Lexus LX570 as an Overlanding vehicle?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

.

escalated.gif
 
Since we are comparing experiences, what’s your off road experience? How much time have you spent driving an AHC vehicle? Ever own an lx570?

It would be like me arguing a 993 911 is clearly superior to a 996. I’ve never driven or owned either, but I did sleep in a holiday on express last night.
Yes. Our off-roading group had LX470 (my bro’s). It got stuck a lot…..but that is a function of my brother’s driving skills and weak tires. :D
 
Yes. Our off-roading group had LX470 (my bro’s). It got stuck a lot…..but that is a function of my brother’s driving skills and weak tires. :D
Off roading group? Is that like a book club? Do yall have matching vests and a clubhouse?
To my point, everything you know about AHC you learned from reading about it on the internet or through others experiences.

I just feel lucky to get to hear your “overlanding” AHC war stories from your off roading group.
 
Off roading group? Is that like a book club? Do yall have matching vests and a clubhouse?
To my point, everything you know about AHC you learned from reading about it on the internet or through others experiences.

I just feel lucky to get to hear your “overlanding” AHC war stories from your off roading group.
Huh?! Ok dude. Which part of my brother owning LX did you miss? 🤔

And sorry if you don’t have friends. 🥺
 
I don't understand the drama.

From all I've seen and read, the 570 AHC systems have proven more reliable than the 470's, and the OP asked about 570's, not 470's. I'm at 155k miles and no AHC issues. I've learned to appreciate what AHC can do with no downsides (yet).

AHC (100 or 200 series) is more advanced and therefore more complex than traditional coil suspension. Like anything mechanical, it will eventually break down and the buyer should be aware of this.

However, AHC is stock on the 570 and therefore provides some advantages at no additional cost at time of purchase (unless it's faulty when you buy it). If and when reliability becomes an issue, remove and replace with suspension of your choosing, at relatively similar cost to that of the lift kit you would have installed on the equivalent 200 series at time of purchase.

On the note of economics, the price differential (savings) of the 570 relative to similar model year 200's can cover a portion of the cost to swap the suspension out. In my opinion, the 570 has superior sound deadening, seat comfort and audio quality over the 200 so I'll take the headache of removing the AHC if/when it needs to go.

Hopefully this provides some additional perspective for the OP without baiting anyone or stirring the pot.
 
Last edited:
Oh no, i have hurt @TeCKis300 feelings (again). :D

“LOL. Fear, uncertainty, doubt is your mantra. Pro-tip, you really shouldn't own a car, let alone a Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid that was the third least reliable vehicle in 2023.”

No doubt. Ford reliability sucks. That is why i have extended warranty. :)
Ha…finally read @TeCKis300 link:

”Overall, the publication rated the 2021 and 2022 model as having significant below average powertrain reliability. The 2023 currently has an average reliability rating.”

Good thing that i have a 2023 (and extended warranty). :)

But of all people, i would imagine that TeCKis300 would appreciate the PowerBoost. My truck can tow 11k lbs with ease. Can handle his 8k lb AirStream much easier than his LX. It gets 23 MPG city or highway (not towing of course). And when not towing, it can drive itself on the highway. Regular gas. Roomier cabin. Great crash test scores.

ProTrailer support…park his Airstream with ease anywhere without needing 2nd person on walkie-talkie. It is like playing video game! :D

BUT, beyond all that, i am sure that he would appreciate this…240 volt 30 amp outlet and 7.2 kW generator. He can literally do boondocking with his Airstream for at least ONE WEEK in the middle of nowhere just by plugging his RV into the outlet (on ONE full gas tank). He can run AC, lights, and microwave with ease...using the power generated by the PowerBoost.

And of course, my “average reliability” Ford can power a house too when city power goes out to boot….

But oh well…back to Teckis300 misguided enthusiasm….

IMG_6733.jpeg


IMG_7289.jpeg
 
Ha…finally read @TeCKis300 link:

”Overall, the publication rated the 2021 and 2022 model as having significant below average powertrain reliability. The 2023 currently has an average reliability rating.”

Good thing that i have a 2023 (and extended warranty). :)

But of all people, i would imagine that TeCKis300 would appreciate the PowerBoost. My truck can tow 11k lbs with ease. Can handle his 8k lb AirStream much easier than his LX. It gets 23 MPG city or highway (not towing of course). And when not towing, it can drive itself on the highway. Regular gas. Roomier cabin. Great crash test scores.

