LX570 vs LC

[TeCKis300]

good descriptors. This helps me.
I need to find an lx I can test for several days to get a better feel for it and it’s manners. I like the option for adjustments in its settings.

No problem.

Note that the system is probably unlike any you've experienced. Don't let the initial perceived plushness deceive you. As the system is dynamic, it won't ride stiff just going straight down the road like a typical sport suspension would. The system is tied into just about every ECU in the vehicle and knows when the steering is turned and party gets started. Throw it into a corner, brake hard, and you'll know it's working well as it keeps the posture flatter than it has any right to.

 

[Madtiger]

The LX is definitely the more driver oriented car (as much as a 6000lb tank can be).

It's the LC that is the marshmallow stock.

As a sports car junkie, for a body on frame tank with solid rear axle, I find its handling performance on secondary roads convincing with fine damping, little roll, and solid posture control.

Let’s talk objective real world data to see if your assumption is true.

Here are fairly recent MotorTrend reviews of LC and LX.

LC: 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser First Test Review - MotorTrend

LX: 2016 Lexus LX 570 First Test Review - MotorTrend

Pay attention to MT Figure Eight numbers. LC has significantly better time in the Figure 8 test than LX.

(Lower time is better)

Lexus LX: 28.2 sec @ 0.61g.

Toyota LC: 27.8 sec @ 0.61g.

And just so everyone understands what Figure 8 test means:

“The Motor Trend Figure Eight -- our signature testing procedure -- provides for a unique handling analysis. Run on the outside of two 200-ft diameter circles, the test essentially makes for a portable road course. It throws test subjects into handling extremes; in a given run, a car travels from full-throttle acceleration to full braking and then must transition into a constant-radius turn.

Out of the test come three scores: Time, average g-force, and lateral acceleration. The first is the fastest lap time from a given set of runs. The second number represents the combined average g's the vehicle creates from acceleration, braking, and cornering forces. The lateral acceleration, also measured in g-force, is the more traditional road holding measurement you would expect from a skidpad. These three numbers, when compared, provide a stronger picture of a given vehicles handling characteristics.“

 

[99toylc]

The article above does not mention at what setting was the suspension for figure 8 test... It only mentions suspension settings for off road driving... You can only assume they used the standard setting or they would have broken it down for all 3 and gave test numbers for them.
Not to mention the tire / rim comparison to know you are comparing apples to apples between two vehicles (they should be tested on the same set to net real results).
Plus it looks like they tested Heritage edition which is a bit lighter than the LX with 3 row seats
I am sooo tired of bashing the LX for having more equipment and comfort creatures and calling it a black sheep... lets agree it is what it is a more luxurious version of the vehicle everybody loves here.
Motor Trend at its finest lol !!

 

[Madtiger]

The article above does not mention at what setting was the suspension for figure 8 test... It only mentions suspension settings for off road driving... You can only assume they used the standard setting or they would have broken it down for all 3 and gave test numbers for them.
Not to mention the tire / rim comparison to know you are comparing apples to apples between two vehicles (they should be tested on the same set to net real results).
Plus it looks like they tested Heritage edition which is a bit lighter than the LX with 3 row seats
I am sooo tired of bashing the LX for having more equipment and comfort creatures and calling it a black sheep... lets agree it is what it is a more luxurious version of the vehicle everybody loves here.
Motor Trend at its finest lol !!

This is stock vs. stock...tires differences etc should not apply because we’re talking a stock LC vs. stock LX.

If anything, on dry land, a lower profile tire like what is on LX probably has advantage over LC. Remember, TeCK mentions stock LX being so much better than stock LC in ride and handling.

As for suspension setting, if they left on NORMAL setting, then that is what most people will leave it on, right? Normal setting is supposed to monitor everything and adapt like what TeCK said above.

