R3loader

Is the air suspension standard only on the Luxury model on MY2014? How reliable is this system? how is the drive with and without?

patgilm

Yes it is standard on the luxury model just like it was standard on the previous premium model. I have had a 2008 GX470 and now a 2012 GX460 and both had air suspension and I have never had a problem with it but I only had the GX470 for 50k miles. I haven't seen anyone here with a GX460 have an air suspension problem but it could be because the trucks are too new. If you look in the GX470 forums there are people with air suspension problems but most seem to have a lot of miles on them and shocks don't last forever.

Compared to the LS, the GX air suspension is reliable. In the LS, it is not uncommon to have the air suspension go out before 20k miles.

Koz

I have been using this system since 2004 (4Runner and GX) and I never had any problems. I have heard of issues with the early system’s sensors failing (corrosion). I have driven the same vehicle with and without and the air springs and the air springs provide a better ride (smoother) and better handling (especially with cargo and/or towing). The system provides approx. 4” of travel between the low and high settings. The normal/auto setting provides a level vehicle no matter adding passengers, cargo and/or a trailer. This is where the system shines. Regardless of the added weight, the vehicle's driving dynamics stay the same as if it were empty. The system itself is VERY elaborate. It even has an air dryer to remove harmful moisture in the pressurized system. If you were to add a comparable aftermarket system, you would be looking at several thousand dollars and it would not be intergraded into the vehicles controls (dash). It is so cool when you have passengers exiting and the vehicle lowers itself to level. Again, the system really shines when towing. You hook up to a trailer (using the back-up camera) without even leaving the vehicle. You line up in the low setting (just clearing the ball) and then just hit the control’s high setting and the ball lifts right into the trailer’s tongue. You also have 4” of lift/lowering that really helps when moving over/backing into driveways’ or inclines. You simply lower the hitch so the trailer’s rear approach angle is 4” higher. Then when the rear of the trailer clears the incline, you can raise the hitch so the hitch itself raises 4” for better clearance. It makes a huge difference and because I tow (even if I did not tow), I would not buy any truck without it.

BTW – This system is no longer available in the 4Runner.

Koz

T4Fun

test drive the gx with and without air and see the difference. it does handle better and ride better.
if it goes out, so be it, it can be replaced.

muggle

Must say that after towing horses for 3700 miles this month that the air suspension is very nice compared to my old Sequoia doing the same trip 5 years ago. No back and forth motion, and very comfortable ride in the GX 460 premium.