Land Cruiser has a ride problem

[Don]

I seem to have more noise from my doors - especially if there is any cross wind - than from my sunroof.

Its probably the big mirrors. At high speed I find folding the mirrors reduces noise

 

[ultane]

So...the Landcruiser has a ride problem? No.....if you believe so...i think you may have made a poor purchase?

X

 

[ultane]

It’s probably the big mirrors. At high speed I find folding the mirrors reduces noise

Folding them in does significantly reduce the noise… it just feels weird, like I am loosing some situational awareness, if that make any sense..

 

[YWG_YYZ]

I have just made an offer to trade in my 2022 Sienna for a used 2024 LC 1958. I have recently tested a 6G 4Runner TRD Sport
I have had good amount of seat time in BoF vehicles like 2022 Gladiator (Sahara), 2022 GX460, unibody SUVs (BMW X3/X5, Audi Q3/5/7, 2013 Mercedes ML, 2012 Ridgeline, 2004 Lexus RX) etc.
I think ride comfort is very subjective, and not very easy to describe; and it's rating is largely based on personal reference and preference.

I think the LC rides worse than expected. Specifically on roads with quick multiple bumps. It has the characteristic of BoF jitter after a small bump, and exacerbated by multiple of small bumps over short distances. It feels busy. The same is NOT true if there is a large bump, and if the bumps are not close together. It does the isolation better than 6G 4runner, and Gladiator, but significantly worse than J150 GX460, and even the current crops of 1/2 ton domestic pickups like the RAM 1500 (regular suspension).
I think the LC does well with overall body control when it comes to lean in a sustained corner, or left/right motion over multiple bumps that only affects one side of the wheels/tires.
Seeing the differences in opinion (either positive or negative) is likely due to personal reference/preference, and the type of roads the LC is being driven on.

I cannot say that it significantly bothers me enough, or else I would not have made the switch; but I hope that it could be better (as I know they have done better with J250 GX).

The door sound is also interesting. I don't think the door is particularly light, but I think it has more to do with the spring mechanism, as the Germans (even the Golf) have a more substantial feel. The sound that the door makes, I just think of it as character. It is no worse than GX or LX in the past, and it will never be as satisfying as a G wagon.

 

[EOD Guy]

I have just made an offer to trade in my 2022 Sienna for a used 2024 LC 1958. I have recently tested a 6G 4Runner TRD Sport
I have had good amount of seat time in BoF vehicles like 2022 Gladiator (Sahara), 2022 GX460, unibody SUVs (BMW X3/X5, Audi Q3/5/7, 2013 Mercedes ML, 2012 Ridgeline, 2004 Lexus RX) etc.
I think ride comfort is very subjective, and not very easy to describe; and it's rating is largely based on personal reference and preference.

I think the LC rides worse than expected. Specifically on roads with quick multiple bumps. It has the characteristic of BoF jitter after a small bump, and exacerbated by multiple of small bumps over short distances. It feels busy. The same is NOT true if there is a large bump, and if the bumps are not close together. It does the isolation better than 6G 4runner, and Gladiator, but significantly worse than J150 GX460, and even the current crops of 1/2 ton domestic pickups like the RAM 1500 (regular suspension).
I think the LC does well with overall body control when it comes to lean in a sustained corner, or left/right motion over multiple bumps that only affects one side of the wheels/tires.
Seeing the differences in opinion (either positive or negative) is likely due to personal reference/preference, and the type of roads the LC is being driven on.

I cannot say that it significantly bothers me enough, or else I would not have made the switch; but I hope that it could be better (as I know they have done better with J250 GX).

The door sound is also interesting. I don't think the door is particularly light, but I think it has more to do with the spring mechanism, as the Germans (even the Golf) have a more substantial feel. The sound that the door makes, I just think of it as character. It is no worse than GX or LX in the past, and it will never be as satisfying as a G wagon.

Welcome to the Jungle!

