GX460 to 200? (1 Viewer)

[Anymac]

So the main family vehicle is currently a 15 GX460. Been been a great vehicle so far.

I'm craving something a bit more rugged and bigger with more road presence. Also there are a ton of GX on the road so a bit more exclusivity would be nice. Also considering a G550 (the 16's ride better than they used to).

On the test drive of a 16 LC the 1st thing we noted was how much harder it rode than GX despite being larger. I told wife that is the blessing/curse. The LC has a more analog suspension which gives it charm - trade off is you feel more bumps!

So here are the questions...

1) how many of you guys use LC as wife vehicle AND to scratch your off-road big truck itch? How does she like it?

2) if you had the choice between keep GX and add a Raptor as daily toy for rugged truck itch.

Or trade GX for LC and get a fun sporty daily like Hellcat with the $40k saved from not ADDING Raptor for $65k. (Trade difference on 15 GX and 16 LC is only $25k). One more bit of info is I do also have an Huracan and a classic muscle car - neither of which I want to drive daily.

 

[Sandroad]

Couple things.....

My wife loves our 200 for what it can do and the places it takes us. It's pretty much perpetually loaded or towing or both and headed to some place you can't take most vehicles. She's good at driving it too. My son asked if he could borrow the 200 this summer for a family vacation to some wilderness areas several hours away that need 4WD. He was worried I would be worried about loaning it out. I told him that's what Land Cruisers are made for; to take families to the most interesting places in the world (and back). So of course I said yes and for him to drive like he stole it.

Bottom line for GX to LC; don't be too concerned about the LC ride compared to the GX (unless you only need a mall cruiser)

I wonder how livable either a Hellcat or a Raptor would be as a DD? Again, intended use is relevant. IMHO, there are other vehicles that would be far more fun to drive on-road as a DD.

 

[TeCKis300]

Being that you have a GX currently, have you considered the LX version of the LC? It has adjustable damping to suit your mood, and of course AHC to dial in things just right whether on or off road.

If the GX460 is anything like the GX470 which I've driven extensively, the ride quality will be hard to beat even for the LX. The GX is just buttery and dialed in so well without feeling encumbered and overburdened which the LC200 can feel at times.

 

[Anymac]

Being that you have a GX currently, have you considered the LX version of the LC? It has adjustable damping to suit your mood, and of course AHC to dial in things just right whether on or off road.

If the GX460 is anything like the GX470 which I've driven extensively, the ride quality will be hard to beat even for the LX. The GX is just buttery and dialed in so well without feeling encumbered and overburdened which the LC200 can feel at times.

I had not considered the LX due to never seeing them with proper truck tires/wheels. Also I think the latest one might look too - shall we say "sharp" and very un-truck like. Perhaps the 15 which looks very much like the GX would be the better look - and also help keep the price closer to the 16 LC which is $70k with low miles. Regarding ride I assume the larger LX would def ride even more buttery in comfort mode since its heavier. Even my truck rides better with people in it!

The more I think about it... Since the wife will be driving it more than me perhaps the LX isn't such a bad idea. She doesn't want to lift it anyhow - but I can always put the biggest 18" or 20" tire I can on it haha.

 

[Recon Aircrew]

So the main family vehicle is currently a 15 GX460. Been been a great vehicle so far.

I'm craving something a bit more rugged and bigger with more road presence. Also there are a ton of GX on the road so a bit more exclusivity would be nice. Also considering a G550 (the 16's ride better than they used to).

On the test drive of a 16 LC the 1st thing we noted was how much harder it rode than GX despite being larger. I told wife that is the blessing/curse. The LC has a more analog suspension which gives it charm - trade off is you feel more bumps!

So here are the questions...

1) how many of you guys use LC as wife vehicle AND to scratch your off-road big truck itch? How does she like it?

2) if you had the choice between keep GX and add a Raptor as daily toy for rugged truck itch.

Or trade GX for LC and get a fun sporty daily like Hellcat with the $40k saved from not ADDING Raptor for $65k. (Trade difference on 15 GX and 16 LC is only $25k). One more bit of info is I do also have an Huracan and a classic muscle car - neither of which I want to drive daily.

My wife drives a '16 LC and she loves it. I think she would tell you, like many on this site, that she wouldn't want anything else...except for my '13 LC which is lifted, aftermarket wheels, and so on. She reluctantly admitted that mine is nicer, so she now wants the same for hers, but not until her original tires get a little more "worn down." I told her that the original tires on LC's are only temporaries that allow you to drive to the local 4-wheel shop ASAP so you can install your aftermarket stuff. She's not buying that one.