To be clear, i only posted above because TeCK has repeatedly bash LC in this thread and others to push his assumptions about superiority of LX suspension. LX suspension is excellent piece of engineering...but it is just a different interpretation of what is on LC. Does it have advantages? Sure. Does it have disadvantages? Sure. Does it make LX handle better than LC? No.

AHC...different strokes for different people’s needs. I respect that. But TeCK wide sweeping assumptions are wrong.

 

[99toylc]

I guess to put it in different terminology why don't we say that AHC is definitely more versatile than stock suspension of the LC, as it gives the end user more options without spending any $$$ to make it better one way or another - out of the box that is not a bad thing unless you want to build an off road oriented vehicle and at that point on road manners will suffer to the benefit of Off road performance.

 

[Slip]

To be clear, i only posted above because TeCK has repeatedly bash LC in this thread and others to push his assumptions about superiority of LX suspension. LX suspension is excellent piece of engineering...but it is just a different interpretation of what is on LC. Does it have advantages? Sure. Does it have disadvantages? Sure. Does it make LX handle better than LC? No.

Oh boy, we're already starting this again. I haven't read a post in this otherwise civilized thread, where anyone, let alone TeCK is bashing the LC. Let's not turn this into that pissing-match-with-the-mods thread, as I am genuinely interested in the info here.

Side bar: 0.4s is significant? On a figure-8 test, with 6K-lbs SUVs, generating the same lateral grip component, without specified operating parameters that equate the vehicles, 4-years apart? Am I missing something?

 

[Madtiger]

Oh boy, we're already starting this again. I haven't read a post in this otherwise civilized thread, where anyone, let alone TeCK is bashing the LC. Let's not turn this into that pissing-match-with-the-mods thread, as I am genuinely interested in the info here.

Side bar: 0.4s is significant? On a figure-8 test, with 6K-lbs SUVs, generating the same lateral grip component, without specified operating parameters that equate the vehicles, 4-years apart? Am I missing something?

Did you read TeCK post above? He pretty much stated how much superior LX suspension is over LC in pretty much every which way......including handling. I just provided some clarity and actual objective data to his post's assumptions.

Actually, my mistake...it seems like MT is using 2016 LC testing stats for the 2020 HE review: 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser First Test Review - MotorTrend

So, yes, the above Figure 8 data is from 2016 LC vs. 2016 LX. I will edit my above post to reflect this.

As a sidebar, 0.4 second difference is very significant in the sports car world. Does it matter to most of us? No because we're not into that type of driving.......but TeCK brought up handling prowess and superiority and how he is an expert in this. I just looked up data to see if he was right.

 

[TeCKis300]

Let’s talk objective real world data to see if your assumption is true.

Here are fairly recent MotorTrend reviews of LC and LX.

LC: 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition First Drive—Off-Road - MotorTrend

LX: 2016 Lexus LX 570 First Test Review - MotorTrend

Pay attention to MT Figure Eight numbers. LC has significantly better time in the Figure 8 test than LX.

(Lower time is better)

Lexus LX: 28.2 sec @ 0.61g.

Toyota LC: 27.8 sec @ 0.61g.

And just so everyone understands what Figure 8 test means:

“The Motor Trend Figure Eight -- our signature testing procedure -- provides for a unique handling analysis. Run on the outside of two 200-ft diameter circles, the test essentially makes for a portable road course. It throws test subjects into handling extremes; in a given run, a car travels from full-throttle acceleration to full braking and then must transition into a constant-radius turn.

Out of the test come three scores: Time, average g-force, and lateral acceleration. The first is the fastest lap time from a given set of runs. The second number represents the combined average g's the vehicle creates from acceleration, braking, and cornering forces. The lateral acceleration, also measured in g-force, is the more traditional road holding measurement you would expect from a skidpad. These three numbers, when compared, provide a stronger picture of a given vehicles handling characteristics.“

Good information. That the LC in these two examples is faster at the figure eight should be of no surprise.

Let's dig deeper. To our earlier discussion about weight...

