Test drove the LC - wanting a bit more performance - future performance upgrades coming?

[HarvLC]

Starfly,

If you already haven’t already, you should read the below C&D article. I think it will better help you understand the intended power delivery of the LC vs the GX, etc. For example, the LC’s weakness in a 0-60 run is likely more due to the fact that the electric assist isn’t sustained for such a duration; it’s not intended to. But, it does allow the LC to match the GX in a more realistic test of 30-50 or 50-70.

As you note, the LC drivetrain mimics a turbo diesel. A lot of low end torque and little need for (or benefit from) driving at a higher rpm. If it were a manual transmission, you’d short shift it. I don’t think I’ve seen 5000 rpm yet and I’ve put 5500 miles on the vehicle. I think you’d be missing the point in trying to alter the boost, red line, etc by adding an aftermarket chip.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Tested: Is It the Real Deal?

The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser sets out on a different path. We venture into the wilds of Utah to find out if it's the right one.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[starfly]

Starfly,

If you already haven’t already, you should read the below C&D article. I think it will better help you understand the intended power delivery of the LC vs the GX, etc. For example, the LC’s weakness in a 0-60 run is likely more due to the fact that the electric assist isn’t sustained for such a duration; it’s not intended to. But, it does allow the LC to match the GX in a more realistic test of 30-50 or 50-70.

As you note, the LC drivetrain mimics a turbo diesel. A lot of low end torque and little need for (or benefit from) driving at a higher rpm. If it were a manual transmission, you’d short shift it. I don’t think I’ve seen 5000 rpm yet and I’ve put 5500 miles on the vehicle. I think you’d be missing the point in trying to alter the boost, red line, etc by adding an aftermarket chip.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Tested: Is It the Real Deal?

The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser sets out on a different path. We venture into the wilds of Utah to find out if it's the right one.

www.caranddriver.com

Yeah good point, and I realize it's really not designed for spirited driving.

I dunno, I'll try to do another test drive over the weekend, and will also test a lightly used BMW X5 and Lexus RX500h. The X5 will no doubt be the fastest and best handling of the bunch, but it might also be a bit too pretentious (it would be cheaper to purchase lightly used though, and would return much better fuel economy too, but maintenance will be expensive). Then there is the Lexus RX500h (with the same engine as the Land Cruiser!), which will be a bit less pretentious than a BMW, but it also gives off old people vibes. I'm in my early 40s, but still, I don't feel quite that old yet haha.

Also on some level, not sure I should jump on a first model year of this vehicle and perhaps better to wait a couple years and have Toyota iron out all the kinks first. So perhaps driving around in a BMW or Lexus for 2-3 years is just the ticket...

 

[chrisw2069]

If you are not liking it now… it’s best you find something else… I did the same with 4 cyl Ford Bronco …. I bought something else at that time… 2022 Chevy Trail Boss 6.2l V8…. That got 12MPG…. I over hit my mark and came back to a “peppy” 4 banger! Done spend a ton of money buying something you just done care for

 

[HarvLC]

Have you driven the GX much? I couldn’t tell from your first post. If not, it might be a good fit. I wouldn’t dismiss it simply due to fuel economy. The LC can get good economy but you really have to avoid engaging the turbo much to achieve that and it doesn’t seem that you’re wanting to do that.

Edmunds did a May video comparing the LC and GX and the reviewer spends a good bit of time discussing the differences in the powertrains for various scenarios. It might help you with your decision.

 

[cvx5832LC]

Starfly,

If you already haven’t already, you should read the below C&D article. I think it will better help you understand the intended power delivery of the LC vs the GX, etc. For example, the LC’s weakness in a 0-60 run is likely more due to the fact that the electric assist isn’t sustained for such a duration; it’s not intended to. But, it does allow the LC to match the GX in a more realistic test of 30-50 or 50-70.

As you note, the LC drivetrain mimics a turbo diesel. A lot of low end torque and little need for (or benefit from) driving at a higher rpm. If it were a manual transmission, you’d short shift it. I don’t think I’ve seen 5000 rpm yet and I’ve put 5500 miles on the vehicle. I think you’d be missing the point in trying to alter the boost, red line, etc by adding an aftermarket chip.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Tested: Is It the Real Deal?

The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser sets out on a different path. We venture into the wilds of Utah to find out if it's the right one.

www.caranddriver.com

Interesting point you make about rpms. You’re right, I’ve never gotten the rpms that high. I’ve never needed to.

