Help me pick

[Angelo1]

Land Cruiser. Lower long-term maintenance. Slightly better on-road handling by numbers. Easier to mod for off-road. Better clearance angles stock vs stock. Less status symbol. No mouse-based infotainment.

Bad of LC: fake f***king wood. Cheaper plastics. s***ty dealership experience. People think that it is a Highlander (may be good or bad depending on viewpoint). The rear end of 2016+ LX570 is gorgeous…LC is not bad but looks Kia next to LX.

Word! I took my 200 to have it under coated and one of the younger kids thought it was a Highlander or 4Runner. I couldn’t believe my ears. The redemption at that moment, was his co-worker laughing at him and said “this is what a 4Runner wishes it could be”. Hope exists.

Life is too short to worry about whether your neighbors care if you drive an LX or G Wagon or whatever. There are far more egregious things you can do as far as "conspicuous wealth". Lexus sells very nice cars that are safe and meant to last. You can spend 20k more on a Range Rover that will be lucky to last 100k miles.

Either one is a good buy as far as vehicles go. I would absolutely NOT make a decision based on what you think people will think about you driving X,Y, or Z. Buy what you want, or more importantly, buy what your wife wants. Her opinion is what really matters at the end of the day.

Agree! It’s not like you’re buying a Bentley, it’s a Lexus. Most likely they’ll think you’re some old person or a Mom driving it. I have never in my life thought “Wow!, that’s a Lexus, they must be loaded”. Please, Lexus are a dime a dozen, including the LX. In today’s society, a Lexus impresses know one.

 

[TeCKis300]

Looking at a 2017 LC or a 2018 LX. The LX is $6k more and 10k miles less. So price wise they are somewhat comparable for their condition. This would be the most our family would spend on a car so choosing the right one is important. Family of 4 with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Goal: family road trip car / adventure vehicle. Overland to a certain degree but most likely won’t be rock crawling.

we just sold a 2017 GX that would be replaced. At this point there’s no toys to tow but future is open to possibilities. I once had a GX470 that was fully built and ideally would be nice to build this too down the road.

also, are the headrest monitors deal breakers?

thanks in advance.

Others have touched on the subjective. Hopefully this can provide some objective differences. It's not complete with what details flowed to the LC, but should give you a clue as what to look for if any are important to you. One day I may try to break this list down by years and what trickled down to the LC in later model years. A '17 LC is going to have more std features over earlier model years. Consider the LX as the full fat version if you like features as it also gained features through the model years with many still exclusive to it. The LC is a lighter weight spec and with that is an opportunity too as it can be something like 300+ lbs lighter, saving weight for accessories.

LX features:
1) More sound deadening
2) Powered rear hatch for open/close
3) Soft open rear lower tailgate, with power latching
4) Surround camera system
5) Ventilated/Heated front row
6) Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround
7) Power side view mirrors with auto-fold (I believe later LC's go this)
8) AHC - AVS, lift on demand, auto and multi-step damping, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc., etc.
9) AHC underbody armor
10) Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
11) Steering headlights (AFS)
12) Projector headlights ('16+ LCs got this)
13) Headlight washers
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
16) Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
17) 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
18) Power stowage for 3rd row seat
19) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
20) Substantial Lexus key fob (LC uses same one as corolla)
21) Fade-To-Off interior lighting (I believe LC got this in 2014?)
22) Puddle and side step lights
23) Door sil lighting
24) Interior ambient lighting
25) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
26) +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
27) More luxurious interior appointments
28) Ventilated outboard rear seats
29) Four-zone climate concierge
30) LED Headlamp with AHS Sequential Turn
31) LED Cornering Lamp
32) 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
33) Head-up display
34) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
38) 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
39) Dual screen rear entertainment

 

[Lester did that]

If you’re doing 99.9% pavement and long hwy road trips, the LX is the better for comfort. I do

Word! I took my 200 to have it under coated and one of the younger kids thought it was a Highlander or 4Runner. I couldn’t believe my ears. The redemption at that moment, was his co-worker laughing at him and said “this is what a 4Runner wishes it could be”. Hope exists.

Truth be told the LC is a rare ride. To the point where most mechanics that open the hood say ok big motor. But when they put it on a lift say OMG what is this thing?! At the very least the co-worker knew what he was looking at and was excited. My regular mechanic gets a tear in his eye when I bring it in for maintenance. Says' its a pleasure to work on craftsmanship and not a sundial.

