Considering an LX570. 1st, 2nd and 3rd priority is safety. I know it is very heavy- near 6,000lbs.which is great BUT it is frame on body. All things equal FOB is inferior to uni-body construction with regards to crash tests. This vehicle has not been crash tested to my knowledge. A variant of the Land Cruise (200) was and I believe it did ok. My question is, how safe do you think it is- does anyone have any real world crash experience in this vehicle. The heavy, strong frame might act similar to a trailer hitch (rigid) which has been proven to increase loads on occupants e.g., whiplash injuries. Uni-body crushes like a can so it absorbs more of the energy evenly. Aside from hitting another vehicle, it could hit a stationary object. I am curious how protected it's occupants would be.

Do you think it would be safer than e.g., an RX350, all things being equal? It would probably roll-over easier than the RX. I just wish they had crash data- makes me hesitate on the purchase. Thinking of getting a slightly pre-owned one- any suggestion on the best year e.g., features vs value proposition? I was thinking '17 or '18 with <20k miles.

Thanks!

 

I'd call the LX more properly as a variant of the Land Cruiser. I'd search HERE for threads on wrecks...

Threads appear occasionally, and I've never seen one where the driver and passengers did not walk away.

The RX is a very different vehicle beyond just the unibody construction.

 

You may want to read this thread on ih8mud

 

Thank you both for your replies. I was aware of those links. Some of those threads are simply people's opinions- no real hard data. It does however seems like the general consensus is that the massive weight, forward mass will help the LX prevail in a crash. That mostly makes sense to me. I have also seen where a couple of competitors to the LX with body on frame designs were crash tested and did well so all BOF designs might not to too bad. THE LC, LC200 and LX have also both been out so long that if it were particularly unsafe, I'm sure we would have heard something by now or design improvements would have been made. I wish they made a 6,000 uni-body truck.

So, hands down, does everyone agree that a LX would fair better than the RX (all things being equal?) I know it's not an equal comparison but the new 2020 Highlander is also somewhat compelling- uni-body and about 4,000lbs. Heavier and better crash scores than the RX350 and 32 MPG w//hybrid option.

If anyone else has thoughts on the safety of the frame on body LX, please share your thoughts! We are also not 4x4 people- and will drive 99.99% of the time on pavement. Can anyone recommend any other potential, safe and reliable options? I love the LX but that 13mpg is killing me!

Thanks again- great forum!

 

I have the LX because of the safety and reliability it provides. I usually have 3 little kids in the car. bought the LX470 then on my 3rd lx570 now. I knew I am going to buy this suv one day because I saw an LX470 in a bad accident with a f250 I think about 15 years ago . Everyone walked away..I was amazed, There are probably so many factors to consider but I am pretty sure its safer than an RX. I like the RX had every iteration of them very nice SUVs but compared to the LX they feel like a toy. The Hybrid RX is nice, basically the same as the highlander hybrid which I think is even better (useable 3rd row) The gas mileage is where it hurts the most. I absolutely love these suvs very reliable and rare. I see 10 Rx even before I am out of my development.

 

Thank you UZ214! Any pics of your LX? This is what I need to hear- real world situations. All the comments and links are very much appreciated. I know there is also something to the theory of momentum- where the bigger heavier vehicle will push through smaller objects, hence absorbing less impact itself- like a punch. Against an immovable object is another story. I'm getting more convinced- now if someone can invent a module to save on fuel- get me to say 20MPG, that would be winning! Any cylinder deactivation devices available for that vehicle e.g., conditions=highway speeds, x rpm, etc. Ironically they do this on fuel sipping 4 cylinders but not the LX.

 

Why, with safety your three top priorities, are you considering an untested LX570? There are numerous lists rating the safest SUVs. Crash test data is available for comparable vehicles to the LX..

Do you want an LX so badly that you are searching for reasons to justify a purchase, despite the lack of crash safety testing data? I bet we have all been in similar situations with vehicles we really lusted after but not logically fitting into our personal list of priorities.