ProTrailer support…park his Airstream with ease anywhere without needing 2nd person on walkie-talkie. It is like playing video game! :D

BUT, beyond all that, i am sure that he would appreciate this…240 volt 30 amp outlet and 7.2 kW generator. He can literally do boondocking with his Airstream for at least ONE WEEK in the middle of nowhere just by plugging his RV into the outlet (on ONE full gas tank). He can run AC, lights, and microwave with ease...using the power generated by the PowerBoost.

And of course, my “average reliability” Ford can power a house too when city power goes out to boot….

But oh well…back to Teckis300 misguided enthusiasm….

View attachment 3507449

View attachment 3507451

OMG...embarrassing. You can't make this stuff up. Let's take advice from a guy that is obviously discerning about reliability. "Warranty" :rofl:

I don't understand the drama.

From all I've seen and read, the 570 AHC systems have proven more reliable than the 470's, and the OP asked about 570's, not 470's. I'm at 155k miles and no AHC issues. I've learned to appreciate what AHC can do with no downsides (yet).

AHC (100 or 200 series) is more advanced and therefore more complex than traditional coil suspension. Like anything mechanical, it will eventually break down and the buyer should be aware of this.

However, AHC is stock on the 570 and therefore provides some advantages at no additional cost at time of purchase (unless it's faulty when you buy it). If and when reliability becomes an issue, remove and replace with suspension of your choosing, at relatively similar cost to that of the lift kit you would have installed on the equivalent 200 series at time of purchase.

On the note of economics, the price differential (savings) of the 570 relative to similar model year 200's can cover a portion of the cost to swap the suspension out. In my opinion, the 570 has superior sound deadening, seat comfort and audio quality over the 200 so I'll take the headache of removing the AHC if/when it needs to go.

Hopefully this provides some additional perspective for the OP without baiting anyone or stirring the pot.

Don't worry. He's our resident troll. Not a very good one at that as he's gone a bit mad.
 
@TeCKis300 :

“OMG...embarrassing. You can't make this stuff up. Let's take advice from a guy that is obviously discerning about reliability. "Warranty" “



Let’s take advice from someone who claims LX handles like a Porsche, no clue about transmission, poses for off-road pics, argues endlessly about using premium gas but then tows above his tow capacity of vehicle, jacks up his LX on tippie-toes with big tires beyond Lexus engineer’s limits (and then tow above limit!!), and of course, used to argue about on-road & off-road prowess of AHC only to be debunked by me. :D

The difference is…at least i am honest with forum members (gladly admit that my Ford potentially sucks in reliability when compared with LC or LC interior suck donkey balls)…Teckis300 is not…LX can’t do no wrong.

(NOTE: to be fair, my LC had infotainment failure while under 36k miles…so there’s that.)
 
Last edited:
Ha…finally read @TeCKis300 link:

”Overall, the publication rated the 2021 and 2022 model as having significant below average powertrain reliability. The 2023 currently has an average reliability rating.”

Good thing that i have a 2023 (and extended warranty). :)

But of all people, i would imagine that TeCKis300 would appreciate the PowerBoost. My truck can tow 11k lbs with ease. Can handle his 8k lb AirStream much easier than his LX. It gets 23 MPG city or highway (not towing of course). And when not towing, it can drive itself on the highway. Regular gas. Roomier cabin. Great crash test scores.

ProTrailer support…park his Airstream with ease anywhere without needing 2nd person on walkie-talkie. It is like playing video game! :D

BUT, beyond all that, i am sure that he would appreciate this…240 volt 30 amp outlet and 7.2 kW generator. He can literally do boondocking with his Airstream for at least ONE WEEK in the middle of nowhere just by plugging his RV into the outlet (on ONE full gas tank). He can run AC, lights, and microwave with ease...using the power generated by the PowerBoost.

And of course, my “average reliability” Ford can power a house too when city power goes out to boot….

But oh well…back to Teckis300 misguided enthusiasm….

View attachment 3507449

View attachment 3507451
Nobody cares.
 
I like my 570 a lot for winter commuter up and down the canyons here in the snow, being able to cover 1000s of miles in ease and comfort (with frequent gas station stops), towing a heavy airstream with easy and confidence on the interstate (with even more frequent gas station stops) and being able drive some great trails once we get there. I believe AHC makes the LX perform without compromise in all of the above situations.

