Hello everyone,

As the title states, I just wanted to take some time to give my thoughts regarding these two vehicles to help those who may want to cross shop them.

I have now owned both of these. I had a 2011 GX460 that I loved and put a lot of work into to make it a very capable offroader and comfortable daily driver.




I now own a 2021 LC 200 Heritage edition 2-row since July 2021.


I forgive people for saying that they didn't know I got a new car - since they do look somewhat similar.

While I loved my GX460 I always thought I would really love the LC200. It is iconic, has more size, more power, but pretty much on the same suspension system (KDSS).

Here are my pros and cons for the LC200 compared to the GX460:
Pro:
Its larger. I have two kids - this holds their stuff better for trips.
The tailgate: The wife loves to take the kids to the park and sit in the back of the LC200 with the shade from the upper part of the liftgate. Its a perfect feature to have on a SUV
The roof rack: Raised rails are so much better than the flush ones on the GX (this has been fixed with the PRADO rails on the new 2022 GX460 black line edition
The engine: The LC200 5.7L is a much better fit for a large SUV. The GX would often struggle/downshift hard on hills going 80MPH, but the LC200 is able to do it with ease.
Radar cruise: The system on the 2021 LC200 is much more refined compared to the 2011 GX.

Con:
The range/MPG. The LC200 goes about 250-320 miles per tank. This is unacceptable really. A Landcruiser is worthless without gas. The GX had a slightly smaller tank but due to better MPG had a range of 300-375+. I had to install the 40 gallon LRA Aux tank to keep my sanity.
AC seats - these were much better in the GX. I can barely feel them on the LC200.
Plastics: The GX had much higher quality plastics throughout, the LC200 is very noticeably a lower end vehicle
Seat durability: The GX seats looked nearly brand new when I sold it. The LC200 has car seat indentations that don't go away after just a few months of use.
Alternative tire mounting options: GX460 has the Prado rear door retrofit. There isn't a good OEM solution for the spare tire for the LC200 which is an issues for me since I have the 40 gallon LRA tank.
Lack of easily installed rock rails: The GX460 had screw holes in the frame for rails, the LC200 does not and installing aftermarket ones are a pain. I liked having the 4Runner rails on my GX.
Turning radius: Much worse on the LC200 compared to the GX
Parts: The LC200 is rarer and used parts are more expensive.


Otherwise they are VERY similar vehicles.

Hope that helps everyone!

 

Dare I say the GX looked better?

I can obviously answer questions you may have about comparing these two.

 

Two very nice rides. If I could get myself to part with that much $$ for the LC200, I'm pretty darn sure it would be my forever vehicle. I have a coworker that bought one new in 2016, and he's said it's his last new vehicle. Congrats, and glad you've enjoyed both!

 

Wow the seats in the LC must be really bad! People complain about the airflow from the GX all the time.
I didn't think it could be worse...
I looked at both 100 and 200 series when shopping for a truck and decided the worse MPG, slightly too big size, and comparable capability to the GX made them both unworthy of a purchase.

I do prefer the LC styling (or maybe lack there of) but that is subjective.

 

Both are sharp, but I like the wheels on your 200 better, and overall the 200 is a more impressive looking vehicle.

I was surprised to hear your comments about the 200 being an obviously lower quality vehicle with respect to interior materials!

 

Nice ride the LC200 is a classic especially the heritage edition.

IMO what you pointed out last is one of the big advantages of the GX since it has its Toyota Prado sibling parts are easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Though the rarity of the LC200 is what makes it a classic.

 

If you are not too heavy with the pedal in the GX you can get even more range - I got over 400 miles per tank on my road trip.

 

During our summer 11-state 5420mi road trip out west in late June there were long stretches where I got ~450mi out a tank of petrol twice and almost 500mi once. Around town, strong winds and up/down higher elevations is where the MPG suffers generally. My overall average was less due to the aforementioned plus some slow off-roading otherwise I would of averaged better.

 

I’m hugely disappointed to hear about the seats and the seat ventilation. How’s the Lexus LX versus the LC200? Also does the LC200 have more legroom?

 

I suppose the LX would be a good amalgamation of both

 

I looked at a Land Cruiser/ Lexus LX also.

I just felt like the GX was 90% of a Land Cruiser at almost half the price (new). I could almost buy 2 GX's.

I prefer the larger size of the Land Cruiser but a few inches of legroom was mostly what I was after and it just didn't seem worth it to me. The fuel economy of the LC also scared me a bit, just a lot of city driving and it really is a gas pig.

 

Its all about that tail gate. That is the one thing I wish the GX had that the LC200/LX570 has, a true tail gate. I don't care about losing the V8, its the loss of the tailgate (well, that and the high cost ) which will keep me from ever migrating up to the LC300/LX600. Liftgate is weak.

 

I’m 6’2” and have been inadvertently whacked in the head by more than a few tailgates in my years. My wife’s last vehicle was a Yukon Denali with a sinister desire to bang me in the head. The swing door is one of my absolute favorite features of the GX. I do love the LC200 and the LX variant but will continue to enjoy the GXs we have and the lack of noggin bumps.

 

We just got a 2021GX, took advantage of dealer giving high discount to get rid of the 21 before lot got the 22's, before we made the decision, we looked for a LC200, but the premium they wanted was beyond reasonable. No way I'll pay over MSRP on any car, its not worth it, and the used pricing was crazy as well.
Then we looked into the LX, but again pricing was not worth it, hoped for a good deal as the redesigned LC300 had been revealed and the next gen LX is baed on that one, but the few available went at msrp or above.
Would have loved a LC/LX but we are very happy with the GX, its our daily driver and will get 25-30k miles a year

NB, did check out the 4Runner and had a 22 build, but dealer would not commit, and the with the GX discounted the price difference was only a few thousands, so the GX became a no brainer. My CFO, read wife, anyway wanted a Lexus so the 4Runner did not really stand a chance

 

Yep. This is a good way to think about it.