2021 HE vs 2016 Differences - Is there already a thread?

[Dan Higgins]

I'm no Search guru but I did try to find a single thread that identified all of the differences between a 2016 (which I used to have) and a 2021 HE (which I now have). I realize this includes the differences that were introduced in 2018 and later. I think I have identified most of them but not sure. So here is what I have:

• Auto-raise upper lift gate (can disable)
• Soft close tailgate
• 3rd row optional (mine came with the 3rd row and I kept the RH jump seat in while removing the LH for my ARB drawer)
• No Rear Entertain monitors. Which is good as I had removed those on my 2016
• Auto-folding side view mirrors
• Different headrests. This surprised me as I hadn't heard of this. But the Blue Ridge Overland headrest velcro wraps I had on my 2016 almost didn't fit the headrests on the 2021 HE.
• The upholstery threading is different on my seats. Is the leather also different? It seems that way but that may simply be because I had 5 years and over 100K on my 2016 leather!
• The 2021 HE came with a rooftop cargo basket which I let the dealer keep but I guess that is standard on the HE versions
• And then there is the cosmetic stuff like the wheels (which were the same size on my 2016), the black side mirrors the "supposedly" darker chrome (yes it is darker but I hardly notice. And of course the retro insignia on the rear pillars.

Is that it? I'm particularly interested if there are any functional differences I have missed. Something that I may not be using because it didn't exist on my 2016.

Thanks!

(Sorry if this has all been addressed elsewhere.)

 

[Tex68w]

Our Terra interior has the black plastics, headliner, carpet. I much prefer it over the light gray that was in our LX570.

 

[yonah]

I think you are right. I remember chatting with Eric Sarjeant (where is that guy?) last year when I was looking to buy a new one, and he said that the black headliner and pillar trim was on the HE but not the base with black interior. I’d much prefer a black headliner rather than the light grey in my rig.

Yeah, I’m indifferent. I’m probably one of the few that prefers the exterior aesthetics of the non-HE 2021 - at least in Classic Silver and MGM. I think it’s more low key, which is one of the big reasons I like the 200 to begin with.

The black headliner and pillar trim look great, but grey reflects more light and brightens the interior up. It’s a toss-up for me.

 

[Tex68w]

In most cases the lighter interior does give the appearance of more room but in this case I don't feel as if the black makes it feel smaller and darker, maybe at night. I like the lack of side trim and the smoked light and grille but I'm not a fan of the HE wheels or badging, to each their own.

 

[CharlieS]

I just don’t like that everything shows up on the light colored headliner.

 

[04UZJ100]

Can easily make a HE out of a non HE sans chrome door deflectors. Everything else is cosmetic unless your dead set on “bronze” stitching or black headliner.

 

[ToothDr]

Yeah, I’m indifferent. I’m probably one of the few that prefers the exterior aesthetics of the non-HE 2021 - at least in Classic Silver and MGM. I think it’s more low key, which is one of the big reasons I like the 200 to begin with.

The black headliner and pillar trim look great, but grey reflects more light and brightens the interior up. It’s a toss-up for me.

I’m with you. The gold wheels and no cool box were non starters for me.

 

[04UZJ100]

I’m with you. The gold wheels and no cool box were non starters for me.

Less for more!

 

[Dan Higgins]

Thanks, Everyone! Very helpful. Not that any of these things were behind my decision to purchase the 2021 HE. As I have said before I just wanted to reset the clock by 5 years and 100K miles. (Others may think that foolish - which not just keep the 2016 and buy a used 2021 to save money - but that wan’t a criteria for me and to be honest I just like breaking in my cars myself).

As for the differences I simply forgotten to list the lack of a cool box. That was a pretty significant loss for me but we have worked around it with a small-ish Yeti cooler when we need it and using the cargo space we were able to replace a wicker basked I had on the 2nd row floor to hold things like tissue boxes, etc.

Didn’t know about the radiator changes. Good to know.

No running boards was easy for me as I had them transfer my Slee sliders from my 2016.

As for the rear springs, I did notice that I had more rake. The measurement from hub to fender on the front was just over 19” and on the rear was close to 22”. After I removed the LH 3rd row jump seat, installed the ARB drawer and loaded it up the rear settled down to ~21”. (My 2016 with the OME lift using 2700 springs in the front and 2721 variable springs in the rear and Nitrocharger Sport shocks sat at 21” all around). On the 2021 HE I had the Toyota dealer install 3/4” spacers in the front which raised it so that the hub/fender distance is now 20” and the rear is 20.5 to 21 which isn’t bad. I also had them install Firestone airbags in the rear to provide more support when towing.

