Not loving my 2019 LC

[desertwampa]

Sold a 175k 2008 LX and bought a 2019 LC. Realized they don't drive anything alike. I'm thinking about going back to an older LX570 with lower miles. I want ro know if the 08-15 LCs drive like the 08-15 570s. I realize the suspension is different, but anyone know if the steering and power on the 6 speed LCs are as buttery smooth as the LXs?

there s no spare old LCs laying around for me to test drive..

 

[2021 LC200]

"Realized they don't drive anything alike"

Can you explain the driving experience difference, so we can understand what you are dealing with?

Do you have the tire make and size/specs for each, as that can make quite a difference?

Any other suspension mods to either the LX or LC?

 

[pcut]

I had a '19 for about 6 months and hated it- too many gadgets for an old luddite like me. The owner's manual for the tech and electronics was three times as thick as the owner's manual for the rest of the car and I couldn't get used to the weird (to me) joystick controller. I didn't like the interior, although the leather was very soft and maybe too soft for dogs, camping gear etc. and I couldn't get used to the predator look on the front. I bought a '14 with about 42k on it and love it. I don't really remember them driving a lot differently but I am much happier with the '14.
Definitely a first world problem!!
Best of luck with your decision.

 

[2021 LC200]

I had a '19 for about 6 months and hated it- too many gadgets for an old luddite like me. The owner's manual for the tech and electronics was three times as thick as the owner's manual for the rest of the car and I couldn't get used to the weird (to me) joystick controller. I didn't like the interior, although the leather was very soft and maybe too soft for dogs, camping gear etc. and I couldn't get used to the predator look on the front. I bought a '14 with about 42k on it and love it. I don't really remember them driving a lot differently but I am much happier with the '14.
Definitely a first world problem!!
Best of luck with your decision.

Seems the tech issue here is with the 16+ LX570. I personally would not mind but both the pre and 16 + post LC200's do not have the joystick. Like to hear from desertwampa actually what issue he has with his 2019 LC200.

 

[desertwampa]

So the 2008 LX570 had a buttery smooth turning response. It also had power readily available and no real lag...anywhere in the acceleration chain. Best way I could describe it was , smooth. 570 had 33" AT tires

The LC does have a 2.5 icon lift put on my previous owner. Turning is much more laborious, and the V8 feels as wimpy as the 4runner I traded in for it. LC has 33" AT tires. I drove it from Texas back to Vegas and just wasn't as blown away as I thought I'd be, and the engine was hinting for gears alotnofbthe time

 

[bloc]

8spd will definitely drive different. Might want to see if the software update has been done on the transmission.

And yes the later models are known for much heavier steering.

As for the engine feeling as wimpy as a 4Runner? Sure someone didn’t replace it with a v6? 381hp even in these pretty heavy rigs isn’t what most would consider wimpy.

 

[2021 LC200]

Given mods (2-1/2" lift and 33" AT's) and depending on conditions (wind) i can see the 8 speed having the tendency to go back to 7 or 6 and back up again. If that is annoying, I would suggest you put it in S7 or S6 when that occurs.

You may also want to try to have the 8 speed in ECT power mode all the time. I am quite happy they way that works. Now it can be that the 6 speed is more put in D and forget. Then a 14 or 15 maybe the sweet spot for you.

I would give it a bit of time to start getting to know your vehicle as I am assuming the remaining mileage on your 19 is better than a 15 or 14 or the original 08.

 

[LvCruiserNewb]

I have a 2018 with stock suspension and 33" ATs in Vegas if you want to isolate out the icon lift as any of the source of your concerns.

 

[desertwampa]

8spd will definitely drive different. Might want to see if the software update has been done on the transmission.

And yes the later models are known for much heavier steering.

As for the engine feeling as wimpy as a 4Runner? Sure someone didn’t replace it with a v6? 381hp even in these pretty heavy rigs isn’t what most would consider wimpy.

I mean not really as wimpy..but it's as if it needs convincing in a similar way which I've learned has to do with the way they tune them these days. but my 08 570 never felt like that.

 

[Supra Turbo]

8spd will definitely drive different. Might want to see if the software update has been done on the transmission.

