Thinking about a 200 and have a few questions

[arcteryx]

We're considering upgrading our tow vehicle, the diesel Ex. It's an awesome vehicle but it lacks a middle headrest for the 2nd row. I have 3 kids and having this is imperative. It became noticeable this weekend as my kiddo seemed to just sprout over the weekend

I am looking at a few different vehicles, all pickups, but the 200 is the only SUV. When I showed what the 200 looks like to Mrs CY, it was her favorite since the dogs could go in the back with AC- a necessity for Texans. Plus it's a Cruiser.

Here are my questions:

1- does the middle row have a headrest? It looks like it does and it slides up, but I haven't been able to find a picture of it. Not a deal breaker since the 3rd row is present.

2- how does it tow? It has the same engine as the Tundra and a tow rating of 8500lbs. This is more than enough for what I do. Most of the time, I am in the 7-8K range. I could cut that down by 500-700 lbs if I got an aluminum trailer. I know it won't tow as nice as my Ford, but as long as it's stable and safe in winds and trucks rolling by on the highway, I am good with that. I would put on a brake controller, that's a must.

3- MPG- What are folks getting towing not towing. It's a cruiser so it will suck. It has to be better than my 80 though!

4- I welcome any other tidbits, problem areas, or anything else that owners would suggest. I am not familiar with the 5.7 UR engine.

5- are there are features that a LX570 would have that a cruiser does not? Is there a reason to look at a Lexus over a LC?

 

[T4Runner]

1. Yes, 2nd row has head rest that pulls up. (3rd row has center head rest that stows in the back of the left seat.)

2. I haven't used mine to tow, but many here do and seem pleased with it. They can give their .02

3. People have been discussing this in a recent thread. MPGs aren't for the squeamish but it is what it is. As I've said before, I don't care so much about the MPGs, but I would prefer a bit more range (ie larger main or auxiliary tank). I bet the MPGs aren't much different from an 80 series, but it has a crap load more get up and go and towing capacity I'm sure.

4. I think you'll find the power plant has done right by Toyota and Lexus owners in Tundra, Sequoia, LC and LX. There's been discussion here about the LC and LX motors built in Japan versus the U.S. for others. Not that I wouldn't have gotten an LC with a U.S. sourced engine, but I'm happier knowing it was built there.

 

[arcteryx]

thanks for that. WRT mileage, I am completely aware of what it is. But I currently pay diesel prices and get 12-14 usually, so petrol at the same rate would just be a win.

I did visit the Tundra factory in December, that is one impressive place. I highly recommend that tour if you are in San Antonio. Very good quality trucks for sure.

I added a #5 too

5- are there are features that a LX570 would have that a cruiser does not? Is there a reason to look at a Lexus over a LC?

 

[T4Runner]

Fair to say you're looking at 13-16 MPGs. Toyota says LCs are fine w/regular. Lexus says LXs need premium (LX's allegedly get like 3 hp more over the LC, but I believe they have a slightly decreased towing capacity).

One notable difference with LX over LC is AHC. I think in the short term AHC would be great, but not something I'd ever want to pay to replace down the road. Besides, I'd likely upgrade suspension for offroad at some point anyway. But again, for purposes of towing, I'll let those who tow regularly chime in on that.

Generally speaking, LC lacks quasi-power third row, power tailgate, auto retracting side mirrors (but has power retracting ones), real wood dash trim, etc. Differences will vary with '08-'11 LCs as they were offered with different standard features and options, whereas '13-'15 come equipped with only a limited number of accessories (glass break sensor, remote start, Rock Warrior wheels, etc.) additional.

If going used, there are more LXs out there because they simply sell more new ones. So you may find more bang for your buck. If going new, you might get a nice deal on an LC because they don't tend to sell so much (depending on region). But who knows, you might get good pricing on '15 LCs and LXs with the refreshed '16s being officially announced in the next month or two...

 

[mtnracer]

2: We tow a 7000#, 31' long travel trailer with our LX570 and really cannot complain too much. Lots of power but every now and then you notice the short(ish) wheel base when a big semi passes or the cross winds are strong. Our Tundra definitely has an edge for towing.

5: There are a few differences but most are minor. I think the leather and wood trim is different and and the LX has a power folding 3rd row. Also, ventilated seats are standard on all years of the LX570 but did not become available on the LC until 2013. Another difference is the stereo - the Mark Levinson on the LX is definitely a step up over the LC. Finally, the LX has auto leveling air suspension with manual height control for off-roading and the LC does not. Unless you plan on lifting and installing bigger tires, that system is really nice to have and automagically levels the truck after we hitch up our trailer.

 

[Buddysuede]

For the past 3 months I've been completely spoiled and drove a 2015 LX570 while I was trying to make the same LC vs LX decision. However, last weekend I bought a 2008 LC and drove it from Texas to Atlanta. I averaged 18mpg on the trip. I also moved up from a '94 80 and can say the difference in power and mpg is amazing but then again my 80 rarely got 10mpg and took over 20 seconds to get up to 60mph.