 

[Tremek]

As recently as last year we had a '10 GL550 (previous generation but still Airmatic on all 4 corners) that also had low-profile 21" factory wheels, and I feel the LC rides only marginally firmer than it did, and this is with load range E BFG KO2s.

I can't speak from experience but am also led to believe that if you want to go offroad and stick with an LC, and you also choose to step into one of the nicer suspension systems from OME, Kings, or Icon, your ride quality should improve over the LC's stock suspension setup.

 

[terdrocket]

I daily drove a 2012 Raptor for 3 years. I put 85k on it in that time. Its a b!tch to park in small lots and tight areas. (The new ones have better cameras to aid with parking.)
The Fox suspension is rated for 50k mile life with 100% on road use. That life is reduced with more off road use. Much similar to some aftermarket options for the 200. Just putting that out there because it is one thing to knowingly daily drive a "built" rig and realize the limited lifespan of wear parts, but to buy something off of the showroom floor and have issues is a different ballgame.
A Raptor's suspension will start getting worn out and cause problems right after the 36k mile warranty lets up. Then you're looking at $4-5k to replace, or lots of hassle and downtime shipping the shocks off for rebuild. (I am east coast, all the rebuilders at the time were west.)
Repeat process every 40-50k miles, or earlier, if a seal lets go from a defect or poor rebuild.
I had multiple other issues too, including slop in the rear end, replaced entire steering rack and pump, all bushings and ball joints starting to go, and the sunroof ate itself.
Just my experiences...

 

[codyaustin5]

I can't really help you as I have both and I love each for what they are. The GX is so smooth and easy to drive but the LC is well a LC. GX is stock and will remain that way. When driving around town or weekends I typically take the GX but when I see another 200 I get bent out of shape that I wasn't in mine....

 

[richxd87]

Just got my wife an LX570 and she loves it. She couldn't wait to get some tires on it and prefers the ride of the KO2s over the street tires that were on there before.

We also looked at the GX460 and she preferred the interior and everything else of the LX.

 

[Redbull]

My wife loves everything about my LC but the seats. She is spoiled by Lexus.

Ride quality - some people's definitions are different. I'll give a personal example between my new Explorer and LC.

The Explorer has a softer ride most of the time - but when there are severe pavement irregularities and bumpy approaches to traffic lights you can feel the bargain basement suspension struggling to cope. I hate that.

My Landcruiser with the Icon stage 2 has a firm suspension coupled with E-rated LT tires and you do feel bumps and bounce around - but when the going gets rough you see where the money went and I love it. It just eats it all up.

Even stock the Landcruiser will feel a little 'rough' compared to other SUV's especially the luxury one's but it's a very small compromise I assure you.

Summary: I would rather have a little rougher ride so it can cope with a wider range of scenarios than one that's soft and flustered.

 

[TeCKis300]

The LX ride is incredibly buttery and calm, but it drives with a heft that the GX doesn't have. Also, stock wheel is 20" (21" in 2016+), so there is some impact harshness over ridges and such.

In regards to purists...yes the LC is more pure in its mission. It's much like the 4runner is to the GX. Sure the base vehicle is relatively sophisticated, but the Lexus just lays of swath of indulgence over the top. Imagine LS mixed with LC. Everything that was changed or added is generally to make it better and more luxurious. And I do mean better.

Major things are obvious AHC. Don't take is as Merc type plush air suspension, it's a beefy hydraulic based, remote reservoir-ish, dynamic suspension. Aim was to give the vehicle a larger breadth of competencies. Controlled and smooth on road ride with flat cornering and active resistance to brake dive. Higher clearance with active compensation for wash boards and conditions off-road. And constant height so no matter what you weigh it down with for vacation or towing, it won't lose ground clearance for those off road trips, and will always be level. And kneeling for the wife to get in/out with some modicum of decency. That's really just the tip of what the system is capable of. Oh, and easily 200k+ mileage dependability if history in this and 100-series has anything to say. Try that in an aftermarket kit where they generally go 30-50k for coilovers before rebuild as acknowledged prior. Easy to mod a lift in 10 minutes with a few hand tools. AHC is really the pinnicle of suspension for this platform, whether LC or LX. Easily capable as proven by Slee's LX570 rig below.

