GX 460 or LC 200 (1 Viewer)

[Rednexus]

I had a bike on the back of a car during a blizzard. I salvaged most of the drivetrain but the chain was a goner. All rusted to high hell from the salt.

A buddy of mine had a nice carbon Cannondale hardtail MTB pop off a rear rack and get busted to pieces on the highway.

I did just remember that I tried to load my old steel gravel bike on the roof of my GX a couple of years ago when parked on a cross-slope. Not a good idea. I started falling backwards off the slider/tire, jumped off, and the bike hit the ground and bent the fork a little bit. Since Steel is Real, I was able to pretty easily bend the fork back, and the bike was pretty beat up anyway from thousands of miles of Ozark gravel. It's since been replaced with the Lynskey Ti gravel bike. Now I'm super careful to only load/unload on level ground. Since I often ride gravel in the middle of nowhere, I'll usually remove the bike on level ground, then park my rig off to the side of the road where it isn't level.

That's the only issue I've had in 15 years of using nothing but fork-mounted roof racks.

 

[suitcase]

I have an old Yakima roof rack system for bikes and a more recent Kuat hitch rack. I really try and avoid using the roof rack as much as I can. I park the truck in my garage and one of my greatest fears is driving into a garage with the bikes on top. There's a saying that there are two types of people with bike-mounted roof racks: those who have driven into garages with their bikes on top and those who will. I once showed up for an organized century ride that had garage parking (in addition to outdoor parking). I was using my roof rack at the time and remembered to park outside. As I was prepping my bike, I heard a loud bang. I looked up and a BMW with a roof mounted bike had driven into the garage. They had hit a safety barrier which was a large piece of pipe suspended by a chain over the garage entrance. I thought to myself that the driver was very lucky. Well, the driver paused for a moment and then proceeded forward. I then heard an even more awful bang and snap. So far, on most of the 4x4 trails I've done the hitch rack (2 bike trays) has been able to clear the departure. I had one incident where the rack scraped the ground, but the only damage was a torn off rubber cover on the tightening knob and scratched paint. If I think the trails will be rougher, then I'll use the roof rack.

 

[WTITW]

200 series
+ Towing cap
+ Power
+ Interior Space
+ AHC - Ability to fit 33's without a lift. "Trick lift" maintains ride quality
+ Split tailgate
- AHC - Complicated and your f'd if it fails on the trail. Fix it there or drive out on the bumps. Probabluy have to rip it all out to lift it other than AHC "trick".
- Fuel Consumption
- Size - Fat guy in a little coat mode on the trail or garage

150
+ Fuel Consumption compared to 200
+ Size - Much better fit on the trail and parking (still not a civic)
+ Parts - Shared platform with T4R. Same suspension as KDSS 5th gen. Lots of aftermarket options.
+ Barn door - I love my rear kitchen
- Power lacking for a vehicle this size
- Towing capacity (2k lbs less)
- Fuel Consumption compared to anything else
- Barn Door - Can only open 2/3rds in the garage, which makes it awkward to get to stuff in my drawer system on the hinge side

Now that I'm towing every 2-3 weeks, I kind of wish I had gone with a 200. With a trailer, the trail size is negated since the trailer is as wide as a 200. I still have one kid small enough to camp with Mom and Dad, and I've removed half the seats, so interior space isn't as important to me as some. If I had 2+ kids with me all the time, and I towed - 200 series all the way. I love my 460, though. It's super easy to lift/work on. Performs great on the trail, just wish it had a little (lot) more power towing.

 

[WTITW]

those who have driven into garages with their bikes on top and those who will.

I tried this with a 20-lb propane cylinder once. I had to patch a 6"x 6" area of stucco, and it ripped an eyebolt out of the T-slot. I can see how bikes or a wood-paneled house might not have gotten off so easily.