The LC weighs in at 5,774 lbs per MT. Compared to a fully fluffed LX, at 6,230lbs per MT. A not so insignificant 456 lb delta.

To the welterweight LCs advantage, it hustles to a great 6.8 sec 0-60. Compared to a 7.2 sec score by the LX. That .4 second delta in of itself would be all the difference necessary for the .4 second figure 8 delta we're seeing.

To wit, note the same 0.61g scores of the figure 8. Perhaps that might be something to do with handling. Despite the added weight.


Why some need to feel so slighted is just not necessary. Much of the discussion and merits about the LX equally applies to the LC as they are sister vehicles setup for different style owners. The LC is fitted with 18s after all - better for its off turf mission. Versus 20s that should be of no surprise can be more tarmac capable.

 

[Madtiger]

Good information. That the LC in these two examples is faster at the figure eight should be of no surprise.

Let's dig deeper. To our earlier discussion about weight...

The LC weighs in at 5,774 lbs per MT. Compared to a fully fluffed LX, at 6,230lbs per MT. A not so insignificant 456 lb delta.

To the welterweight LCs advantage, it hustles to a great 6.8 sec 0-60. Compared to a 7.2 sec score by the LX. That .4 second delta in of itself would be all the difference necessary for the .4 second figure 8 delta we're seeing.

To wit, note the same 0.61g scores of the figure 8. Perhaps that might be something to do with handling. Despite the added weight.


Why some need to feel so slighted is just not necessary. Much of the discussion and merits about the LX equally applies to the LC as they are sister vehicles setup for different style owners. The LC is fitted with 18s after all - better for its off turf mission. Versus 20s that should be of no surprise is more tarmac oriented.

Please see my edited post. These numbers are from 2016 LX vs. 2016 LC (not 2020 HE).

Slighted? Come on...you've been stating how superior LX handling is compared to LC thread after thread...i just decided to look up objective data today. The one that seems to always bash LC for lack of AHC is YOU. Over and over again.

Handling better in LX? This is simply not the case at all when you compare stock vs. stock. Both are lumbering masses of clumsiness. Again, does AHC provide other benefits? Sure, but handling is not one of them.

 

[TeCKis300]

Did you read TeCK post above? He pretty much stated how much superior LX suspension is over LC in pretty much every which way......including handling.

That you think this is contentious or an argument is hilarious. Carry on...

 

[Madtiger]

That you think this is contentious or an argument is hilarious. Carry on...

Not contentious at all. I just want to provide clarity to some of your assumptions.

 

[afgman786]

Lets just all tell Madtiger that his LC is superior...

If you're looking for onroad comfort LX would definitely be the way to go. I've got an LC and love my LC, but I purchased because I new I was going to throw heavy bumpers and armor and wanted an old school suspension upgrade to handle the weight and stiffen the ride. Before doing the suspension upgrade and adding sliders and skids, I was bouncing on my bump stops because the LC suspension is too soft and isn't that great. This is where the LX is better than a LC, being able to adapt to the weight. Ridden in an LX and even a '19 LC, there's no denying an LX on 18s will be a better driver.

 

[NYC570]

Figure 8 numbers aren't the end all as far as handling is concerned. For example when the RCF was tested against the M4 in the figure 8, the M4 demolished the RCF. Everyone was surprised when the actual track time difference wasn't representative given the RCFs disadvantages.

I have a 2012 ISF and a 2014 911 tts that have been fairly modified for track duty. I'm not a track junkie but try to go as much as time allows so I have some experience. When I test drove the LC vs the LX I thought the LX was the better handling. The LC just had noticeable more lean and brake dive, specially with the LX in sport. They both had similar steering feel though. I was actually surprised at how well the LX handled given its heft. The harder you try to lean it the more you feel the effect.

