200 series Landcruiser to 2016 Tacoma OR - my impressions so far.

Hi all, new to this forum but active on many other auto and enthusiast forums. I recently sold my 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser as I no longer needed the 8 passenger seating and I got tired of hauling firewood and hay in the back of it.

So, I traveled from TN to VA and found a 2016 Tacoma double cab, TRD OR with auto, roof rack, aluminum side steps and mud guards. Ironically its the same color, though the Tacoma's grey is darker (could be the LC's grey has faded some over the years or just a different shade)

While searching I told the dealers I didnt care about color as long as it wasnt Pastel, pink, Rainbow dash or something like that, just worked out that way I guess, anyhow I really love the color with the black interior (The LC has grey)

My impressions...

Engine / Trans / OR features

The Tacoma's engine is decent for a V6, I do miss the power of the 5.7 V8 coupled with fulltime 4wd, however I do not miss the mid/low teen fuel economy and 250 mile fillups. My fuel economy with the Tacoma has steadily improved from 17mpg to 20mpg average now that I am at 1000 miles. The transmission shifts smoother than the LC and the sport mode is more responsive (though I rarely use it). The V6 engine idles smooth and isnt very course, pulls well to redline and shifts well. The LC V8 also pulls well but is not as smooth over 5000 rpms.

So CRAWL, ATRAC, Center Diff Loc (no rear locker -weird for US Spec) - I used the heck out of it in my LandCruiser. Did a lot of offroading in Idaho + several trips to Moab with it. The 08 has the 3 speed crawl and compared to the new 5 speed one in the Tacoma its a dinosaur. It worked great, it was just insanely loud and more aggressive with the brakes compared to the Tacomas (which is still relatively loud) - basically its more herky-jerky. Low range, 4h all seem comparable but the Tacoma's approach and breakovers are much better. I havent gotten to really work out the Tacoma yet, but I definitely will - I feel confident in its abilities based on 2nd gen reviews.

Ride/Ergo

So yeah, the LC is like driving your couch. Comfy and quiet, soft, supple 8 way power seats, but the stock suspension on the LC is very soft. Even with KDSS it rolls heavily in any type of hard corners (like onramps). (even when stock)

The driveshafts in the LC clunk a lot when stopping or accelerating from a stop as well (known complaint) and the brakes in the LC are terrible. - it really should have gotten Tundra rotors. Pulling 8K with it even with brake controller was an exercise in swaying and pre-planned braking. The bushings squeak a lot and the windshield / wiper flutter will drive you insane at 80mph. The 3rd row seats in the LC shake, rattle and roll, pretty common in the 100's and 200's. The factory step bars in the LC are a joke, they flex and bend even when my 12 year old steps up on them so if you get an LC, get sliders asap. The rear receiver pin holes are too far back and its a PITA to remove the pin when stowing the draw bar.

The new entune is so much ahead of the NAV in the LC. Bluetooth music, ap suite, etc are leaps and bounds above the 1st gen 200 series. The rearview camera in the Tacoma is much clearer than the LC but that could be due to a higher quality screen vs the older LC.

Reliablity -
To early to tell on the Tacoma but so far been no issues. No trans hunting, weird wind noises or anything. Did fluid film on the undercarriage this week in case Toyota hasnt fully gotten a handle on the rust issue (though I believe it was fixed in 11 or 12)

LC - nearly 150K miles, many of them offroad. Cracked top of radiator (its plastic), leaking water pump replaced under warranty, driveshaft replaced under warranty. Besides that it was just oil changes/fluids, coolant at 100K, plugs at 120K. - 3 sets of tires, 2 complete brake changes. Everything worked and besides the rear seat rattle the interior fit and finish was tight and rattle free like new.

So here she is, so far I am thrilled and cant believe how awesome the aftermarket is for the Tacoma! - cant wait to get some mods going - well did a 1.5" seat rise, but thats all so far.



Good bye old faithful

2.5" OME lift, 33" Duratracs

 

I'm a 2nd gen Taco owner, but a huge LC fan. Great comparison between the two. I think LCs are the best of the best stock 4x4s, but that's just my opinion. Great looking 3rd BTW, I'm sure it serve you very well. Sorry I have nothing to add to this thread, but I'm bored and your LC looked awesome.

 

Good review. Thanks.

 

Welcome to TW! Where in TN are you located? Head over here and say hello.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-tennessee-thread.112982/page-1706#post-11858498

 

Can't go wrong with either vehicle. Jealous of both. Enjoy!

 

Congratulations on your new ride!

 

Sweet baby Jesus that is a nice rig!

 

I stopped in and said hi. I am in the Murfreesboro area and work in Franklin/Cool Springs.

 

I agree, stock its hard to beat a LC but once the aftermarket gets in the loop the LC is sorely lacking.

 

Sweet. Had no clue there was a TN thread. I'm a Nashvillian, myself.

 

How the mighty Land Cruiser has fallen. From 10.9 inches stock ground clearance with the 80 series (1997 last year produced), to 10 inches stock ground clearance with the 100 series (2007 last year produced), to 8.9 inches stock ground clearance with the 200 series.

 

Yeah, its crazy. The 300 will likely continue the trend. While I never bottomed or high centered my 200, I sure did tear up the stock front and rear fascias really bad as well as gave the running boards a sound beating. The departure angle in particular was awful. The LC gave up clearance for power and towing capacity. Shame it couldnt have both.

 

Awesome. We have a meet at Land between the lakes next month. Check it out. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4th-annual-ky-tn-march-2016-land-between-the-lakes-meet.405885/

 

Great post up Archtaan and glad I found this review.

I have a 100 series now, been looking at 200s but for what I want in a clean one with low miles, 2013s are super spendy..

The 3rd Gen taco has caught my eye and the 2017 TRD Pro release and pre-build of mods will work for my budget and needs perfectly.. My LandCruiser bros, are telling me to get the 200 but I am similar to your needs, especially if we keep the 100 and 3rd row in place.

Wife said she would drive the 100 if we get a Cement 2017 Taco TRD Pro, just wants me to remove the ladder and tire carrier, so she can get groceries/kids in and out of the 100 easier.. Our 100 is an 2001 and only has 123K miles on it.. I am 2nd owner, picked it up in San Jose with 74K on it in December 2011. So we gotta keep it for a while just broken in for a LC.

You should check out the FJSummit in Ouray, all the aftermarket vendors will be there and last year Toyota showed off the 2016 Taco, lots of media.. It is not just an FJC event, all Toyota 4x4s welcome, but you gotta be on it when registration opens, sells out in 30 minutes..

 

Good looking Tacoma! But your Land Cruiser was awesome!

Enjoy your Tacoma

 

Just bumping this up to see how you’re liking it. I’m about to go the opposite direction. Need more kid room and LC is at the top of the lust.

 

Was that a Freudian slip?

 

I was back and forth between getting a used 100 or 200 series LC vs. a new Taco. I chose the Taco for the same reasons you did. One thing I did like about the LC over the 3rd gen Taco's is that the LC's that I looked at seemed have better interior fit and finish. That is, the trim and panels felt more solid to the touch and seemed to fit tighter. Having owned both, what are your impressions?

 

Wife has the monkey death grip on the 100 now. So still in the stable.. Still built, needs TLC..

Love the Taco, for me its great. Wife says not big enough for family, I said I know...lol

 

Thinking of ditching our Tacoma and getting a 2013-2016 LC, thanks for the write up it was good info. I test drove a 2016 this week and it was like driving a Cadillac, not sure if I like that yet or not.