As for the all-black interior, I didn’t know if I would like it after having the taupe interior on my 2016. But it is growing on my and I must admit that the lighter interior got dirty after five years of camping, etc.

As for CarPlay, I knew it didn’t have it. No worries. I looked into the NaviPlus unit but I actually have a more than adequate for my phone and if I need a larger screen I jury-rig my iPad with a simple magnetic case that, using the built in magnets, lays flat on top of the center speaker grill with the iPad folded over the Nav system screen.

I also believe the Navi screen is a different technology. Doesn’t look any better to me. But then again, I don’t use it that much.

As for the soft open tailgate, I like it. The automatic lift gate is a mixed bag. Sometimes handy. Sometimes too slow.

As for the leather, is it just different or is it better? (I did tend to wear out the leather on my drivers seat on the 2016 from sliding in and out).

As you can tell, I’m not doing much of a “build” on this one. I have a couple more items to put on it. When it is done I will post a simple “build” thread with pictures.

Oh, and I had no idea what /s meant either.

 

[Madtiger]

You all are crazy!! The HE rims look great! I actually tried to buy it when HE first came out…but at that time, I had to consider sliders and tires. But yeah, in future, i will try to get HE rims again.

 

[bloc]

I think they look amazing but pretty sure I’d beat them up. Also a little bit more offset would be nice. As stock they are just a tiny bit too inset.

But as far as a good formula for appearance, strength, light weight, and true toyota OEM quality… they are absolutely some of the best out there.

 

[HSTexan]

Less for more!

I can't explain why, but I see this comment in base vs. HE threads a lot and it always irks me for no good reason. I totally understand personal preference, but "less for more" implies some sort of objective measure of fact and the data doesn't really support that.

Looking purely at the options lists and spec sheets and taking emotion/preference out should lead someone to the conclusion that it is not "less for more," but it is "different for more." Everything that comes off a base model on the HE has a counter part that is available only on the HE and not the base. The logical progression would then be that if all options are equal why the price difference? That is where subjective value comes in and there is plenty to debate there, but as far as actually getting fewer options/less for your money by the spec sheet I couldn't disagree more. I'll get off my soapbox now.

 

[Madtiger]

I think they look amazing but pretty sure I’d beat them up. Also a little bit more offset would be nice. As stock they are just a tiny bit too inset.

But as far as a good formula for appearance, strength, light weight, and true toyota OEM quality… they are absolutely some of the best out there.

for me, those rims alone is worth the price of admission. Yes, i am THAT superficial.

You cannot beat the Toyota quality, lightweight, and just uniqueness of those rims.

 

[CharlieS]

for me, those rims alone is worth the price of admission. Yes, i am THAT superficial.

You cannot beat the Toyota quality, lightweight, and just uniqueness of those rims.

Except that they aren’t that unique when thousands of owners have them now, both ‘20/‘21 Heritage and base.

I like the rim design, and the fact that they’re forged. I’d rather have a more muted color personally, so the same rims in black off a newer Tundra/Sequoia TRD Pro are on my wish list.

The only time I think “boy am I glad to have older rims that are common and relatively cheap to replace” is when I’m offroad and the chances of damage are high. I can buy a full set of my ‘17 TRD pro rims for the cost of two Heritage or ‘19/20/21 Tundra/Sequoia TRD Pro rims…

 

[04UZJ100]

I can't explain why, but I see this comment in base vs. HE threads a lot and it always irks me for no good reason. I totally understand personal preference, but "less for more" implies some sort of objective measure of fact and the data doesn't really support that.

Looking purely at the options lists and spec sheets and taking emotion/preference out should lead someone to the conclusion that it is not "less for more," but it is "different for more." Everything that comes off a base model on the HE has a counter part that is available only on the HE and not the base. The logical progression would then be that if all options are equal why the price difference? That is where subjective value comes in and there is plenty to debate there, but as far as actually getting fewer options/less for your money by the spec sheet I couldn't disagree more. I'll get off my soapbox now.

Cool box? Everything on HE is cosmetic and can be installed on a Base.

Regardless, Toyota is doing well selling colors, badges, and plastic bits ala the S-Line and M-Package plastics you can get on non M/S BMWs and Audis.

 

[HSTexan]

Cool box? Everything on HE is cosmetic and can be installed on a Base.

Regardless, Toyota is doing well selling colors, badges, and plastic bits ala the S-Line and M-Package plastics you can get on non M/S BMWs and Audis.