 

[Altitude]

I know this may sound crazy - but shouldn't the OFF button turn off the fan on the ac/heater? I ran into the situation the other day where it was cool outside in the morning so the "heat" came on. BUT, I didn't want heat or AC and tried all the way to work to get the fan to go off with NO LUCK. IF the OFF button is not for that - what DOES it turn off? I spent a few minutes looking thru the manual after I got to work - but couldn't locate it fast enough, and then have not thought about it again until I saw this post.

I’d think it turns the fan off too.

 

[Bajacruzzer]

I have owned many Toyota’s, nobody makes a better stock Offroadable vehicle that you can drive off of the showroom floor.
Offroadable, is that a word?

 

[Mafia_del_Perro]

when i test drive the 1958 feels bumpy loool but i buy anyway 3 days later change tires and now is really nice feel i really njoy driving my 1958 basic L truck

 

[Bajacruzzer]

Mine had 42 pounds of tire pressure when I picked it up from the Dealership, it was definitely bumpy. I dropped the tire pressure to 34 pounds cold, now it’s nice and smooth.

 

[ultane]

when i test drive the 1958 feels bumpy loool but i buy anyway 3 days later change tires and now is really nice feel i really njoy driving my 1958 basic L truck

Welcome to the asylum.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

I had a raptor as well. Ford did a good job of making those ride smoothly. Prior to that I had a tacoma. This ride feels similar to the tacoma's to me. I upgraded the tacoma to King suspension which vastly improved the ride in all aspects. I am wondering if it is just how Toyota tunes their suspension.

7400lbs???

 

[Sugarloafer80]

Just a background to give you guys some perspective on the expected ride quality, I’ve had just about any offroad suv/ truck from jeep jl/ jk/ gladiator/ Bronco badlands/ raptor / f150 raptor: ram trx, new Land Rover defender , f150 lightning and so on.
90 percent of the above are body on frame, some, and most share the same suspension set up as the land cruiser with solid axles in the back.
The first time I test drove the land cruiser I was genuinely surprised about the ride refinement and expected it to be heads and shoulders above the Bronco badlands and jl but I’d have to say Atleast on low speed upto 40mph I don’t feel a difference between those cars . Every little bump on the road is translated to your body. Freeway driving is generally great . No wandering like the jeep, much better steering, and less noise than both.
From the ride perspective I would put all the trucks mentioned above in the following order
Lightning- f150 raptor/ ram trx/ LR defender/ old gx / Bronco raptor / badlands -Land Cruiser/ gladiator - jl

I know the Lexus gx 550 over tail comes with kdss and magnetic shocks that would solve ride quality issues , but non are also available on base gx550, I wonder how similar that car drives compared to Land Cruiser and if the shocks/ spring set up is the same . I ended up purchasing a 1958 for 51k , in my opinion if you are spending above 60 on any Land Cruiser variant the Lexus is a wiser choice for the reasons mention above .

The other slightly annoying point is the hollow feeling of the doors when opening/ closing. They are the lightest doors I’ve ever handled and feel fragile. I’m not sure what is going on because this feeling is only unique to this car, my wife’s x3 even doesnt feel this way.
Ultimately in my opinion, the Land Cruiser is a direct competitor to Jeep / Bronco/ 4Runners and as long as you know that going in you will not be disappointed. I will 100% take it over those when crossed shopped at the same price without hesitation.
The 4 cyl hybrid , while unrefined, is practical, and cool, and feels like a diesel engine. It does what it is supposed to do- again at 50k price point -
if Toyota wanted it to feel premium they could have easily have the tundra set up that would justify the 60-70k price premium but as is, this truck is nothing more that a practical wrangler which I love- again at 50k price point

Stock rubber at placard pressures or grossly overinflated?

 

[what_have_they_done]

So what's the ride quality issue? That it's stiff below 40mph?

 

[COSmurf]

So what's the ride quality issue? That it's stiff below 40mph?

There is none. The title to the thread makes it seem like there is some technical issue but it's really just a subjective opinion where the majority (not just this biased forum of owners) feels the ride quality is actually great. Even the major car rags that otherwise take issues with various elements of the LC250 pretty much all concede that the ride is actually super nice.

