JAPAN-BUILT TOYOTA 4RUNNER vs JAPAN-BUILT LEXUS GX - WHICH HAS BETTER EXTERNAL QUALITY?

This is an important quality comparison video between the two Japan-built, body-on-frame SUVs from Toyota & Lexus - both built in Tahara factory in Japan on the exact same line. Automotive Engineer David Chao goes over all the manufacturing details between the Toyota 4Runner Limited and the Lexus GX 460, comparing the body panels, paint, and overall exterior quality. Please note that this video covers the external quality of the two vehicles - interior quality video and driving difference video are coming up soon.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@henryyuen4395]

I’ll put that GX against anything at that price range. Hands down, Best bang for the buck Suv.

[@johncailipari7083]

I totally agree. 4Runner TDR PRO cost more the the GX. And the Gx is the better buy and will last just as long.

[@derrickaf1]

One of the most fascinating and informative car reviews I’ve ever seen:)! Especially, helpful to me since I purchased a 2023 GX 460 luxury last week! Thank you!!!

[@AutomotivePress]

You're welcome!

[@yigao1782]

I picked up my brand new 23 GX black line last week. I was so hesitant to make decision between new pilot elite and GX. Somehow your GX reviews had been my strong advocates to my determination. I love GX even more after driving 100 miles, everything is just so perfect.

[@yaza374]

Pilot vs GX? GX any day. Pilot is a minivan 🤣.

[@landcruiser7936]

You made a wise decision. I also own a gx and love everything except the tech since mine is an older model

[@chriseppley8272]

Wife has a 2016 pilot I have a 2010 gx460. The difference is night and day. The GX is a far superior vehicle.

[@drewnc6196]

In Africa, the GX is the Prado, and is an amazing vehicle. Toyota and Lexus have so many amazing models that us in USA do not have access to, such as the Hilux, which can be obtained with a diesel motor and is in my opinion, of of their best. Even Tacoma, think about it, ISIS LOVE those vehicles and could mount a machine gun in the back. I know that is horrible, but shows the dependability!

[@justinmcroberts4633]

As long as you dont mind the MPGs, the GX is about the best 4x4 car you can buy. Superior ride, superior quality, superior engineering. Yeah, Jeeps will rock crawl better, but thats not what the GX is for. I currently own a 2013 Land Cruiser and the ONLY vehicle Id buy today (new) is a GX. Nothing else on the market is built to that level. I still dont quite trust the new 3.4TT V6 in the LX600 yet.

[@oldfella2247]

I am not sure why but I love this guy’s reviews.

[@apoozeo1715]

I think its his sheer knowledge and his reviews are calm. He is probably the most knowledgeable on YT about Toyotas/Lexus. Which one do you like and why?

[@donjohnsmusic3116]

I've been watching your channel enjoying all the good content. Happy to announce we are going to pick up our 2023 4Runner this week! We are so excited!

[@s.n.6338]

Looking forward to this comparison series! Thank you!

[@alphakilo9066]

I always value your opinion, David. I look forward to your audits.

[@vx6771]

Thanks David for this quality breakdown.

[@KirkKreifels]

Love this! Thanks David

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you so much Kirk! You and I need to go to Tahara soon!

[@thomaslam6821]

Tahara factory! 🥰🥰🥰. Thanks for another great video David! 🙏

[@sheldonanderson1059]

Bought the 2023 GX but have yet to drive it. Looking forward to the confidence to go anywhere and come back, unlike my LR4

[@rl95719]

I appreciate your insights.

[@engtrax58]

I really enjoy your videos David. I live in the Vancouver area as well some day I would appreciate to meet you. Do you think would be possible?! Thanks David for your great posts!

[@HA-xb8lj]

Dave. Good day. As always, you are providing advise on quality vehicles.... Keep going with this updates and I am waiting for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in USA... 😉

[@rightlanehog3151]

We are all waiting for that debut. 😁

[@C-ME3]

“Gems and Diamonds” indeed. Great vehicles both and excellent reliability.

[@jimmyamico4713]

Hi DAVID!! This video that you’ve done is one of my favorites… The 2023 Lexus GX 460 in my opinion is the best midsize SUV in the world… I’ve owned a 2018 Lexus GX 460 and I purchased that after watching Kirks wonderful video… I can’t wait to purchase the 2023 Lexus GX 460. Hopefully at the end of the year… The quality control at the Tahara factory with the Takumi workers are my favorite in the world in my opinion… in conclusion, I would love to see the Eminent white pearl is my favorite color and I have that same color on my LX 570 and I want it again on my GX 460… thank you thank you thank you David for making these Quality Control videos. I’m looking forward to seeing you get your hundred thousand subscribers… in my opinion, your videos are manufactured like the Lexus is in the Tahara factory and your videos are the Takumi crafting videos that are the best of the best of the BEST in the world…🌎🇯🇵 Respectfully Submitted, JimmyUSAF 🇺🇸✈️😇👍🙏⭐️🌎🇮🇹🇨🇦🇯🇵❤️🤍💙💚🚖🚔

[@CorgiSeager]

Love my wife’s 2022 GX. So much that I want to sell my 2017 tundra and buy another GX in Nori green for me before they stop producing the V8.