 

[cvx5832LC]

Yeah good point, and I realize it's really not designed for spirited driving.

I dunno, I'll try to do another test drive over the weekend, and will also test a lightly used BMW X5 and Lexus RX500h. The X5 will no doubt be the fastest and best handling of the bunch, but it might also be a bit too pretentious (it would be cheaper to purchase lightly used though, and would return much better fuel economy too, but maintenance will be expensive). Then there is the Lexus RX500h (with the same engine as the Land Cruiser!), which will be a bit less pretentious than a BMW, but it also gives off old people vibes. I'm in my early 40s, but still, I don't feel quite that old yet haha.

Also on some level, not sure I should jump on a first model year of this vehicle and perhaps better to wait a couple years and have Toyota iron out all the kinks first. So perhaps driving around in a BMW or Lexus for 2-3 years is just the ticket...

Skip the BMW. I still have two in the garage and have kept them for sentimental reasons. Unless you’re a glutton for maintenance and repair, I find there are comparable rides out there of the Japanese variety, like Lexus as you pointed out.

 

[chrisw2069]

I didn’t buy the LC to be a “sports car”… i find it does what it’s intended to do…. It’s peppy and fun! But, if one desire more HP… buy a V8! Bronco Raptor or what other brand that people want to fly down the road in (getting tickets)… the LC is peppy enough to have fun and look good doing it…. I don’t need to race anyone…. Have fun in the dirt and you won’t notice it’s a 4 banger!

 

[starfly]

Skip the BMW. I still have two in the garage and have kept them for sentimental reasons. Unless you’re a glutton for maintenance and repair, I find there are comparable rides out there of the Japanese variety, like Lexus as you pointed out.

According to consumer reports, modern BMWs are quite reliable. #5 brand in terms of reliability, behind Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Acura. Which is quite a feat. I do believe that yes, maintenance costs overall will be a lot higher than on a Japanese brand. Will also depend on the specific model and engine you're getting. If you get one with the inline 6 B58 engine, at least the drivetrain should be bombproof. I am aware that typically other parts can fail on a BMW, such as waterpumps.

Anyway, I'll see. I do really like the LC. It's a very cool looking vehicle and it ticks almost every box. It's just a bit pricey and at this price other vehicles come into play as well which makes the decision a bit more challenging, particularly since I'll be using it on the road 99% of the time.

 

[cvx5832LC]

According to consumer reports, modern BMWs are quite reliable. #5 brand in terms of reliability, behind Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Acura. Which is quite a feat. I do believe that yes, maintenance costs overall will be a lot higher than on a Japanese brand. Will also depend on the specific model and engine you're getting. If you get one with the inline 6 B58 engine, at least the drivetrain should be bombproof. I am aware that typically other parts can fail on a BMW, such as waterpumps.

Anyway, I'll see. I do really like the LC. It's a very cool looking vehicle and it ticks almost every box. It's just a bit pricey and at this price other vehicles come into play as well which makes the decision a bit more challenging, particularly since I'll be using it on the road 99% of the time.

There are surveys, then there's actual experience. Don't get me wrong, I like how they drive, but maintenance isn't the only thing you have to worry about on a BMW. I've owned, in this order: E39, E46, E90, E46 (yes, I bought two) and an F10. The F10 is a 2015 with only ~120k miles, so be your own judge and sift through my log and see if any of that is "normal" (for the mileage).

MotorLogBook - get rid of those binders!

motorlogbook.com

That said, my advice is worth every penny you paid for it.

 

[DJW]

I traded in a Jeep GC with the 5.7L V8 Hemi and I'm not at all disappointed in the performance of the LC. I've been driving it since July.

 

[ryroam250]

I test drove the LC and overall really liked it. Love the up high king of the road seating position (coming from a Rav4), it's smooth and comfortable, pretty quiet, and has plenty of low-end torque. I tested the 1958 version. It overall has enough power I guess, almost feels a bit like a Turbo Diesel in terms of power delivery and sound, but I do wish it had a bit more power overall. For such a powerful 326hp engine, I would have expected a bit faster acceleration, and it might be due to the 8-speed transmission gearing, which needs to shift into 3rd gear around 55mph, which takes another split second, kind of slowing the overall acceleration. It feels like for this amount of power this should be more like a sub 7s 0-60 vehicle, but it's closer to 8s 0-60.

