'13-'15 LC and '16+ LX - Who owns both? (1 Viewer)

[Cruiserhead05]

I searched pretty extensively so I could just send a PM, but struggled to find someone on the board who owns both.

I've had an '09 LC and now a '16 LX. This represents both ends of the spectrum in terms of 200 evolution. There are things I like/dislike about each but may one day be looking for another LC for the

Seeking input on the '13-'15 LC's specifically. I'm well aware of all the differences/features on paper but still seeking input on day-to-day differences and real-world application.

I'm not married to AHC, ML audio, the 8-speed or the ultra-lux styling of the '16+, but do enjoy adaptive cruise, ventilated seats and heated steering wheels (all found in the 13-15 LC). It reasons to me that the '13-'15 LC is a good balance between the newer tech but less luxury styling/interior of the '16+ LX.

Again, looking for input from someone who has these two specific models now or owned each in similar time frames for accurate comparison.

 

[Boston Mangler]

I searched pretty extensively so I could just send a PM, but struggled to find someone on the board who owns both.

I've had an '09 LC and now a '16 LX. This represents both ends of the spectrum in terms of 200 evolution. There are things I like/dislike about each but may one day be looking for another LC for the

Seeking input on the '13-'15 LC's specifically. I'm well aware of all the differences/features on paper but still seeking input on day-to-day differences and real-world application.

I'm not married to AHC, ML audio, the 8-speed or the ultra-lux styling of the '16+, but do enjoy adaptive cruise, ventilated seats and heated steering wheels (all found in the 13-15 LC). It reasons to me that the '13-'15 LC is a good balance between the newer tech but less luxury styling/interior of the '16+ LX.

Again, looking for input from someone who has these two specific models now or owned each in similar time frames for accurate comparison.

IMHO the 13-15 Is Aesthetically the sexiest of all LCs, and at the end of the day, thats all that matters to retain the Cars and Coffee Crown!

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I don't think you're wrong, just curious if anyone has both models and jumps in between each to have quick comparison feedback.

 

[radman]

Believe it or not, the 15 on 35s rides smoother than the 18 on whatever junk comes on 21” wheels.
It’s actually not that hard to believe…..

 

[bloc]

One note about adaptive cruise on 13-15 LCs, it doesn’t function the same as later model LX, if that’s what you were hoping.

Specifically it does disengage at low speeds, and the thing that annoys me, once you’ve set the cruise speed, any adjustments to the number are in increments of 5. Meaning if you’re cruising at 72 and you want 73, it jumps to 75. Then 80, or 70. No fine adjustments.

I’m not totally positive how the later model LX radar cruise works, but do seem to remember it works in stop & go traffic. I may be wrong on that though.

 

[OregonLC]

To clarify, the 2013 does do 1 mph increments, just not with Radar. I believe you hold the stick forward immediately after enabling to revert to normal cruise. You can also game the system by cancelling and re-setting in which case it will hold your speed at a non-5mph interval.

But yes, the 16+ LX does a much better job of managing radar cruise.

 

[bloc]

To clarify, the 2013 does do 1 mph increments, just not with Radar. I believe you hold the stick forward immediately after enabling to revert to normal cruise.

Thanks, I forgot to mention that.

This is why I almost always disable the adaptive cruise in my rig.

 

[OregonLC]

Thanks, I forgot to mention that.

This is why I almost always disable the adaptive cruise in my rig.

I've grown to respect the 16 LX more than the 13 LC, but yes I often kill the radar as well.

I tend to listen to a lot of audio books and often look down to find myself going 10mph under the set speed because the truck so subtly slowed. When in normal cruise it forces me to initiate the lane change. As was posted in another thread, the GM Super Cruise has me spoiled.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Thanks, this is helpful. Ultimately trying to determine if the “refinements” of the later LX are worth the offset (negative, to me) of the overly luxurious 16’+ LX.

It truly is like an LS sedan bolted to a 200 series which oddly is what makes it amazing but also unusable at times in my opinion.

 

[thecapedcapper]

Thanks, this is helpful. Ultimately trying to determine if the “refinements” of the later LX are worth the offset (negative, to me) of the overly luxurious 16’+ LX.

It truly is like an LS sedan bolted to a 200 series which oddly is what makes it amazing but also unusable at times in my opinion.

Why would that make it unusable? Other than people ribbing you that you're not really roughing it when their rigs may or may not have AC

 

[bloc]

Why would that make it unusable? Other than people ribbing you that you're not really roughing it when their rigs may or may not have AC

I can’t speak for OP but the time I rode in a 2018 LX I was looking around thinking I sure wouldn’t want to get this interior muddy.

 

[OregonLC]

Why would that make it unusable? Other than people ribbing you that you're not really roughing it when their rigs may or may not have AC

Yeah, I don't get it either. It's (often) a less expensive Land Cruiser. Some people can't get past the Lexus name and wood trim. Ride it hard, put it away wet and it will reward with years of service.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I can’t speak for OP but the time I rode in a 2018 LX I was looking around thinking I sure wouldn’t want to get this interior muddy.

