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.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a61557962/2024-toyota-land-cruiser-first-edition-test/

 

[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.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a61557962/2024-toyota-land-cruiser-first-edition-test/

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.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a61557962/2024-toyota-land-cruiser-first-edition-test/

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.