This

 

[M1911]

I had a 2013 LC. I replaced it with a 2020 LX. I prefer the LX. I like the blind spot monitoring. I even like the lane departure warning. I like the rear cross-traffic alert. The ride is quieter and more composed than my old LC, but maybe that suspension was worn out. The engine power is similar. The radar cruise control in the 2020 is improved. I'm not a big fan of the mouse control for the infotainment but it is usable.

I don't see the point of sport and sport+ driving modes in a 4WD SUV, but I don't use them, so no big deal.

Different strokes.

 

[2021 LC200]

This

And use ECT Pwr

 

[nor_cal_cyclist]

And use ECT Pwr

Or consider re-gearing to 4.3's to compensate for the 33's

 

[2021 LC200]

This may come handy regarding re gearing

Definitive 200-series Gearing Reference

EDIT: Expanding tables for 8-speed and 40s So I had a little time this morning to put together a chart combining transmission gearing of 6-speed vs 8-speed, diff ratios, and tire sizing into an overall gearing reference. Hoping this will be useful for those trying to understand how their...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[mcgaskins]

I had the same feeling going from a couple 08-15 200s to a 16+. After getting the transmission TSB software update and the Pedal Commander, it totally transformed the vehicle. If you want to read a bunch of anecdotal reports, this thread will help: Pedal Commander or other throttle controller thoughts? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/pedal-commander-or-other-throttle-controller-thoughts.1090957/

 

[nor_cal_cyclist]

This may come handy regarding re gearing

Definitive 200-series Gearing Reference

EDIT: Expanding tables for 8-speed and 40s So I had a little time this morning to put together a chart combining transmission gearing of 6-speed vs 8-speed, diff ratios, and tire sizing into an overall gearing reference. Hoping this will be useful for those trying to understand how their...

forum.ih8mud.com

My comment was based on owning a 2019 that was re-geared to 4.3's. to compensate for the 33"+ tires I'm running...she accelerates/drives like a brand new 2019 with stock tires (regardless of the transmission gearing, 33.5-34" tires with the 4.3's is about equal to stock). Just my $0.02 from personal experience...YMMV

 

[Dunbar]

Ditch the Icons. My 2020 200 had them and they were terrible. Replaced with Kings for better ride. Get the pedal commander and leave EXT power on. Run premium.

 

[desertwampa]

I had the same feeling going from a couple 08-15 200s to a 16+. After getting the transmission TSB software update and the Pedal Commander, it totally transformed the vehicle. If you want to read a bunch of anecdotal reports, this thread will help: Pedal Commander or other throttle controller thoughts? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/pedal-commander-or-other-throttle-controller-thoughts.1090957/

I have the pedal commander..it does help. Any easy way for me to k own if the trans has been updated??

 

[Sandroad]

I have the pedal commander..it does help. Any easy way for me to k own if the trans has been updated??

Except maybe with the use of Techstream, I don’t think there is a way to ID transmission firmware. However, so far as I know, the TSB applied just to ‘16 and ‘17 and perhaps early ‘18 anyway.

From what I’ve read so far, given you think the ‘19 with a Pedal Commander and 8 speed acts like a 4Runner, and doesn’t drive anything like an’08 LX, I think you should seriously consider cutting your losses and find a low mileage LX with the 6 speed. You could mess around some more with your ‘19, but I suspect you’ll never be happy.

 

[mcgaskins]

I have the pedal commander..it does help. Any easy way for me to k own if the trans has been updated??

I'm guessing with yours being a 19, it probably already has the latest update. @Sandroad is right I believe that applied to 16-17 which suggests newer vehicles already had it.

After having a bunch of 200s and most of them 08-15, I personally think the 08-15 drives smoother and better (and is quicker) on the pavement, but I much prefer the 16+ 8 speed off road. First and second gear are amazing for compression braking going down long, steep hills like we find on the Alpine Loop area. If the on road performance is more important to you, I think you could pretty easily sell your 19 and grab an earlier model and put some cash back in your pocket. The Pedal Commander was the ticket to make me happy with the 16 I had, but I also have to admit my Cruisers haven't been daily drivers and mostly exist for long road trips taking me to wheeling destinations where the day to day matters a lot less.