There's tons of other differences from significant to minute to significant. You can do more research, but there's lots of things not commonly talked about like keys. In the LC, you'll get the same fob as comes with a corolla. A much more substantial feeling fob with the LX. Just to name a few others: powered rear liftgate. Soft open tailgate. More sound damping and seals for loud ATs. Mark Levinson Reference! Cubby in middle row armrest. Puddle lights. None necessary, but I do enjoy all these elements every single day.

There's a significant price difference new. But if you buy slightly used, much of the difference in price goes away thanks to purists.

My personal rig on 33.2", 305 tires

Slee's badass do everything cruiser on 35s

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I'm currently in the LX camp with my 2010. I did swap out my OEM 20" rims for some powder coated Tundra 18"s to help add more sidewall, as I use this truck as my DD and to tow our 26' Lance trailer. When out camping we like to explore, so having the AHC and being able to on the fly lift the truck up to a higher setting than my 100 series 2.5" lift is awesome. With that said, it took a little getting used to for me.

I am now the owner of a 80 series (my old one coming back home from my son), a 100 series (my youngest daughter's DD), and the LX. So I have options regarding the offroading capability. With that said, I typically take the LX because it can tow my trailer whereas the trailer's weight is at the top end of my 100 series and way too much for the 80. I like being able to go where I want to go and my wife likes the ability to put it into comfort mode and enjoy the ride...

 

[mark71]

I daily drove a 2012 Raptor for 3 years. I put 85k on it in that time. Its a b!tch to park in small lots and tight areas. (The new ones have better cameras to aid with parking.)
The Fox suspension is rated for 50k mile life with 100% on road use. That life is reduced with more off road use. Much similar to some aftermarket options for the 200. Just putting that out there because it is one thing to knowingly daily drive a "built" rig and realize the limited lifespan of wear parts, but to buy something off of the showroom floor and have issues is a different ballgame.
A Raptor's suspension will start getting worn out and cause problems right after the 36k mile warranty lets up. Then you're looking at $4-5k to replace, or lots of hassle and downtime shipping the shocks off for rebuild. (I am east coast, all the rebuilders at the time were west.)
Repeat process every 40-50k miles, or earlier, if a seal lets go from a defect or poor rebuild.
I had multiple other issues too, including slop in the rear end, replaced entire steering rack and pump, all bushings and ball joints starting to go, and the sunroof ate itself.
Just my experiences...

So the Raptor, despite all the extra bits, is still a Ford underneath?

 

[TeCKis300]

Just put AHC in low and limbo under that tree

 

[terdrocket]

So the Raptor, despite all the extra bits, is still a Ford underneath?

 

[LouisianaFJ]

My wife went from DD an FJ to a 200 LC, huge difference obviously. She loves the added comforts, ride, and also the space especially since we just had our 4th child.
I now use the FJ as my daily and it fits into the nitch you are talking about being my trail/camping truck.

couple weeks ago my mom just traded her RX in for a GX460. I find the ride is similar to the LC. I like the Lexus details on the inside for sure. Biggest difference I find is the power is very noticable. I knew the 4.6 wouldnt touch the 5.7 in pep, but i was honestly suprised how much difference.

So maybe you could trade up to a LC if you want some more space and power, or if you want a more hard core, "use it as intended" vehicle just get a new Taco or 4 runner. Half the cost of a raptor and with the money you didnt spend on a Ford, you could buy a truck load of parts to make that taco/runner a beast.

 

[M1911]

I had not considered the LX due to never seeing them with proper truck tires/wheels. Also I think the latest one might look too - shall we say "sharp" and very un-truck like.

Land Cruiser wheels and tires fit on the LX and I'm sure you can find someone who wants the LX's stupid 20" wheels.

I test drove the 2016 GX three times while shopping for a truck to replace my '03 4Runner. I really didn't like the GX. I test drove a CPO 2013 Land Cruiser and loved it.

The Land Cruiser has much better visibility than the GX. For me, the seats in the LC are far more comfortable. I don't like the GX barn door. The LC seemed faster.

I don't understand your comment about the LC riding harsher. That isn't something that I experienced.

 

[Tremek]

So the Raptor, despite all the extra bits, is still a Ford underneath?

Not to be a jerk here (or miss a 'joke' re: a slight at Ford), but it's the Fox components that wear relatively quickly, not the Ford bits. @terdrocket was primarily making the point that these high-performance shocks need to be rebuilt with use and while they give higher performance, they have a shorter lifespan between maintenance.

