EXACTLY! Driving an overlander that does ~13MPG (on asphalt) isn't as much an issue of fuel costs as it is range on a ~20 gallon tank. Mine is only 16 gallons so, two fuel cans minimum for me.
Lexus GX550 Overtrail vs. Grenadier or new Toyota Land Cruiser?
- Thread starter Sid Post
- Start date
EXACTLY! Driving an overlander that does ~13MPG (on asphalt) isn't as much an issue of fuel costs as it is range on a ~20 gallon tank. Mine is only 16 gallons so, two fuel cans minimum for me.
plainjaneFJC
Deplorable
Then they aren’t good at math? It’s only two plausible reasons
Corbet
Observer
I choose the LC. Got the LC premium package. I’ve had it a week and put 500 miles on it. Getting low 20’s MPG mixed driving. Lots of theoretical discussion early in this thread. Happy to answer questions if anyone has any. The engine will shut off at HWY speeds to conserve fuel if conditions are met. So far seem to be based on battery charge status and engine load. (Obviously). It will run electric only in town occasionally and does not make that obnoxious noise other hybrids do when the engine turns off. I thought the engine cutting out at stoplights was going to really annoy me like it does in my wife’s Outback but the hybrid system offers enough instant throttle response to keep me happy. So far I’m very satisfied with my purchase. The 80 is sticking around for hard trail use.
LexusAllTerrain
Expedition Leader
Just a follow up, I did go on a test drive and was not impress with vehicle. Now looking into the Grenadier. I like the Grenadier looks and size, more my type of vehicle! Time will tell.
CanyonLX
Active member
Good choice!
nickw
Adventurer
We got ours in a couple weeks ago and couldn't disagree more - I absolutely fell in love with the GX, ticked all the boxes for me. Great seated position, awesome visibility over hood and around sides (low "beltline" I think it's called) clean interior, drives great, smooth, quite, etc. Very happy - went into it not really being sure but it's a winner in my eyes.
On top of that is shares the engine with it's "HD" truck counterpart and for all intents and purposes it has a well sorted drivetrain with excellent dealership network which was a big plus for me over the Gren.
Good size too - feels just right. Now is it worth the extra $ over a 4runner or LC250? Hard to say since it's personal, but you do get the upgraded engine and heavier duty rear axle which are both pluses.
The Grenadier apparently is slower than my 5th gen 4Runner, which is pretty much a dog, so that's a deal killer for me. All of the alternatives, like the GX, Defender, and even the 4 cyl LC 250 are significantly better in terms of power. I realize we're not talking sports cars, but i have zero appetite for a new $80k vehicle that can't get out of its own way. Now, if they put the Grenadier with the LS3 in it into production, that's a game changer.
Ok, the Grenadier is NOT a good match for you. However, a lot people find it ticks all the boxes they care about.
Myself, I have a bit of concern for the BMW part of the Grenadier but, on the other hand, I don't need an Overlander with a good quarter-mile dragstrip time either. The legacy behind its production suggests it is a good vehicle overall for me other than my personal concern for the BMW parts.
With my well prepped Toyota Tacoma, I don't see myself in the market for a long time but, who knows what the future has in store for me either. I will keep an eye out for a good Toyota Land Cruiser "Troopy" though! Still somewhat regret not jumping on the 40,000€ government contract version I saw in France with the long-range tanks and benches in back which I think was either a UN vehicle or more likely some NGO support vehicle out of Africa which was really clean for what it was. Still though, at ~$50K landed in the USA it was a bit much for me at the time so, someone else got it.
Gravelette
Active member
Yep, an old Tacoma is a more realistic choice for most. 
Dougnuts
Well-known member
Wow, I saw my first Grenadier this weekend (while running a marathon through a rich part of Indianapolis). I loved how it looked and I thought the BMW engines made enough power to get it moving. I agree, if it's slower than a 5th Gen 4Runner, there's no way I'd buy one. I rented a TRD Pro 4Runner last year and, while I admit we did a lot of driving at altitude (Denver to Moab and back), it was way to slow for me.
I would have jumped on a Defender by now, but the closest dealer is 4 hours away. Sounds like 110 owners spend a lot of time at dealers (albeit mostly for little pesky things), so that pretty much rules them out for me.I'm surprised there's been 10 pages to this thread and not one mention of the new Defender 110 as an option....(until now
nickw
Adventurer
We kinda have a Gren...we have an older X5
So it at least shares DNA with the Gren, it's been meh, fairly reliable over 100k, just little things that are annoying, we don't have a dealer nearby so need to drive 3+ hrs which is a major PITA which only gets worse with the Gren, pending where you live of course. We have dealerships close by for the GX and the Ram 2500, 5-10 min, which makes life very nice.For me - if I had a good Ineos dealer in my town it would be practical.