as a LC300 and LX500D owner , I can say that , they are different , even with the same power train , the LX does a much smoother ride , even the engine sound is different , all in all , Toyota only put 70% of work on Toyota , but on Lexus , they put 100% .
Ive been driving a 23 LX Luxury for about 10 months now. I think Lexus took the full frame vehicle as far as it can go. While the capabilities do create some compromise, the build quality in my opinion is unmatched by anything. In truth with the exception of trips to a cabin mine will see very little off roading. I understand the opinion that if your not using it for that the compromises make no sense. So as an owner I will say that my reasoning is very simply that it is that in spite of anything, a very substantial extremley high quality vehicle. I admit it has a learning expectation curve. In my case after 9k miles, and despite the steep price, I feel very fortunate to own it, and love driving it. The 4.33 twin turbo and 10 speed is magnificent. The Lexus service in my experience is unmatched. The question as to is it worth the cost? I can't, nor do I desire to determine that for another, to me, absolutley. Very interesting review.
The Lexus looks like a sumptuously luxurious land yacht and I think I’d be frightened to take it anywhere off road for fear of getting it dirty. It’s built on a very competent platform, but the cost is eye wateringly high, albeit for the massive size of the petrol engine it’s “relatively efficient”. My 4WD years in PNG are long ago, but the extraordinary luxury in the Lexus 4WD’s is almost unimaginable to me, and even now if I wanted to drive off road the Lexus wouldn’t be the car to use. It surely costs small fortune to run and maintain as well as to buy. The massive grill up front is a little too spectacular for my taste. Lexus quality, as always, appears superb. But I agree this vehicle is surely better to use for towing and not to take off road. An interesting and excellent review as always, thanks for introducing these vehicles.
The LX500D looks perfect for my use in the NT. Long highway trips, corrigated dirt road runs, and a lot of boat towing. As far as "off roading" goes, I would take it on most trails as long as the vegetation does not overhang onto the track. Never took my 200 series on those trails either. Not a big fan of door sctratches
Regarding playing games on those screens: This is something I'm always curious about when they offer HDMI inputs, but they're usually not that useful. One of the guys on another channel I follow, TheStraightPipes who are based in Canada, actually does try playing game consoles on those sort of in-built screens and routinely comes out disappointed. I haven't seen if they've tested this vehicle, but in other cases the latency is just too high, often more than half a second of delay. They're very much for plugging in a portable DVD/Blu-ray player rather than for gaming.
You are limited in experience with a 2yr old in the back seat, in appreciating the benefits of back seat entertainment… but that’s ok, you will get there sooner than you think - kids grow so fast!! With 2 boys 9-12 yrs old in the back seat of my car, I’d be comparing this model with the 300 series Sahara+… and I’d be curious to know what European cars offer this level of back seat entertainment. When they offer HDMI, the possibilities are endless - Nintendo Switch capability for a start, or DVD player, laptop for long car rides… Happy back seat passengers, happy front seat passengers with the silence that ensures.
I had to go waayy way out of the way to get one without rear seat entertainment, halfway across the US (American buyer). Yes they do tow well as mentioned.
Funny thing about this Lexus... is how much they depreciate a few years later... when compared to that Land Cruiser even though it is actually a Land Cruiser. For example a 2020 Lexus is for sale for about $140k and I've seen plenty of LC 200 still going for over $160K. I think you get more bang for your buck... but it might be not have the right appeal for Australians.
If I was looking for a luxury SUV capable of moderate off road iId buy a Range Rover. If I was looking for a serious 4WD SUV I'd buy the 300 & give it a lift. I'll qualify this by saying I have a Range Rover sport & a heavily modified 300 Sahara. The lexus is a very nice vehicle but it isn't a serious off road machine especially on 22 inch wheels & for on road there are so many better driving SUV's. If you like the look & the feel of this car go for it & enjoy - everything is personal choice & the right choice for you is whatever you decide it is.
I actually like it but I do not like that grill. It’s just a ridiculous adornment, so, until Lexus wake up to themselves and completely redesign that awful monstrosity, I won’t buy. Oh and one more thing, no, you don’t need a film crew. You do an excellent, high quality job.
Nice review. Personally, I think its quite ugly the LC300 sport looks far better. It reaaly wouldnt surprise me that will see a few of those park outside of school to maximise its off road capability. hahah
It's only 100 Watt so no. You can charge a laptop or similar. There are cig lighter style power points you could probably use to power a portable fridge.
From my perspective, the only reason you'd buy the Lexus over the Cruiser, would be to get petrol power. If that's your real desire, save many $ and buy a Patrol. Really old school & really low tech, but..... 5.6 litre v8, last of the line! #therightcar
And I assume you'll be funding this by supporting the channel? If not, don't make unreasonable requests. He's a freelance journalist and this channel is mostly just one person, not a massive company.
