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It was time to cycle some vehicles around. I sold my 2022 Ram PXL in the fall and spent a few months making a final decision on what to get. My wife wanted a new GX, which we traded her Gladiator for and I thought it would be nifty to get the new LC, so that's what I landed on.
I found a dealer on one of the facebook groups and got, what I felt like, a good deal.
It's a 2026 with the premium pkg on the 18" wheels and I love it.
I've had a 2015 and 2016 200 series. The 2016 was a full overland build.
I like the 250 so much better. It feels spry and nimble and it has all the latest tech in terms of screens, safety sense, etc.
The internet says the 200 series was only about 400 lbs heavier but they felt a lot more than that. You could really feel it in highway turns and on the trail, even with the BP-51 suspension I had on the 2016 - although it was better than stock.
I'm also coming out of a 2021 sequoia (2nd gen), so the 250 feels smaller and much more nimble.
Being able to compare my wife's GX with the new LC, side by side - has been fun and interesting. It's strange, to me, that the LC has some wind noise from the windshield and the GX does not. Obviously the GX is nicer inside, but most of the tech is pretty much the same, although packaged a little differently. I'm disappointed the LC doesn't have a leather-wrapped steering wheel but like that it feels a little more rugged, even if that's just my perception.
I'm still in the air as far as how I want to approach this vehicle. I'm not "overlanding" as much as I used to but I've got the itch to make some changes. For now, I put on some new KO3's and am really happy with the look and feel thus far. I did plus-one size, 275/70/18 - but kinda regret not doing plus 2 as it seems like I would have had the space. I may swap these onto my wife's GX when I find her some 18" wheels and go up a size.
I considered the Westcott pre-load collar lift, but I kept hearing it would reduce down travel and stiffen up the front. I decided to hold off until I decide if I want to lift it or not - which I'm leaning more towards an actual lift (BP51?).
I'm also disappointed in the gas tank size and overall range. With the street tires it came with, I was seeing 20 mpg on the highway on my trip home (80 ish on the highway), but now I suspect it'll be around 17-18 ish mpg, or less. This would knock my range to 270-282 usable miles with the 2 gallon reserve - which sucks. I can only imagine adding storage in the back, bumpers, roof rack, RTT, etc. etc....
I talked with Slee Offroad yesterday, a reputable Land Cruiser brand I've worked with in the past, about their larger fuel tank option (FK). This is something I'll do if possible. If I can almost
double the fuel capacity, or
increase it by more than 50%, that would be a huge win. They explained they have a minimum order, which they have to balance with actual demand and a lead time of 3-6 weeks to get them in. They're an overseas import, so they've also been having to navigate the recent complexities that have come with that as well.
I think a fuel tank replacement is the best option for me. I had a spare tire replacement tank on my 2016 LC, and while it was awesome, it displaced my spare, which then required a swingout, which would require a bumper or a hitch-mount solution - both of which are unsavory to me. My spare needs to live in it's stock location.
Anyway, we'll see how the gas tank replacement solution plays out.
Since my 4Runner days, I always said if I did another SUV overland build, I'd keep it light and simple, so I'll very likely
not do bumpers, winch, etc. But rear storage is a likelihood, along with a roofrack.
I really like the look of the new Tacoma's TRD Pro wheels - which is what I'd do if I can find a set (not many take-offs in the Orlando area). But for now, the stock 18's will do. I have a set of Spidertrax spacers coming, but we'll see if they create too much poke for me. I'm not a fan of the 0-35 offset look. I think 45 is the max I'd do as from what I can tell, that seems perfect to me.
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Before I picked up the LC, I got the
OffRoam phone mount in - that's about the only option for me. I ran one of their mounts in my 2022 Ram for years and it was the best. Simple, small, unobtrusive, it's great. Their LC mount continues on that theme and I love it. Can't wait to get their GX mount for my wife.
Anyway - just wanted to introduce myself and share a photo. Let me know if you have any questions or feedback on my ideas!
Jason Koertge