[@caribbeanhouse6372]

Another great video, my family is a Toyota Family...we have Camry, Tacoma, 4Runner, Sequoia....

[@Binaryman379]

Hi David, you are correct overall body panel gaps are near perfect. However, I am a little disappointed with the fit and finish between the front bumper and fenders. The bumper and fenders are not flush. I checked other new GXs on the lot and they all have the same bumper/fender flush issue. Color match was much better on Black GX compared to white. White bumpers are a little darker. Maybe I am picky but I don't recall this issue on my 2013 GX. Still very happy with the GX and it is a solid SUV!

[@pserflin]

Good comparison. I've had a 4 Runner and a couple of Land Cruisers, but I'm ordering a GX Luxury in the next few days.

[@kaiyang7935]

A very important point is that 4Runner can be switched to two-wheel drive in daily applications, and it will be much lighter to drive~ But GX is a full-time four-wheel drive, which is very heavy to drive. Plus, including the soundproofed rear doors and more, the GX is a perfect everyday car ！

[@mcc7762]

The Limited cannot be switched. If you opt for 4WD, it will be full-time 4WD. You have to buy only RWD to get a 2-Wheel-Drive 4Runner in Limited trim.

[@dbsantanapr]

I haven’t been able to buy one of these yet, but I am fascinated by both. I test drove a 4Runner SR5, haven’t managed to test drive a GX yet.

[@Olph1]

My 212 sr5 reached 179k miles this week. I still love it! Will be adding either a Land Cruiser or GX to the garage soon.

[@StubProductions]

Check out rear name plate molding/hatch handle and spoiler on the 4Runner hatch. They have issues with the parts contacting paint on the hatch and causing corrosion. The parts seem to lack from proper adhesive pads or poor seals. If you look at 4Runners in a parking lot you will see many with this corrosion issue.

[@jonathanhuynh880]

Can you do a engine comparison for what u like better, comfortable, reliability, daily, mpg and cost of ownership ?

[@danielrogers4072]

Would my 2018 LC200 be similar to the GX paint quality and panel gaps? Love to see the quality comparison.

[@caribbeanhouse6372]

David...what is your opinion on the Tundra 1794 model.

[@user-tp3dm4vl9m]

Hi David, I always enjoy your Toyota content as you always provide an interesting and informative perspective. I’m an the owner of a 2021 4Runner SR5 Premium. I love the vehicle, but for the past 12 months I’ve had a currently unsolvable problem with a vibration/shimmy in the steering wheel at highway speeds. Based on info online, this issue seems to effect many owners with no straightforward solution. Have you ever heard of this problem? I’m thinking it would be an interesting topic to look into in a future video that many of your viewers would find relevant. Thanks again for all of your fantastic content!

[@StubProductions]

Most likely out of balance tires. Toyotas are very sensitive to improperly balanced tires. The stock tires are not very good. Consider upgrading.

[@user-tp3dm4vl9m]

Thanks Bob. I’ve pretty thoroughly investigated the balance theory. I’ve been to 3 separate shops for balancing over the past year including multiple road force balances. Additionally I’m running two sets of non stock tires depending on the season (Yokohama Geolandar AT G015’s, and Bridgestone Blizzaks) and I get the vibration with both sets, though I’ve determined the Yokohamas are much worse than the Bridgestones. A PERFECT road force from a very experienced tech was enough to mostly correct the vibration on the Bridgestones but not the Yokohamas. Next step I’m going to replace the Yokohamas.

[@masejames4906]

Try the Michelin defenders, they are the best overall tire for the 4Runner

[@pgjc756]

I run Michelin LTX Defenders with ZERO problem on a 2019 SR5 Premium. I knew before I bought tires about the shimmy issue and I went with Michelin because a lot of forums said no issues with the LTX Defenders from Michelin.

[@Don-md6wn]

@@masejames4906 I purchased a one owner 2018 4Runner Limited about a month ago with a little over 60K miles. It came with Michelin LTX Defenders the original owner put on the vehicle to replace the originals when the mileage was in the mid 40's. The 4Runner has no vibration or shimmy into the steering wheel whatsoever. I have no idea if it ever did, or whether or not the ride is better than it was with the original tires. I was happy to see the Michelins because it's the same tire I put on an Lexus RX 350 I had previously. I put about 29K miles on them before recently selling the vehicle; they rode and handled great, wore evenly and are very quiet.

