My 1958 and Premium, compared

[TakaraLC]

About 1958 being more noisy, I remember reading somewhere that LC and FE trims having the same underbody sound insulation as GX but 1958 lacking it. Not sure if it was some one here who said this.

 

[EOD Guy]

Does the bubblewrap keep it from getting scratched in your pocket?

Found a pic - that's pretty awesome but unless I can put it on a keyring I'm then carrying around a house key plus this fat credit card.

View attachment 42639

What ever makes you smile.........

 

[Nift250]

About 1958 being more noisy, I remember reading somewhere that LC and FE trims having the same underbody sound insulation as GX but 1958 lacking it. Not sure if it was some one here who said this.

interesting, wonder if true...

I've read it's actually quieter from the top due to lack of a hole in the roof.

 

[RideWithYanu]

interesting, wonder if true...

I've read it's actually quieter from the top due to lack of a hole in the roof.

Better head room as well.

 

[mrCharlie]

interesting, wonder if true...

I've read it's actually quieter from the top due to lack of a hole in the roof.

For me the most obvious difference is engine/drivetrain noise, which was more audible (but absolutely acceptable) in the 1958. The rack and sunroof though might have added some wind noise, as well as different tires (Yokohama vs Dunlop on my premium).

 

[robsurfskate]

Was going to post this in the 1958 Regrets thread, but it got really long and felt like it should be a topic of its own.

I had a 1958 for about 3 weeks/1500 miles back in May, and got a great deal on it since the 1958s were sitting on the lots at the time. The dealer only put 0.5 quarts in for the first oil change and ended up buying it back from me (full story: The Unexpected Risk of an Early Break-In Oil Change). They didn't have another 1958 on the lot, so they gave me the same amount off of the LCLC Premium they did have.

I didn't have the 1958 long enough for anything to become especially annoying, but it's surprisingly just how different the two trucks feel overall. Here are the things that stand out for me, in no particular order :

• I saw it said somewhere that the 1958 has the soul of a 30-year-old truck, and I think that is the prefect description of it. Toyota absolutely nailed "everything you need, nothing you don't". Old and utilitarian trucks are inherently cooler than new and fancy trucks IMHO, so I think the 1958 was definitely the cooler of the two. Reminded me very much of the XJ Cherokee Sport my friend had when we were teenagers (that is a compliment).
• The round lights looked cool and put out good light. It gave the truck a friendlier face, which I like - not a fan of the modern aggressive trend. I do however think the square lights put out better, brighter light with a less annoying anti-glare dark spot.
• I really liked the cloth seats. They were comfortable and grippy, and stayed cool. I find myself slouching a bit as I slide forward on the leather. Both seats were be plenty supportive, the 1958 might have been a bit more cushioned. At least my new one is brown leather, which I like a lot aesthetically.
• I liked the 18" wheels on the 1958, and though they fit the vibe of the truck. All Premiums around here come with 20s, mine included, and they look nice but a bit bougie. That said, the 20s (could be Dunlop vs Geolander rather than size) handle noticeably better on the pavement. The 1958 could was a little squirmy at times. I did get about 1-2 confirmed mpg better with the 1958.
• The otherwise cushy interior of the Premium is nice, and it genuinely feels like a much more expensive vehicle. While I have no real concerns about how well anything will hold up, I suspect the 1958 interior will wear like iron.
• I haven't had the need to try MTS yet. Might be nice in the winter, or when I get the chance to try a little more challenging offroading. My Premium does not have the SDM either, though realistically I won't be doing too much where it would have been needed.
• The radio in the 1958 was fine for low background music, but very obviously a base stereo when turned up. The JBL system is quite good now that it's broken in, powerful but not intrusive or fatiguing at any volume. Plenty of bass too turned up.
• The small multimedia screen was adequate, but the larger one is nice for bigger maps and I think might be a better quality display.
• The 1958 dashboard screen was just fine, and I don't think the larger one utilizes the extra space especially well. While its nice have preset gauge layouts to flip though, it was very easy on the 1958 to go through the full range of gauges, which I think was actually better. Analog gauges would probably suit this truck better either way. The lack of per-tank MPG on the Premium is also very annoying.
• The cool box...is there. I've found a few excuses to use it, and works as advertised keeping drinks cold or quickly making my leftover Chicken Tikka Saag fridge-cold when we go to the Indian restaurant on the other side of town. I do miss the extra storage I had on the 1958 though, and we are planning to get a compressor cooler for camping which will do the same thing but better.
• Hasn't mattered yet, but I suspect I will appreciate the heated mirrors come winter. Neither truck fits in my garage.
• Both were quiet, but the Premium does seem quieter in general. Extra cushiness absorbing noise? Active noise cancelation?
• The sunroof also just kind of exists on the Premium. It's summer, so the shade usually stays closed to avoid the solar oven effect. Might get used a little more when the temps go down, probably not much though. My previous 21 Venza had a fancy electrochromic roof which kept the heat out but let light in, which was excellent and much more useful (though could not be opened). Tons of headroom with or without the sunroof.
• The 360 camera system is excellent, but visibility is so good I wasn't really missing it (my Venza had it). That said, the backup camera on the 1958 had worse image quality than our old 2014 Forester and lacked steering lines. That would have annoyed me over time.
• Digital rearview mirror was another feature I had on my Venza and never really used, though it's better on the LC since the mirror is further away (less weird for focusing). Occasionally useful if the back is really loaded though, might be nice for towing. Annoying that Toyota doesn't use the front and rear cameras as integrated dash cams, I recall reading with the Venza (Harrier) they did so in other markets. The biggest value of the digital mirror has is the on-screen walk though for setting up homelink, instead of cross referencing the manual and blinking lights.
• I'm pretty meh about the power tailgate. It's fine, but feels a little underutilized without modern conveniences like a kick sensor, which sort of stands out as lacking on a vehicle like this. The height limit would probably very be nice if the truck fit in my garage. The power gate was also the only thing to go wrong on my Venza (and one of many things that went wrong on our Forester) so not super excited in that regard.
• I thought the 1958 lacked touch sensors on the rear door handles because it was a base model. Pretty surprised the premium lacks them as well. Not a huge deal, but (like the kick sensor) just feels odd.
• Finally, the key fob on the 1958 annoyed me quite a bit. I don't need it to be super fancy, but it really felt like a Temu-grade third party aftermarket replacement. Penny pinching is fine, cheap and cheerful but durable is excellent, but that felt like Toyota making very sure you knew you bought the cheapest version of the truck.

