiser, the others don’t compare. They are all a compromise.

I tried to quantitatively and logically convince myself that a new top spec (limited, all options) 4Runner was a good replacement for a cruiser and was sadly disappointed. I was back in a cruiser within six months (luckily my wife was okay with driving the 4Runner). I’ve considered a trd pro taco, but at the end of they day it is too much of a tradeoff.

It’s hard to quantify, but there is something about the land cruiser that the others don’t have. The others are nice and work well for all of the use cases mentioned, but they just aren’t the same, they are compromises.

I can’t speak to the lexus side of the house. I’m sure they are amazing, and wonderful, but for my money, I’ll stick with the land cruiser.

Agreed, we are currently struggling with whether or not we keep or trade our TRD Pro for the very same reason. Would it be redundant and somewhat silly to have a 2019 LX 570 and a 2019 LC in the driveway, yea, but are we sensible people, hell no lol. The only other option for us aside from another late model 200 series would be a new HD truck with an AT Habitat/Summit or a FWC. Variety is the spice of life or so they say.
 
Thank you to all that replied above, I really appreciate your help! (chopsticksonly--forgive me, not trying to step on your great post...just found I have similar questions).

I'm in a position similar to that of the OP both in terms of desired use (daily driver, long road trips, camping/off-road), however I have a family (2 children and dog) and trying to decide between the LX 570 (aprox. 2012-2014) and GX 460 Luxury (aprox. 2014-16). Sadly, I spend fair amount of time commuting to NYC from the suburbs. I recently test drove a new 2019 LX 570 and 2019 GX 470 at a dealership for comparison. Both were very nice vehicles. To my surprise, the GX felt a little more "peppy" and truck-like (in a good way) and a bit more nimble than the LX. The LX had extremely comfortable seats, had a more "posh" interior and perhaps because wider, felt more "isolated" from the outside/road.

A quote I saw recently on Autotrader pretty well summed up my experience:
"The Lexus LX is a luxury vehicle that happens to be a SUV, while the GX is a SUV that's luxurious. That may not sound like a big difference, but the LX feels like a bespoke luxury vehicle, as it should for its large price tag. The GX is more utilitarian and truck-like than the soft, cushy character of the LX. "

While both vehicles are considered by many day parking garages in NYC as "oversized" (and thus must pay additional aprox. $10)...I have some concern that it still might be a little more difficult to maneuver and park the LX in some day garages in the City (might some garages refuse it?).

I plan to keep this vehicle "forever" so really want to get this right. I'm 6'4" and was surprised that despite interior dimension specs. both fit comfortably. I admit I do find it a little off-putting to hear the GX described as "the woman's Lexus SUV" or the "soccer mom's Lexus SUV"...even the 2019 GX brochure seemed to subtly suggest this showing only two pictures with a person...both a woman...standing outside the vehicle (but it did have one picture of a man's hands on the steering wheel...a little solace there I guess). The LX brochure, on the other hand, showed several pictures of a man in the vehicle. Hmmm. I say this mostly joking...but it did give me a moments pause...C'mon..is the GX 460 really a "chick's car"? This must after all fulfill my slightly extravagant utilitarian version of the "mid-life red sports car" (no mid-life crisis here). ;o)

Recognizing that both the GX and LX are great vehicles...to all those familiar with both and those that seem to prefer the LX...would you still choose the LX 570 over the GX 460 given my family needs (above) and if you were going to be doing a fair amount of City (NYC) driving as described above? Apart from the slightly "posher" interior, is the LX a more rugged, durable (long-term), dependable vehicle? Would the LX 570 be a good DD in urban/City driving?

I really appreciate your insights and help...thank you!
 
The LX will be a bit more of a hassle in the city driving wise. Its wider and heavier so won't be as easy to throw around in the city. The LX is 8" longer, 4" wider and 1" shorter than the GX. Not a massive difference really. Interestingly enough Lexus Lists the turning circle for the LX is 38.7ft, which is smaller than the GX 460's at 41.4ft. This seems to say the LX is actually the more nimble of the two, though it may not feel like it due to its larger size.

Another big thing to consider for parking garages/Tight parking in general is the rear swinging door of the GX. If you have to parallel park that could limit the distance you can open your swinging door on the GX. Additionally it may swing way out into the lane of a parking garage. Where the LX has a nice Lift gate/ Tail gate combo.

As for family needs the GX has much smaller space in the back with the rear seats stowed compared to the GX. So that may be personal preference in regards to how much space you'll want in the back for the families luggage/dog carrier on those long trips.
 

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