As mentioned, I was looking at the LX570 as well and decided on the subtler LC. Interior is nicer on the LX but not by much. IMHO the deciding element for me was KDSS vs ACH. Toyota 200s have KDSS and Lexus have ACH. While its is a nice feature to be able to automatically raise and lower the truck with AHC, I liked the ride of the KDSS better. Even in sport mode on the Lexus, I liked the body roll control and dampening? of the Toyota better. Maybe the LX was just too cushy for me and the LC fit more with what I was planning to do with it.

You also mentioned towing. Towing capacity with the LX is reduced slightly due to the AHC. I can't remember by how much but it wasn't a deal breaker amount.

Go drive them both and see which suits you and your families' needs better - they're both amazing platforms.

One last thing, if you get 2013+ the ventilated seats are a really nice feature, particularly in hot Southern states.

 

[arcteryx]

2: We tow a 7000#, 31' long travel trailer with our LX570 and really cannot complain too much. Lots of power but every now and then you notice the short(ish) wheel base when a big semi passes or the cross winds are strong. Our Tundra definitely has an edge for towing.

Funny you mention that, the Tundra CrewMax is another one on the list. Over the last 2 years, the Ford has been used for CY 90-95% of the time, and a majority of that is towing something. So towing is a big part of this upgrade. I guess we need to go out and look at both.

I am not a "wine 'n champagne guy", but a "beer guy" if you know what I mean (albeit good, craft beer, LOL). I don't need all of the bells 'n whistles. In fact, I prefer not to have them as it just means more things to break. So the extra motors and frills I can live without. Dealing in parts, I certainly think about that too. Not all Lexus items can be purchased through out vendor network here, unlike Toyota. I am sure the list is much smaller compared to some other vehicles, but still a consideration.

Based on what has been said so far, I will probably steer towards the LC. I am looking at used, so probably and 08-10, I have bigger things I need to spend money on

 

[JamesC]

We have a relatively new GMC 3500 crew long diesel/allison. We got the LC over the LX for aftermarket parts availability and towing capacity. Selling the 3500 at some point now. We towed 49k of our 64k of ownership (race cars, horses, tractor, motorcycles) with an air suspended Treg and it kills the domestic in every way except for capacity. No exposure to the AHC on an LX but it was the only reason we were considering the Lexus side.

I think it came down to a fairly fundamental decision; lux and AHC for ease of towing = LX and aftermarket parts = LC

 

[mtnracer]

Funny you mention that, the Tundra CrewMax is another one on the list. Over the last 2 years, the Ford has been used for CY 90-95% of the time, and a majority of that is towing something. So towing is a big part of this upgrade. I guess we need to go out and look at both.

I am not a "wine 'n champagne guy", but a "beer guy" if you know what I mean (albeit good, craft beer, LOL). I don't need all of the bells 'n whistles. In fact, I prefer not to have them as it just means more things to break. So the extra motors and frills I can live without. Dealing in parts, I certainly think about that too. Not all Lexus items can be purchased through out vendor network here, unlike Toyota. I am sure the list is much smaller compared to some other vehicles, but still a consideration.

Based on what has been said so far, I will probably steer towards the LC. I am looking at used, so probably and 08-10, I have bigger things I need to spend money on

If towing is big on your requirement list then you really need to look at the Tundra Crewmax. We have the Platinum 4x4 model and while some of the interior is cheap looking compared to the LC, it has all the creature comforts you could ever need plus it has the ventilated seats.

As mentioned before, the wheel base advantage goes to the Tundra but the other thing is gearing. The LC / LX twins run 3.91 gears while the Tundra with Tow Package has 4.30 gears which makes a big difference as well. Of course the Tundra has a 10,000# tow capacity vs 8500# (derated to 7500# after 2010 for SAE compliance) for the LC / LX.

Also, we picked up our certified 2013 Tundra Crewmax Platinum 4x4 with 30K miles for $35K. For that money you are looking at an 2008 LC with 70K miles or more.

If towing is a secondary function of the truck then I would go with the LC / LX every time - they tow well enough to do it here and there. If I wanted to tow all the time the I would pick the Tundra hands down.

 

[arcteryx]

We have a relatively new GMC 3500 crew long diesel/allison. We got the LC over the LX for aftermarket parts availability and towing capacity. Selling the 3500 at some point now. We towed 49k of our 64k of ownership (race cars, horses, tractor, motorcycles) with an air suspended Treg and it kills the domestic in every way except for capacity. No exposure to the AHC on an LX but it was the only reason we were considering the Lexus side.

If towing is big on your requirement list then you really need to look at the Tundra Crewmax. We have the Platinum 4x4 model and while some of the interior is cheap looking compared to the LC, it has all the creature comforts you could ever need plus it has the ventilated seats.

As mentioned before, the wheel base advantage goes to the Tundra but the other thing is gearing. The LC / LX twins run 3.91 gears while the Tundra with Tow Package has 4.30 gears which makes a big difference as well. Of course the Tundra has a 10,000# tow capacity vs 8500# (derated to 7500# after 2010 for SAE compliance) for the LC / LX.

Also, we picked up our certified 2013 Tundra Crewmax Platinum 4x4 with 30K miles for $35K. For that money you are looking at an 2008 LC with 70K miles or more.