To sum it up, I'm happy to have moved up to the Premium, but would have been almost as happy sticking with a 1958. It does actually feel like a $10k nicer vehicle and like I got my moneys worth, but I for the most part I wasn't really missing what it has that the 1958 did not. Some of the 1958 limitations probably would have annoyed me with time (radio, camera, cheap key fob), but all would have been livable. The base LCLC probably would have been perfect without feeling like an overkill (though the leather is nicer than softex), but those pretty much don't exist around here.

View attachment 42532

Nice write up. I have zero regrets with my 1958 after 1 1/2 year of ownership. It has everything I need.

 

[Blue Bear]

Nice summary of some key differences between the two trim levels.

My LC replaced my 2021 Venza which had the totally useless panoramic roof you liked better than the moon roof. For me, it's the exact opposite. I hated that I paid for the Star Gazer roof in the Venza because I rarely ever used it. I open my moon roof all the time and really missed having it on the Venza.

The kick sensor worked perfect on the Venza - not sure why we don't get it on the LC.

All four doors were touch enabled on the Venza - again, why only two on the LC?

The powered lift gate system for the trunk was replaced under warranty. The tech mentioned that they had an issue with them for a brief window of time.

My Venza typically achieved 40+ mpg average and a range bordering on 500 miles. Ahh, the days of passing a gas station and not needing to check my fuel gauge.

I'd take the Venza over its Lexus cousin (NX Hybrid) any day. I'd also take the LC over its Lexus cousin (GX 550) every day of every year until the end of time.

I love my LC, but my Venza was just a toaster. A really, really nice toaster, but nothing that evoked any kind of passion whatsoever.

 

[Nuke]

Nice summary of some key differences between the two trim levels.

My LC replaced my 2021 Venza which had the totally useless panoramic roof you liked better than the moon roof. For me, it's the exact opposite. I hated that I paid for the Star Gazer roof in the Venza because I rarely ever used it. I open my moon roof all the time and really missed having it on the Venza.

The kick sensor worked perfect on the Venza - not sure why we don't get it on the LC.

All four doors were touch enabled on the Venza - again, why only two on the LC?

The powered lift gate system for the trunk was replaced under warranty. The tech mentioned that they had an issue with them for a brief window of time.

My Venza typically achieved 40+ mpg average and a range bordering on 500 miles. Ahh, the days of passing a gas station and not needing to check my fuel gauge.

I'd take the Venza over its Lexus cousin (NX Hybrid) any day. I'd also take the LC over its Lexus cousin (GX 550) every day of every year until the end of time.