And do not forget about choosing a vehicle with the best active crash avoidance systems that are available today. Prevention is always preferable to depending on crush zones and air bags.

 

A 6000 lb. unibody truck would not have the inherent strength to accept much of a load...were it capable, you could buy one. You're not talking early VW "pickups" or Honda Ridgline "trucks"...though I wouldn't mind a Subi Brat if I tripped over a good one as just a grocery getter.

If you're not going off road, why an LX, given your safety concerns?

Were you aware of 200 series typical mpg performance?? What's puzzling is why the mileage worries if you dropped $100K-ish on a new one or half that on a used one? This place is beginning to sound like the Lexus poverty forum.

 

hankinid- Thank you for your reply- I think. I'm not sure though that I agree with most of what you said e.g., that engineers can't design composite or uni-body structures that are large and without frames. Certain aircraft and bridge structures come to mind. I'm not sure if you have an engineering background, but if so, you could relate this type of creative engineering to post tension cable designs used to eliminate the strengthen concrete slabs often used on high-rises and bridges. This design keeps the weight down while adding strength in key areas. The point is, from a technical stand-point, there are many ways to achieve structural integrity/strength sans the use of a traditional ladder frame. In an automotive context, the large 5,800 lb. Chevrolet Avalanche and the 4, 500lb. Honda Ridgeline are examples of large uni-body trucks. They simply incorporate D pillars and/or sail pillars in key areas. These structures add strength while keeping the weight down. Also, the Tesla concept Cybertruck proposes to be able to tow 7,500+ lbs. and it will use a uni-body / exoskeleton.

I'm also not sure why you would mention a subi brat when I was clear that safety is my #1 priority. I would not consider that a safe vehicle- despite the Subaru badge. It certainly would not fare well up against the likes of a typical modern day SUV (never against a LX type vehicle). Even as a "grocery getter" it's a poor choice. It's a well-known stat that 52% of car accidents occur within 5 miles of one's home- Source: Progressive Insurance.

Lastly, I think I speak for most of us when I sat that your comment about the "LEXUS POVERTY FORUM" is not particularly appreciated. You also made a false assumption. My concern over the MPG is not that I can't afford it- that's ridiculous. That is clearly coming from your lens. In reality, it is that most reasonable people want a more efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle. It is also far less convenient having to stop to fuel up more frequently.

As a point of reference, I also happen to own a newer Lexus GS350 and I am in the process of selling an SUV we have had for 10 years. It too gets very poor MPG, but we like it so we have kept it. Now it's time to upgrade. In the last ten years I have seen a lot of accidents on the road as a result of increased driver inattention (mainly from texting and rampant DUI.) For these reasons, I am prioritizing safety- that's about all there is too it. As FYI, we chose to put ~$3k into the SUV last month. We are selling it and wanted the new owner to get a vehicle in perfect working order. It was not necessary, but the right thing to do. I also put in a new $400 remote starter- nice to have during the winter. It worked fine before but I wanted to upgrade the brakes, change all the struts, belts, new radiator/thermostat, hoses, plugs, exhaust, etc. We will never get that money back, but the new owner will get a great vehicle that will last a long time. Does this still sound like someone who needs to be in a "poverty forum?" I think not.

In conclusion, your sincere comments, as they add value are appreciated but for your own sake, I suggest that you chose your glib comments carefully- after learning the facts. On the flip side, even if someone was struggling, but saved up to buy their first Lexus, there is not shame in that. These forums are for everyone. Labels and comments like yours are uncalled for.

 

Reggie1- Thanks and I agree with a lot of what you said but I think at 6,000 lbs., the LX should be relatively very safe. the LC200 was tested and it seemed to do OK- basically same vehicle I believe. That said, I value your opinion so if you can suggest another vehicle(s) around that weight, let me know. The typical top 3 options, I don't see lasting long past their warranties- the LX is essentially the Land Cruise and it's proven to last ~25 years. Crash tests are great but weight trumps nearly all. The LX also happens to be a very nice vehicle so it does in fact logically fit my personal list of priorities.

