Toyota Land Cruiser Suspension Deep Dive and RTI Test | Car and Driver

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Toyota infamously discontinued the Land Cruiser in 2021-in North America, at least. Other markets got the 300-series Cruiser when the 200 went out of production in the course of a normal model change cycle, but we did not. That's not entirely true, because the folks over at Lexus agreed to sell the 300-series, and they brought it over as the LX600.
Only one of the five LX grades costs less than $100,000. To save the Land Cruiser, Toyota decided to kill it first; otherwise, the prospect of a $90,000-plus 300-series Land Cruiser might do it in for them.
Why skip two model years? Disregard any "We heard you, so we're bringing it back" PR spin, because it's hogwash. They planned to switch to the 250-series Land Cruiser Prado chassis all along, but it was on a different development timetable. This year was the soonest they could get it back in circulation.
The result is a 2024 Land Cruiser that starts at just $57,345 for the base model, called the 1958, and rises to $63,345 for the well-equipped Land Cruiser grade. The First Edition, a $76,345 limited-time-only kitchen-sink model loaded with accessories, is what we're looking at here. It's identical to the others underneath, except the 1958 has 32-inch tires instead of 33s and lacks the stabilizer bar disconnect the others have. All of this is a huge step forward, because the volume-selling Land Cruiser grade comes in nearly $24,000 less than the deceased Cruiser's final base price of $87,030, while the base 1958 is almost $30,000 less expensive.
Is it a real Land Cruiser? Purists have long dissed the Prado, but that dates back to the '90s when the Prado switched to 4Runner-based independent front suspension while the 80-series still had a solid front axle. The Prado name got a spiteful bit of tarnish in the eyes of some at that moment. But a funny thing happened when the 100-series Land Cruiser came out: it had independent front suspension too. The 200-series went that way, and IFS is here to stay.
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00:00 Intro
00:33 Tire sizing
01:29 Front suspension
02:12 Upper control arm
02:36 Bump stop
02:59 Shocks
03:31 Ball joint. shock motion ratio, steering stop
05:21 single shear and double shear explained
06:19 Disconnecting anti-roll bar
07:20 Brakes
07:54 Front suspension wrap-up
08:16 Rear suspension
09:05 Rear shocks
09:35 Bump stop
09:56 Rear links
10:43 Anti-roll bar
11:11 Panhard rod
12:32 Brakes
13:24 Wheel and tire size, weight
14:23 Rear suspension wrap-up
14:40 RTI test intro
17:52 Calculating results, anti-roll bar connected
19:10 Disconnecting anti-roll bar
22:11 Calculating results, anti-roll bar disconnected
24:11 The results

[@yeahnah773]

An actual review that explains the engineering! instead of a “car guy” that talks about how many drink holders it has

[@jlucguerrier]

Exactly what I was thinking. I love this video. This guy is speaking my language.

[@Bedawson]

came here for this.. my kind of review

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Please test the GX 550 OVERTRAIL with eKDSS!

[@kyle9482]

yes !

[@DavitGiorgadze]

@@kyle9482 Good Idea!!!

[@nicolefernandez3962]

one of the best 4x4 channels on all of youtube! info we really want

[@ianboyd7687]

Excellent! Can’t wait to see you do this with the new GX550!

[@telealotstm3188]

16:16 testing starts here

[@ryanmoyes2079]

Bravo

[@rtduc8633]

The result really shocked me man. Even the ford bronco can not keep up to this land cruiser according to your test. Very helpful video.

[@electrikoptik]

Flexed more than I expected. Wish Dan could test the 300-series GR LC with E-KDSS. It should easily beat the record of 661 set by the 200-series. Unfortunately they don’t sell ‘em in the US.

[@user-oe7pr5ww2m]

GX550 could be LC300, because GX has also E-KDSS and suspensions are bit modified for bigger tires.

[@floofy117]

​@@user-oe7pr5ww2m e-kdss doesn't make the gx a 300 series. The gx is just a fancy 250 series/prado. Prado and gx have always been twins, just look at the previous generation lc150 /prado and you'll see every bit of the exterior apart from the front facia is exactly the same as the previous gen gx460 and the lc120 is the same as the gx470. The 300-series is closest to its fancy twin which is the LX600

[@onenessacts238]

Not true. Gx550 is same chassis, same drive train, same wheelbase 112 just a different wrapper and interior. Lc300 has 9.7 rear diff. Gx550 has the 9.5 rear diff. Go over to ih8mud. Big write up on it. The gx550 is our 300. The historical differences are gone with new platform. Lc250, 4runner, gx550 lc300 lx600. All built on same platform with same wheelbase. Differences are in suspension and engine choices , diffs interior and obviously exterior