Look, before you all start saying "this is a Land Cruiser, not a race car" bla bla, I get that. I'm also not asking for that level of performance, as then I'd just go buy a BMW X5. Just a touch more would make it more satisfying to drive overall. Like the GX550 engine is just a bit more powerful, but it's almost 2 seconds faster 0-60 and it might be largely due to the 10spd transmission in that one. That's kind of what I'm talking about (but I don't want the GX550 because it has horrible fuel economy and also requires premium fuel).

I know this engine is also used in the Lexus RX500h, Tacoma and Grand Highlander. Is it likely that future performance upgrades will come for this engine, such as chip tunes, etc? I would think so, but haven't found anything yet with my Google searches.

Edit: Also talking about after-market upgrades.

K&N is currently working on some things

 

[cvx5832LC]

I traded in a Jeep GC with the 5.7L V8 Hemi and I'm not at all disappointed in the performance of the LC. I've been driving it since July.

Same. Had a 6.2 and while that technically had more torque, the LC is immensely more fun to drive because I don't have to wind it up.

And just as fantastic is how that torque comes with 50% less cylinders and 62% less displacement.

 

[jbtaco2002]

JB4 was mentioned in an earlier post and i found this, assuming it is not for U.S. hybrid LC250's, but does anyone know?

i'm watching the OTT tuning threads in the Tacoma side of things as well, seen a couple of impressive dyno charts rivaling 5.7L V8 #'s

i know most who buy a new $70k LC aren't jumping into tunes, but I have to admit, it is a bit exciting to know there's more power on tap if properly tuned and responsibly driven!

JB4 for 2024+ Toyota LandCruiser 2.4L Turbo -26776-2

 

[PDPete]

No, It’s not gonna win any contests off the line, but since owning mine I’ve been very happy with the power, if not impressed particularly when having to accelerate to pass on the highway or merge from on-ramps. Even maintaining speed and accelerating on uphill stretches seems effortless when the turbo and hybrid motor kick in.

My last daily driver was also a RAV4 (like OP), and I’ve found the LC to be a better driving experience in almost all aspects…but I knew exactly what kind of vehicle I was purchasing with the LC (i.e. not a sports or performance-tuned car), and for the price, I’d obviously expect the LC to be an overall improvement

 

[LandcruiserNut]

Google Image Result for https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/lookaside/crawler/media/?media_id=1239961070184473&get_thumbnail=1

Might be too much power??

 

[HammerTheWall]

Anyway, I'll see. I do really like the LC. It's a very cool looking vehicle and it ticks almost every box. It's just a bit pricey and at this price other vehicles come into play as well which makes the decision a bit more challenging, particularly since I'll be using it on the road 99% of the time.

Not wanting this to come off as an attack - but if you're going to be on the road 99% of the time, why consider a vehicle that is built around being a very off-road capable vehicle?

It's a heavy box with full-time 4WD and a lot of off-road gadgetry that will never be a "sporty" type of vehicle on the highway. It's capable and fun, but I think if you're looking for more power and will be on the road most of the time there are much better options out there to give you what you're looking for. Genuinely curious, and again, not an attack.

 

[TrailWhale]

if you're going to be on the road 99% of the time, why consider a vehicle that is built around being a very off-road capable vehicle?

Because that 1% provides 99% of the joy.

 

[jbtaco2002]

any frustration i have with this vehicle's performance is 100% tied to how it responds(and sounds when cold) from a stop when starting to accelerate. 1st gear just needs a tweak.

i know it's big and heavy, but giving it a bit more throttle going like 35MPH, and it takes off... this drive train can move this car, i think the iMAX portion needs to send more juice and for longer off the line = problem solved

 

[PDPete]

any frustration i have with this vehicle's performance is 100% tied to how it responds(and sounds when cold) from a stop when starting to accelerate. 1st gear just needs a tweak.

i know it's big and heavy, but giving it a bit more throttle going like 35MPH, and it takes off... this drive train can move this car, i think the iMAX portion needs to send more juice and for longer off the line = problem solved

I agree with this...I'm often curious why the hybrid motor doesn't like to contribute at all to acceleration when taking off from a stop. I've even found that getting up to like 25 MPH, ease off the gas for a split second then re-apply the gas pedal and the hybrid kicks in and it's very peppy.

97% of the time, the standard behavior is fine with me, but it would be nice to be able to get a bit more quickness off a start if I needed/wanted it.

 

[papsford]

I ordered the catback exhaust and CAI from aFe, will report back to the group on how much performance improvement they provide. Having done similar mods to other turbo motors on past cars -- the improvement can be substantial.