Lexus J201 Proves to Be a Capable Off-Road Beast

No Show Pony

It's been quite a few months since Lexus revealed its J201 concept, a hardcore off-road version of the luxurious LX. However, MotorTrend was recently able to test the rugged SUV off-road in an effort to figure out if this show vehicle is actually capable of doing the dirty work, rather than just looking good for photos. As it turns out, the J201 is far more than just a show pony.

Photos: Lexus

Engineered to Overcome

Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that the J201 is as good as it is in the real world, considering the fact that it was built by Expedition Overland and Lexus together. We must also consider that the LX is a very capable vehicle as-is. However, it's also lacking a bit in some important off-road areas, like its somewhat modest approach and departure angles. Thus, Lexus designed the J201 to overcome those shortcomings.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the J201 concept right here in Club Lexus.

Quicker, Softer, Tougher

It certainly feels different to drive than a regular LX, as MT notes. "There is decidedly more grunt, but the J201 didn't feel that much quicker than the stock LX. This feeling is of course magnified by the fact that the center of gravity, and the truck itself, is so much higher. The long-travel dampers and softer tires make the J201 feel floatier. At the same time, there's a toughness present that I liked quite a bit. It's more trophy truck than a luxury cruiser. To summarize, on pavement the J201 feels quicker, softer, and tougher."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the J201 concept right here in Club Lexus.

No Toys Needed

The real meat of this test, however, lies off paved surfaces. And there, the J201 really shines, even without having to use its fancy electronic tricks. "I decided to see how far I could push the J201 before I needed to switch on any of the helpers, including the low gears. Not to ruin the ending, but I was able to run the entire course in 4-Hi. Every single obstacle, even the tricky ones. I didn't so much as have to engage any of the lockers."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the J201 concept right here in Club Lexus.

Too Capable?

"The J201 is an off-road monster," MT notes. "This thing is not only many times more capable than the stock LX but also as capable as any other production off-road vehicle - if not more so." Funny enough, the capability took all of the challenge out of driving the vehicle across this course, which may not be the best thing.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the J201 concept right here in Club Lexus.

Serious Exercise

"Rock mode worked well enough but got a little hairy on the loose stuff," MT said. "I found that the Mogul mode (meant for sandy ruts) with the rear axle locked was the easiest way to get through the course. Again, the obstacles were child's play for this machine, but easier is easier. I came away feeling simultaneously impressed and disappointed. Both I and the J201 wanted more of a challenge. Hopefully, there's a next time. An animal like this deserves serious exercise."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the J201 concept right here in Club Lexus.

Coming Soon

It may seem crazy to call a vehicle too capable, but it's clear that the J201 is deserving of a tougher course than the one MT drove it on. But at the same time, that just proves the LX, with a few modifications, makes for one heck of an off-road beast. And as the current-gen model ages and gets cheaper on the secondary market, we bet we'll be seeing many more of them out there on the trails.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the J201 concept right here in Club Lexus.

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