Finding a capable three-row midsize SUV can be tricky with so many models on the market, and a Lexus GX vs. Toyota 4Runner comparison shows how tight the competition can be. The Lexus GX stands out with high-end features, including standard ventilated seats and a 349-horsepower V-6 powertrain, while the 4Runner attempts to compensate with good fuel economy.
If you're looking for the Lexus SUV equivalent to the 4Runner, let DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco in Mt. Kisco, NY, show off the Lexus GX.
The comparison begins under the hood, where the new Lexus GX for sale immediately takes advantage of its 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine to create 349 horsepower, 479 pound-feet of torque, and over 9,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity. Even the available 4Runner engine, a hybrid 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, can't reach those numbers.
| Lexus GX | Toyota 4Runner | |
| Engine | 3.4L twin-turbo V-6 | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl (Gas or Hybrid) |
| Horsepower | 349 |
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| Torque | 479 lb-ft |
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| Transmission | 10-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD, 4WD avail |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (4WD) (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 15 / 21 / 17 | 23 / 24 / 23 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 9,096 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 7 standard, 5 or 6 avail | 5 standard, 7 avail |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 112.2 in |
| Length | 197.05 in | 194.9 in |
| Width | 83.22 in | 77.9 / 79.9 in |
| Height | 75.39 - 77.17 in | 72.6 - 74 in |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) |
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39.7 / 37.8 / 35.3 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) |
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41.8 / 34.8 / 31.8 in |
| Cargo Space (Trunk / Max) |
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| Trims |
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| Standard Feature Highlights |
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| Available Feature Highlights |
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The Lexus GX 550 and Toyota 4Runner are reasonably close in size, with less than three inches of difference in length. The Lexus GX 550 interior maximizes passenger space with up to 36.73 inches of legroom and 43.15 inches of headroom available to anyone sitting in the second row.
The 4Runner attempts to compensate with slightly more cargo space, but it can't quite win: The Lexus GX Overtrail and Overtrail+ have the largest overall cargo area, at 90.5 cubic feet.
The Lexus version of the 4Runner adds comfort that the Toyota model can't match. For example, the Lexus SUV starts with a 10-speaker Lexus premium sound system and upgrades to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson® surround sound; the Toyota SUV starts with eight speakers and upgrades to 14.
What about amenities that are truly unique to the Lexus model? That includes Thematic Ambient Illumination, which lets you choose a mood-based color palette with ease. While both models have access to a moonroof, only the Lexus has a Dynamic Sky panoramic glass roof, flooding the cabin with natural light.
Lexus GX vs. Toyota 4Runner safety technology is another win for the former. The Lexus GX is protected through the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:
These features are also available on the Toyota 4Runner with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. What the Toyota model lacks, though, is the Lexus GX SUV's standard Intuitive Park Assist, which helps guide you into tricky parking situations.
Available sensors are also a win for the Lexus GX. It has easier access to a Head-Up Display and more advanced parking assistance.
Now that you can see why we believe the Lexus GX offers a higher-end experience, it's time to explore it in person. Our Lexus GX lease deals can even help you get into one of the new Lexus models for sale found in our showroom.
Think you might need even more space? Check out our Lexus TX vs. GX guide for a comparison of the two largest Lexus SUVs.
The Lexus GX is bigger than the Toyota 4Runner, measuring 197.05 inches long vs. the 194.9-inch Toyota SUV. This gives the Lexus more cabin room, with extra second-row legroom, more headroom, and a small amount of extra maximum cargo space with the Overtrail trims.
Both the 4Runner and GX 550 are adventurous SUVs, but the Lexus model offers more engine strength and higher-end features to make vacations more memorable. It also has a larger second row and up to 9,096 pounds of towing capacity.
While the better SUV is subjective, we think the Lexus GX provides the extra versatility and interior details to surpass the 4Runner. It brings the better engine, more passenger space, and stronger high-end amenities, including the 21-speaker sound system and safety sensors.
The GX is slightly larger than the 4Runner. It is 197.05 inches long, 83.22 inches wide, and up to 77.17 inches tall, while the 4Runner is 194.9 inches long, up to 79.9 inches wide, and up to 74 inches tall. You'll notice this difference in the second row of the GX, which offers over five additional inches of headroom in most trims.
No, the Lexus GX is not the same as the Toyota 4Runner. Both models have a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, but the Lexus GX has a standard third row (compared to the Toyota model's two-row layout with an optional third row), significantly more second-row legroom, and extra features that set it apart in the market.
09/02/2026
Visited on 09/01/2026. Jose and the entire team at Mt.Kisco Lexus were great from the first minute. Supported us throughout the entire purchase process, extremely transparent, and easy to work with. Great dealership experience!