Toyota 4Runner vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, presenting a striking new look that set it apart from its predecessors. Its exterior was reminiscent of classic Land Rover designs, with a boxy shape and a robust front accented by LED headlights and a well-proportioned grille. The Overtrail+ model featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, rock rails, and a distinctive Earth brown color, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with its clean design, quality switchgear, and chic dashboard layout. The seats, upholstered in NuLuxe faux leather, offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The spacious interior provided ample headroom and excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for both city driving and off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design elements with the Tacoma pickup, featuring a muscular look with pronounced wheel haunches and black flares on off-road models. The front grille was high-set, with heritage-inspired designs on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. The interior was utilitarian, with chunky controls and abundant hard plastic surfaces. While the front seats offered decent comfort, the second-row seats lacked thigh support, and the optional third row was cramped. Cargo space was competitive with rivals, but accessibility was hindered by a high liftover height. The 4Runner's design prioritized off-road capability, evident in its rugged features and high ground clearance.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a full-time 4WD system and a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GX to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Despite its hefty 5,666-pound curb weight, the GX offered impressive performance, with quick acceleration and smooth highway merges. However, its fuel economy was less favorable, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a locking center differential and adaptive dampers enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and the i-Force Max hybrid system, which increased output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Our TRD Off-Road Premium tester featured the hybrid powertrain, which provided adequate performance for daily driving but fell short of expectations given its torque figures. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was evident with features like a part-time 4WD system, Multi-Terrain System drive modes, and Bilstein dampers. However, its on-road dynamics were compromised by a firm suspension and notable body lean in corners.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered a spacious interior, accommodating tall passengers with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and around 43 inches in the back. Legroom was generous, with 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX excelled in cargo space, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. Its towing capacity of 9,063 pounds further enhanced its versatility. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner could be configured with two or three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers. While the front seats offered decent comfort, the second-row seats lacked thigh support, and the third row was cramped. Cargo space was competitive, with up to 90.2 cubic feet available in two-row models, but accessibility was hindered by a high liftover height. The 4Runner's interior was functional but lacked the refinement and comfort of the GX.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with smooth operation and intuitive menu layouts. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good sound quality, though it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX also offered ample connectivity options, with multiple USB-C ports and a spacious armrest storage area.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came standard with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, which expanded to 12.3 inches and 14 inches, respectively, in higher trims. The infotainment system was easy to use, with quick response times and a straightforward layout. The 4Runner offered a range of connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a JBL audio system in higher trims. However, the system lacked the visual appeal and refinement of the GX's setup.

The 2025 Lexus GX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and more. The system operated smoothly and was not intrusive during testing. The GX also featured a 360-degree camera system and 10 airbags for occupant protection. However, it had not yet been rated by safety organizations.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Despite its comprehensive safety suite, the 4Runner received mixed crash test scores, with four-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Marginal score from the IIHS in certain tests. The 4Runner's safety features were extensive, but its crash test performance was less impressive than expected.