Looking at +2016 Model

[Harper34]

I think some of these questions have quick answers. Some get into subjective territory:

• Main changes for the +2016 LC 200's? As compared to pre 2016 model years.
  • Bigger Brakes?? - I've seen that in various articles, but no official literature from Toyota.
  • 8 speed
  • Infotainment - which years come with Apple Carplay?
  • Anything else (besides bodywork and interior updates)?
• Does the LC 200 have an external transmission cooler (similar to what the Tundra has)?
• How do the seats compare to say 5th gen 4runner or current gen Tundra?

I'm giving serious thought to buying a +2016 model year (anything with less than 100k miles). Not deterred by high mileage LC's nor owning one out of warranty. My main dilemma is choosing between an earlier LC 200 and the 'newer' +2016 model years. I understand that the mechanical underpinnings are pretty much the same (minus the transmission change). The 8-speed transmission & newer styling do appeal to me; I'm willing to pay the premium for those newer models.

I just want to understand if there are any other differences between the model years.

 

[rscoleman]

I bought a used 2016 in 2018. NO Car Play. 2016 first year of new headlights LED, love these best headlights of any vehicle I have ever owned. Yes on transmission cooler I think it is on driver side in front of radiator. I like seats but can not compare them. I am 5'8" and overweight but I am comfortable for 225+ miles with out stopping. Option to defeat side airbags RSCA switch was deleted in 2018+ models.

 

[CharlieS]

Yes bigger brakes on 16+.

No CarPlay ever on a land cruiser, although aftermarket Android based CarPlay options exist (i.e. Naviplus, EC Off-road).

All 200 series land cruisers have transmission coolers.

Not going to touch the seat question. How would anyone answer that? Silly question.

Drive one of each generation and buy the one that makes you happy. You really can’t go wrong.

I’ve owned a ‘13 and a ‘16 and loved them both.

 

[TeCKis300]

The 200-series perches are good enough for derrieres of dignitaries and leaders world round.

 

[Madtiger]

Get the latest model (assuming rust free) as you can afford. Not sure about LX, but LC saw significant changes in 2018.

2018+ Land Cruiser: KDSS bolt change, automatically power-folding outside mirrors, late-2018s have new radiator design, powered lift gate, non-mandatory rear entertainment, newer transmission software (flashable on 2016-2017), and new key design.

2016+ LC also gains semi-aniline leather of the LX and has better buttons arrangement than prior years.

 

[Harper34]

Get the latest model (assuming rust free) as you can afford. Not sure about LX, but LC saw significant changes in 2018.

2018+ Land Cruiser: KDSS bolt change, automatically power-folding outside mirrors, late-2018s have new radiator design, powered lift gate, non-mandatory rear entertainment, newer transmission software (flashable on 2016-2017), and new key design.

2016+ LC also gains semi-aniline leather of the LX and has better buttons arrangement than prior years.

What do you mean by the KDSS bolt change and newer radiator design?

 

[thammer62]

I think some of these questions have quick answers. Some get into subjective territory:

• Main changes for the +2016 LC 200's? As compared to pre 2016 model years.
  • Bigger Brakes?? - I've seen that in various articles, but no official literature from Toyota.
  • 8 speed
  • Infotainment - which years come with Apple Carplay?
  • Anything else (besides bodywork and interior updates)?
• Does the LC 200 have an external transmission cooler (similar to what the Tundra has)?
• How do the seats compare to say 5th gen 4runner or current gen Tundra?

I'm giving serious thought to buying a +2016 model year (anything with less than 100k miles). Not deterred by high mileage LC's nor owning one out of warranty. My main dilemma is choosing between an earlier LC 200 and the 'newer' +2016 model years. I understand that the mechanical underpinnings are pretty much the same (minus the transmission change). The 8-speed transmission & newer styling do appeal to me; I'm willing to pay the premium for those newer models.

I just want to understand if there are any other differences between the model years.

Model Year Differences, LC200 + LX570

For those in the market for a used LC200/LX570 (like myself), I figured I'd post the research I've done on model year differences. I'd appreciate the community's help correcting mistakes and filling in missing info. All data is for US-spec vehicles. This is the only other model year...

forum.ih8mud.com

Main model year changes 2008-2014 200 series and lx

Have had 80 and 100 series landcruisers and looking to buy another. Thinking about getting the 200 series now since the 100s are getting a little age on them. Are there any real differences between 2008 to present besides the mild refresh in 2013. Should I avoid any year. Looks like...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Madtiger]

What do you mean by the KDSS bolt change and newer radiator design?

2017-2018 is when radiator design was changed at the factory. Apparently the new design is better.

KDSS bolts are to release the pressure of the system, such as when you put in different aftermarket suspension. These bolts can rust. Before 2018, these bolts (2) were Allen head. The new ones are Hex bolts. Some argue that this makes things easier to unbolt when rust do happen; others don’t see it as improvement.

For me and my uneducated opinion, I prefer the newer changes to both issues above.

 

[CharlieS]

Opinions seem to be mixed on how much of an improvement the external head on the kdss shutter valve screw is. I seem to recall Taco2Cruiser (who sees lots of cruisers) preferring the design of the internal hex.

And the radiator is easy enough to update. If you can do your own work, it’s a few hundred dollars, and replacement really isn’t needed until it starts to fail.

Personally, I wouldn’t (and didn’t) let these two factors decide what year I purchase.

 

[Madtiger]

Opinions seem to be mixed on how much of an improvement the external head on the kdss shutter valve screw is. I seem to recall Taco2Cruiser (who sees lots of cruisers) preferring the design of the internal hex.

And the radiator is easy enough to update. If you can do your own work, it’s a few hundred dollars, and replacement really isn’t needed until it starts to fail.

Personally, I wouldn’t (and didn’t) let these two factors decide what year I purchase.

True…I put on at least a few pounds of grease on those KDSS bolts and surrounding metal! Old or new KDSS bolts, you need to protect it.