Thinking about a GX460

Shit I guess this is just my mod thread now...

Victory 4x4 Blitz bumper, Warn VR8S winch, side step delete.

Bumper cuts over 3" off the front for significantly improved approach angle.

Also added 4R roof rails some time back because they are raised and allow me to use my existing basket and awning setup I built for the 4R.

 

Very nice! I think I now have a backup plan if my 4R ever gets totaled!

 

That’s a lie. I have a 2023 SR5P with 6k miles and a similar year GX460 is at least $10k more expensive.

 

That's not used enough, check 7-10 years old.

The Lexus stuff goes out of style faster, so they drop off at a certain point. A few years ago, you could get a GX470 for very cheap, because it was the old model.

 

I had two 4Runners (19 and 22) and 21 GX. GX all the way unless you will wheel hard.

 

My honest assessment at this point is they are pretty much the same "off road" with the edge to the GX for creature comfort. I'm not doing the Rubicon in either, but I'll do anything I would have done in my 4R in the GX and vice versa.

 

I miss the quiet cabin of a Gx, my 4runner has a lot more road noise, plus the auto tilt mirrors, auto steering column, rain sensing wipers and memory seats are all nice features.

 

I really like the GX but wouldn’t consider a pre-2022 model since I need CarPlay (and no, I’m not interested in adding an aftermarket solution). My 2023 4Runner, with 6,700 miles, is likely worth around $40-$42K, while a comparable 2022!! GX 460 is priced around $50-$52K. I do miss the full auto climate control and real leather seats, but it’s hard to justify spending an extra $10K over my 4Runner. Is the Lexus significantly quieter on the highway?

 

In regards to your last question, yeah. It really is... Tire choice notwithstanding.

 

Ok. I thought that the Lexus has laminated side windows or some extra sound deadening what’s not available on the 4Runner. I don’t have off road tires and probably will use regular highway tires once the factory is gone.

 

The GX is so much quieter than a 4Runner. It's too loud to use the voice control for navigation in my Pro, then GX worked flawlessly. Rain sensing wipers were great too.

 

Just got rid of the 31.6" Falkens for some pizza cutter 33.1" Toyo Open Country RTs. A few other small mods as well since last update... but nothing really super noteworthy.

Prior to the tire swap, I did a 6300 mile road trip to the SW US, did great. The GX may be the ultimate long distance all surface comfort wagon.

Trip blog (vulgarity in spades):

https://meefzah.smugmug.com/April-2025-Texas-New-Mexico-Arizona-and-Utah-trip

After Toyo install:

 

One of my major complaints about the GX460 has always been that it has an antiquated non-Car Play / non-Android Auto head unit on the pre-2022 models.

There are two styles of aftermarket upgrades to resolve this:

One adds the post-2022 tablet style display and also replaces some of the HVAC vents and hard buttons, at around $1500 +/-.

The other is a module that installs in-line between the OEM head unit and OEM wiring and uses the existing screen and hard buttons, at around $400 +/-.

I recently added the Hamilton module (which is also available for the pre-2020 4R). It's around $500 - which is more expensive than the Grom, Beat Sonic, Carlinklife, Carputech, etc - but they are supposedly better units made on a "boutique" line in the Chinese plant, and have great US based support.

I've done a few 6 hour drives with it since installation as well as ton of commuting, and it has been flawless on wireless Android Auto. It really makes the GX feel modern and resolves my only real remaining gripe with the GX. I highly recommend it.

I have a full writeup here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/naviks-vs-beatsonic-for-gx460-carplay.1354633/page-3#post-16112975

Product link: https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.com/

Stock image of the module:





In use on my GX showing Android Auto displays:




OnX Offroad

 

In my ongoing mods, I deleted my Cali Raised ditch lights some months back. They provided good output but I just never really liked them. I left the mounting brackets empty for a while and then bought a set of amber Baja Designs S1s to install as ditch lights. However, I got to playing with them when they arrived, and realized they would actually drop neatly into my bumper and serve as better than OEM fog lights. I rotated them sideways, re-clocked the lenses to the vertical orientation, and bolted them to the inside brackets of the bumper which are actually designed for a lightbar to span the top slot of the bumper. I also redid the harness to run the lights of acc + and I turned off the factory DRLs, these S1s are used as DRLs now and just come on with the ignition. There is still a switch to deactivate them if I want.





