On the verge

[Ryhno007]

Hi all. Certified Toyota fan here. I have owned One RAV4 XLE and one Highlander XSE. I currently own one Tundra TRD off-road and a Highlander SE. I’m 90% ready to pull the trigger on a 2024 Land Cruiser edition Land Cruiser (underground color) to be delivered late in October. Just trying to figure out how I feel about the I-force Max and its reliability. I’m open to opinions. Thoughts?

 

[jmqb1]

I love mine. Have had since early July and no major issues at all. Love the power train and driving feels great. Approaching 8k miles and very happy with my purchase. Highly recommended. LC LC Non Premium here.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

Just trying to figure out how I feel about the I-force Max and its reliability. I’m open to opinions.

I’m not too worried about it. It’s new with a warranty. Knock on wood.

 

[trek805]

Good low end power, runs outta steam in high RPM's (Small turbo). Runs great. Hoping it holds up over time. Good luck.

 

[Nuke]

I also follow the 2024 Tacoma forum, and no problems with the engine to mention. However, the transmission might be a different story, to the tune of a TSB on the issue, and the Toyota solution is a total transmission/torque converter replacement. The problem seems to be that residual machining debris from the torque converter contaminates the transmission. Now, the question is, is the LC transmission manufactured at the same plant as the Tacoma? Hopefully not. A possible solution, one can now order a 2025 LC. This will be my option.

 

[DctrEvil]

Only time will tell with the I-Force Max engine, but I trust Toyota to stand behind any problem, IF it arises. I'm 7000K miles in on mine with plenty of highway time and some pretty severe off-roading and it has been flawless. Good luck with your decision!

 

[trek805]

LC trannys built in Japan, not mexico

 

[uraniumrich]

I've driven both the LC (2500 miles on my LC) and the GX 550. Given a choice of powertrain, the V-6 TT is much, much better. But, I still think I'd choose the LC both for expected durability (twin turbos are great for power, but not great for overall reliability) and mpg. Did I mention the V-6 TT sounds much better? Nothing wrong with the GX 550, but the LC is a much better fit for me when I considered the overall package.

 

[Nuke]

LC trannys built in Japan, not mexico

And the Taco trannies are built/assembled in Mexico?

 

[Ryhno007]

And the Taco trannies are built/assembled in Mexico?

They are.

 

[Nuke]

They are.

Thanks, suspicions confirmed!

 

[trek805]

At the Corona plant

 

[EOD Guy]

I hate the tranny in my 20 Taco, it's always hunting for a gear!

 

[PACruiser]

I'm your huckleberry

I am happy to play devil's advocate and take the position that the I-Max hybrid should be more reliable as compared to traditional twin turbo powerplants. It's design has demonstrably fewer moving parts (one turbo, no alternator, starter, or mainline belts) and puts less strain on the brakes and transmission systems over time. So given proper quality control, it should prove more reliable and with less maintenance than other systems of equivelant power and torque.

It also provides near intantaneous power delivery and better fuel economy in the 0-40 mph range which arguably make it better suited for off road and urban driving environments. In addition, we get the 2400 watt power inverter which opens up a whole new world of applications. Most comments that prefer the alternatives are usually due to the smoother, lower RPMs, and more pleasant exhaust note. I liken that to stylistic choices when picking Harley Davidsons over Honda motorcycles.

So embrace the future even while ackowledging 1st generation products can have risks. After all, I can think of a different well proven, non-hybrid, V35A twin-turbo V-6 engine that is being recalled right now.....

 

[Fleming11]

Hi all. Certified Toyota fan here. I have owned One RAV4 XLE and one Highlander XSE. I currently own one Tundra TRD off-road and a Highlander SE. I’m 90% ready to pull the trigger on a 2024 Land Cruiser edition Land Cruiser (underground color) to be delivered late in October. Just trying to figure out how I feel about the I-force Max and its reliability. I’m open to opinions. Thoughts?

The I-Force Max has been very reliable, and surprisingly powerful in most driving conditions.
I both love and hate my 1st Edition because it seem like others comments on this forum it seems like others have run into squirrelly issues as well (I even got a survey from Toyota asking some oddly specific questions about problems that I was experiencing - things I hadn’t told anyone about).
The one I bought is for being my primary vehicle but my wife has been hitting hard that she wants one too, but we both agree we won’t get another one till the QC gets worked out.

 

[hookem512]

I've driven both the LC (2500 miles on my LC) and the GX 550. Given a choice of powertrain, the V-6 TT is much, much better. But, I still think I'd choose the LC both for expected durability (twin turbos are great for power, but not great for overall reliability) and mpg. Did I mention the V-6 TT sounds much better? Nothing wrong with the GX 550, but the LC is a much better fit for me when I considered the overall package.

I came from a Tundra with the TT V6 + 10 speed and while the power was nice, I wouldn’t go back. Maybe they’ve made some significant improvements in the last 2 years on that engine, but I dealt with really bad turbo lag, random drops in power, really harsh low gear shifting and bad gas mileage.

 

[Altitude]

Lots of griping and FUD from people who own previous gen units. Little of it is informed.

Watch this review. The guy is knowledgeable and very credible and reviews the mechanicals of the new Land Cruiser in detail. Spoiler - he recognizes that the engine is more complex than a naturally aspirated V6 with a carburetor, but he notes the simplicity of the design given the goal and thinks the car will be reasonably easy to work on.

 

[trek805]

great video. Best one yet....