Yes, as I said you give up some and gain some. If you want to outfit a base to look like an HE you will spend well, well over the $2400 of the MSRP difference--heck that's the BBS wheels alone. My point is that giving up a cool box and gaining cosmetics does not mean less for more, it means you trade a cool box for cosmetics. 6 of one and half a dozen of another

Agree on the latter point too, Porsche has been upcharging for black headlights and deviated stitching for decades now and making a killing off of it. It works because aesthetics are a major factor to people when buying a car

 

[Madtiger]

Yes, as I said you give up some and gain some. If you want to outfit a base to look like an HE you will spend well, well over the $2400 of the MSRP difference--heck that's the BBS wheels alone. My point is that giving up a cool box and gaining cosmetics does not mean less for more, it means you trade a cool box for cosmetics. 6 of one and half a dozen of another

Agree on the latter point too, Porsche has been upcharging for black headlights and deviated stitching for decades now and making a killing off of it. It works because aesthetics are a major factor to people when buying a car

According to a few members here who has had their cool box replaced, the cool box itself costs $7000 or something in that ballpark. It is really expensive for such a small thing!

There is also cost saving of removing the semi-aniline leather clad 3rd row seats (with associated mechanism). According to 2021 HE configuration…3rd row adds $1420 to cost.

And lastly, the leather itself has changed…now, no one knows if HE leather is better or worst…BUT the semi-aniline leather on the base model is considered the very top end of Toyota/Lexus lineup.

But, for me, those HE rims are sooo dreamy….

 

[RocketCityLC]

I think the heritage looks better overall, but the main buying point originally for me was that I am more invisible driving it like @yonah mentioned. Incognito is always better. Although I like my heritage goodies, I'd actually prefer a base with no 3rd row seats. However, the back seats were ultimately the straw that broke the camel's back decision wise for me.

For me, I don't have kids, nor am I planning to. IMO, the heritage solves a problem that I didn't know needed to be solved, until it was... Making more room for gear and big black labs. I'd much rather have more room for by dog, drawers, no holes, no excised seats, and more luggage capacity from day one. Plus, the only people who fully recognize what I'm driving anyway are fellow Land Cruiser drivers/Toyota aficionados... win-win.

 

[Tex68w]

I think the heritage looks better overall, but the main buying point originally for me was that I more invisible driving it like @yonah mentioned. Incognito is always better. Although I like my heritage goodies, I'd actually prefer a base with no 3rd row seats. However, the back seats were ultimately the straw that broke the camel's back decision wise for me.

For me, I don't have kids, nor am I planning to. IMO, the heritage solves a problem that I didn't know needed to be solved, until it was... Making more room for gear and big black labs. I'd much rather have more room for by dog, drawers, no holes, no excised seats, and more luggage capacity from day one. Plus, the only people who fully recognize what I'm driving anyway are fellow Land Cruiser drivers/Toyota aficionados... win-win.

IMHO the HE stands out more than a standard LC with it's badging, gold wheels and silly roof basket (I know I know, most remove them). We had a two row LX570 for the same reasons you mentioned, no kids and big dogs, other than the holes in the plastics there's literally no difference in space between our current three row LC and the two row LX we sold. I had planned to ditch the rear seats within the first week and here we are 7+ months later and they are still in there and I am not sure why lol. The day we brought it home the neighbor asked "why did you trade your big fancy Lexus for a Highlander" lol. I agree that being unrecognized or misplaced by the overwhelming majority of society is nice.

 

[kalieaire]

I had no idea what /s was either. I learn something new every day.

yeah, it comes from html code and the < > tags. Kinda archaic since it was popular on newsgroups 20+ years ago in the realm of angel fire and geocities.

This, however, is how the current generation communicates today.

 

[Dan Higgins]

OK, now for a really stupid question. I noticed on my 2021 that there are "wires" in the rear "quarter" windows. I don't remember them being there on my 2016. They may have been. And to be honest, I covered most of the driver side rear window with National Park stickers. But I'm just wondering if that is something different.

(By the way, I didn't start this thread to find out what is "better" about what I already purchased. Just what is different in case I hadn't noticed. Most - all - wise people would have made this a carefully considered decision weighing the benefits of various feature differences or style differences against the price. I didn't. I just knew that the 2016 had and would continue to be a great functional fit for my needs, I saw the 2021 on the showroom floor here in Bend and decided I would reset the clock/mileage to 0 by getting a new one. Simple as that.)

I hope to do a simple "build" thread to brief discuss the mods I had done in case anyone is interested. I completed one more mod today (installed the lift gate light from Brendan in AUS) and the only thing left is the Gobi ladder but that is a few weeks off. I won't be able to show a lot of pics of how the mods were done as most were done by Kendall Toyota here in Bend. But I can show what final the final results look like and discuss why I did things and what I think at this point. But I need to take some pics first.