 

[re_guderian]

200 series
+ Towing cap
+ Power
+ Interior Space
+ AHC - Ability to fit 33's without a lift. "Trick lift" maintains ride quality
+ Split tailgate
- AHC - Complicated and your f'd if it fails on the trail. Fix it there or drive out on the bumps. Probabluy have to rip it all out to lift it other than AHC "trick".
- Fuel Consumption
- Size - Fat guy in a little coat mode on the trail or garage

150
+ Fuel Consumption compared to 200
+ Size - Much better fit on the trail and parking (still not a civic)
+ Parts - Shared platform with T4R. Same suspension as KDSS 5th gen. Lots of aftermarket options.
+ Barn door - I love my rear kitchen
- Power lacking for a vehicle this size
- Towing capacity (2k lbs less)
- Fuel Consumption compared to anything else
- Barn Door - Can only open 2/3rds in the garage, which makes it awkward to get to stuff in my drawer system on the hinge side

Now that I'm towing every 2-3 weeks, I kind of wish I had gone with a 200. With a trailer, the trail size is negated since the trailer is as wide as a 200. I still have one kid small enough to camp with Mom and Dad, and I've removed half the seats, so interior space isn't as important to me as some. If I had 2+ kids with me all the time, and I towed - 200 series all the way. I love my 460, though. It's super easy to lift/work on. Performs great on the trail, just wish it had a little (lot) more power towing.

My 460 parks as well as any car I've owned. I've had shorter WB cars/sedans, but the turning radius was same or worse. The worst parking car I've owned is my current daily '13 RX. Same for 100 series LC. I'm not a power hog, but a throttle controller really helped make more power available for use.

 

[WTITW]

My 460 parks as well as any car I've owned.

It feels like my 3rd gen 4runner could make a circle inside of my 460's turning circle. Google says it's only 37' vs 41' radius but I have to back up to make switchbacks that my 98' 4runner just busts a U on with no drama. It could be the increased clearance of the 4runner, too, I guess, since the inside corner has more elevation change. My comment was more about the dimensions, though;

460 - 192" x 74"
200 - 195" x 78"
LX 570 - 200" x 78"

I should have said "better fit" rather than "much better fit" : )

 

[r2m]

It feels like my 3rd gen 4runner could make a circle inside of my 460's turning circle. Google says it's only 37' vs 41' radius but I have to back up to make switchbacks that my 98' 4runner just busts a U on with no drama. It could be the increased clearance of the 4runner, too, I guess, since the inside corner has more elevation change. My comment was more about the dimensions, though;

460 - 192" x 74"
200 - 195" x 78"
LX 570 - 200" x 78"

I should have said "better fit" rather than "much better fit" : )

If you posted your '98 4R's dims also, you'd see why that 4R would bust u'ies so easily:
1998 4R: 179″ L x 67-71″ W x 68-69″ H
Last century, mini trucks were actually mini trucks!

 

[Hiluxforever]

As bad as the turning radius is it doesn't have anything on a 5 lug extended cab 1st gen tacoma. those were truly awful. Worst thing about them.

 

[Rednexus]

4" narrower is a huge benefit around here. I've had to stop and cut out limbs/trees on some of our trails in the Ozarks. A 4" wider 200 would have a very, very hard time getting down them without body damage.

The dimensions of a GX are actually very, very similar to a 4-door JK wrangler (188x74"), so it's really perfectly in the optimized zone for a 4x4 vehicle that can be wheeling focus.

 

[Hiluxforever]

4" narrower is a huge benefit around here. I've had to stop and cut out limbs/trees on some of our trails in the Ozarks. A 4" wider 200 would have a very, very hard time getting down them without body damage.

The dimensions of a GX are actually very, very similar to a 4-door JK wrangler (188x74"), so it's really perfectly in the optimized zone for a 4x4 vehicle that can be wheeling focus.

Yup, I came froma JK-R and its remarkably close.

 

[BigSwede]

When I ask people who complain about the turning circle of a 460, I ask them "compared to what"? It is always something smaller/shorter. I guarantee you my GX out turns a 4-door Wrangler on switchbacks - I've done it many times.