This. Having owned an '09 and and a few other vehicles with interiors similar to the early 200, the '16 LX almost always gets thrown into the category of being "too nice" so other vehicles get used for various tasks. LX is my work DD and date-night vehicle. It's a shame.

I understand this is all personal but just my two cents after two years of ownership and comparing it to a few others things (early 200, 2nd gen tundra & sequoia, 80 series, etc.)

 

[Lebowski801]

Believe it or not, the 15 on 35s rides smoother than the 18 on whatever junk comes on 21” wheels.
It’s actually not that hard to believe…..


View attachment 3832997

I can’t even imagine how many times this question is asked but I am just now searching for a 13-15 LX or LC and I’ve been told 34s are the biggest tires I should realistically expect. But I see several in IH8mud who have 35s. What do I need to know? I assume some cutting along with a sensor lift?

 

[CharlieS]

I owned '13 and '16 Land Crusiers. The '13 looks cooler (so my son tells me) and the transmission is arguably better, but the '16 is nice in about every other way. The '16 has bigger brakes. I've never driven an LX, so can't comment on them.

Running 34s on a 200 series Land Cruiser means trimming plastic and a mild lift. It isn't a big deal at all, but it isn't a situation where you can toss them on without doing some adjustments. I think 35s (unless they are a very undersized 35) would mean a body mount chop.

 

[Lebowski801]

I owned '13 and '16 Land Crusiers. The '13 looks cooler (so my son tells me) and the transmission is arguably better, but the '16 is nice in about every other way. The '16 has bigger brakes. I've never driven an LX, so can't comment on them.

Running 34s on a 200 series Land Cruiser means trimming plastic and a mild lift. It isn't a big deal at all, but it isn't a situation where you can toss them on without doing some adjustments. I think 35s (unless they are a very undersized 35) would mean a body mount chop.

I’m getting that impression. From what I’m being told, 34s even with a sensor lift may be a bit ambitious. But I think that’s the route I’ll go. I have no problem with twisting and bending things. It will be primarily an off road vehicle.

Thank you for the response. It’s helpful.

 

[TeCKis300]

Yeah, I don't get it either. It's (often) a less expensive Land Cruiser. Some people can't get past the Lexus name and wood trim. Ride it hard, put it away wet and it will reward with years of service.

Right? IMO, it's a perspective limitation of the owner rather than any limitation of the vehicle. There's older model LC owners that would say the same of any 200-series.

I’m getting that impression. From what I’m being told, 34s even with a sensor lift may be a bit ambitious. But I think that’s the route I’ll go. I have no problem with twisting and bending things. It will be primarily an off road vehicle.

Thank you for the response. It’s helpful.

There's two camps here. LCs can be limited to go over 34s or even wider tires due to interference of KDSS. LXs have no such limitation and can fit full fat 35x12.5 tires with a weekends worth of effort. You'll find most of the 35 and larger tired 200-series to be LXs on these boards.

That's not to say you can't on an LC, it'll just take more effort. Fortunately there's some great kits coming out that remove some of the contraints.

KDSS Max Relocation Kit + End link LCA skids

After test fitting and taking Our new KDSS relocation kit on the trails of Uwharrie for 2 days, it's ready for production. Our Kit moves the front KDSS sway bar 1.5" forward (an additional 1/2" more than other KDSS relocation brackets), and encompasses a LCA Skid plate/ End Link support to keep...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Redbull]

Answer: The 13-15 LC is great and the newer LX isn’t that much of an improvement based on your needs.

I drive other luxury cars so I’m under no illusion my LX is too nice to get dirty. It’s an LC with some nicer leather, goodies, and dealer network.

 

[unclemat]

I own two LCs, 2015 and 2021 (2-row HE). I like them the same. I think the 2015 is a better highway cruiser due to the 6-speed, while the 2021 is a better off-roader due to the really short 1st gear ratio.

2021 looks better, I think, especially HE without the door chrome trim. But none of the extras in 2021 really do much for me:

• Power liftgate disabled. Too slow and annoying.
• Slow open tailgate is nice in theory, but I like the quick opening of 2015 better. It is light, so not a chore to lower by hand.
• I don't care for the auto high-beams or the lane departure warning crap. Disabled.
• BSM maybe good to have, but not really. I suppose CTA is nice to have.
• Cruise control, I believe the newer can be adjusted in 1 mph increments? I don't use cruise control anyway, or very rarely.
• Interior is more modern of course in 2021, but that's a superficial difference. Screen is bit nicer, but still dated. Frankly, I miss the center console cooler in the 2021!
• LED headlamps are very good, but good HID bulbs plus upgraded high beams in the 2015 are just as good if not better due to the color temp.
• I cannot tell the difference with bigger front brakes in 2021. An easy upgrade if desired.