I love my LC, but my Venza was just a toaster. A really, really nice toaster, but nothing that evoked any kind of passion whatsoever.

May I ask why you would "take the LC over its Lexus cousin (GX 550) every day of every year until the end of time", as from reading reviews, except fuel economy, the GX550 seem to take the top spot, and actually not that much more expensive. Styling?

 

[Blue Bear]

May I ask why you would "take the LC over its Lexus cousin (GX 550) every day of every year until the end of time", as from reading reviews, except fuel economy, the GX550 seem to take the top spot, and actually not that much more expensive. Styling?

Styling, yes. And plenty more...I won't get deep into the detailed differences between the two, but my preference starts and ends with a two row, off-road capable, and dependable SUV. Both the LC and GX550 fit that bill nicely. With that in mind, I'm comparing an LC with premium package to the GX550 Overtrail+, which is substantially more $ than my LC. I think some of my reasons have also morphed a bit since I've had my LC for a year and have driven it over 20K miles as a daily driver, road tripper, and off roader. Here's the big points in favor of the LC for me...

• I prefer the 4-cylinder over the twin turbo six (I wouldn't have said that a year ago). The four popper sounds worse, but is an outstanding performer both on and off road. Driving over obstacles with instant torque and power to match made it easy to work my way slowly over just about anything.
• Better MPG with the LC (as much as 50% based on the numbers I've seen)
• Physical controls (I absolutely abhor the lack of physical controls in the GX 550)
• Leather seating, unavailable in the GX 550 Overtrail
• Digital rear view mirror, unavailable in the OverTrail trim on the GX 550
• The lack of E-KDSS simplifies the suspension on the LC and makes future modification somewhat easier and cheaper.
• Better approach/departure angles
• Heritage Blue w/Grayscape roof (gloss black is so overdone IMHO and the color options for the OverTrail aren't particularly interesting to me)

Things I wish my LC could have that are on the GX 550...

• Massage function seats (awesome for road trips)
• Mark Levinson Sound system (JBL system is far inferior)

I'm not bashing the GX550 - it's a great machine, too. I looked at the GX550, drove the GX550, and still landed on an LC. The most surprising thing to me is that I really love the responsiveness of the four cylinder despite how awful it sounds. Did I mention how much I hate the lack of physical controls in the GX550? I would've paid substantially more $ ($15-$20K more for the OverTrail+) and gotten really little in return. Is the six-cylinder better? I think it depends on how you decide to define "better". A year ago I thought the six was the better engine, but not anymore.

 

[Nuke]

Styling, yes. And plenty more...I won't get deep into the detailed differences between the two, but my preference starts and ends with a two row, off-road capable, and dependable SUV. Both the LC and GX550 fit that bill nicely. With that in mind, I'm comparing an LC with premium package to the GX550 Overtrail+, which is substantially more $ than my LC. I think some of my reasons have also morphed a bit since I've had my LC for a year and have driven it over 20K miles as a daily driver, road tripper, and off roader. Here's the big points in favor of the LC for me...

• I prefer the 4-cylinder over the twin turbo six (I wouldn't have said that a year ago). The four popper sounds worse, but is an outstanding performer both on and off road. Driving over obstacles with instant torque and power to match made it easy to work my way slowly over just about anything.
• Better MPG with the LC (as much as 50% based on the numbers I've seen)
• Physical controls (I absolutely abhor the lack of physical controls in the GX 550)
• Leather seating, unavailable in the GX 550
• Digital rear view mirror, unavailable in the OverTrail trim on the GX 550
• The lack of E-KDSS simplifies the suspension on the LC and makes future modification somewhat easier and cheaper.
• Better approach/departure angles
• Heritage Blue w/Grayscape roof (gloss black is so overdone IMHO and the color options for the OverTrail aren't particularly interesting to me)

Things I wish my LC could have that are on the GX 550...

• Massage function seats (awesome for road trips)
• Mark Levinson Sound system (JBL system is far inferior)

I'm not bashing the GX550 - it's a great machine, too. I looked at the GX550, drove the GX550, and still landed on an LC. The most surprising thing to me is that I really love the responsiveness of the four cylinder despite how awful it sounds. Did I mention how much I hate the lack of physical controls in the GX550? I would've paid substantially more $ ($15-$20K more for the OverTrail+) and gotten really little in return. Is the six-cylinder better? I think it depends on how you decide to define "better". A year ago I thought the six was the better engine, but not anymore.

Thank you SO much, Blue Bear! Some points to ponder, for sure.

