stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

i found the side swinging rear door very odd on this $60k luxury SUV. is the door at least power operated?

Toys4RJill

Go figure that the GX has a side hinged door when the 4Runner sibling has a lift up hatch that is powered. The door is not powered.

FrigginFGO

I believe the swinging door was designed to hold weight such as the spare tire like its Prado counter-part. My FJ has the same swinging door that holds the spare tire.

Toys4RJill

While yes that might be the case, then what is the point if the GX has a spare underneath the rear?

My honest guess is that it is for cost cutting. The 4Runner has it and sells in numbers far greater than the GX.

Randy B

Height challenged women who drive it would not be able to reach and close it easily if the auto function failed. The door would also be heavier than the door on a 4Runner due to the size. That was the reason Lexus reps gave at the last car show.

Randy B

Toys4RJill

So is that why the last gen Rav4 did not have a lift hatch?

Randy, that is a load of crap. The Sequoia, 4Runner, Lexus LX all have lift up hatches, I am sure women drive them.

FrigginFGO

You are probably correct in the aspect of cost cutting. It would take Lexus/Toyota more time and money to develop a rear lift gate when the Prado already has a swinging door. Some vehicles designed to go off-road such as the Prado tend to have to spare on the rear door so the tire doesn't get damaged underneath from any excursions.

I believe the 4Runner sells more numbers for other reasons other than the lift gate, such as price, mpg, it being probably one of the few BoF's in its class, etc. I also have a 2004 4Runner and my 4'11'' wife can barely close the lift gate, so there are pros and cons to both swinging doors and lift gates.

iguy

Many garage doors would scrape an opened rear lift gate on the GX as well. Had this happen on another one of our SUVs that actually sits a little lower than the GX in my in laws' garage.

Kitana

Picturing myself jumping off roof of my GX to close hatch...hmmmm... I could make it work if I had to, however this explanation sounds more legit to me.

Glad I found this forum. I am purchasing a new GX in the Spring. I wondered why it had a side swing door and the pros and cons of it. Kinda wish it had a lift gate.

Koz

I've had both (manual lift and barn) and I now prefer the barn door. It is just easier to open and close. A power lift would be the best option in my opinion.

Koz

T4Fun

i think a split rear gate down middle wouldve been best

Eppieguy

I miss the power lift gate on my 09 Tahoe, It was great when shopping and it was raining, Hit the remote before you got to it, and then you can load while staying somewhat dry, also great for tailgating, shady or dry, unobstructed view and half way decent seat. My 2004 Tahoe had a strap that was attached to the liftgate so hight challenged owners could easily close the liftgate since it wasn't a power liftgate.

Quadro

Every Toyota SUV which carries spare on the back door has a swing gate (single or double). Prado carries spare on the back door so aux fuel tank can go underneath where spare on GX is. Land Cruisers have both a lift gate and double swing gate so LX just re-uses the lift gate version. I'm fine with the swing door, especially with a rear opening glass. My opinion is Lexus decided it's not worth the trouble to deviate this design feature from the Prado.

Lolrax

Truthfully I kinda like the barn door, I find it really easy to use and I now am a fan as well.

Toys4RJill

Yes it is mostly about cost cutting for the North American market as the GX is the only truck in the segment that has this type of door. I understand why the Prado has it in other markets, be it gas tank size additions or the lack of undercarriage space on two door Prados, also tradition in other markets have SUVs with side hindged doors. But we really have point out the fact that Toyota has one on the 4Runner, why should the GX not have one, it has to be cost cutting reasons.