Definitive LC and LX Approach, Breakover, and More Angles

[TeCKis300]

Definitive guide to LC and LX approach, breakover, and other angles. There's some variation between model years. Here's my attempt to document these details as a reference. Please correct me if you find a source that helps clarifies any of these numbers.

 

[Madtiger]

Reference source?

2008-2011: https://www.lexus.com/documents/brochures/2011/2011-Lexus-LX-Brochure.pdf

2013-2015: http://s3.amazonaws.com/toyota-cms-media/toyota-pdfs/2015_Lexus_LX_570_Product_Information.pdf

 

[tacoduck]

What happened to lx 13-15 to cause. The approach angle to go down? New bumper?

 

[Madtiger]

According to Australian LC200 with same stock tires as USA, breakover angle for LC is 25 degrees and side hill of 44 degrees: https://www.toyota.com.au/static/vehicles/landcruiser-200/content/pdf/landcruiser200_ebrochure.pdf

 

[tbisaacs]

What happened to lx 13-15 to cause. The approach angle to go down? New bumper?

Newer grill on the 13-15 has a more pronounced lower lip

 

[TeCKis300]

What happened to lx 13-15 to cause. The approach angle to go down? New bumper?

One review commented that this was due to the 2013+ models having .5" longer bumpers, corroborated by overall length of 2008+ @ 196.5" vs 2013+ @ 197". Approach numbers were sourced from LX brochures directly.

 

[TeCKis300]

According to Australian LC200 with same stock tires as USA, breakover angle for LC is 25 degrees and side hill of 44 degrees: https://www.toyota.com.au/static/vehicles/landcruiser-200/content/pdf/landcruiser200_ebrochure.pdf

View attachment 2208241

Cross-checking my references, the US model puts up different numbers. I tried to keep them to US brochures directly from Toyota, or major US review sources.

I wonder if this is because the US LC is fitted with steps vs AUS? Easy mod to get some additional clearance.

https://www.toyota.com/landcruiser/ebrochure/

 

[Madtiger]

Cross-checking my references, the US model puts up different numbers. I tried to keep them to US brochures directly from Toyota, or major US review sources.

I wonder if this is because the US LC is fitted with steps vs AUS? Easy mod to get some additional clearance.

https://www.toyota.com/landcruiser/ebrochure/

View attachment 2208331

well, Aussie LC comes with running boards, like USA.

 

[TeCKis300]

well, Aussie LC comes with running boards, like USA.

I don't live in AUS, so I can't comment on exactly if any differences there might be. Perhaps springs. Perhaps front OEM spring spacer. Perhaps measurement methodology differences. I can't say.

I'm only compiling numbers, as accurately as I know how from direct sources where possible, so don't shoot the messenger.

 

[Madtiger]

I don't live in AUS, so I can't comment on exactly if any differences there might be. Perhaps springs. Perhaps front OEM spring spacer. Perhaps measurement methodology differences. I can't say.

I'm only compiling numbers, as accurately as I know how from direct sources where possible, so don't shoot the messenger.

Yeah, weird. Well, if spacer, then approach angle would be different.

Oh no, i am not disputing or arguing anything. Just another source point.

 

[bloc]

I believe the steps in a lot of markets other than the US are different. More simple aluminum steps and don’t hang as low.

What’s interesting to me is the break over angle being better on a LX even when in normal height mode. Assuming ride height is similar that suggests the steps are actually hanging lower on a cruiser than a LX. I would say something on the undercarriage but I’m pretty sure anything at bottom-of-frame/crossmember level is identical.

 

[M1911]

What’s interesting to me is the break over angle being better on a LX even when in normal height mode. Assuming ride height is similar that suggests the steps are actually hanging lower on a cruiser than a LX. I would say something on the undercarriage but I’m pretty sure anything at bottom-of-frame/crossmember level is identical.

That surprised me as well.

 

[LBridges]

I looked at the brochures for the latest model LX and LC. LC height=74" while LX=75.2" - given same frame, that probably goes a long way toward explaining break over differences.