If towing is a secondary function of the truck then I would go with the LC / LX every time - they tow well enough to do it here and there. If I wanted to tow all the time the I would pick the Tundra hands down.

Wow, thanks, that is some good info. @JamesC - what is an air suspended Treg?

@mtnracer I showed the wife this. It is definitely food for thought. We go in spurts with towing, sometimes it's every weekend, other times I may not tow for 2 months. Almost all cruisers when I do tow, obviously. I do plan on getting a camper at some point too, so that is also something we need to consider. I take it your Tundra is the 5.7?

 

[mtnracer]

Wow, thanks, that is some good info. @JamesC - what is an air suspended Treg?

@mtnracer I showed the wife this. It is definitely food for thought. We go in spurts with towing, sometimes it's every weekend, other times I may not tow for 2 months. Almost all cruisers when I do tow, obviously. I do plan on getting a camper at some point too, so that is also something we need to consider. I take it your Tundra is the 5.7?

Happy to share my experiences with both trucks. Yes, our Tundra has the 5.7 with six speed auto - same as our LX.

 

[Footwork]

I towed my 8O with the 200 from Lafayette to Hot Springs last year for SCC. use the sport shift, stayed between 5 & 6 made 12 mpg at 60 mph

 

[arcteryx]

I towed my 8O with the 200 from Lafayette to Hot Springs last year for SCC. use the sport shift, stayed between 5 & 6 made 12 mpg at 60 mph

And what was your experience? Any sway? Are you using a WDH? That's exactly what I will be doing.

 

[JamesC]

Wow, thanks, that is some good info. @JamesC - what is an air suspended Treg?

Apologies, VW Touaregs had the option of the air suspension that are now represented by sibling Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne top offerings. Without WDH (contraindicated by the manufacturer) and with a well dialed-in Prodigy brake controller we towed very long distances very often, at speed and with incredible stability. If the LX was as competent and towing was a priority over aftermarket parts then it would make this decision much easier for you. After using the 3500 crew long bed for ~65k miles I feel a well distributed load, good quality trailer suspension/brakes and especially a well tweaked brake controller makes up for wheelbase disadvantage for the types of things we tow. Again though, no getting around capacity limitations.

To further confuse things, we have a member here with a Euro LC on AHC who toured Africa with incredible results. If you were happy with the reliability reports of AHC (big ?) and did not need front/rear bumpers, winch, etc then things start to come into focus.

 

[SWUtah]

The 200 LX has a very HD robust hydrolic suspension system. It is way more HD then the 100 system. One member that crossed Africa and added a ton of weight just switched out the shocks for the Armoured vehicle shocks and had no problem. The hydrolic suspension is almost a freeby when you look at the price difference between the LC and LX. You could not afford to add this suspension to a LC. It makes after market remote reservoir shocks look tiny. The AHC/AVS is offered in the Middle East and Europe on a 200 series LC. If you do a search like I did on LC 200 and LX570 sites including Mud I have never found 1 owner that had a problem with their LX570 suspension.

 

[Footwork]

And what was your experience? Any sway? Are you using a WDH? That's exactly what I will be doing.

No WDH. I bought some Firestone helper bags to keep it level and help with any rear end travel I thought would happen. I wasn't fighting the drive or anything. Held up like a champ. 5&6 are your overdrive ratios so I was living in 4&5. Torque lock at 2,500 and walk it out like a boss. Also, I do have a 2' OME lift, so you may see even better results than I did.

 

[dukmon]

I pulled my 23' SeaRay with about 30 gallons of fuel this past Sunday through some gentle mountains. No issues. No struggle.

 

[arcteryx]

@mtnracer Since you have a Tundra too, do you feel any less safe in it versus the LC? I looked up the airbags on each and the LC has 10, the Tundra doesn't. It is still a very safe vehicle according to NHTSA, but 10 airbags is pretty nice to have.

@Footwork thanks for the photo, that is exactly what I am looking for.

@JamesC I knew there was a reason why I kept my prodigy controller versus selling it! My concern about the LX is if it needs to be replaced. I have a Lexus car and the UL models were equipped with air suspension as well. Folks are going crazy because it costs about 6 grand for the parts alone (1500/shock). I certainly don't want to get into that scenario. I have heard good things about Firestone bags, so I would go that route if the LC was chosen.

I appreciate the information here. Overall, I think things are in favor of the 200. Had Mr T addressed heavier towing years ago, I would have made the switch much earlier.

 

[bjowett]

I have both, the Tundra has more wheelbase and a little extra width, so it will be more stable. The Tundra shares much with the 200 Land Cruiser, but it has a bit more brake, those lovely 4.30 gears, and the larger 10.5" rear diff. Two of those can be easily added to the 200. The Tundra can be supercharged if you desire even more go, but don't think the 5.7 is a slouch in stock form. The 200 has a much nicer interior.

 

[JamesC]

I have heard good things about Firestone bags, so I would go that route if the LC was chosen..

We also threw firestone bags on the 200 (With Radflo 2.5s) last weekend but have not used them yet.