Step-in height for URJ200 versus FJ100?

[JETTIX2]

Hey guys, Trying to find a new SUV for my wife and wondered if anyone knew the Step-In height of the urj200 Land Cruiser, versus the Lexus LX570, versus the previous Generation FJ100 vehicles?............the Lexuz LX570 will go 4" lower at park because of the AHC, right?? The down side to that is all the associated maintenance problems with the AHC......

Entry height is an issue because my wife is 4-10" and we have a baby in a carry-infant seat, which is a royal PITA to get in and out of our current '97 LX450 that my wife drives in the winter. Current summer vehicle is a 2011 Honda Odyssey that is LOUSY in the snow, and we want to sell both vehicles and get a single SUV that she can drive year-round.

Any thoughts???

(Yes, I realize that this is probably the opposite problem most people have, our Cruiser rarely leaves the pavement, but it is hard to find something equally well built, and safe, that I want to put my family in, even if it stays on-road most of the time........)

All told, I could spend about $50 Grand on something........which would get me into a nicely used but post-warranty URJ200 Land Cruiser (which she likes better in photos than the 100) or LX570....., but something that wouldnt have warranty worries me with the ACH complexity....

Thanks, Ben

 

[NotHiLandr!]

I don't recall the stock height, but with either the factory running boards or a good set of Slee sliders/steps, wouldn't the step help? What about a wagon or four-door sedan? Better gas mileage and handling if you don't plan to use it offroad...

 

[patrickfinley]

The 200 does have about 2" less ground clearance than the 97 LX. I'm not sure if it's a direct correlation between step in height or not. The 100 series is 1" lower than the 80.

The 200 LX does not lower 4" but it does lower 2" during parking from standard height. This combined with the 2" less ground clearance should get you a fair amount lower. The 200 series AHC has been redesigned and it is apparently more reliable than the 100 series AHC. There should be fewer problems 10 years out.

It's not easy accessing a car seat in the center seat in the 100 series, even at 6'1". The side seats aren't an issue. I would think at 4'10" height, she may be better off in something like a 4wd Toyota Venza. If you want bigger, go Sienna Minivan with AWD. Both vehicles have TRAC and VSC, with good tires they will be very capable in snow.

 

[JETTIX2]

We ended up with an AWD 2010 Sienna XLE van. Not exciting like she was hoping for, but a very functional vehicle

 

[patrickfinley]

I think that for you're wife and child that's perfect. Toyota dependability, AWD, TRAC, VSC, nice big crumple zones, plenty of room. Get yourself some good M/S rated tires and you'll be set for winter.

 

[DarkStar]

The 200 LX does not lower 4" but it does lower 2" during parking from standard height. This combined with the 2" less ground clearance should get you a fair amount lower. The 200 series AHC has been redesigned and it is apparently more reliable than the 100 series AHC. There should be fewer problems 10 years out.

.

Correct, and this is a great feature for what you are looking for. The LX has an on/off setting for "comfort access" that will drop the car every time you turn off the engine (provided no one has opened a door yet). It's quick and easy and really helps little people climb in and out. The car returns to normal height once you hit a certain MPH after start up.