If I were on coils, I'd want heavy rate springs for towing, tall springs for off road, lower springs for the interstate, stiff springs to control body roll in the canyon. For a real overlander (crossing the Gobi desert, driving alaska to argentina, etc.), you'd probably want to avoid the bling of LX as an attractant to thieves and avoid AHC for the unlikely need for a field repair. If you're a broverlander who wants to load a rooftop tent and camp on BLM land in southern Utah, the LX would be great.
 
I like my 570 a lot for winter commuter up and down the canyons here in the snow, being able to cover 1000s of miles in ease and comfort (with frequent gas station stops), towing a heavy airstream with easy and confidence on the interstate (with even more frequent gas station stops) and being able drive some great trails once we get there. I believe AHC makes the LX perform without compromise in all of the above situations.

If I were on coils, I'd want heavy rate springs for towing, tall springs for off road, lower springs for the interstate, stiff springs to control body roll in the canyon. For a real overlander (crossing the Gobi desert, driving alaska to argentina, etc.), you'd probably want to avoid the bling of LX as an attractant to thieves and avoid AHC for the unlikely need for a field repair. If you're a broverlander who wants to load a rooftop tent and camp on BLM land in southern Utah, the LX would be great.

Don't forget to wave at the Ford stuck on the side of the road.

Ha…finally read @TeCKis300 link:

”Overall, the publication rated the 2021 and 2022 model as having significant below average powertrain reliability. The 2023 currently has an average reliability rating.”

Good thing that i have a 2023 (and extended warranty). :)

But of all people, i would imagine that TeCKis300 would appreciate the PowerBoost. My truck can tow 11k lbs with ease. Can handle his 8k lb AirStream much easier than his LX. It gets 23 MPG city or highway (not towing of course). And when not towing, it can drive itself on the highway. Regular gas. Roomier cabin. Great crash test scores.

ProTrailer support…park his Airstream with ease anywhere without needing 2nd person on walkie-talkie. It is like playing video game! :D

BUT, beyond all that, i am sure that he would appreciate this…240 volt 30 amp outlet and 7.2 kW generator. He can literally do boondocking with his Airstream for at least ONE WEEK in the middle of nowhere just by plugging his RV into the outlet (on ONE full gas tank). He can run AC, lights, and microwave with ease...using the power generated by the PowerBoost.

And of course, my “average reliability” Ford can power a house too when city power goes out to boot….

But oh well…back to Teckis300 misguided enthusiasm….

View attachment 3507449

View attachment 3507451

LX has saved multiple friends F150s more times than I can count. After many years, they know who'll get them home.

You're best off to keep it in the garage... to backup your unreliable home.

1702665116379.png


1702664081886.png


 
@TeCKis300

LX has saved multiple friends F150s more times than I can count. After many years, they know who'll get them home.

You're best off to keep it in the garage... to backup your unreliable home.



Happy to hear LC200 saves other vehicles! Good thing that i still have my LC200.

But hey, while you‘re stuck at some cheap trailer trash area just to get power for your RV…….other folks with PowerBoost can enjoy true boondocking for week or two. :) I bet that your LX gets maybe 5 MPG or less towing that RV? You probably need to stop at gas stations every hour?? :D

 
Last edited:
Happy to hear LC200 saves other vehicles! Good thing that i still have my LC200.

But hey, while you‘re stuck at some cheap trailer trash area just to get power for your RV…….other folks with PowerBoost can enjoy true boondocking for week or two. :) I bet that your LX gets maybe 5 MPG or less towing that RV? You probably need to stop at gas stations every hour?? :D

So you know, my RV is a perpetual power machine that I rarely ever plug into anything. That's what 500Ah of lithium and 500W of solar will do. My preference is not to visit parking lots and much rather camp at BLM or more rustic national/state parks. Towing the Airstream is ~10MPG at 60MPH. Sure, she'll swill more gas if I'm pushing the pace. As will all tow rigs as that's the physics of pushing through air. 38G of fuel takes us well beyond what our bladders will do.

I'll tell you she tows better than a Raptor. And better than most F150s when it comes to off-roading - because of AHC. Both my buddies tow smaller off-road trailers and they're constantly dragging ass because static suspensions can't compensate for the added load and the suspension compresses. Not so with AHC.
 