Comparisons with special trim/edition cars (Ford Raptor variants) that have third party long-travel collaboration suspensions for Baja style racing against a car made to reliably transport people through places with bad or lack of infrastructure seems kinda wild to me. One is an amusing and fun toy that rides like a magic carpet over gigantic moguls and undulations at speed, the other a serious mode of transport all over the world. A Ford Bronco Raptor is a fun, grown man's toy recreational truck... people should not be cross shopping that with the LC. Ford also did their Braptor owners a solid with their recent gigantic MSRP slashing for those vehicles. Should make for happy resale values.

 

[RideWithYanu]

There is none. The title to the thread makes it seem like there is some technical issue but it's really just a subjective opinion where the majority (not just this biased forum of owners) feels the ride quality is actually great. Even the major car rags that otherwise take issues with various elements of the LC250 pretty much all concede that the ride is actually super nice.

Comparisons with special trim/edition cars (Ford Raptor variants) that have third party long-travel collaboration suspensions for Baja style racing against a car made to reliably transport people through places with bad or lack of infrastructure seems kinda wild to me. One is an amusing and fun toy that rides like a magic carpet over gigantic moguls and undulations at speed, the other a serious mode of transport all over the world. A Ford Bronco Raptor is a fun, grown man's toy recreational truck... people should not be cross shopping that with the LC. Ford also did their Braptor owners a solid with their recent gigantic MSRP slashing for those vehicles. Should make for happy resale values.

 

[Blue Bear]

I have just made an offer to trade in my 2022 Sienna for a used 2024 LC 1958. I have recently tested a 6G 4Runner TRD Sport
I have had good amount of seat time in BoF vehicles like 2022 Gladiator (Sahara), 2022 GX460, unibody SUVs (BMW X3/X5, Audi Q3/5/7, 2013 Mercedes ML, 2012 Ridgeline, 2004 Lexus RX) etc.
I think ride comfort is very subjective, and not very easy to describe; and it's rating is largely based on personal reference and preference.

I think the LC rides worse than expected. Specifically on roads with quick multiple bumps. It has the characteristic of BoF jitter after a small bump, and exacerbated by multiple of small bumps over short distances. It feels busy. The same is NOT true if there is a large bump, and if the bumps are not close together. It does the isolation better than 6G 4runner, and Gladiator, but significantly worse than J150 GX460, and even the current crops of 1/2 ton domestic pickups like the RAM 1500 (regular suspension).
I think the LC does well with overall body control when it comes to lean in a sustained corner, or left/right motion over multiple bumps that only affects one side of the wheels/tires.
Seeing the differences in opinion (either positive or negative) is likely due to personal reference/preference, and the type of roads the LC is being driven on.

I cannot say that it significantly bothers me enough, or else I would not have made the switch; but I hope that it could be better (as I know they have done better with J250 GX).

The door sound is also interesting. I don't think the door is particularly light, but I think it has more to do with the spring mechanism, as the Germans (even the Golf) have a more substantial feel. The sound that the door makes, I just think of it as character. It is no worse than GX or LX in the past, and it will never be as satisfying as a G wagon.

I did some sound deadening in the doors and improved both the sound and feel when the doors close. Here's the link if you are interested - Sound Deadening the Doors with NVX CLD

 

[wpage]

Traded my SUV and have had many cars and trucks in my 72 years. The 2025 Toy LC rides like a magic carpet compared to Anything from past experience. Everyone has expectations and background to rely on.

Reliability, fit and finish, seat comfort and other advanced features in this LC are beneficial. The overall values will come in the long run. Yes, there are always Bugs to work out. Minor things do not negate the Big picture. When comparing apples to oranges tastes will always vary. Just like your Actual MPG...

 

[Daytonacoupe66]

There is none. The title to the thread makes it seem like there is some technical issue but it's really just a subjective opinion where the majority (not just this biased forum of owners) feels the ride quality is actually great. Even the major car rags that otherwise take issues with various elements of the LC250 pretty much all concede that the ride is actually super nice.