The other items he mentioned (bushings, steering rack, etc) are nothing us LC folks are immune too as well. In the 8 months and 14k miles we have put on our LC it's had one unscheduled tow, 4 unscheduled dealer visits, over 3 weeks total in Toyota's hands, and over $3k of warranty work done to it, which is not exactly a ringing endorsement given the 100% reliability I saw (from of all things) a Mercedes GL and a BMW X5M we had immediately preceding it.

Will it be good for the long haul from this point forward? I sure hope so. But my point stands.

Most high performance things are this way, Ford (and those of us with or considering remote reservoir lift systems etc) make a conscious choice to take that trade-off.

 

[Anymac]

The LX ride is incredibly buttery and calm, but it drives with a heft that the GX doesn't have. Also, stock wheel is 20" (21" in 2016+), so there is some impact harshness over ridges and such.

In regards to purists...yes the LC is more pure in its mission. It's much like the 4runner is to the GX. Sure the base vehicle is relatively sophisticated, but the Lexus just lays of swath of indulgence over the top. Imagine LS mixed with LC. Everything that was changed or added is generally to make it better and more luxurious. And I do mean better.

Major things are obvious AHC. Don't take is as Merc type plush air suspension, it's a beefy hydraulic based, remote reservoir-ish, dynamic suspension. Aim was to give the vehicle a larger breadth of competencies. Controlled and smooth on road ride with flat cornering and active resistance to brake dive. Higher clearance with active compensation for wash boards and conditions off-road. And constant height so no matter what you weigh it down with for vacation or towing, it won't lose ground clearance for those off road trips, and will always be level. And kneeling for the wife to get in/out with some modicum of decency. That's really just the tip of what the system is capable of. Oh, and easily 200k+ mileage dependability if history in this and 100-series has anything to say. Try that in an aftermarket kit where they generally go 30-50k for coilovers before rebuild as acknowledged prior. Easy to mod a lift in 10 minutes with a few hand tools. AHC is really the pinnicle of suspension for this platform, whether LC or LX. Easily capable as proven by Slee's LX570 rig below.

There's tons of other differences from significant to minute to significant. You can do more research, but there's lots of things not commonly talked about like keys. In the LC, you'll get the same fob as comes with a corolla. A much more substantial feeling fob with the LX. Just to name a few others: powered rear liftgate. Soft open tailgate. More sound damping and seals for loud ATs. Mark Levinson Reference! Cubby in middle row armrest. Puddle lights. None necessary, but I do enjoy all these elements every single day.

There's a significant price difference new. But if you buy slightly used, much of the difference in price goes away thanks to purists.

My personal rig on 33.2", 305 tires
View attachment 1462128

Slee's badass do everything cruiser on 35s
View attachment 1462129

My GX is the Luxury package and has AHC although I don't think it moves as much as LX. When you say the LX is easily lifted I assume you mean purely for off-roading since it will auto-lower on the street?

Thanks for the pics. They do look better with nicer wheels. The GX looks decent with 20's. I'm thinking the LX can fit even more sidewall! For pure wheeling yes it's big but for a hybrid it's not a bad mix. May put these on whatever I get.

 

[TeCKis300]

My GX is the Luxury package and has AHC although I don't think it moves as much as LX. When you say the LX is easily lifted I assume you mean purely for off-roading since it will auto-lower on the street?

Thanks for the pics. They do look better with nicer wheels. The GX looks decent with 20's. I'm thinking the LX can fit even more sidewall! For pure wheeling yes it's big but for a hybrid it's not a bad mix. May put these on whatever I get.

Nice GX. Hadn't seen a newer GX done up like that.

In regards to AHC, the system is unique to the LX. It's a full blown hydraulic based suspension system with adjustable height at all corners, rather than an air bag type leveling system that's in the rear of the GX.

AHC is actually a sophisticated implementation of the Tennecos Kinetic type suspension and related to the system that's present in modern day McLaren's. KDSS as it applied to the GX and other Toyota's is a simple derivative of that technology only to address roll.

The LX can be lifted ~1.25" via an AHC sensor lift. This affect all L, M, H positions equally by ~1.25" lift. Which mean H is ~3.5", which is higher than you'll see in any static lift on the LC. Nor does that height drop when loading with gear. Yes, it'll automatically come back down to standard height (+1.25" if sensor lifted) at ~20mph. So no high speed baja running at full lift, but 20mph is plenty in most off road conditions.