Good point about active avoidance systems- though I'm not sure many today are ready for prime time- the one's I drove were not consistent and somewhat glitchy. An alert, careful driver is the main key- good visibility and definitely blind spot monitors also help. I don't necessarily need a vehicle that has the ability to stop in the fast lane of traffic.

 

LX 570 is probably pretty safe. The only available crashtest is Australian ANCAP test of Land Cruiser 200. You have probably seen it:
https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-rati...cruiser/c30fdb
On the other side, there are always some limitations which are common for all body on frame SUVs. You can look at the new 2019 MB G-class crash tests (EURO NCAP). I has 5 stars mainly because all the driving assistants. If you look at the details of the barrier tests, the results are far from perfect.
I am O.K. with that because I needed an SUV which is good both on-road and off-road. And there is no competition for LX. If I would not need taking my SUV offroad, I would never buy LX. Body on frame SUV with a solid rear axle can never be perfect for highway driving.

 

I was going relate accident anecdotes and put together a list of vehicles. But then I decided to go with this. If you are of the "a car is just a way to haul my *** down the road" school, this won't apply to you.

Buy what you really want and will put a smile on your face when you drive it., because it will be the last vehicle you will ever own.

Someday this will be true; you just don't know the last part in advance..

 

Thanks REGGIE1- all true and you gave me some new things to thing about e.g., the solid rear axle not riding as nice- primarily on the road, etc. You don't seem to argue with the reliability of the LX though. I watched that video- the G wagon it seemed to do just OK but maybe some whiplash especially in the backseats. Other Body on Frames inn 2019 did better so it matters by each vehicle. Also, these vehicle would do considerably better against another smaller vehicle since the LX would likely not come to an aggressive stop so quickly. It would be more like a tank. They are also rigid- essentially all frame yet since they go over cars and through walls, the occupants seem to do just fine. That would be my analogy. Again, against an immovable object- a BOF design won't do as great as uni-body, period. There are just many factors. On today's roads, you are most likely to encounter vehicles in the ~3,000-4,000lb range- probably 80% of the commuter profile sans trucks and commercial vehicles.

Since you seem to know about vehicles, are there ANY OTHER VEHICLES that might chose/recommend, again with safety and at least 5,000lbs.-6,000lb weight in mind- that will be reliable long term? Also, even though we don't do any 4x4 now, if we got it, we might do some very light fun driving on some trails- and we will also drive in the snow so we will use the 4x4 but just to a very limited degree.

 

You aren't making any friends on the forums by insulting a well respected member because you don't agree with them.

Here are a few facts. Feel free to insult me if you don't agree as I won't be responding to you in this thread.

The government and independent agencies test cars in certain scenarios and rate them. In theory, every 5 star rated car is the same - from a Smart car to an F-150 pick-up, but not having been tested doesn't mean it isn't as safe as the best rated car that has been tested.A 5 star rating from the 1990's is far different from a 5 star rating today.

The bottom line is that it depends on the specifics of the accident and what you hit (or what hits you) and at what speed.

If you get hit by a "regular" vehicle (or have a "regular" accident), then there's a great chance you'll be fine in any modern vehicle sold in a western country (5 star or not) - and probably dead if your vehicle (regardless of rating) is squished between a tanker trailer going 70 and a retaining wall. If the car isn't flattened then the resulting fire will most certainly kill you.

Since you don't know what kind of accident you'll have, you also don't know what kind of a car to buy.

 

cb1111, thanks for the post. I tend to post as I see fit and if someone disagrees, other than staff or a moderator here, I just consider the source and go about my business. After all, it's the internet, and the post speaks for itself.

If my primary criteria for purchasing a vehicle is safety in, God forbid, an accident, I'd be looking at a used school bus or an Abrams tank.