Comparisons with special trim/edition cars (Ford Raptor variants) that have third party long-travel collaboration suspensions for Baja style racing against a car made to reliably transport people through places with bad or lack of infrastructure seems kinda wild to me. One is an amusing and fun toy that rides like a magic carpet over gigantic moguls and undulations at speed, the other a serious mode of transport all over the world. A Ford Bronco Raptor is a fun, grown man's toy recreational truck... people should not be cross shopping that with the LC. Ford also did their Braptor owners a solid with their recent gigantic MSRP slashing for those vehicles. Should make for happy resale values.

I can't imagine the unhappiness if the 70 series diesel variant was sold in North America, which sadly it will never be again (sold in Canada in the 1980s). The '250 is an impressive truck, accurately represented, and well priced. Want speed, buy a Porsche, plush buy a Range Rover, want a mud machine, buy a Unimog, extraordinary fuel mileage, buy a Tesla. Nobody will tick every box and produce an affordable machine. The range of interests to satisfy is too broad. The 250 gets it right, and every time I get in it reminds me how far the LC brand has evolved since my old FJ55 and BJ60 wagons.

 

[basicxj]

If I would have purchased the Land Cruiser without test driving one, I would have been pleasantly surprised. Our dealer we purchased through didn’t have any to test drive and thought we were buying blindly. Everything on their lot was bought and paid for, pending customer pick up.

I had actually tried to purchase one at another dealer that had one that was not spoken for. We test drove it, but could not come to terms. It had about $10K in expensive add-ons, some of which I did not want. It had some minor lot damage and some cosmetic damage from the installation of some of those add-ons. Ultimately we passed on it, and did not proceed with that dealer as there were no incoming vehicles without those add-ons coming available in the foreseeable future.

As for the ride quality, it was a big improvement over our Jeep JKU (not an hard task) and I actually expected a body on frame heavy Land Cruiser to ride like the truck it is. I have spent some quality time in a number of 4x4 and AWD SUVs- there is a price to be paid for design, capability and size. I guess it boils down to expectations and frame of reference of the buyer. It won’t be an ideal vehicle for everybody, but I’d be hard pressed to pick something I’d willingly trade it for.

 

[ultane]

Just a background to give you guys some perspective on the expected ride quality, I’ve had just about any offroad suv/ truck from jeep jl/ jk/ gladiator/ Bronco badlands/ raptor / f150 raptor: ram trx, new Land Rover defender , f150 lightning and so on.
90 percent of the above are body on frame, some, and most share the same suspension set up as the land cruiser with solid axles in the back.
The first time I test drove the land cruiser I was genuinely surprised about the ride refinement and expected it to be heads and shoulders above the Bronco badlands and jl but I’d have to say Atleast on low speed upto 40mph I don’t feel a difference between those cars . Every little bump on the road is translated to your body. Freeway driving is generally great . No wandering like the jeep, much better steering, and less noise than both.
From the ride perspective I would put all the trucks mentioned above in the following order
Lightning- f150 raptor/ ram trx/ LR defender/ old gx / Bronco raptor / badlands -Land Cruiser/ gladiator - jl

I know the Lexus gx 550 over tail comes with kdss and magnetic shocks that would solve ride quality issues , but non are also available on base gx550, I wonder how similar that car drives compared to Land Cruiser and if the shocks/ spring set up is the same . I ended up purchasing a 1958 for 51k , in my opinion if you are spending above 60 on any Land Cruiser variant the Lexus is a wiser choice for the reasons mention above .

The other slightly annoying point is the hollow feeling of the doors when opening/ closing. They are the lightest doors I’ve ever handled and feel fragile. I’m not sure what is going on because this feeling is only unique to this car, my wife’s x3 even doesnt feel this way.
Ultimately in my opinion, the Land Cruiser is a direct competitor to Jeep / Bronco/ 4Runners and as long as you know that going in you will not be disappointed. I will 100% take it over those when crossed shopped at the same price without hesitation.
The 4 cyl hybrid , while unrefined, is practical, and cool, and feels like a diesel engine. It does what it is supposed to do- again at 50k price point -
if Toyota wanted it to feel premium they could have easily have the tundra set up that would justify the 60-70k price premium but as is, this truck is nothing more that a practical wrangler which I love- again at 50k price point

So, have you sold your LC250 yet?