I liked them so much I bought another set for my motorcycle! And may buy a single "pit bike" version of the S1 to mount on my dirt bike. They are small but pack a helluva punch. The lenses are the amber "wide cornering" lens.

 

I prefer the 4R hatch/pwr window over the GX barn door, but I prefer the tailgate on my 2nd Gen over both. The premium fuel hurt it too. The V8 is nice but I’d have to try to get a 5.7 if I went the V8 route.
My significant other hated the GX styling, especially the front. That was the last nail in the coffin.

 

Yeah it ain't for everyone.

I have never used premium fuel, BTW.

 

100% agree having a dog. She loves with back window open.
Love hatch vs barn door when Mrs sending me for groceries regardless snow / rain. Many times in the middle of the night. Even last night, pickup time 8PM..!!!! F#$@.

 

I'm trying to talk the wife into getting a GX once we (she) decides we need a 2nd vehicle. My 4R is approaching 150K and is mostly highway/interstate miles. The GX is nice and there's a ton of them here in the Lexington area. Is the oil change on the GX about the same as the 4R?

 

I would really enjoy one, but the volatility of the oil industry has me wondering about having to use a higher octane fuel. I’m certainly able to afford it but I’m not supporting that option just to waste money.

 

I'm really looking forward to seeing your GX when you come through Abq next month.

 

Nicely done!

 

Aside from the looks, I haven't bought a GX or limited because they are full time 4wd and where I live there is no need. If where you live has snow during winter that would be a plus, but it would be wasted on me.

 

It's pretty basic honestly, but yes I am also excited to meet a fellow forum member (nohomo) and get that skid plate!

Yes, except the filter goes in sideways and not from the bottom. Same filter. I can't recall offhand how many quarts of oil either take but it may be a quart more than the 4R. Otherwise it's same-same.

For the 300th time LOL you don't need to use premium

And fuel mileage on the freeway is actually a little better than the 4R, probably due to the 6 speed transmission and the engine loafing at 65 mph; but around town it is worse.

 

I prefer to follow the recommendations from the manufacturer. No vehicle will immediately fail for using a lower octane than the one it was built for, but the vehicle is not benefiting from constant mistreatment. My Porsche never gets an 87 octane, but it’ll always start and go on it if needed. Driving habits influence mileage too.

 

I'm comparing my own experience with fuel economy owning and driving 4 similarly modified 4Rs 2015-2024, so the driving habits are the same between the GX and the 4R- they're my driving habits!

 

You’ve had 4 runners 2015-2024?

 

Between my wife and I, yeah. 2014 Trail, 2017 SR5, 2019 OR, 2024 OR.

 

An older LC parked on the street near my home and I walked past it alot when I was looking to upgrade my-at that time - Honda Pilot. I think I observed full floating axles by the look of the wheels. It was sold years ago but I remember the F & R axles seemed beefier than my 5th gen.
Can a LC owner confirm the drive train differences?

 

Something I didn’t see mentioned in this thread is the coolant valley issue that has started to pop up now that the GXs are getting older. It doesn’t seem catastrophic by any means, but it’s something to be aware of. It allegedly affects tundras and sequoias as well.

https://www.torquenews.com/1084/i-g...-me-theres-valley-plate-leak-thats-going-cost

I briefly thought about a GX460 when I was shopping last year, but I wanted to rear roll down window and the 1GR.

 

Not 460, just saw this 470 with skinny tires. Fugly to my eyes. Sorry for the poor pics. Taken while the phone is still on the mount.
(Looks like the stupid fitcam is not recording. Have to troubleshoot if it had stop recording or files in a different location. )