[@leardi58]

What is the price difference between the two thank you love them both I own a 23 ORP TRD thank you

[@freddierodriguez3036]

Great video as always. What are your thoughts on X-Reas suspension system on the limited as opposed to KDSS on the GX? Thanks in advance for your time.

[@jameszooski9053]

Good question, I heard good things on the KDSS , not so much on the X-Reas.

[@freddierodriguez3036]

@@jameszooski9053 same here. A lot to rave about KDSS but some say you can’t refill fluid on X-Reas and if you replace one the opposite on has to be replaced as well.

[@LionRunner]

X-Reas can be replaced with any regular suspension to high end suspension vs KDSS sway bar no option, you have to fix by the Toyota / Lexus dealer. Also regularly remove the KDSS cover and keep it clean to avoid rust. After market protection like skids and sliders can give trouble clearing KDSS. Might have to cut KDSS cover for sliders and add spacers to front skids in situations even after buying after market KDSS version. Due to rigid sway bar with KDSS it would give a firm ride on rough gravel / forest roads vs standard sway bar. Standard sway bar also easy to work with vs KDSS can give challenges even to other components like panhard bar when lifting. In GX world there's no option you have to get KDSS vs 4Runner / Prado world its a low volume option. Highest sell is with standard sway bar. Especially in markets like Asia, Australia, Africa. They follow Keep It Simple S🙂. Same story for Land Cruisers.

[@jasonjoe1384]

Love the GX and definitely recommend it. This is my second one and we are looking to trade a NX for another GX.

[@jel517]

I like your videos David, I do. I bought my 4runner last May after watching one of your videos. One thing I take away from them is Toyota doesn’t have very good quality control across their company. You can’t blame it on unions, Toyota is nonunion. I put the blame squarely on Toyotas leadership. I believe most people want to do good work at their jobs, it’s basic human nature. If Toyota is letting subpar autos leave their factory’s, that’s on them

[@igglybiggly6951]

Still love my 2004 GX470.....runs just as smooth as the day I got it 8 years ago and 150k on it

[@anilbharat]

GX luxury is good choice over GX premium plus? which trim is yours?

[@justinmcroberts4633]

I have a 2013 Land Cruiser in that white (with the tan interior) with 170k miles that I daily drive. It runs beautifully. No issues at all. I imagine that the Land Cruisers get the same kind of paint treatment as the Lexus. I have a slight lift and one size taller tires under it. I take it out into the desert and use it for camping, fishing, scuba diving (Lake Mead, whats left of it), etc. It still rides very well, and we take it on road trips over my wife's BMW 7 Series. Edit: If I were to buy ANY new vehicle today, it would be the GX. Why? The V8 is understressed, solid 6 speed transmission, phenomenal 4wd system, plush ride, amazing build quality, and still has something like 45 cubic feet of room in the back. Theres literally nothing else Id buy at this point. Im not the biggest fan of the new LX, as I think the rear design is a bit goofy looking (front is meh, too.).

[@marinh.7514]

Love my 2016 GX460

[@sirhanalbatty7453]

I wish you add the dimensions to the comparison.

[@4runnerDave]

how many more times is he going to measure panel gaps and paint density?

[@guillermodvl]

I just purchased the 4runner 2023 premium

[@joshharrison1160]

I love my 2021 Acura RDX but the panel gaps are outrageous in comparison

[@LionRunner]

Not sure why we are comparing old car vs new car paint. Also why compare $500 paint option vs $0 paint option? I think both Toyota and Lexus improved the white paint after the recall / service extension. May be the best way to compare is get 2 new vehicles with same color. I know in the past they were same but now may be Toyota Blizzard Perl 070 ($425) vs Lexus Eminent White Pearl 085 ($500)?

[@FlexRod]

How many Toyotas/Lexus do you own sir? Lol I can’t keep count anymore Great review, I own a 2019 Camry great car, but I’m definitely sure it has less paint thickness than those two beauties 😅

[@apoozeo1715]

He told me in another video that his company has 6 cars and they rotate it while it still hasn't depreciated in value.

[@TheFrenchGlow]

Both are good for the COSTCO runs. The GX is great and a much more refined ride BUT the 4runner has much more interior space + a normal fold up truck. Its Luxury vs Practical.

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, I award the victory to the Prado which has GX quality at a 4Runner price. 🤩

[@AutomotivePress]

Ha ha that's true, though the Prado can be quite expensive

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@AutomotivePress 😉

[@travisstone8408]

Hi David, what year are the GX and 4Runner?

