Does anyone use an GX460 to tow?

[Karen M.]

We're currently using our 2016 4Runner to tow our 19, but have been looking at the Lexus GX460 (used) as a bit of an upgrade. We are wondering if anyone on the Forum has used that vehicle.
Thanks!

[John in Santa Cruz]

the GX is pretty much the same basic vehicle as the 4Runner, both are derived from the Land Cruiser Prado models. I think the 460 has a V8, so lotsa more Horses and Torques.

I'd assume much better sound insulation, nicer interior would come with the lexus package. It should tow as nicely as the 4Runner.

[Karen M.]

Thanks, John. We'd get a Prado if we could! Australia is a bit far for shipping, though. We are thinking that the GX would be a more powerful puller, but it's a lot of $$ if it's not considerably better than our 4Runner. My husband thinks the current engine will be modified in the 2021 models, with turbo chargers and a V6 instead of the 8. We have a trip to Ouray coming up and will see how we do in the mountains with the 4runner. It has done fine with other, lower-altitude trips.

[Mike G]

I come close.... I have a 2008 GX470. Second owner. I bought it in 2015 at 85k miles, and now it has 165k. Most of those miles are towing miles; I tow a Lil Hauley for work (and sometimes camp with it too). Fuel economy is nothing great, but it has been dependable. I would consider it well capable of towing a 17, 19, or 21 for sure, and probably a 23 as well when they come out. With the extra horses in the 460, I think you'd be fine.

[Karen M.]

Thank you, Mike. Yeah, fuel economy isn't something to hope for when towing! We appreciate the information.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

the GX is pretty much the same basic vehicle as the 4Runner, both are derived from the Land Cruiser Prado models. I think the 460 has a V8, so lotsa more Horses and Torques.

True, and yes, the "460" means a 4.6 litre engine, which is the 1UR-FE. Yes, it can put out about 34 more horsepower (at about the same engine speed) and about 46 more pound-feet of torque (at a lower engine speed) than the 1GR-FE currently used in the 4Runner, simply because it has more displacement.

The V35A twin-turbo V6 is generally the replacement for the GX's V8. This is very similar to the EcoBoost 3.5 V6 which Ford uses in... well, everything they can shove it into . Power and torque specifications will vary by application, so what they will be for the vehicles which get it (such as the GX, or perhaps 4Runner, or as rumoured the Tundra...) are unknown at this time.

[Doug2000]

I have a 2019 Tundra 4.6L, the same 4.6L as in the Lexus GX460. We upgraded from a 4Runner when we sold the Escape 17B and ordered the 19. The 4Runner would have done fine, I just missed having a truck.

The Tundra 4.6L does a great job. The truck is way under rated. Everyone wants the 5.7L but I am very happy with the 4.6L. We recently picked up a Subaru for our son, a total weight of 5300lbs. The truck did it with ease. I left it in 5th gear and only occasionally downshifted on a few of the hills. It was a 3 hour drive, not many clean Foresters around. Pulling our Escape 19, it works a little harder, I have it in 4th gear half the time and 5th the rest. Fuel mileage isn’t that great, but Toyota reliability.

The GX460 is a great choice, it will run forever.

The 2 Tundras that passed 1 million miles had the 4.6L motor. You can’t go wrong.

[BigSwede]

Yeah the GX is considered a bit of a dinosaur tech-wise, but that's not a bad thing IMO, because they do run forever, which offsets much of the initial purchase price in the long run. Plenty of used GXs for sale out there with 200,000+ miles. I might pick one up someday...

[canyonrider]

I haven't towed with a GX, but I think it would be a great match for a 17. (This is based on my experience towing our 19 with a 4th Gen 4Runner and 5.7 Land Cruiser.) Excellent intersection of reliability/comfort/power.

One GX feature to consider is the swing-out barn door. I'm not sure you could open it very far while hitched to the trailer, although I believe more recent GX iterations have a rolldown rear window that could mitigate this somewhat.

[gbaglo]

Yup. The swing door on my RAV4 only opens about 4" before hitting the hitch, although it just clears the WDH ball.

[YCG]

Hello I tow my 2019 escape 21 with my 2006 gx470. It tows real well. I have the factory tow package.
Also have 170,000 miles on it. Plenty of power for the mountains and average 12 miles per gallon. It’s a great rig and great comfort.

[YCG]

The swing door is no problem, plenty of room for access

[Karen M.]

Wow, thanks for all the information. We really appreciate the responses.
Regarding the swing door, we think we can get it partly open to get the dog in and out, plus the window on the newer ones does open, so it's not a deal breaker for us. Our daughter has one of the older ones, and borrowing hers is what spoiled us- they are really comfortable.

[YCG]

If I could load a picture on this forum I would send you some. Or I could email you some.
I am Yves and my email is galletyc@aol.com