 

[JcrewLC]

4) Surround camera system
5) Ventilated/Heated front row
7) Power side view mirrors with auto-fold (I believe later LC's go this)
11) Steering headlights (AFS)
12) Projector headlights ('16+ LCs got this)
13) Headlight washers
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
19) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?
21) Fade-To-Off interior lighting (I believe LC got this in 2014?)
22) Puddle and side step lights
23) Door sil lighting
24) Interior ambient lighting
25) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
28) Ventilated outboard rear seats
29) Four-zone climate concierge
30) LED Headlamp with AHS Sequential Turn
31) LED Cornering Lamp
33) Head-up display
34) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
39) Dual screen rear entertainment

Anyone with a 2016+ LC that can confirm if any of these are available on the car?

 

[JcrewLC]

Others have touched on the subjective. Hopefully this can provide some objective differences. It's not complete with what details flowed to the LC, but should give you a clue as what to look for if any are important to you. One day I may try to break this list down by years and what trickled down to the LC in later model years. A '17 LC is going to have more std features over earlier model years. Consider the LX as the full fat version if you like features as it also gained features through the model years with many still exclusive to it. The LC is a lighter weight spec and with that is an opportunity too as it can be something like 300+ lbs lighter, saving weight for accessories.

LX features:
1) More sound deadening
2) Powered rear hatch for open/close
3) Soft open rear lower tailgate, with power latching
4) Surround camera system
5) Ventilated/Heated front row
6) Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround
7) Power side view mirrors with auto-fold (I believe later LC's go this)
8) AHC - AVS, lift on demand, auto and multi-step damping, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc., etc.
9) AHC underbody armor
10) Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
11) Steering headlights (AFS)
12) Projector headlights ('16+ LCs got this)
13) Headlight washers
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
16) Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
17) 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
18) Power stowage for 3rd row seat
19) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
20) Substantial Lexus key fob (LC uses same one as corolla)
21) Fade-To-Off interior lighting (I believe LC got this in 2014?)
22) Puddle and side step lights
23) Door sil lighting
24) Interior ambient lighting
25) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
26) +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
27) More luxurious interior appointments
28) Ventilated outboard rear seats
29) Four-zone climate concierge
30) LED Headlamp with AHS Sequential Turn
31) LED Cornering Lamp
32) 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
33) Head-up display
34) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
38) 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
39) Dual screen rear entertainment

I need to hide this post from my wife. lol

 

[18Cruiser]

Word! I took my 200 to have it under coated and one of the younger kids thought it was a Highlander or 4Runner. I couldn’t believe my ears. The redemption at that moment, was his co-worker laughing at him and said “this is what a 4Runner wishes it could be”. Hope exists.

Yeah I was hunting with some kids, college guys I'm in my 50's, we got some game and one of the said he would take the game in to get it processed, I had been in my F150 because it was better suited to throw a dead hog in.

He picked up the meat, and met me at the local Cabela's. Now I was in my LC, he asked if I was in my wife's car. His dad looked at me and said, never mind him he's a good kid but he still has a lot to learn.

 

[Madtiger]

Anyone with a 2016+ LC that can confirm if any of these are available on the car?

2016+ (and specifically 2018+) got pretty much all of those things. Main exception being all-speed adaptive cruise…which a few on here finds useful. (The LC Adaptive cruise is exceptionally smooth but cuts out at 25? Mph.). The LC has probably the best LED headlights of any car/SUV...so, don’t worry about whatever is on the Lexus. Lexus Triple Beam has been criticized by IIHS on other Lexus vehicles with it.

 

[LXstalker]

Anyone with a 2016+ LC that can confirm if any of these are available on the car?

all 2016+ have surround camera, heated/ventilated front seats, power side mirrors, rear entertainment same as LX (standard in 2016 and maybe 2017 then optional). 2018+ have power tailgate which I would prefer not to have and soft close Lower tailgate. Also the LC has 18 inch wheels vs 19 and 20 inch on the LX.

also not every LX has the options listed. Example, while most have the Mark LEV sound system it is not 100%, same for heads up display and rear entertainment.

the LX also has a longer warranty.

 

[JcrewLC]

all 2016+ have surround camera, heated/ventilated front seats, power side mirrors, rear entertainment same as LX (standard in 2016 and maybe 2017 then optional). 2018+ have power tailgate which I would prefer not to have and soft close Lower tailgate. Also the LC has 18 inch wheels vs 19 and 20 inch on the LX.

also not every LX has the options listed. Example, while most have the Mark LEV sound system it is not 100%, same for heads up display and rear entertainment.

the LX also has a longer warranty.

The LC I’m looking at has transferrable CPO warranty. And wife and I looked at LX. The good, the LX had no 3rd row which was a deal breaker. The bad, she liked the luxuriousness of the LX

 

[Madtiger]

The LC I’m looking at has transferrable CPO warranty. And wife and I looked at LX. The good, the LX had no 3rd row which was a deal breaker. The bad, she liked the luxuriousness of the LX

Non-3rd row LX is the base model…..so, equipment wise, it may not have much more than your average LC. In fact, i am pretty sure that its stereo system is worst than LC’s JBL.

 

[TeCKis300]

Sorry, have to laugh at the aspirational upsell of the LC getting pretty much getting all those things. The latest LXs still get a pretty clear dollop of additional goodies.

Off the top of my head comparing the latest LX/LC 2020/21 model differences... feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, if there is one feature that clearly differentiates the LC from the LX, would for me personally be AHC. Which is too bad as international LCs have the option. It enables a duality of character and uses that you can't get elsewhere, aftermarket included. It IMO makes the platform what it is - going from a slinky unladen off-road beast, to a 1800lb payload hauling goat. With the suspension always dialed in just right for the occasion . Ingress low mode for easy kid and gear access. While lifting 4"+ on demand with sensor lifts. Pair that with with 35s, that the LX can swallow more readily over its sister platform, and you've got 6"+ lifts, without the on-road compromises of static lifts and CV wear.

Of course, the LX doesn't have the celebrated, no questions asked heritage of the LC name badge. It's a hard choice that's up to the individual.

LX features:
1) More sound deadening
6) Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround
8) AHC - AVS, lift on demand, auto and multi-step damping, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc., etc.
9) AHC underbody armor
10) Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
16) Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
17) 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
18) Power stowage for 3rd row seat
19) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
22) Puddle and side step lights
23) Door sil lighting
24) Interior ambient lighting
25) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
26) +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
27) More luxurious interior appointments
28) Ventilated outboard rear seats
29) Four-zone climate concierge
31) LED Cornering Lamp
32) 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
33) Head-up display
34) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
38) 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
39) Dual screen rear entertainment

 

[Madtiger]

Sorry, have to laugh at the aspirational upsell of the LC getting pretty much getting all those things. The latest LXs still get a pretty clear dollop of additional goodies.

Off the top of my head comparing the latest LX/LC 2020/21 model differences... feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

LX features:
1) More sound deadening
6) Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround
8) AHC - AVS, lift on demand, auto and multi-step damping, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc., etc.
9) AHC underbody armor
10) Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
16) Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
17) 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
18) Power stowage for 3rd row seat
19) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
22) Puddle and side step lights
23) Door sil lighting
24) Interior ambient lighting
25) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
26) +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
27) More luxurious interior appointments
28) Ventilated outboard rear seats
29) Four-zone climate concierge
31) LED Cornering Lamp
32) 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
33) Head-up display
34) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
38) 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
39) Dual screen rear entertainment

Yeah but some of those are NEGATIVES. LOL

More sound deadening? Assumption or proof?

ML is nice. Gotta agree.

AHC…you have your view on how it is a good thing…other folks (like me) see it as something that i will never own because the maintenance is a nightmare…well, maybe not German/British/Tata nightmare. YMMV. Oh, and AHC falls behind KDSS in handling on-road and off-road travel. (To be fair, AHC does tow well…keeps LX level.)

AHC armor is listed? That is because there are those AHC plumbing stuff hanging all around the sides of the frame…in the worst spots! I would not list that as a “feature”.

Isn’t #10 a bad thing?

The rest are laughable…like +2 HP…but stuck with premium “requirement”. ZERO performance benefits. ZERO. No thanks.

12.3 “ screen that is so damn far away that you need the most useless contraption ever invented in a car to use it……the ever so cringy mouse interface that has been criticized by every auto writer.