 

[mrCharlie]

My LC replaced my 2021 Venza which had the totally useless panoramic roof you liked better than the moon roof. For me, it's the exact opposite. I hated that I paid for the Star Gazer roof in the Venza because I rarely ever used it. I open my moon roof all the time and really missed having it on the Venza.

The kick sensor worked perfect on the Venza - not sure why we don't get it on the LC.

All four doors were touch enabled on the Venza - again, why only two on the LC?

The powered lift gate system for the trunk was replaced under warranty. The tech mentioned that they had an issue with them for a brief window of time.

My Venza typically achieved 40+ mpg average and a range bordering on 500 miles. Ahh, the days of passing a gas station and not needing to check my fuel gauge.

I'd take the Venza over its Lexus cousin (NX Hybrid) any day. I'd also take the LC over its Lexus cousin (GX 550) every day of every year until the end of time.

I love my LC, but my Venza was just a toaster. A really, really nice toaster, but nothing that evoked any kind of passion whatsoever.

Guess I'm not the only one who went from a Venza to a LC!

Fair enough on the being able to open the sunroof, the Venza definitely didn't do that. I think what I liked most about the big roof in that vehicle is it let light into the otherwise cave-like interior. What I very much did not like was the time a rock cracked the stargazer roof. Luckily it didn't leak and was covered by insurance, but replacing it took two months (for parts) and cost something like $9000. Also two replacement windshields and another $7000 in hail damage. That vehicle seemed cursed in some way.

The kick sensor on the Venza never worked right after I installed a Curt hitch for my bike rack. I guess the upside is I'm not used to it and don't miss it now. My wife's i4 does have it though, and it's a great feature.

My Venza also needed the struts for the power lift gate replaced under warranty, the only warranty claim ever made on that vehicle.

The Venza absolutely delivered on fuel economy right from the start. The LC is a little below, but seems to be improving. The tradeoffs are worthwhile for us at least. The LC has way more room, the seats don't hurt my back, and the passenger seat height adjusts (Venza was way too high - my head hit, my wife's feet barely touched). The big one though, which defined explanation, the Venza is only vehicle we've evert owned that made my wife carsick - even on straight, flat highway. I suspect aggressive AWD regen mixed with soft suspension. Zero issues in that department with the LC.

 

[Rook]

I love the 1958. I got all the first edition protection, wheels, and roof rack. It kind of feels like a modernized/American 70 series, which is what I prefer.

I don't feel that I miss out on anything outside of the cameras for off road use. Other than that, I prefer the simplicity and old school Toyota minimalism feel.

 

[Grandpawmoses]

The Lexus grill screamed no to me

 

[EOD Guy]

The Lexus grill screamed no to me

Not "no" but, Hell No!

 

[COSmurf]

Styling, yes. And plenty more...I won't get deep into the detailed differences between the two, but my preference starts and ends with a two row, off-road capable, and dependable SUV. Both the LC and GX550 fit that bill nicely. With that in mind, I'm comparing an LC with premium package to the GX550 Overtrail+, which is substantially more $ than my LC. I think some of my reasons have also morphed a bit since I've had my LC for a year and have driven it over 20K miles as a daily driver, road tripper, and off roader. Here's the big points in favor of the LC for me...

• I prefer the 4-cylinder over the twin turbo six (I wouldn't have said that a year ago). The four popper sounds worse, but is an outstanding performer both on and off road. Driving over obstacles with instant torque and power to match made it easy to work my way slowly over just about anything.
• Better MPG with the LC (as much as 50% based on the numbers I've seen)
• Physical controls (I absolutely abhor the lack of physical controls in the GX 550)
• Leather seating, unavailable in the GX 550
• Digital rear view mirror, unavailable in the OverTrail trim on the GX 550
• The lack of E-KDSS simplifies the suspension on the LC and makes future modification somewhat easier and cheaper.
• Better approach/departure angles
• Heritage Blue w/Grayscape roof (gloss black is so overdone IMHO and the color options for the OverTrail aren't particularly interesting to me)

Things I wish my LC could have that are on the GX 550...

• Massage function seats (awesome for road trips)
• Mark Levinson Sound system (JBL system is far inferior)

I'm not bashing the GX550 - it's a great machine, too. I looked at the GX550, drove the GX550, and still landed on an LC. The most surprising thing to me is that I really love the responsiveness of the four cylinder despite how awful it sounds. Did I mention how much I hate the lack of physical controls in the GX550? I would've paid substantially more $ ($15-$20K more for the OverTrail+) and gotten really little in return. Is the six-cylinder better? I think it depends on how you decide to define "better". A year ago I thought the six was the better engine, but not anymore.