 

[Reckless]

I like teckis300 passion for LX570 suspension. I also share his enthusiasm and think the LX has the best AHC suspension. I want one, mostly for passenger comfort and love newer LXs. I dont share his opinion of AHC being superior to springs. I want it to be and I think its super awesome how software can change ride height and compensate for weight. My last car had mercedes hydraulic to mimic spring suspension (Active Body Control - ABC) which they have discontinued due to its highly problematic nature (over $40k was spent maintaining it). Im very picky on car suspensions and base my car purchases over it. AHC can not mimic a true spring suspension it comes close but not close enough.

Madtiger, im grateful for you posting the figure 8 test. For years I wonder why I chose a LC over the LX. I didnt have a logical explanation based on factual data. You finally posted my reasons for paying $8,000 more to a comparable LX (not to mention the extra $10k+ in upgrades). I didn't realize the LX was heavier and I did notice it was slower off the line (I assumed it was sluggish programming in ECU - I had to reset my LC and floor it for a few days to reprogram my shift points). I don't think its the weight that makes LX feel sloppy esp at slow speeds, its the nature of AHC. I tried a simple test of parking an LC and an LX in the exact same tight parking spot at the dealer. The LX because of AHC cut a wider circle and felt more disconnected/less confidence inspiring. AHC performs better at higher speeds/sharper angles. Also I like overly robust suspensions and AHC doesnt seem bomb proof. As I like hitting things at full throttle and making jumps, I need to have a bomb proof suspension. I once bent the axle of a mercedes g class. The LC takes a whooping and keeps on ticking. As far as I'm concerned it likes and handles the abuse. The 200 by nature is a never die heavy duty truck. I dont think AHC can handle that type of abuse.

I saw this ad and bought LC to do bigger jumps. From what I have asked the arab desert drifting jumpers, AHC routinely breaks in the middle of the desert.


I am a 200 Superfan both LX570 and LC. They both have pluses and minuses. It really depends on driving style and use. If I had a family with kids, I'd be driving an LX.

 

[CharlieS]

I’m thinking it’s more of a personal preference but I’m curious which one would you go for and why?

Thank you!!

I share your thinking. Each has its merits, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference.

For example, I do not care for the aesthetics of the newer Lexus. I'm sure it is as capable or better than the equivalent Land Cruiser and is better appointed, more readily available, and potentially less expensive used, but I would never own one. It's just personal preference.

 

[Madtiger]

Lets just all tell Madtiger that his LC is superior...

If you're looking for onroad comfort LX would definitely be the way to go. I've got an LC and love my LC, but I purchased because I new I was going to throw heavy bumpers and armor and wanted an old school suspension upgrade to handle the weight and stiffen the ride. Before doing the suspension upgrade and adding sliders and skids, I was bouncing on my bump stops because the LC suspension is too soft and isn't that great. This is where the LX is better than a LC, being able to adapt to the weight. Ridden in an LX and even a '19 LC, there's no denying an LX on 18s will be a better driver.

To be clear, when did i ever say that LC is superior? In fact, when did i ever say that LC suspension is superior to AHC? So, you are against objective data? AHC and KDSS have their good and bad points...i have said it many times already.

TeCKis300, on the other hand, has claimed how AHC is pretty much superior in everything known to man, from handling to reliability...and even said once that AHC has lower cost of ownership than LC stock suspension!!

I am sure AHC is able to handle extra weight with grace due to self-leveling nature. It may be better at avoiding hitting bump stops i guess based on your experience. Personally, i have not but then i drive like a grandma off-road.

AHC has some (even many) advantages, but handing is not one of them as TeCKis300 claimed. That is all i am saying.

 

[Madtiger]

Figure 8 numbers aren't the end all as far as handling is concerned. For example when the RCF was tested against the M4 in the figure 8, the M4 demolished the RCF. Everyone was surprised when the actual track time difference wasn't representative given the RCFs disadvantages.

I have a 2012 ISF and a 2014 911 tts that have been fairly modified for track duty. I'm not a track junkie but try to go as much as time allows so I have some experience. When I test drove the LC vs the LX I thought the LX was the better handling. The LC just had noticeable more lean and brake dive, specially with the LX in sport. They both had similar steering feel though. I was actually surprised at how well the LX handled given its heft. The harder you try to lean it the more you feel the effect.

