I am about 1000 miles in on my new 2021 LC, and am in the fortunate position of having our 2013 LC sitting in the garage next to it, allowing direct comparisons. We're planning to keep both for the foreseeable future.
General Observations:
- The 8 speed transmission seems to require that you put your foot on the gas significantly more to get the same effect as the 2013's 6 speed. Maybe the new transmission is just smoother, but it definitely doesn't seem to have the same kick that the older transmission has. I admit though that I've been driving like a grandmother to break it in gently. Also, the 8 speed seems to have a bit of a "whine" to it that the 6 speed lacks. Maybe it's my unique case, or maybe it's just that everything is brand new, but there's a noise with the 8 speed that is noticeable when you're idling around parking lots. Doesn't seem to affect the performance, so perhaps its 100% normal, but I may get it checked out if it continues. I welcome community feedback on whether this seems like a concern.
- The instrument panel lighting is much improved in 2021. The 2013 has this "two tone white and green thing going on between the instrument cluster and the center console that's not as good.
- The leather in the 2021 seems to be quite a bit softer, and perhaps ultimately less durable. The seats in the 2013 are not as soft, but still look quite new after 85k on the clock.
- The tech in the 2021 is still very old school, considering that this is supposed to be Toyota's flagship. Even taking the lack of Android Auto or CarPlay out of the equation, the technology is pretty ancient, but is improved from 2013. The backup camera and surround view is better in 2021, as it should be, but it's not cutting edge by any stretch. Pretty weak that there are no USB ports in the back. Also weak that the rear AC port is only 100 watts when the AC port in the 4Runner is 400 watts. These seem like easy things to have improved since 2013.
- I like the center phone cubby / charging pad more than I thought I would. My first reaction to that was that it seemed gimmicky, but it's cool that you can keep your phone juiced up by just sticking it in the slot. Pleasantly surprised by that feature!
- The LED interior lighting is much improved on the 2021. The light blue accents here and there are nice.
- The power rear hatch is nifty, but the BEEP is super annoying. There ought to be a setting to turn that off (or volume down). I find myself just turning the power rear hatch off just to get it to shut up with the noise. Has anyone managed to silence the rear hatch beep via Techstream (or more primitive means)? I'm ready to duct tape some felt around the beeper, once I find it.
Overall, I think the 2021 has some nice improvements, and I am happy to have grabbed one on the off chance that we don't see another vehicle like this in the US again anytime soon. Like the rest of us, I love the heavy duty Japanese bank vault construction quality most of all. The 2013 still drives quite a bit like the 2021, which is one of the main reasons why these trucks are so great.
Maybe 2022 will just be a break in the action in the US, like 2012 was, and we'll end up with a 300 after all. I guess time will tell.
General Observations:
- The 8 speed transmission seems to require that you put your foot on the gas significantly more to get the same effect as the 2013's 6 speed. Maybe the new transmission is just smoother, but it definitely doesn't seem to have the same kick that the older transmission has. I admit though that I've been driving like a grandmother to break it in gently. Also, the 8 speed seems to have a bit of a "whine" to it that the 6 speed lacks. Maybe it's my unique case, or maybe it's just that everything is brand new, but there's a noise with the 8 speed that is noticeable when you're idling around parking lots. Doesn't seem to affect the performance, so perhaps its 100% normal, but I may get it checked out if it continues. I welcome community feedback on whether this seems like a concern.
- The instrument panel lighting is much improved in 2021. The 2013 has this "two tone white and green thing going on between the instrument cluster and the center console that's not as good.
- The leather in the 2021 seems to be quite a bit softer, and perhaps ultimately less durable. The seats in the 2013 are not as soft, but still look quite new after 85k on the clock.
- The tech in the 2021 is still very old school, considering that this is supposed to be Toyota's flagship. Even taking the lack of Android Auto or CarPlay out of the equation, the technology is pretty ancient, but is improved from 2013. The backup camera and surround view is better in 2021, as it should be, but it's not cutting edge by any stretch. Pretty weak that there are no USB ports in the back. Also weak that the rear AC port is only 100 watts when the AC port in the 4Runner is 400 watts. These seem like easy things to have improved since 2013.
- I like the center phone cubby / charging pad more than I thought I would. My first reaction to that was that it seemed gimmicky, but it's cool that you can keep your phone juiced up by just sticking it in the slot. Pleasantly surprised by that feature!
- The LED interior lighting is much improved on the 2021. The light blue accents here and there are nice.
- The power rear hatch is nifty, but the BEEP is super annoying. There ought to be a setting to turn that off (or volume down). I find myself just turning the power rear hatch off just to get it to shut up with the noise. Has anyone managed to silence the rear hatch beep via Techstream (or more primitive means)? I'm ready to duct tape some felt around the beeper, once I find it.
Overall, I think the 2021 has some nice improvements, and I am happy to have grabbed one on the off chance that we don't see another vehicle like this in the US again anytime soon. Like the rest of us, I love the heavy duty Japanese bank vault construction quality most of all. The 2013 still drives quite a bit like the 2021, which is one of the main reasons why these trucks are so great.
Maybe 2022 will just be a break in the action in the US, like 2012 was, and we'll end up with a 300 after all. I guess time will tell.