2nd row legroom?

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Joined
Mar 7, 2009
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Hi everyone, we are shopping for an SUV and I REALLY want a 2008+ LC or LX570. Wife thinks we need a bigger rig like Sequoia, Expedition EL, Yukon XL, etc., but I want something bombproof, classy, and durable offroad. Plus I really want something designed for maximum reliability (former Jeep owner, never again). I like the idea of the Sequoia to get Toyota reliability, but the lack of offroad parts like rock sliders and lifts is tough (with the LX I would install LC rocker trim). Plus we would want a Platinum Sequoia with a bench 2nd row, which unfortunately doesn't exist :(

Having said all that, my wife is worried the 2nd row legroom is too small at ~34 inches (almost identical to our crewcab truck, which can feel cramped). However, I noticed that the LX570 has power sliding rear seats. How much legroom do they add when fully slid back? We aren't so worried about 3rd row legroom and typical use will be with 3rd row folded for more cargo room. I can't seem to find this info anywhere, so I'd be very grateful to anyone who can measure this. Also, does the LC also have sliding 2nd row seats? Thanks in advance!
 
The LC has manual sliding 2nd row seats vice the LX power sliders.

I have no idea how to measure rear seat legroom in way that is comparable to how an OEM would measure. I can say I've had medium sized adults in the second row who thought the seats were comfortable and with adequate or better room. I think a major reason is the 2nd row seat back recline so there is significantly less seatback in your face feeling.

Look around, there is a thread on here about a purchase of the new Nissan Armada (along with rationale - plus & minus). While I haven't looked to personally verify, the consensus is they significantly upped their game by using the overseas only Patrol model as the base they used for the 2017 Armada.

Or, following up @TonyP 's comment, buy her what she wants and with the price savings pick up an older LC if you want something to offoad.
 
Ya it's a tough thing to quantify. I think there's quite a bit of room back there, very comfy, but I've never owned a "big" vehicle to compare (closest was an FJ62). I say go find one with the wife, even if it's not the one you want, give it a try. Make sure the seat is slid all the way back, and try the recline. The 16-17 models will put a big video screen in your face on the front seat backs which might make it seem more cramped.
 
We have the LX and comfort really depends on who's sitting where. It's definitely not limo size.

Example: our baby seat is in the second row on the driver side. When I drive (6'4") the front seat touches the baby seat when rear facing. No problem when my wife (5'4") drives. Two 6'4" adults sitting back to back definitely require some seat adjustments.

I would recommend going to a dealer and sitting in one.
 
Thanks everyone, I guess I'm most interested in the actual sliding distance, as Toyota seems to measure from the fully forward position. We noticed they originally did this with the Sequoia, but then finally started measuring from a slid-back position in ~2014. We definitely need to go see one in person, but finding a local 2008+ LC/LX can be very rare (and most around here sell in 24 hours or less, it is crazy!).

We have the LX and comfort really depends on who's sitting where. It's definitely not limo size.

Example: our baby seat is in the second row on the driver side. When I drive (6'4") the front seat touches the baby seat when rear facing. No problem when my wife (5'4") drives. Two 6'4" adults sitting back to back definitely require some seat adjustments.

I would recommend going to a dealer and sitting in one.

Good to know about the baby seat, this is definitely an issue with our truck and the Diono Radian seats we use. Does sliding back the 2nd row seat alleviate the problem at all? My wife likes to ride in back between the kids on longer trips so extra leg room for her would be nice.

The LC has manual sliding 2nd row seats vice the LX power sliders.

I have no idea how to measure rear seat legroom in way that is comparable to how an OEM would measure. I can say I've had medium sized adults in the second row who thought the seats were comfortable and with adequate or better room. I think a major reason is the 2nd row seat back recline so there is significantly less seatback in your face feeling.

Look around, there is a thread on here about a purchase of the new Nissan Armada (along with rationale - plus & minus). While I haven't looked to personally verify, the consensus is they significantly upped their game by using the overseas only Patrol model as the base they used for the 2017 Armada.

Or, following up @TonyP 's comment, buy her what she wants and with the price savings pick up an older LC if you want something to offoad.

Funny you mention that about the Armada, that was one of the first threads I read when we were looking at the 2011+ QX56/QX80 and although they are amazing with limo-like 2nd row, aftermarket support is very limited. I'm trying to figure out if overseas Patrol parts will bolt-on, but I can't seem to find any definite documentation online. The 2017 Armada definitely has our interest, though I would still prefer something from Toyota/Lexus. Most of my backcountry trips are based from areas where my wife's family lives, so being able to take the primary vehicle would be great; I'd like to avoid having to trailer anything. My off-roading is pretty mild, just forest service/BLM roads with the occasional dry creek bed. Something with 33's and rock rails is usually enough for me.

Thanks!
 
Aren't the dimensions the same from 2008 on? Just go sit in a new one, it will be very close.
 
I finally test drove a 2010 LX570 today and also looked at a couple 2017 LCs (bad idea, they are amazing, especially the terra leather seats). The second row seats slide back just under 4" (~90mm).
 
Architect- 3 posts since joining in 2009!!! What discipline you have... I'm jealous.

The sliding seats "seem" to me to provide more room in the cargo area by design. In the "all the way back" position there seems to be about the same room as the 100 series (could be a little more though). With the seats moved forward there's much less. I'm sure someone here has some numerical facts to support the truth but I don't think you're really gaining 4".

I do like the feature though and either way the flexibility is a big improvement over the 100.

Good luck selling the wife on a cruiser. Much easier to park than a sequoia!
 

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