[@normanli5270]

2021 4runner and 2023 gx

[@1millionstartups]

Here's a curveball for you David I rented a 23 Prado with 2.8 turbo diesel on a NZ trip and find it way slower than US spec'ed 4Runner/GX, but finding more interior space than both. Are Prado's dimensionally different than US GX?

[@normanli5270]

Pretty sure cargo is same as GX but both less than 4runner

[@drewnc6196]

It is the truth that vehicles produced in Japan, are of much higher quality than those same vehicles produced in the west. The culture makes a huge difference.

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

The Lexus has a three stage paint process which is a higher cost paint option which pass on to the consumer.

[@edrickbondoc7387]

Which would you say has more headroom?

[@rightlanehog3151]

GX

[@gnawty4662]

Ceramic coating the GX in 1 month - I just life that truck!

[@randygravel2057]

Just wish they were a bit bigger (in all dimensions)

[@iheartgs400]

Lol I have both and love them in different ways.

[@alphabeta8403]

Dinausaur powertrain in them for sure!

[@M5_Sonu]

True, but I'll take these NA V6 and V8s over the throw away boosted 4 bangers!

[@kyinvestor]

I was told by a longtime Toyota assembly plant worker in Kentucky that the biggest difference between a Lexus sedan and Toyota sedan is the Lexus has a lot more parts. Your videos are very informative and entertaining, thank you.

[@randygravel2057]

That doesn’t sound right

[@marcellojhidalgo6920]

Is that good or bad?

[@eto2352]

quality can't be determined without looking under the hood and under the body. panel gaps are just one aspect that can't determine product excellence.

[@murphybwalker]

as he said he'll be doing more comparisons - this was for external quality only

[@hoodking505]

You can actually swap the front end the was one reddit

[@noctilucent7396]

They are built by the same people in the same factory it all depends how much you wanna spend quality control remaining the same

[@tonycaine5930]

Comes down to V6 or V8 engines

[@agsp4785]

Gx all the way!!!

[@davidwong9835]

I think the car salespersons will drop their jaws if I go into their show rooms, take out all those equipments, and start making all these measurements carefully and seriously while explaining to them that is how and why I pick theirs Mazda instead of yours Toyota 😂😂

[@japerezo75]

Old vs old 😂love them both but they need MPG improvements

[@masterbonbon]

👍

[@amadinmumu8122]

I will pick 4Runner

[@LionRunner]

I did the same. 4Runner got the win over the GX for my needs.

[@papagen00]

GX or LX, that is my dilemma.

[@jg-365]

Million dollar question… which one is your favorite? I bet the GX.

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes I definitely prefer the GX...

[@artchiu584]

great vehicles for sure, BUT they r not fuel efficient, and they r over-priced...

[@jackd2691]

Had enough of the BS “Japan built quality”. Brought my wife the brand new 2022 RX350L, and the exhaust droning and corresponding steering wheel/paddle vibration is driving my wife crazy. Took it to the dealership and after replacing the center pipe and wait for a week, Lexus say there’s nothing they can do. I have never need to worry the exhaust and went under the car to check what they mean by exhaust vibration. Very disappointed and cancelled my plan on getting the GX.

[@GreekCarFreak]

The GX is in a different class than the RX. I'm waiting for my 4runner to arrive but have plenty of seat time in the GX and it's one of the most well built cars I've ever driven. Ancient but smooth V8 drivetrain should put you at ease. Never met a GX owner who was disappointed in the quality, I think you'll be a happy owner for decades to come if you buy one + take care of it.

[@ShinobiTekken]

Lexus RX350L is built in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, that is the problem

[@wanderlostNW]

Are you running out of contents? You actually did the same video a few months ago. Btw, the paint job on my 19 4Runner pro is not that good at all, easily got chipped.

[@AutomotivePress]

That is not the same content. That was Lexus LX vs 4Runner, this one is GX

[@bohan9957]

You bought yet another Lexus GX? Faint...

[@bngr_bngr]

The GX looks so little.

[@ytj22]

Your method of measuring gaps is nearly useless. While it is interesting to see the deviation from side to side, your measurement values are nearly pointless without comparing them to the specification of the vehicle. There is a reason you don't see gaps below 3mm, it's because they shouldn't be. So what is the correct gap size, is it just your opinion?

[@DrPepperCooled4090]

4runner is dogwater compared to the GX. go for the GX, no questions asked

[@paulsoti5388]

Hello Mr. David, I enjoy your videos but can't help but notice how frequently you say the same 4 or 5 lines over and over again. It gets a little annoying after a while.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you for your feedback... will improve it next time