What are the differences (pros/cons) between various 200 series (Lexus/Land Cruiser) years?

[HtownFJ11]

Hi all - I didn't see a post like this (or at least couldn't find one in my search).

I'm shopping for a 200 series and wanted to tap the collective knowledge of community here.
I'd love to learn the differences between all the different iterations of the 200 series.
I have an FJ Curiser currently. I know there were 2 engines throughout the years. There were also small differences in finishes throughout the years and of course there was a Trail Teams edition.

I've read there's a difference in towing capacity in the earlier 2008 - ?? versions of the Lexus 570. Is that true for the LC200?
Are 3rd row seats available standard in every year except for the Heritage Edition?
Is suspension the same on both rigs?
I'm sure there are other questions I don't even know to ask - so that's why I thought I'd start here.

I'm slightly more partial to the Toyota badging in my next purchase but just want to understand the details around the difference between badge and model year.

 

[grinchy]

FAQ - 200-series FAQ for Modifications, Repairs and Build Threads. Great place for new users to start

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the 200/LX570 series tech section continues to be a work in progress. The goal is to have links in the below to other threads and tech articles. By having these linked, instead of pasting the text, the threads will remain live. The live threads can...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[doru]

I was in your boat a year ago. These trucks have been in production since forever. Instead of trying to figure out all the changes, I set a budget and looked for what version was fitting the budget at the market prices. This way I got to look at only two versions depending on miles. If you do that you'll save yourself a lot of time and get more answers.

If budget is no issue then I don't know why you bother asking

 

[ToothDr]

As mentioned above. Look here

FAQ - 200-series FAQ for Modifications, Repairs and Build Threads. Great place for new users to start

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the 200/LX570 series tech section continues to be a work in progress. The goal is to have links in the below to other threads and tech articles. By having these linked, instead of pasting the text, the threads will remain live. The live threads can...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[TeCKis300]

Here's potential differences between the LC vs LX. Doesn't break it down by model year. Later model years got some LX trickle downs, but just as many are still LX exclusives. Could be useful to identify which features you really want to compare which model years have the features.

1. More sound deadening (acoustic glass, engine covers, door seals, more extensive interior insulation)
2. Powered rear hatch for open/close, also key fob operated (2018 LCs got this)
3. Soft open rear lower tailgate, with power latching
4. Surround camera system
5. Heated Steering Wheel (2013+ LX, later LCs got this)
6. Ventilated/Heated front row (later LCs got this)
7. Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround (19 speakers vs 14, 10" sub vs 8")
8. Power side view mirrors with auto-fold (later LCs got this)
9. AHC - AVS, lift on demand, adjustable and continuous damping logic, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc.
10. AHC underbody armor
11. Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
12. VGRS Variable Gear Ratio Steering (2013+ LC, all LX)
13. Steering headlights (AFS)
14. Projector headlights ('16+ LCs got this)
15. Headlight washers
16. Storage in rear seat armrest
17. Power slide rear seats
18. Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
19. 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
20. Adjustable tilt front headrests
21. Power stowage for 3rd row seat
22. Lexus key fob with all windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
23. Fade-To-Off interior lighting (I believe LC got this in 2014?)
24. Puddle and side step lights
25. Door sill lighting
26. Interior ambient lighting
27. Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
28. +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
29. Semi-aniline leather and more luxurious interior appointments
30. Ventilated second row outboard seats
31. Four-zone climate concierge
32. LED Headlamp with AHS Sequential Turn
33. LED Cornering Lamp
34. 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
35. Head-up display
36. Steering wheel paddle shifter
37. Door puddle projector lamps
38. Rear door retractable sun shades
39. 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
40. 2021 Inspiration Series edition of the LX 570
41. Dual screen rear entertainment
42. All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
43. Auto air quality air recirculation
44. Variable Ratio Power Steering