200 series - maybe not the best choice (11 Viewers)

[Barry Dingle]

I bought a 2016 LC a few months back, coming from a GX470. The LC is pretty much stock with KO2s. I have one bent wheel and a non-matching spare. I recently had the bent wheel swapped so it is now with the non-matching spare. Not a huge fan of KO2s; I don't offroad enough to justify the noise, MPG and handling reduction. I prefer the AT3W.

I don't hate the stock wheels, I actually prefer them, but the tire selection is not great, and 285/65/18 selection is TERRIBLE. Everything is E load, and meant for diesel trucks.

Ideally I could find some 17" wheels and go with a 285/70/17. Plenty of C range options. Rock Warrior wheels? Ugly, dated, overpriced, and the offset sucks. The other option I kind of like is the Ikon Vector in a 25mm, but not a huge fan that they cast "ICON" into the rim.

The 200 series also rides like s***. Granted, My GX had a pretty nice suspension upgrade but I expected more from the real deal Land Cruiser.

No real point here, just bitching. I could have gotten into a brand new 4Runner for what I paid for this thing.

 

[Sandroad]

Hmmmm……..sounds like maybe you didn’t do enough of a test ride before purchase? I know I did that once with a Tundra.

Stock tire size is 285/60-18 and lots of members on here like the characteristics of the Michelin Defender LTX MS2 in the non-E rated version in stock size.

But, with your bad report on the vehicle at the very start of ownership, it might be good to cut your losses and trade for a new 4R. I think you’d be much happier.

 

[Mingus Dew]

Damn dude. Sorry you are not happy with the purchase.

Wheel size is a bummer. I'm resigned to switching to 17s once I blow through my current set of tires.

Have you checked out Evo Corse and BRAID (very pricey, but awesome if you have the cash)? Both make good options that will come with the correct offset to ensure proper fitment.

It rides like a truck for sure. It's a good (and surprisingly quiet) ride for a truck, but it is nothing like a luxury crossover or sedan. My A6 rides like a cloud in comparison, but that's to be expected no? The 200 rides better than all of the 5th gen 4Runners I've been in (haven't been in a 2025 yet).

Whatever floats your boat man. The new 4Runner is cool, but you are getting a much less desirable powertrain (imo) in a car that you will see a bajillion of on your daily commute.

The LC is extremely unique in NA and more importantly it has a soul. I think it's the first car I've owned that feels like that, but it elicits emotion.

 

[TheIcemanCometh]

Not a KO2 fan either, friends all seem to like them. As noted the overall preferred tire is the Michelin Defender LTX MS2. I went with Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail® AT 275/65/R18.

If you want five matching wheels from a 2015, complete with TPMS send me a PM. I am probably not going to mount them again.

 

[Umbrarian]

But, with your bad report on the vehicle at the very start of ownership, it might be good to cut your losses and trade for a new 4R. I think you’d be much happier.

This. Eject. Now.

 

[gaijin]

I bought a 2016 LC a few months back, coming from a GX470. The LC is pretty much stock with KO2s. I have one bent wheel and a non-matching spare. I recently had the bent wheel swapped so it is now with the non-matching spare. Not a huge fan of KO2s; I don't offroad enough to justify the noise, MPG and handling reduction. I prefer the AT3W.

I don't hate the stock wheels, I actually prefer them, but the tire selection is not great, and 285/65/18 selection is TERRIBLE. Everything is E load, and meant for diesel trucks.

Ideally I could find some 17" wheels and go with a 285/70/17. Plenty of C range options. Rock Warrior wheels? Ugly, dated, overpriced, and the offset sucks. The other option I kind of like is the Ikon Vector in a 25mm, but not a huge fan that they cast "ICON" into the rim.

The 200 series also rides like s***. Granted, My GX had a pretty nice suspension upgrade but I expected more from the real deal Land Cruiser.

No real point here, just bitching. I could have gotten into a brand new 4Runner for what I paid for this thing.

Bail. Get the 4Runner.

HTH

 

[04UZJ100]

CoolStoryBro

 

[mobi-arc]

BFG AT's ride like s***...last forever, but ride like s***. I think you're misjudging the ride quality with those AT tires, or perhaps you have an affinity for the lighter 4Runner/GX sized platform. My '21 rides quite nicely with the OEM tires and OEM suspension. My '98 100 rides far more firm with heavier loads, but with Michelin tires, it's quiet and pretty civilized.

 

[Barry Dingle]

My GX had about 1,000 lbs of extra s*** on it, comparable weight to a stock 200 series. To be fair I can't remember how the GX rode stock. Main difference was that it sat on a pretty nice Dobinson's MRA setup/C load tires. I'm sure a better suspension and correctly loaded tires on the 200 would be more comfortable.

Frankly, my complaints are minimal otherwise. I do like the 200, just venting. I mostly didn't realize how narrow the options were for wheels and tires.

I've had KO2s on like 4+ past rigs, in my experience they wear out in 30k miles so it won't be long... I rack up 15-20k miles a year.

On the plus side I am averaging 18.5 MPG highway, and that's going up and over the rocky mountains over and over.

 

[Heckraiser]

The 200 isn't for everyone. I myself wasn't much of a fan at the beginning, but it has grown on me over time as I put it through it's paces towing and off-roading. It still doesn't speak to me in the same way some of my older vehicles did.

Ride quality should be pretty good if it's sorted (bushings and shocks). Stock suspension is well tuned IMO. Maybe you've got some worn components or maybe tires are contributing to your poor ride. P-metric tires are the best option for a mostly pavement pounder. Michellin Defender LTX ms2 is the go-to and deservedly so. I will say I did borrow a late model gx460 (2022ish?) and the ride was downright superb. The 200 isn't quite there, and that's probably just due to overall weight.