[@lunamaria1048]

I have been legally driving for 13 years, and in that 13 years have owned an FJ Cruiser and two 5th gen 4Runners. I still have my FJ, and recently bought back my second 4Runner from the person I sold it to, because they were returning to Asia, and we agreed to those terms, because I have a lot on money into it, including a Magnuson supercharger, Fox Shocks etc. I am going with the GX 550, after 13 years with an FJ Cruiser and two 5th gen 4Runners, mainly because I want a V6 from the 300 Series, I want more luxury/comfort, and the added stock off road capabilities of the center diff lockers, all in a package similar to my 4Runner I'm use to. I dislike the current GX, but the 550 will give me the reliability and build quality of a Japanese built Toyota/Lexus product too, which was very important! Your videos are always insightful. Thanks!!

[@dwong506]

Been waiting for this video since the reviews started coming in! From another mechanical engineer: thank you Dan!

[@AllenKrughoff]

This is the video we wanted, thank you!

[@dirkcurritzki9585]

this program is 100% gem

[@Unimportantrichard]

Always look forward to the flex test.

[@drive-channel1834]

Excellent video, thanks so much for sharing this! I love technical review like this.

[@raymondowilson8537]

Hey Dan, thanks for video. So are you going to the new LC or waiting on the new 4runner?

[@kordaxmint533]

I subscribed just because of this great video with in-depth technical review.

[@Kee_Diddy]

Fascinating! Love this video. Actual engineering talk!

[@FreedomAtRisk]

Thanks for the details!

[@2URLex]

Very impressive stuff. Definitely waiting on the new GX to get its turn with E-KDSS

[@salehabdullah7950]

That’s what we call a real review , Thanks man

[@ryanehoward]

I don't see myself ever going off-roading or buying something like this that can. HOWEVER Dan's videos are so interesting I have to watch all of them.

[@lw5993]

Excellent video!

[@gulu-cat]

This is high quality objective content!

[@paulvictor9368]

Thanks for the great video. Is the running gear the same S the 300 series, or is the 300 series more beefy?

[@cutan06]

Love you Bruh, more precise. Thanks

[@4WHEELSHOP4X4]

Hello Dan J200 Platform and suspension are King Of the road. Nice Flex Index test, you are the best.

[@Douglas.N.]

Most informative review!

[@pinkipipe]

Great job 👏🏻

[@rationalmoderate]

Excellent lesson on the new engineering with some surprising results. I never imagine this vehicle having better numbers than the KDSS 4runner

[@neman018]

Can you test the GX 550 with EKDSS?

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

Good video. More in depth than the dedicated truck channels that covered this vehicle.

[@TofuRobots]

Loving that the Sharp EL-531D calculator from the early 90's is the only powered tool you use.

[@tedeganagondi]

Great video👏👏👏

[@andybj4318]

So so nice to hear the well educated car fan! Thanks for this engineering adventure! In Europe we have less attractive prices and the „cheapest“ version out of 4 available might be a good idea. Anyhow it’s a great pleasure to see your video!

[@MrCherrygrovedude]

The single shear bottom strut mount is interesting.

[@torresggustavo]

The wear on the corner of the tires is pretty significant. Is that from offroading/deflating?

[@DenisLM]

Really curious to see if the GX E-KDSS gives extra points on this test (as it should) and how many…

[@scotto9712]

I find these interesting, thank you for posting. I would like to see a larger scoreboard so you can keep some older test scores on it. It seems you had some other 600+ score stock vehicles at one time

[@alexsystems2001]

Hey I saw this exact Land Cruiser on the 405 freeway the other day in Orange County! Same color, same plate that’s kinda neat! I am curious how this compares to the GX460

[@cue03]

Awesome. Can’t wait for the test with the new GX550 Overtrail to see how it compares and hopefully put some folks at ease with whether the E-kdss articulates more

[@DavitGiorgadze]

Thank you for video. Please try "GX 550 OVERTRAIL "

[@paulpham9]

I like it when you removed those wheels. Just liked and subscribed your channel. Thanks

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

I think… you should test the new 550 and old 460 GX as well 🙂

[@JG-od3xy]

What an amazing review

[@ricardoprieto392]

Very Good vídeo!

[@BattleScar09]

How about the GX 550?

[@lsxfbodygen3]

Look forward to seeing how the GX550 does vs the LC on RTI with its new E-KDSS

[@TulsaMtnBiker]

Can you clarify if the lx600 score had AHC?