 

[MrTorgue]

My 460 parks as well as any car I've owned. I've had shorter WB cars/sedans, but the turning radius was same or worse. The worst parking car I've owned is my current daily '13 RX. Same for 100 series LC. I'm not a power hog, but a throttle controller really helped make more power available for use.

100%. The insanely good turn radius and steering geometry makes this a breeze in parking lots and the trails. I can easily maneuver it into very tight spaces. (That's what she said)

 

[Cold Iron]

If you posted your '98 4R's dims also, you'd see why that 4R would bust u'ies so easily:
1998 4R: 179″ L x 67-71″ W x 68-69″ H
Last century, mini trucks were actually mini trucks!

As well as what I consider the "original" LC my FJ55 Iron Pig was
Length 184" Width 68.3"

GX 460
Length 192" Width 74"

The FJ55 was pretty primitive compared to the newer LC and after having the 460, and me being older now, want more luxury. The 200 is out for me and the GX fits my needs better. Although I'm keeping my eye on the LX 700h OT and will be interesting to watch. Last weekend a LX 600 was next to me and needed in my lane so let her in so I could get a good look at it. Nearest Lexus dealer is a couple of hours away from me so was surprised to see one.

LX 600\700 (300 Light)
Length 200.6" Width 78.3"

Too much for me, and it is noticeable. Same for the 200.

Ground clearance isn't the best on any of them at 8"-9". But over the years am used to scrapping bottom being careful to not get high centered. For serious off road use the Polaris Ranger Northstar Trail Boss 1000XP is my go to.

Length 120" Width 62.5"
And 14" ground clearance

It will go places the GX can't. I just need to remember that when I try to fit the GX into places that I should have taken the Trail Boss, it would be a lot less painful at the end of the day

4" narrower is a huge benefit around here. I've had to stop and cut out limbs/trees on some of our trails in the Ozarks. A 4" wider 200 would have a very, very hard time getting down them without body damage.

The dimensions of a GX are actually very, very similar to a 4-door JK wrangler (188x74"), so it's really perfectly in the optimized zone for a 4x4 vehicle that can be wheeling focus.

I started carrying a bow saw and ax in Washington State in the 70's. About a decade ago when battery operated chain saws came out I started carrying one, they are surprisingly effective. Even though you don't have to carry gas for them still need to carry bar chain & oil which often leaks when in the saw and causes a mess. Even wrapping everything in trash bags.

Last year you suggested a battery operated reciprocating saw with a wood trimming blade instead. So I bought a pruning blade for mine as I already carry a battery operated inflator, impact wrench and 2 batteries. Brilliant idea, great call! And a lot less mess and still works for light trail trimming

 

[Rednexus]

I started carrying a bow saw and ax in Washington State in the 70's. About a decade ago when battery operated chain saws came out I started carrying one, they are surprisingly effective. Even though you don't have to carry gas for them still need to carry bar chain & oil which often leaks when in the saw and causes a mess. Even wrapping everything in trash bags.

Last year you suggested a battery operated reciprocating saw with a wood trimming blade instead. So I bought a pruning blade for mine as I already carry a battery operated inflator, impact wrench and 2 batteries. Brilliant idea, great call! And a lot less mess and still works for light trail trimming

I've starting using a M18 Hackzall with the pruning blade, which is a bit easier to pack than my full-sized M18 Sawzall. I used it to cut up a full night of aspen firewood when camped here . Much easier on batteries than our Ozark hardwoods are.

Since then I've gotten a Stihl chainsaw as part of living in the woods. Hoping to figure out a good way to carry it on the roof securely. My wheeling buddy (Jeep guy) has one too so we're gonna go clean up some of our local trails for wheeling. I'll still carry the Hackzall for trips where we aren't having to do heavy trail clearing.