As for wheels, I really like 17's on my 200 and as you say, so many (and cheaper) tire options. I tried Rock Warriors with spacers, but ended up going with Methods. If you look there are a decent amount of 17" wheels to choose from, but most are Icon or Method (affordable and workable offsets). From there, they get expensive (evo corse) or just a ton of bro-dozer 0 offset tundra wheels. If you haven't searched pictures of the RW with the rock ring removed, check it out. I personally think it improves the look a lot.

All of that said, if you're not feeling it, you're not feeling it. I've definitely spent good money on a car I thought would fit the bill and I just never bonded with it and sold it a month or two later. It happens. In all honesty, as great as the LX570 is as a "jack of all trades" I probably would not still own it if my wife didn't love it so much

 

[GasRN]

I bought a 2016 LC a few months back, coming from a GX470. The LC is pretty much stock with KO2s. I have one bent wheel and a non-matching spare. I recently had the bent wheel swapped so it is now with the non-matching spare. Not a huge fan of KO2s; I don't offroad enough to justify the noise, MPG and handling reduction. I prefer the AT3W.

I don't hate the stock wheels, I actually prefer them, but the tire selection is not great, and 285/65/18 selection is TERRIBLE. Everything is E load, and meant for diesel trucks.

Ideally I could find some 17" wheels and go with a 285/70/17. Plenty of C range options. Rock Warrior wheels? Ugly, dated, overpriced, and the offset sucks. The other option I kind of like is the Ikon Vector in a 25mm, but not a huge fan that they cast "ICON" into the rim.

The 200 series also rides like s***. Granted, My GX had a pretty nice suspension upgrade but I expected more from the real deal Land Cruiser.

No real point here, just bitching. I could have gotten into a brand new 4Runner for what I paid for this thing.

If you're that unhappy with it, then by all means go for the 4R. I tried adding a new 2023 4R Limited to use as a daily driver and keep miles off my 2004 LX470. after 2 years and 20k miles, I traded it in on a 2018 LX570 and have been MUCH happier, but I'm used to this platform.

 

[stonepa]

I've had KO2s on like 4+ past rigs, in my experience they wear out in 30k miles so it won't be long... I rack up 15-20k miles a year.

Interesting. I have run BFG ATs since 1987. Normal wear and tear got me an average of 50-60k per set. I have almost 50k on my current KO2s and maybe another 10k left of wear.

 

[onemanarmy]

there are at least 100 options for tire/wheel combos for the 200

get out in the real world

 

[slipkid13]

"I made a poor decision so now you all have to listen to me bitch about it"

 

[gray rider]

or not...

 

[Specialeyes]

I have my fair share of gripes with the 200 but ride quality is not one of them. In stock form it is one of the best riding BOF SUV’s I have ever been in. Whatever Toyota did to make it soak up the potholes and road imperfections is pretty impressive. Wish they would have been able to work that magic into the new stuff. Having driven all of the new TNGA-F models with the exception of the LX the live rear axle is very much alive. I just felt a lot more firmness in every thing (4R, 250, GX) Taco, Tundra, Sequoia all felt better but they also have longer wheelbases and different rear ends I believe? (5 link)

 

[tincan45]

Best part about MUD is this post will be here in 10 years. It should age nicely.

Get the 4R and run with the herd. Nothing wrong with that. Whatever you paid for the 200, you can probably get most of it back.

 

[dudemancool1904]

my ‘19 rides great on stock suspension so good that I am delaying upgrading lol. Is it possible your nearly 10 year old used truck has blown/worn suspension?

 

[El Skywalker]

I bought a 2016 LC a few months back, coming from a GX470. The LC is pretty much stock with KO2s. I have one bent wheel and a non-matching spare. I recently had the bent wheel swapped so it is now with the non-matching spare. Not a huge fan of KO2s; I don't offroad enough to justify the noise, MPG and handling reduction. I prefer the AT3W.

I don't hate the stock wheels, I actually prefer them, but the tire selection is not great, and 285/65/18 selection is TERRIBLE. Everything is E load, and meant for diesel trucks.

Ideally I could find some 17" wheels and go with a 285/70/17. Plenty of C range options. Rock Warrior wheels? Ugly, dated, overpriced, and the offset sucks. The other option I kind of like is the Ikon Vector in a 25mm, but not a huge fan that they cast "ICON" into the rim.

The 200 series also rides like s***. Granted, My GX had a pretty nice suspension upgrade but I expected more from the real deal Land Cruiser.

No real point here, just bitching. I could have gotten into a brand new 4Runner for what I paid for this thing.

You can get the ATW3 in SL. You're welcome.

 

[Boston Mangler]

Nitro Terra Grappler G3 come in C rating for 18”

I will be switching to them at some point

My C rated Yokos were dry rotted when I got my truck so I put a set of E rated on before I did anything else.

Bad idea…. Stiffer ride was IMMEDIATELY more noticeable.

Since adding storage and fridge and more weight, it’s gotten a LITTLE better, but still way to firm/jarring for my primadonna liking

I don’t tow, have no plans of towing, and not gonna put a millions pounds of unnecessary overland farkles all over the truck, so C will suit me fine

I will be switching to C rated Nittos for sure

Unpopular opinion, BFGs suck, always have, always will. Some people swear they love them, that’s great, cool story. They are loud, and years behind in tech. I think people buy them for the looks more than anything honestly