Perhaps the Australian specs are from a 5 passenger model. Suggested due to comments on what appears to be a raised rear end on the 2020 HE model. I really wish I would have measured my 2017 against the 2020 HE. The HE looks higher in the rear, but no science behind that observation. Assuming it is higher, combined with the LX vs LC in USA specs goes a long way toward explaining numbers (I think).

Link to the AUS ebrochure? Nevermind - found ebrochure. They get the Sahara Horizon Special Edition (US spec Heritage Edition), but they get eight colors while we only get a choice of two - thanks Mr T.

 

[Madtiger]

I looked at the brochures for the latest model LX and LC. LC height=74" while LX=75.2" - given same frame, that probably goes a long way toward explaining break over differences.

Perhaps the Australian specs are from a 5 passenger model. Suggested due to comments on what appears to be a raised rear end on the 2020 HE model. I really wish I would have measured my 2017 against the 2020 HE. The HE looks higher in the rear, but no science behind that observation. Assuming it is higher, combined with the LX vs LC in USA specs goes a long way toward explaining numbers (I think).

Link to the AUS ebrochure? Nevermind - found ebrochure. They get the Sahara Horizon Special Edition (US spec Heritage Edition), but they get eight colors while we only get a choice of two - thanks Mr T.

According to brochure in my post, ALL Australian LCs have 3rd row. As for the height, it could be cabin design, not so much frame height differences. What is the headroom for LC vs. LX??

 

[Madtiger]

I believe the steps in a lot of markets other than the US are different. More simple aluminum steps and don’t hang as low.

What’s interesting to me is the break over angle being better on a LX even when in normal height mode. Assuming ride height is similar that suggests the steps are actually hanging lower on a cruiser than a LX. I would say something on the undercarriage but I’m pretty sure anything at bottom-of-frame/crossmember level is identical.

If so, then that means that the running boards on LC hangs BELOW the frame, which is not the case I think. I am at work...my LC at home.

My opinion...just like Toyota messed up on tire size of Heritage Edition when it first came out, i think that the specs are put in by some high school kid who cared more about Facebook than accuracy.

 

[LBridges]

According to brochure in my post, ALL Australian LCs have 3rd row. As for the height, it could be cabin design, not so much frame height differences. What is the headroom for LC vs. LX??

I give up. I just "assumed" that since AUS has had the 3rd row no-seat cargo mat for a long time now, that they had models that didn't have the 3rd row.

I wonder if they have different real world numbers between the normal suspension and the AHC equiped LCs.

Like you said, it may all be a case of typos on the brochure.

 

[Madtiger]

I give up. I just "assumed" that since AUS has had the 3rd row no-seat cargo mat for a long time now, that they had models that didn't have the 3rd row.

I wonder if they have different real world numbers between the normal suspension and the AHC equiped LCs.

Like you said, it may all be a case of typos on the brochure.

At least from the brochure link in my post, none of the LC have AHC. All have KDSS.

 

[TeCKis300]

Interesting enough to dig into. In that AUS brochure linked by @Madtiger

The GX "stripper" trim is a 5-seater, cloth, no roof rack, and no sidestep. Curb weight is ~220lbs lighter than any other variant. It would be this model that has the best chance of putting up the best angles. Yet in the comparison table, it has the same angles as every other variant. Numbers that agree with the US brochure number, yet conflict with the earlier page posted above.

Funny is where they're taking the angles depicted in the picture. To the body side-molding rather than the chassis frame. That would certainly account for the difference. Just keep the rock or obstacle over the body line... crunch

 

[LBridges]

At least from the brochure link in my post, none of the LC have AHC. All have KDSS.

Once again I show how mistaken I can be. I knew some markets got AHC on LCs, and since Australia is such a big market, I thought they would Forgot they also have Lexus 570 there. So I looked at a brochure from UAE, and there I find the AHC on the LC model.

 

[LBridges]

And their angles given AHC.