 

[r2m]

When I ask people who complain about the turning circle of a 460, I ask them "compared to what"? It is always something smaller/shorter. I guarantee you my GX out turns a 4-door Wrangler on switchbacks - I've done it many times.

Also to note, larger tires will hurt the turning radius also. I was able to swing a U turn in a much shorter radius than with my 35"er's.

 

[r2m]

I've starting using a M18 Hackzall with the pruning blade, which is a bit easier to pack than my full-sized M18 Sawzall. I used it to cut up a full night of aspen firewood when camped here . Much easier on batteries than our Ozark hardwoods are.
View attachment 3810943
Since then I've gotten a Stihl chainsaw as part of living in the woods. Hoping to figure out a good way to carry it on the roof securely. My wheeling buddy (Jeep guy) has one too so we're gonna go clean up some of our local trails for wheeling. I'll still carry the Hackzall for trips where we aren't having to do heavy trail clearing.

I used to haul a gas chansaw whenever we camped where I was able to gather my own fire wood. Note in CA state forests, you are not allowed to burn anything from the ground (or growing, of course), regardless if it's dead and rotting on the ground. So I use it on US Forest lands.
But got tired of the mixed oil/gas fuel, stink, leaks, and not always starting on 1 pull. I went with a "corded" electric chain saw. Perfect!
I have a 3,000 watt pure sine inverter and 100' of heavy gauge extension cord I always have on me and I'm good to go! Plug it in and press the happy button!
No stink, no mixing of fuel, no leaks. Just ensure there's chain lube.
Albeit, it's only good for 12" or less diameter trees, but I'm not looking to burn 3 foot dia trees at my camp site.

 

[Rednexus]

I used to haul a gas chansaw whenever we camped where I was able to gather my own fire wood. Note in CA state forests, you are not allowed to burn anything from the ground (or growing, of course), regardless if it's dead and rotting on the ground. So I use it on US Forest lands.
But got tired of the mixed oil/gas fuel, stink, leaks, and not always starting on 1 pull. I went with a "corded" electric chain saw. Perfect!
I have a 3,000 watt pure sine inverter and 100' of heavy gauge extension cord I always have on me and I'm good to go! Plug it in and press the happy button!
No stink, no mixing of fuel, no leaks. Just ensure there's chain lube.
Albeit, it's only good for 12" or less diameter trees, but I'm not looking to burn 3 foot dia trees at my camp site.

That does sound a bit easier for sure . however, our trees around here a pretty darn big - I have an 18" bar on my saw and sometimes that is not big enough.

My MS261CE has an electronic carb - no choke - so it starts very easily - and 4 horsepower at full throttle, so it will go though all of the hardwood oak/hickory etc we have around here. If I used it more I'd get a Stihl with fuel injection.

 

[r2m]

I just have a 14" bar on mine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBYZ686/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Most of what we have here in CA is pine. If I'm cutting any harder/thicker wood, I need someone on the gas pedal (in the car) bringing the rev's up a bit.

 

[BigSwede]

Also to note, larger tires will hurt the turning radius also. I was able to swing a U turn in a much shorter radius than with my 35"er's.

That hasn't been my experience with 35s. I can go full lock on the steering wheel so it is pretty much the same as before. Just took a [ahem] few mods to get there.

 

[17LC200]

Anyone here own both GX 460 and LC 200(2013 and up)? I was just wondering if there was ever a time when you were driving your GX and thought to yourself " I should've used the LC". What made you think that?

My GX has MTS and Crawl Control installed but for some reason i still have that wanting for an LC 200 series(2013- and up). I wonder if this is just because i've always wanted a full sized Land Cruiser. I wish i could rent one for a week and see if i really like it. Since i can't i'll just ask here

We have a 2023 GX 460 and a 2021 HE LC 200. Wife drives the 200. I like both, but always take the 460 if I am driving anywhere. We have had a few 200s and while they are nice, I have always preferred my truck, the FJ, or GX.
I do think the 200 is the best built of them all, but the GX is a very close second.