[@EWOverland]

Thanks sharing,

[@MaddNomad1015]

I’m here for the “Too bad it’s a Prado and not a 300 series, I wouldnt buy it if it was but still.”

[@JStryker7]

Some morons have even called it a rav4

[@user-ip4kz3qf2x]

学习了，感谢分享这些知识

[@vipermoon_]

I wonder if the 1958 trim level has a smaller anti-roll bar

[@therealmbakugaming]

We need to see if the new EKDSS on the GX550 makes a difference.

[@mas921]

will share this video with those who like to diss the LC250 as "its just a Prado"...😂

[@SanoyNimbus]

It is so beautiful! I really want one. :)

[@MSchumacherfan]

How does compare with a Jeep or full size pickup?

[@lindenmeyer11]

Can´t wait to see the Ineos Grenadier tested. Cheers

[@Aurora_v_cali]

My nerdy ass loves this stuff thank you

[@skunkiiee7333]

17:43 bro really lifted the whole suv with one hand

[@a36538]

Can you review a bronco badlands 4dr without the 35s? Ford limits the articulation of the 35s/sasquatch package

[@m7mdq3]

لو يفعل الترجمة 👍🏼 هذي القناة ممتازه 👍🏼👍🏼

[@voxel999]

Curious if you’ve tested a Wrangler Rubicon. Wouldn’t that be the benchmark?

[@grisa12345]

It is, RTI is in the high 700s stock.

[@NemeanLion-]

I think the disconnecting sway bar isn’t available in the 1958 model because it would cross the $60k mark.

[@legion1630]

1st thanks for the review..always looks forward to real tests..additionally i hear people talking sMACK about the new LC so i have a few comments.....You all know LC in the past did not have V8 right and btw why need V8 on the trail. 2ndly i heard a lot of bashing the V6 with turbo on the Tundra all of a sudden people like it in the Lexus GX550 hmmm

[@Thergood]

Now do the GX 550. Seemingly the best of the new Toyotas.

[@azoozmrz9944]

Keep in mind Lexus lx600 has very different suspension part compared to lc300 the Land Cruiser 300 has eKDSS with coil suspension instead if hydraulic suspension on the lx600, i think the GR lc300 will get the highest score on board. Thank you for your amazing videos👍🏻.

[@hodad200]

C/D needs to buy Dan an electric impact

[@jdesmo1]

I bet good old GX 460 with its KDSS and sweet reliable V8 can do that or even better?

[@Jay-me7gw]

The GX460 would do no better than his TRD Offroad 4runner since they are the same chassis and both had KDSS. The front travel on the GX is pretty poor stock.

[@TobyCostaRica]

We missed ya Dan the suspension man

[@tdub25]

So the lc’s 33’s on 18’s are 4lbs LIGHTER than the 31’s on 18’s in the g550…. Those ltx trails are a great tire for what most lc’s will do, long hwy trips, a little snow grass and dirt mixed in

[@jonahfastre]

I wanna see the Ineos Grenadier on RTI test

[@NoNamesAvailable81]

It would have been interesting to see how a JLUR stacks up to help determine whether the on road characteristics are worth it :D

[@grisa12345]

JLUR is like 771

[@edgal9841]

Why do those tires look pitted like a sponge on the edges?

[@killercan10]

0:35 what's up with those tires? Thats some nasty scrub or flaking where the tread wraps around to the sidewall. And this is the new LTX Trail from Michelin that is also on the Tundra where its not getting the best feedback either. Premature wear and mushy sidewalls (which could be contributing to what's going on with that tire on that LC). Too much sidewall roll.

[@datninja408]

Press cars are driven pretty hard 😊

[@eminbey3382]

Kolay gelsin efendim

[@kerktam]

I wish they would have NA engine in this LC

[@RJ-vc2ju]

Or the diesel available everywhere else...

[@brianh5393]

I paid a lot less than $100k for my 200 series. I'd also be surprised if any dealers will be letting the first edition go for MSRP. What shocks me is that Toyota designed the 200 series before 2007 and they haven’t come up with much better for the 250 or 300 series. If you want to push any of these Toyotas to the limit, an early 200 series will be a far better choice for the money!

[@drsus0]

the 300 series doesn't use the lexus' air suspension on the off-road trim ( GR) , specifically so that it doesn't limit the flex the way air suspension does. it also doesn't have the huge impeding predator front end :)

[@electrikoptik]

The LX600 doesn't use air suspension. It's hydraulic in models with AHC.

