I am constantly torn by what I will get next. But when I really look at what I want out of a vehicle it boils down to the ability to have good payload, excellent highway cruising capability, a quiet interior, some decent towing capacity and solid, but not rock crawling, off road capability. This constantly points me towards the V8 powered Toyota offerings in SUV flavor, specifically the LX and GX. I actually briefly owned a GX470 in 2009 and really liked it, but divorce killed that ownership due to scaling down expenses. I’m only considering he GX470 from 2007 and up due to the improved engine, Bluetooth phone and aux in capability. The factory Nav can’t really be upgraded so better to get it with as many of the goods as you can. At least, that’s my opinion.
I’m on a work trip to San Diego and I happened to find this dealer, Miramar Motorsports, that had a really good inventory. I got out of work early and went to visit as this place had 100 series, 200 series, LX470s, LX570s, GX470s and GX460. It is awesome that they have the kind of inventory they do, but they also only have a small space so the trucks are all packed in together tight. Unless the one you want to test drive is on the outside, you have to make an appointment. No big deal actually as it gave me time to just crawl all over the insides of them. I was able to really get a feel for some of the smaller differences, some matter more than others, but all factor into consideration.
LX/Land Cruiser:
- the Lexus versions (LX) of the Land Cruiser have better rear map pockets - actual pockets instead of string/mesh (the ones on the back of the front seats)
- The LXs have adjustable recline for rear seats and the 100 series Land Cruiser does not
- 100 series and LX470 have 12 volt outlet in back
- LX570 and 200 series Cruiser have 3 prong 110 volt outlet in back, but no 12 volt
- 200 isn’t much bigger than 100 at all
- 100 series/LX470 interior is SUPER dated with multiple ashtrays and just an older feel
GXs:
- GXs have nice rear map pockets
- The GXs have adjustable recline rear seats
- The GXs have 2 prong 110 outlets in the back, but no 12 volt
- The GX470 interior is slightly dated, but no where near as bad as the LX470 and 100 series LC (it has a tape deck and you have to bluetooth stream through the aux port)
200/LX vs GX:
- 200/LX can probably fit 2 car seats and an adult across back, GX would be tighter; not really sure this is a NEED, but worth considering
- LX570 is 9” longer and 4” wider than GX (2” narrower than my old Titan and about 2’ shorter)
- Both GX models are within an inch all directions
- 200 series/LX570 can tow 8,000 lbs vs GX can tow 6,500 lbs
I am ruling out the 100 series and LX470. They are still more expensive than the GX and I think the 200 series and LX570 are worth the relatively minor premium. Plus I don’t like the look as much. On the GX side, the slightly dated interior of the 470 isn’t as bad so I won’t shy away from that and I think I slightly prefer the body style to the GX460. So I’m going to try and test drive the two GXs and the 200 series.
The rear power 2 prong AC in the GX and lack of 12 volt had me a little concerned. I called Katie, my wife, and asked her to check the ARB fridge AC power cord; it is 3 prong. Shit. Then I asked her to open the new Flexopower Lithium 444 and it’s AC power cord is 2 prong. Score! My plan was to have the Lithium 444 plugged into the vehicle and then the ARB fridge into the Li444. That way if the power outlet is off when the car is off, the ARB fridge still runs. And the Flexopower automatically starts charging when the car is running. With that, the 200/LX570 or GX will work without having to change or modify a rear power source such as adding a 12 volt supply.
On the GX470, these guys rip out the air bag suspension and install a 2” Old Man Emu system, TRD Pro matte black wheels with either Falken WildPeak or BFG All Terrain 285/70R17 wheels and tires (overall 32.7” diameter). They also trim as needed for tire rubbing, but say that no metal is cut or bent. It turns out all GX470s came with air suspension, but the GX640 only had air on the premium package. They said that is a wicked hard system to pull so they don’t seek those models out, and if they get one, they don’t upgrade the suspension. But the non-air suspension GX460s get the OME lift too. I did not know that about the 460 model. I must admit, they look really sharp, but so did the 200 series cruisers with 285/65R18 (overall 32.6” diameter). But the air suspension is also nice in that it has the auto level feature when you load up. I remember when I would unload my 170lbs of dog (2x Yellow Lab) the rear deck would jump up and then hiss back down. LX570 with the AHC does this too, but you can fit 33” without a lift on the LX whereas I don’t think you can fit these 33” tires on the GX without removing the air suspension. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. Is there a way to lift the front like these guys do and adjust the air bags to just add lift to the rear?
A couple of the GXs have FrontRunner slimline racks; one has a Gobi rack with ladder. They were pretty adamant that doing a larger lift requires different upper and lower control arms, front CV axles and a rear diff drop which all need pretty routine alignments. I hadn’t heard the alignment part before, but I wouldn’t be surprised. I knew the rest. So they seem decently knowledgeable.
I’m not moving out west for a few more months and we are going to wait until Katie is pregnant before we really shop for one, but I figured I was in town and this was a good opportunity to see all of them up close.