Track times:

BMW M4 vs Lexus RC F - FastestLaps.com

Compare performance of Lexus RC F and BMW M4. Updated April 2025.

fastestlaps.com

M4 is better at the track than RCF...not by a huge margin but significantly and consistently better.

And here is C&D Lightning Lap track times: Lightning Lap Results 2006 to 2019: Every Car, Every Lap Time

Significant difference b/w 2015 RCF vs. M4...again favoring M4.

So, MT Figure 8 time is NOT wrong b/w the two vehicles. It correctly predicted the track superiority of the M4.



As for LC KDSS vs. LX AHC, good luck waiting for track times! LC may have more lean around slow sweeping road and more brake dive, but that does not seem to translate to ultimate handling prowess. I wonder if AHC may be worst in fast transitions...slower reacting time of the AHC vs natural progression of steel springs?? It would be interesting to see how both reacts to emergency lane change and correction.

To make everyone happy, LX is a great vehicle especially on used market...great value.

 

[hiwasseetaco]

Annoyance:
Them: Hey man you got a new ride, right? What did you get?
Me: Lexus LX 570
Them: Now which one is that?
Me: The Lexus version of the Land Cruiser.
Them: Oh yeah, i love Land Cruisers!

 

[mike552]

Annoyance:
Them: Hey man you got a new ride, right? What did you get?
Me: Lexus LX 570
Them: Now which one is that?
Me: The Lexus version of the Land Cruiser.
Them: Oh yeah, i love Land Cruisers!

lol, all the friggin’ time!

When I was shopping for a 3-4 year old 200, I looked for service records and rust. Everything else was secondary, including whether it was a LC or LX.
i ended up finding a one owner ‘15 LX from Texas with low miles, no rust, full service records, and the exact color combo (silver/tan) thst I wanted... Take my money!

In the end, no one can deny the fact that they are both amazing vehicles!

 

[tacoduck]

Let’s talk objective real world data to see if your assumption is true.

Here are fairly recent MotorTrend reviews of LC and LX.

LC: 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser First Test Review - MotorTrend

LX: 2016 Lexus LX 570 First Test Review - MotorTrend

Pay attention to MT Figure Eight numbers. LC has significantly better time in the Figure 8 test than LX.

(Lower time is better)

Lexus LX: 28.2 sec @ 0.61g.

Toyota LC: 27.8 sec @ 0.61g.

And just so everyone understands what Figure 8 test means:

“The Motor Trend Figure Eight -- our signature testing procedure -- provides for a unique handling analysis. Run on the outside of two 200-ft diameter circles, the test essentially makes for a portable road course. It throws test subjects into handling extremes; in a given run, a car travels from full-throttle acceleration to full braking and then must transition into a constant-radius turn.

Out of the test come three scores: Time, average g-force, and lateral acceleration. The first is the fastest lap time from a given set of runs. The second number represents the combined average g's the vehicle creates from acceleration, braking, and cornering forces. The lateral acceleration, also measured in g-force, is the more traditional road holding measurement you would expect from a skidpad. These three numbers, when compared, provide a stronger picture of a given vehicles handling characteristics.“

4 tenths of a second is not significantly better. Not sure I understand all the hate for AHC. I had a 100 LC without AHC and a lx470 with AHC. The 470 had over 300k miles and the AHC was flawless. the LC was stiffer, and the lx rode more like a caddy.

Im even more impressed with the AHC in the 570. 2 inches of lift on demand is sweet. Also, the auto lowering feature is excellent with 4 kids jumping in and out.

my only issue is the stigma of the lx570... it tends to be driven by wealthy empty nester women to the CC and the mall. that, and the 2016's were really hit with the ugly stick while the LC had some tasteful exterior updates.