Switching from GX inbound to LC PP possibly

[Aurora85]

I have a GX OT+ that is due to arrive in the next week. Previous 5th gen T4R Trail edition, 2018 GX460 owner, and after a brief hiatus into full size trucks want to be back in a Toyota SUV product. I originally wanted an LC. I preferred the styling a tad more and test drove back to back an LC (1958) and then a GX demo (Premium +). I was a bit put off by the lack of refinement in the 4cyl. I felt the power was nice though, but after driving the GX and enjoying the smoothness of the V6 (reminded me of our 460 v8), we put down the deposit. A few weeks ago I test drove 2 more LCs both PP to again try to have better clarity over the LC or GX. I'm still not crazy about the 4cyl sound wise, but still really like the hybrid capability and the PP felt much closer to GX OT spec inside. I know they are both close in mpg and that the LC hybrid isn't designed for efficiency, but if I can eek out 2-3 more mpg average over a GX it would be beneficial as we drive our cars a lot! Tons of car kid hauling, sports, car lines where hybrid is nice to have to run the AC etc vs idling. Even with the lack of refinement in the powertrain, I'm having 2nd thoughts about the smooth Lexus VF35A V6TT reliability. I feel the 4cyl in the LC may actually be the safe bet possibly for long term reliability especially with the v6 TT issues that have been happening with the Tundra and a few Lexus models. With these both being new I know the jury is out long term.

Finally it appears I can quickly flip the GX OT+ and come out even or slightly ahead and save money on an LC PP that is on average about 14k cheaper.

Overall I can be very happy with both..its nice to have choices. At the end of the day I just want a reliable vehicle after having a mess of a time in a domestic truck. Maybe I should just flip a coin?

 

[southernLC]

I Think your being on this forum tells us where your heart is at. Get the Land Cruiser.

 

[Nuke]

Agreed re the V6 in the GX. It is still not clear if an at-risk powerplant, as it is with the Tundra. One thing for sure, the twin turbos are mounted in a very tight area, vs the single turbo in the LC. I think it may be more than a 2-3 MPG spread between the GX and LC, and, subject to a final verdict, highly debated, but it appears 87 octane is OK for the LC.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

If you’re going to put tall, wide tires on it then you’re probably better off getting the GX with the 6 cylinder. MPG and hp will take less of a drop in a v6. The I4 is fine with stock size tires though.

 

[hookem512]

I came from a Tundra with the TT V6 and I wouldn’t go back. The gas mileage was much lower than estimates (I averaged 15), I dealt with bad turbo lag and harsh shifting and of course the eventuality of having to replace it altogether. Maybe they’ve made some tweaks to make the use case in the GX more appealing, but the engine was a primary reason I ruled the GX out.

 

[wwoodywood]

I have a GX OT+ that is due to arrive in the next week. Previous 5th gen T4R Trail edition, 2018 GX460 owner, and after a brief hiatus into full size trucks want to be back in a Toyota SUV product. I originally wanted an LC. I preferred the styling a tad more and test drove back to back an LC (1958) and then a GX demo (Premium +). I was a bit put off by the lack of refinement in the 4cyl. I felt the power was nice though, but after driving the GX and enjoying the smoothness of the V6 (reminded me of our 460 v8), we put down the deposit. A few weeks ago I test drove 2 more LCs both PP to again try to have better clarity over the LC or GX. I'm still not crazy about the 4cyl sound wise, but still really like the hybrid capability and the PP felt much closer to GX OT spec inside. I know they are both close in mpg and that the LC hybrid isn't designed for efficiency, but if I can eek out 2-3 more mpg average over a GX it would be beneficial as we drive our cars a lot! Tons of car kid hauling, sports, car lines where hybrid is nice to have to run the AC etc vs idling. Even with the lack of refinement in the powertrain, I'm having 2nd thoughts about the smooth Lexus VF35A V6TT reliability. I feel the 4cyl in the LC may actually be the safe bet possibly for long term reliability especially with the v6 TT issues that have been happening with the Tundra and a few Lexus models. With these both being new I know the jury is out long term.

Finally it appears I can quickly flip the GX OT+ and come out even or slightly ahead and save money on an LC PP that is on average about 14k cheaper.

Overall I can be very happy with both..its nice to have choices. At the end of the day I just want a reliable vehicle after having a mess of a time in a domestic truck. Maybe I should just flip a coin?

Had a GX 550 Lux + for a month back in May. It was a lemon and had terrible suspension chatter. Dealer got me in to a 2024 Sequoia instead and feel like I got way more truck for thousands less. Last month my wife decided she wanted a Land Cruiser LC w the premium package. I was against it at first, but now we love it. Compared to the GX, we get 4 MPG better in the LC. The gas tanks in these trucks are so small that getting 17.5 in the LC is annoying, but 13.5 in the GX had me refueling every 3-4 days max. The physical buttons in the LC are way better than the ridiculous digital climate controls in the GX. Since the bottom 3rd of the GX screen is dedicated to climate, the real screen sizes of the displays are the same. Also, the positioning of the front vents in the GX are way too low and useless. The GX’s engine sounds better, but the difference in power isn’t that noticeable. And once I realized how terrible the mileage was in the GX, I did everything I could to stay out of the turbos to help fuel economy and that made any performance benefits of the 6 cylinder irrelevant. After a month and a half in the LC, I definitely think it’s the better vehicle, better styling, more practical and a better value. The hybrid battery in the cargo area does eliminate some space, but in reality it’s negligible. Plus, we have the Sequoia w a Thule Roof box when we need a ton of space. Long story short- if you love going to the gas station and need a 3rd row, there’s a case to be made for two of the GX trims. Otherwise, the LC is the clear winner for me.

 

[Rook]

I was in the same boat. Went with the LC. It’s an American version of the 70s series basically. I went 1958 and couldn’t be happier, if we had the 70 series here I would’ve bought that.

I paid $20,000 less going with the 1958 than with the 550 OT.

 

[MikeX]

Get the GX. Powertrain needs some work. Its jerky, rough engine on and off, lugging feeling... I'm probably going to trade 1958 for GX this year. Its paid for so either trade or buy another one