Looks like I missed out on a lot of fun in this thread. But I'll throw a wet pinecone on the AHC fire...

I have been somewhat anti-AHC since I bought my LX in summer '21. The ride quality is absurdly good, handling is quite good in "sport" as well, But the whole thing seemed gimmicky and dumb to me. Example: ride quality stiffens up too much when you put in in "high," so when offroading, I have tried to leave in in "normal" for most of the trail and only raise it into "high" when I come to an obstacle that needs the clearance. As a result, I found myself often thinking "I bet I can clear that rock in normal," and then whacking into the rock like a goon. Up, down, up, down, up, down along the trail just felt annoying and finnicky. I have also driven several stock LC200s and I just find them more pleasurable to drive in that I can actually feel what's going on underneath me. AHC makes me feel disconnected from the road (which is probably part of why it smoothly glides over stuff like scree fields in "normal" or "comfort").

Then I got 17" wheels and softer tires (119D 35x12.5x17 vs 128E 285/75r18--both 35" diameter). Aired down to 15 psi, this allowed me to leave the truck in "high" comfortably and ignore the AHC switches. I ran hells revenge (coming down the old, harder, rockier way) and did some harder optional lines around moab this fall and I was quite content leaving the AHC in high and just going for it. Then I drove home 85mph through the mountains in "sport" mode and got home quicker than I ever have in 25+ years of going to Moab.

So now I get it. I have always thought AHC is cool and technically a very clever system, it just wasn't for me. Now I'm content to stick with AHC until it stops working, which may never happen.
 
Last edited:
@Heckraiser To add to that.. IMO tires surely also play a role in some of us feeling that "disconnected" floaty feeling. While I've only driven the LX on stock Dunlops, going from Dunlops to AT tires on the LC made a pretty noticeable difference.
 
I love @TeCKis300 ... Ford PB can go further and faster...on regular gas.

And PB can power the RV for DAYS (weeks?) with EVERYTHING ON in the RV. No need to rely on unreliable solar power. You can park your RV in the shade all week long and still has power to spare! No "solar anxiety". And Powerboost can charge those Li batteries lightning fast if you had to...not trickle charge like solar.

Notice that you compare Raptor to your LX for towing...that is pretty close there. But then you pivot and compare your LX to "most" F150 in off-roading. Why not continue to compare off-road to Raptor? Why the pivot? :D I certainly hope that your LX can off-road better than regular F150! If you cannot, then YOU need to stay off the trails!

As for your pics...funny. What is going on in the 2nd pic? Guys standing around with jumper cables to shock their manhood?

Video...now that is funny. Raptor got stuck in deep sand to the frame..........and side-by-side ATV stuck right next to it!! So, an ATV got stuck at same place as Raptor. And no video of your LX going thru that same spot? Instead we see the LX on packed sand...TeCKis300 took the bypass route!!! :D Dude, a Toyota Camry can do what your LX did! :D

As always, TeCKis300 lies, talks BS, shows half-truths...ain't the first time...likely ain't the last.
 
I love @TeCKis300 ... Ford PB can go further and faster...on regular gas.

And PB can power the RV for DAYS (weeks?) with EVERYTHING ON in the RV. No need to rely on unreliable solar power. You can park your RV in the shade all week long and still has power to spare! No "solar anxiety". And Powerboost can charge those Li batteries lightning fast if you had to...not trickle charge like solar.

Notice that you compare Raptor to your LX for towing...that is pretty close there. But then you pivot and compare your LX to "most" F150 in off-roading. Why not continue to compare off-road to Raptor? Why the pivot? :D I certainly hope that your LX can off-road better than regular F150! If you cannot, then YOU need to stay off the trails!

As for your pics...funny. What is going on in the 2nd pic? Guys standing around with jumper cables to shock their manhood?

Video...now that is funny. Raptor got stuck in deep sand to the frame..........and side-by-side ATV stuck right next to it!! So, an ATV got stuck at same place as Raptor. And no video of your LX going thru that same spot? Instead we see the LX on packed sand...TeCKis300 took the bypass route!!! :D Dude, a Toyota Camry can do what your LX did! :D

As always, TeCKis300 lies, talks BS, shows half-truths...ain't the first time...likely ain't the last.
No one cares.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom