LC vs LX road noise

[PADDO]

When LXs were introduced into the Australian market they were marketed as having significantly more sound insulation over LCs, they also had a built in 6 pack cooler in the center console and HID high beams! Wouldn't surprise me if different regions received different sound deadening packages.

 

[JonD]

I find the LX way quieter than my old '85 LC diesel... and when there are no kids in the back!

Seriously, according to this from anal Aussies:

LX- Interior noise at constant 80km/h 64.4 dB(A)

LC-Interior noise at constant 80km/h 66 dB(A) / 64 dB(A)

I cant figure out the 2 numbers...

Very interesting- I am an audio guy so this makes alot of sense to me. Even if we take the worst case scenario of 66db, its tough for humans to hear differences of less than +/- 3db which makes the difference pretty insignificant. Thanks for this!

 

[JonD]

I own a 2006 Land Cruiser and a 2006 Rav4 (my daughter's). The road noise at 70mph is equal... if you open all four windows in the Rav4. Seriously, I was stunned how loud and tinny the Rav sounded compared to the 100.

Now, on the LX vs LC... I do think my friend's LX470 is tiny bit quieter. It's very subjective... but it seems like 5-10% quieter... maybe.

But, even with 33" ATs, the 100 is by FAR my favorite road trip car I've ever owned.

Thanks Manhattan- this is very helpful info although I do feel like less of a man as you drive an LC and both your daughter and I are in Ravs at the moment- so thanks for that.

 

[blatant]

Be aware of the windshield in general, oem, replacement, quality of install and all that goes along with that chore.

 

[JonD]

Here's my 2 cents.
Bought my 06 LC 3years ago. It had aging Bridgestone Duelers. It seemed OK on the highway, but I was not paying noise that much attention then.
I replaced them with BFG KO's in 2 weeks. It was much quieter. I was surprised by how quiet the KO's were.
So, tires make a big difference. Quieter than my 07 Honda CR-v ( which is known for road noise).
So quiet it was very relaxing on the highway.
I just recently replaced the Honda tires with Michelin Defenders ( had Michelin Latitudes with 40,000) and it is much quieter.
FWIW the Defenders are very nice road tires.
Also improper windshield installation can cause wind noise as noted in many threads here.
Tires are a major factor, but the LC can be very quiet on the highway.

Surprised (and encouraged) that you find the KO's quiet- it is such a great looking tire. Just wondering if it is a stupid choice for me as I am mostly going to be on pavement although we get nasty winters in Maine.

I bought a set of Nokian hakkapeliitta's for my Rav and I absolutely love them, but if I could avoid getting separate winter tires for the future LC I would. KO's could be a nice compromise.

 

[spaber05]

Surprised (and encouraged) that you find the KO's quiet- it is such a great looking tire. Just wondering if it is a stupid choice for me as I am mostly going to be on pavement although we get nasty winters in Maine.

I bought a set of Nokian hakkapeliitta's for my Rav and I absolutely love them, but if I could avoid getting separate winter tires for the future LC I would. KO's could be a nice compromise.

I'm down here in Boston and will agree that road noise is incredibly low for these vehicles. However, when I switched from the worn Toyo Open Country H/T's that came on it to new Open Country ATII's, there was a noticeable jump in noise at speeds over 72 or so. However, having tires that would perform well in the snow and other terrain was a priority for me so it is worth the sacrifice in road noise. If you are ever down here I can take you for a spin if that helps.

 

[RND1]

Being from Maine, rust trumps road noise. Choose the LC/LX with the least amount of rust and you'll be very happy with the road noise of either.

 

[RyanStl]

Sorry I should have been more clear- I was saying I would put in cash in addition to my Rav...

I read it your way. The two LXs I test drove over the three LCs, the LXs were somewhat quieter. They were all 2000 to 2002.

 

[JonD]

I read it your way. The two LXs I test drove over the three LXs were somewhat quieter. They were all 2000 to 2002.

Thanks Ryan and thanks for the info. I assume u meant 3 LC's not Lxs. What did u wind up buying?

 

[JonD]

I'm down here in Boston and will agree that road noise is incredibly low for these vehicles. However, when I switched from the worn Toyo Open Country H/T's that came on it to new Open Country ATII's, there was a noticeable jump in noise at speeds over 72 or so. However, having tires that would perform well in the snow and other terrain was a priority for me so it is worth the sacrifice in road noise. If you are ever down here I can take you for a spin if that helps.

Thanks for the offer! If I am planing on being down your way I will definitely be in touch.

 

[cruiserjunktion]

The LC and LX are in a league of their own when it comes to cabin noise, but the LX I test drove for a fellow Mudder was quieter than my LC. Similar year with more miles (on the LX).

2x. Lx is quieter.

 

[RyanStl]

Thanks Ryan and thanks for the info. I assume u meant 3 LC's not Lxs. What did u wind up buying?

Yeah, I have a problem proofreading sometimes. I bought the 2002 Land Cruiser. Best price, year, condition, and mileage combo I could find.

 

[SmoothLC]

I'm down here in Boston and will agree that road noise is incredibly low for these vehicles. However, when I switched from the worn Toyo Open Country H/T's that came on it to new Open Country ATII's, there was a noticeable jump in noise at speeds over 72 or so. However, having tires that would perform well in the snow and other terrain was a priority for me so it is worth the sacrifice in road noise. If you are ever down here I can take you for a spin if that helps.

If I were to do it again and do it less expensively, the first place I would start with sound deadening is the four wheel wells, above the tranny and the doors.

 

[LEX]

You mentioned that you plan to just drive it on pavement so I'm assuming your plans are to keep it stock. When and IF you start modding, noises will increase. Racks, bumpers, tires, etc.

Warning. It's hard to resist modding when lurking this forum.

 

[cruiserjunktion]

Surprised (and encouraged) that you find the KO's quiet- it is such a great looking tire. Just wondering if it is a stupid choice for me as I am mostly going to be on pavement although we get nasty winters in Maine.

I bought a set of Nokian hakkapeliitta's for my Rav and I absolutely love them, but if I could avoid getting separate winter tires for the future LC I would. KO's could be a nice compromise.

The ko is no ltx mich in the quietness department. It is about as quiet as you will get in an "off road" tire. I have 295s on stock suspension and am very happy with them.

Mich ltx on the 40

 

[maxse01]

Surprised (and encouraged) that you find the KO's quiet- it is such a great looking tire. Just wondering if it is a stupid choice for me as I am mostly going to be on pavement although we get nasty winters in Maine.

I bought a set of Nokian hakkapeliitta's for my Rav and I absolutely love them, but if I could avoid getting separate winter tires for the future LC I would. KO's could be a nice compromise.

i just got KOs a few months ago, they're very quiet around town and on the highway. Highly recommended.

 

[JonD]

You mentioned that you plan to just drive it on pavement so I'm assuming your plans are to keep it stock. When and IF you start modding, noises will increase. Racks, bumpers, tires, etc.

Warning. It's hard to resist modding when lurking this forum.

Yeah besides the running board delete and mud flap addition, the only thing that temps me is bigger tires, but obviously, you're right

 

[JonD]

The ko is no ltx mich in the quietness department. It is about as quiet as you will get in an "off road" tire. I have 295s on stock suspension and am very happy with them.

View attachment 1171262

Mich ltx on the 40

Yeah the Ltx seams to be highly recommend as far as road noise goes. Great to have your first hand experience and nice rigs!

 

[Jimthom]

Surprised (and encouraged) that you find the KO's quiet- it is such a great looking tire. Just wondering if it is a stupid choice for me as I am mostly going to be on pavement although we get nasty winters in Maine.

I bought a set of Nokian hakkapeliitta's for my Rav and I absolutely love them, but if I could avoid getting separate winter tires for the future LC I would. KO's could be a nice compromise.

I have no experience with the KO's in snow. I would go with the others comments and reviews at Tire Rack. IMHO it is hard to find objective information on tires. Lots of opinions, like mine, but not much data.
I would think that the dedicated winter tires would be best for winter conditions.
The KO's are quite good rocks and dirt, especially aired down.

 

[OregonLC]

FWIW, my 04 LX has features like door gap seals that do make a difference over the LC.