I agree with everything said here… apart from the coarse, vibe-y engine sound, I pretty much prefer all other elements of the LC over the GX OT. It seems like there might be a healthy contingent of people on this forum that point to the real life price difference between the two ($15-20k) and would otherwise have gone with the Lexus if they could be had for similar price. For me, even the turbo diesel like power delivery of the T24A-FTS hybrid is just preferable for this type of vehicle. It’s not even the vibrations or coarse-ness… I just wish it had a bit lower tone. Hahaha. I agree that the upper trim LCs should have better audio systems, but don’t even wish for the massaging seats. They are great in theory but I have prob activated them 3X in 3 years of ownership in my wife’s Volvo. Her sound system (Bowers & Wilkens) however is the best I’ve ever heard in any car at any price point so I definitely am jealous of that.

 

[faylix]

I bought my 1958 for price v capability reasons.

I've upgraded the interior, the sound system is now better than any factory system, did the hood struts, and will do the power trunk soon.

The only thing I feel left out on is the cameras and one day I'll do the whole Android system with cameras.

I feel like this car is going to be around for 10+ years and Im happy to slowly upgrade the parts I care about.

How many is you use the Toyota stock software instead of carplay / Android Auto?

 

[Code54]

Last week I sold my 1958 with 13K on it. Bought a new LC premium (LCP).

The LCP is quieter. I noticed it has insulation under the hood, which my 1958 didn’t have.
I have the same aftermarket tires on both, and worked hard to find a LCP with 18' rims, the same a the 1958.

I find the seats more comfortable and supportive. I’m sure this is subjective, but my wife also agreed.

The sound system is a significant upgrade, but not flawless. I plan to add a powered subwoofer to it, just like I had in my 1958.

I really like the 360-degree cameras. They’re incredibly helpful for parking in tight spaces, especially since I always back in.

I used the MTS system during the recent storm, and it was excellent. The auto mode worked well, but the MTS performs even better.

I personally prefer the moonroof, but I had a Wrangler before this one, so I enjoy the open-air feeling.

The power liftgate is a great feature. I always felt the 1958 was awkward to open. It wasn’t difficult, but it was just awkward. I’m short, so maybe that’s part of it?

The heated mirrors are fantastic! Why aren’t they standard on the 1958? We get snow and ice here, so they’re a necessity in the winter.

I love the heads up display, larger screen, and better digital dash.

To me, the LCP is a major upgrade and the ONLY thing I really perfered on the 1958 was the round headlights. I wish they put them on all the LC's.

On another note, my 1958 held its value FAR better than expected so the upgrade was not too bad.

 

[t3lcfe]

Last week I sold my 1958 with 13K on it. Bought a new LC premium (LCP).

The LCP is quieter. I noticed it has insulation under the hood, which my 1958 didn’t have.
I have the same aftermarket tires on both, and worked hard to find a LCP with 18' rims, the same a the 1958.

I find the seats more comfortable and supportive. I’m sure this is subjective, but my wife also agreed.

The sound system is a significant upgrade, but not flawless. I plan to add a powered subwoofer to it, just like I had in my 1958.

I really like the 360-degree cameras. They’re incredibly helpful for parking in tight spaces, especially since I always back in.

I used the MTS system during the recent storm, and it was excellent. The auto mode worked well, but the MTS performs even better.

I personally prefer the moonroof, but I had a Wrangler before this one, so I enjoy the open-air feeling.

The power liftgate is a great feature. I always felt the 1958 was awkward to open. It wasn’t difficult, but it was just awkward. I’m short, so maybe that’s part of it?

The heated mirrors are fantastic! Why aren’t they standard on the 1958? We get snow and ice here, so they’re a necessity in the winter.

I love the heads up display, larger screen, and better digital dash.

To me, the LCP is a major upgrade and the ONLY thing I really perfered on the 1958 was the round headlights. I wish they put them on all the LC's.

On another note, my 1958 held its value FAR better than expected so the upgrade was not too bad.

My philosophy:

“You pay for what you get
If what you get served your own purpose well, it is your best.
Your best may not other people’s best
That’s why we have many different choices for life”

Happy LCs to all (1958, LCLC, LCFE, and modified LC)

 

[lar317]

1958 owner here, My 2025 has a insulated hood. , 3 things I do not want, A sunroof, disconnecting sway bar, and a heads up display, with the windshield issues this car has this will be a nightmare to replace. 3 things I can live without but would like, Lumbar, heated mirrors, power rear hatch,

 

[Matthew@LC250Mods]

Great comparison and I fully agree. The first thing that drew me to the 250 was the 30 year old truck spirit.