Pretty much the only THREE major things in LX are: Mark Levinson Reference, real wood (and better plastics), and all-speed Adaptive Cruise. (To be fair, LC’s JBL system is pretty good itself….not that far behind ML.)

LC is better in other ways that i listed above (Post #15).

 

[LXstalker]

Sorry, have to laugh at the aspirational upsell of the LC getting pretty much getting all those things. The latest LXs still get a pretty clear dollop of additional goodies.

Off the top of my head comparing the latest LX/LC 2020/21 model differences... feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

LX features:
1) More sound deadening
6) Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround
8) AHC - AVS, lift on demand, auto and multi-step damping, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc., etc.
9) AHC underbody armor
10) Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
16) Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
17) 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
18) Power stowage for 3rd row seat
19) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
22) Puddle and side step lights
23) Door sil lighting
24) Interior ambient lighting
25) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
26) +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
27) More luxurious interior appointments
28) Ventilated outboard rear seats
29) Four-zone climate concierge
31) LED Cornering Lamp
32) 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
33) Head-up display
34) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
38) 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
39) Dual screen rear entertainment

Numbers 6, 33 and 39 are options for the LX, not standard. There are 3 row LXs without these features. would also add the 19 or 20 inch wheels and non removable side steps.

 

[TeCKis300]

Yeah but some of those are NEGATIVES. LOL

More sound deadening? Assumption or proof?

ML is nice. Gotta agree.

AHC…you have your view on how it is a good thing…other folks (like me) see it as something that i will never own because the maintenance is a nightmare…well, maybe not German/British/Tata nightmare. YMMV.

AHC armor is listed? That is because there are those AHC plumbing stuff hanging all around the sides of the frame…in the worst spots! I would not list that as a “feature”.

Isn’t #10 a bad thing?

The rest are laughable…like +2 HP…but stuck with premium “requirement”. ZERO performance benefits. ZERO. No thanks.

12.3 “ screen that is so damn far away that you need the most useless contraption ever invented in a car to use it……the ever so cringy mouse interface that has been criticized by every auto writer.

Pretty much the only THREE major things in LX are: Mark Levinson Reference, real wood (and better plastics), and all-speed Adaptive Cruise.

LC are better in other ways that i listed above.

It's an objective discussion of information. The 200-series in all its variants is awesome. Don't take things personally and don't be mad....

 

[Madtiger]

It's an objective discussion of information. The 200-series in all its variants is awesome. Don't take things personally and don't be mad....

Not mad…just like to correct your frequent mis-information. Have a good night.

 

[TeCKis300]

Not mad…just like to correct your frequent mis-information. Have a good night.

So almost 30 things you flat dismissed is your contribution to more accurate info?

This thread is not about your or my decision. It's to help others with information so they can make a decision based on their own criteria.

To that point, I always invite you to clarify any inaccuracies and mis-information because I'm not interested in peddling false information. There's plenty of that to be found elsewhere on the interwebs.

 

[TeCKis300]

Numbers 6, 33 and 39 are options for the LX, not standard. There are 3 row LXs without these features. would also add the 19 or 20 inch wheels and non removable side steps.

Good points. I think you mean 20" and 21" wheels?

 

[OysterDome]

AHC…you have your view on how it is a good thing…other folks (like me) see it as something that i will never own because the maintenance is a nightmare…

I think both platforms are awesome. But, I really don't understand this take at all. How is a fluid flush at factory recommended 120,000 miles - maybe every 60-80,000 miles if you are super aggressive - a maintenance nightmare? All it takes is ~$100 in OEM fluid, some Home Depot tubing, and an empty orange juice container to perform in your driveway?

 

[LXstalker]

Good points. I think you mean 20" and 21" wheels?

Yep, that’s it.

wish they sold the j201, would really like to pick one of those up as a CPO

 

[Madtiger]

So almost 30 things you flat dismissed is your contribution to more accurate info?

This thread is not about your or my decision. It's to help others with information so they can make a decision based on their own criteria.

To that point, I always invite you to clarify any inaccuracies and mis-information because I'm not interested in peddling false information. There's plenty of that to be found elsewhere on the interwebs.

Well, yeah, most of what you listed are wrong info or already on later LC’s. Some are actually negatives yet you count as positives for LX (as i made fun of above)?! Some are part of AHC system, yet you count that separate.

Your 30 things are really 3 things. LOL LC is better than LX in other ways too…yet you don’t list those.