Tell me about the rear AC on the GX460..

[hidesertwheelin]

My wife currently has a 2016 4Runner SR5 premium w/ 3rd row seats. She does a lot of dog sports (agility and dock diving to name a few) and the AC in the 4runner is crap, especially in the rear area. We also have in Lake Havasu, Az (hotter than hell in the summer). How good is the AC in the GX460? Does it have ceiling vents? The 4runner only has vents in the rear center console, making the 3rd row seats/dog area not very cool. I've been trying to talk her into a used LX570, but she doesn't want something that big (I don't think it's really that much bigger).

 

[KJ6IRM]

Yes, it has vents in the ceiling near the windows of the 2nd row and 3rd row. The AC in the GX is great. Gets very cold. Went camping and hit some off road trails central northern CA this past summer. Temps in the 100-110, stayed nice and cool the whole trip. Plus the ventilated front seats help as well.

Edit, you can see the vents just in front of the grab handles.

 

[vipergrhd]

Did you check the temp. difference with a thermometer? Your system could be low just a tad if more than 10* difference.
Is it a real rear a/c unit or just vents going to rear?

 

[KJ6IRM]

There is a separate heater and ac evaporator unit for the rear of the car. Though I think there is just one AC compressor.

There's also separate temp sensors. If I remember correctly, the one for the rear is located between the 2nd and 3rd row seats on the passenger side.

Evaporator & Heater Components for 2013 Lexus GX460 | MyLexusParts

 

[hidesertwheelin]

Did you check the temp. difference with a thermometer? Your system could be low just a tad if more than 10* difference.
Is it a real rear a/c unit or just vents going to rear?

The 4runner is known for having a not great AC. We just didn't think it was as bad as it is, especially when it's 120+ in the summer. The AC is only controlled from the front, and the only rear AC vents are in the back of the center console. Pretty much worthless for the 3rd row seats, or dogs when they are back there.

 

[vipergrhd]

It only means you have a single unit A/C system, have you taken this back to the dealer and complained?
My 3rd Gen. with 326k still blows below 40* even on a stop and go traffic, my kids would complain it's cold on a long drive.

 

[r2m]

I've found that the AC seems to kick in very quickly! It starts getting cold almost as soon as I start to drive off. Much faster than my Wife's Taco.