[@drsus0]

@@electrikoptik ah, yes, corrected. it still to my point that it's not sprung like the Land Cruiser 300 GR and other trims that yield more travel...this according to the Aussies that have done side-by-side comparisons with the 200 and 300. the 200 is at the top of this list and the 300 has even more travel w the same exact same wheelbase; it makes me conclude that the lexus w that suspension is limited on its full potential, right?

[@Jay-me7gw]

@@drsus0 AHC is sprung really soft actually. It has soft coils and then the shocks act to supplement the coils. The LX570 and 200 series Land Cruiser were pretty close on this same channel, but the LX was at a disadvantage because he had to put the suspension in high mode due to it being the sport package with the ridiculous bumper. A normal LX could have gone up the ramp in normal mode and flexed better. Either way, I'd take the benefits of AHC with a small hit in RTI. The system functions amazingly well if you use your truck for more than just offroading.

[@christopherwaits7852]

One thing to note. While it scores favorably to the LX600, the 300 series Land Cruiser probably has better approach angles so the score for the LX might not necessarily reflect the LC300

[@Arda86ca]

I miss the " Insideline "

[@edwardbughiuc100]

make sure to bring the drywall square before you go in the bush

[@charlestimmis273]

You have been waiting for the all new untested 4Cyl turbo???? not the original bullet proof V8 ?

[@jamesmoline4411]

What a fantastic video, Dan. Well done in every way. I am waiting for my LC FE that is at the Port. I had a 1999 Land Cruiser for 15 years and loved it. The truth is, the Planet can’t survive if we all keep driving V8’s. This new LC has far better emissions and that matters for our children and grandchildren. This thing will get me there and back on my off-road adventures in the Rocky Mountains. Great job, Dan!!

[@rrplymouth70]

Would like to see the RTI score on the Bronco raptor.

[@UnsightedADV]

The bronco with sasquatch package (35 inch tires) has less flex then the regular badlands Bronco. They need to limit articulation to fit the larger tires. I wouldnt be suspired if the Bronco Raptor had even less flex on account of the 37" tires. Which, I would say is fine considering that Raptor trim levels are all about baja/ desert racing rather then rock crawling.

[@datninja408]

1st Mod - remove front and rear anti-sway bars

[@vipermoon_]

50 50 !!!

[@krisk1547]

Metric is the only correct system to use :P

[@abadym]

I will tell you what I think in the comments, I think you are AWESOME!

[@mattg8116]

I would point out that the Badlandsnon-sasquatch Bronco is a better comparison for the Land cruiser, both using smaller tires and having more flex. The First edition (Sasquatch package) trades some flex for larger tires from the factory.

[@CarlosOteroC]

22:50 Metric person here, can confirm 😵‍💫

[@pawankumar-ws1xk]

250 is certainly better looking than 300.

[@TJSpike]

MAKE SOME NOISE, BRING PONTIAC BACK, I DONT EVEN CAR IF THE AD IS FAKE🦅🦅🦅🦅🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@reyperez3424]

I’m surprised that thing didn’t break an axle like the redesign Tacoma

[@iwazaru8101]

That's the difference between Made in Mexico vs Made in Japan. 6th Gen 4Runners will be made in Japan, too. Tacoma fans got the short end of the stick here.

[@jase9951]

Love the Land Cruiser, but those cheap-looking black wagon wheels are hideous.

[@kvagenn3203]

How scary he is

[@ilhomjonusmonov9314]

Здравствуйте. Я. Авто. Дизайнер

[@rossomeness3549]

Laughable is all aspects…size, power and price.

[@ToyotaLoverarifabdelaziz]

suspension deeper than my ex boyfriends pockets hehehehhe i bought new toyota with all the money i stole from him UwU

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

*_McLandCruiser_* Toyota is hoping Americans don't Google "Landcruiser 300 GRS" 😅

[@davidhouston7812]

😂 🤣 Man you kill me every time 🤭

[@AllenKrughoff]

Followed by "Landcruiser 300 GRS price"

[@PeakDecline]

It's half the price of a 300 GRS. Like we get it, we know about the 300. Who cares, with this logic the only real Land Cruiser is a 70 Series.

[@AllenKrughoff]

@@PeakDeclineexactly! Was waiting for this test, crushed it. Tinkerer’s Adventure posted a great engine tech deep dive recently that’s also worthwhile

[@shaneh734]

😂😂 I still don’t get why we don’t have the 300 series!

[@irfanspace]

tire and suspension is like they just took it from RAV 4 . Even Rav 4 has a better size tire .

[@maximua78]

Cheep jack and stand, and not flat driveway, be careful