GX 550 vs 4Runner
Both the GX 550 and the 4Runner sit in the midsize off-road suv class, and Lexus and Toyota are clearly watching each other. On balance, the GX 550 is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 3 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance GX 550 wins
- Space & Practicality GX 550 wins
- Off-road & Towing GX 550 wins
- Engine & Performance6.6
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance1.1
- Off-road & Towing6.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The GX 550 has 71 hp more power
On total system output, the GX 550 posts 349 hp against 278 hp for the 4Runner, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The GX 550’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The GX 550 has room for 7 seats
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 7 seats for the GX 550 versus 5 seats for the 4Runner. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The GX 550 has 3,096 lb more towing capacity
The 4Runner lists 6,000 lb; the GX 550 comes in at 9,096 lb. That’s not a rounding error. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The GX 550 has 162 lb-ft more torque
At 479 lb-ft versus 317 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the GX 550, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 75.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
GX 550 leads
In this area the GX 550 has a lead the 4Runner can’t close. Here the GX 550 offers 71 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the GX 550 is the stronger car.
Total system output
GX 550: 349 hp 4Runner: 278 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
GX 550: 479 lb-ft 4Runner: 317 lb-ft The GX 550’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
GX 550 leads
The 4Runner is outclassed on space & practicality; the GX 550 leads by a clear margin. The GX 550 gives you room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Weighing only space & practicality, the GX 550 comes out ahead.
Seats
GX 550: 7 seats 4Runner: 5 seats The GX 550 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
GX 550 leads
On off-road & towing, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the GX 550. The GX 550 wins here with 3,096 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the GX 550’s higher rating gives you more margin. If off-road & towing is your priority, the GX 550 is the car to pick.
Max towing
GX 550: 9,096 lb 4Runner: 6,000 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the GX 550 and the 4Runner each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 349 hp (winner) | 278 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 17 mpg Thirstiest in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 15 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) Most seats in class | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 10.3 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.9 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 9,096 lb (winner) Best towing in class | 6,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 75.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | GX 550 | 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $66,785 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the GX 550 if…
- you want more power (349 hp vs 278 hp)
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want the higher towing capacity (9,096 lb vs 6,000 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (479 lb-ft vs 317 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the GX 550 or the 4Runner?
On the specs compared here, the GX 550 makes more sense for most buyers; the 4Runner doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the GX 550 and the 4Runner purely on what they offer. What I like most about the GX 550 here is 71 hp more power. Less flashy, but still real: the GX 550 brings room for 7 seats.
In my head, the GX 550 is the engine & performance pick and the 4Runner is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick.
My pick: the GX 550.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.