200 - Last of a Great Breed

[Yossarian]

I completely agree with you. This bemoaning the labeling of the 250 series is so tiresome. Aikido Toyoda could take a dump and if he wants to call it a Land Cruiser and it would be a Land Cruiser (number 2 series).

All of it gets tiresome. I'm in the 80 section as I have one. As far as "luxury" goes, the 80 was very close to my 09 200. Both have power windows, seats, and leather, but otherwise very basic (part of the appeal). You can see the same basic design and evolution of the breed. Yet each owner of the previous generation says the next isn't "real". Whatever.

Keep on flying to one of the best not a real LC's on mud @cruiseroutfit

 

[cruiseroutfit]

What does a 200 have in common with a BJ20 or an FJ40? Number of doors? Nope. Number of cylinders? Nope. Wheelbase? Nope. Solid axles? Nope. Even remotely the same scale or size or weight? Nope. One could even argue that the LC250's 4 cyl is more in keeping with tradition than a V8.

Toyota owns trademark. The word is theirs. Any vehicle they choose to call a Land Cruiser is a Land Cruiser. The 200 is such a departure from the Land Cruiser's roots, that calling the new LC250 "not a land cruiser" just seems silly.

100% agree.

Not to mention, the use of the name 'Land Cruiser' on light duty small axle/drivetrain chassis's dates back to 1985... you'd need a time machine to complain to Toyota about the "misuse" of the name. Would I prefer they call it a Land Cruiser Prado? Absolutely, because when they call the LC250 that, it generally means that market also has the LC300 and I'd love to see both of them in the US.

I loooooooove the 200 Series. I've driven them all over the globe and rely on mine units for a great deal of work and remote travel. But that doesn't make the LC250 inferior, it's different... and it some places (say Moab technical trails) it will do circles around a 200 in stock form

I don't personally refer most models a 'Land Cruiser', faaaaaaaaar to many engine/chassis/series models to simply cover it with two words imo. LC250, URJ200, VZJ95, etc are my preferred naming options

 

[cruiseroutfit]

All of it gets tiresome. I'm in the 80 section as I have one. As far as "luxury" goes, the 80 was very close to my 09 200. Both have power windows, seats, and leather, but otherwise very basic (part of the appeal). You can see the same basic design and evolution of the breed. Yet each owner of the previous generation says the next isn't "real". Whatever.

View attachment 3722635

Keep on flying to one of the best not a real LC's on mud @cruiseroutfit

We're currently prepping Monica for the upcoming Baja 1000. We'll be running the URJ201 and LX600

 

[Yossarian]

We're currently prepping Monica for the upcoming Baja 1000. We'll be running the URJ201 and LX600

We'll be watching!

 

[Redbull]

I don’t mind Toyota calls the 250 a Land Cruiser. At least it’s a Prado and not something based off a RAV4.

I’ve accepted that peak car was maybe 2008. Toyota sells you a 200, the M5 has a v10, m3 a v8, 997 turbo manual, C6 z06, gallardo had an even firing order which sounds better than the post 2009 models etc. just a few years before you had the legendary Carrera GT.

 

[Zill]

As an owner of both the 250 and 200, I enjoy both platforms.

The wife enjoys the 250 and I enjoy the 200. They’re just different, but also great in their own right.

Would I replace the 200 with a 250? Hell no, but if you have a significant other that didn’t like how heavy the 200 feels on the road (and preferred a 4Runner over the 200) due to the lighter running gear, then it may be a good choice for them.

If you like a more heavy duty feeling vehicle, then the 200 would be a better option, and you better snag a lightly used one while they’re still available.

Let’s be real here, any new car coming out right now looks like an econobox. The LC250 came out and it is finally something unique to buy which took a lot of design cues from the LC60 (which in my opinion is the best looking Land Cruiser), and Toyota knocked it out of the park on the ones with the round headlamps.

Best of all, because of the 250 I have 2 land cruisers in the garage instead of a Land Cruiser and a 4Runner (which I was never a fan of the 5th gen 4Runner)

 

[happy4runner]

As an owner of both the 250 and 200, I enjoy both platforms.

The wife enjoys the 250 and I enjoy the 200. They’re just different, but also great in their own right.

Would I replace the 200 with a 250? Hell no, but if you have significant other that didn’t like how heavy the 200 feels on the road (and preferred a 4Runner over the 200) due to the lighter running gear, then it may be a good choice for them.

If you like a more heavy duty feeling vehicle, then the 200 would be a better option, and you better snag a lightly used one while they’re still available.

Let’s be real here, any new car coming out right now looks like an econobox. The LC250 came out and it is finally something unique to buy which took a lot of design cues from the LC60 (which in my opinion is the best looking Land Cruiser), and Toyota knocked it out of the park on the ones with the round headlamps.

Best of all, because of the 250 I have 2 land cruisers in the garage instead of a Land Cruiser and a 4Runner (which I was never a fan of the 5th gen 4Runner)

I want to like the LC250 but it's missing one key thing... A third row! We have 4 kids and my wife loves our LC200. She sat in the LC250 and said she didn't like the seating position and it didn't feel as solid. We haven't driven one because there is no point in driving something that won't fit our family.

I drive a 2014 4runner with a 3rd row. It was my vehicle when we bought it new. Later, I needed an F450 so my wife got the 4runner. last year, we bought the LC200, so my wife is in heaven now and I got the 4runner back! I considered maybe swapping the 4runner out for a LC250 but I'd rather put the extra money into making the 4runner into a diehard offroad machine. I'm thinking of going the Marlin RCLTHD route!

 

[Zill]

I want to like the LC250 but it's missing one key thing... A third row! We have 4 kids and my wife loves our LC200. She sat in the LC250 and said she didn't like the seating position and it didn't feel as solid. We haven't driven one because there is no point in driving something that won't fit our family.

I drive a 2014 4runner with a 3rd row. It was my vehicle when we bought it new. Later, I needed an F450 so my wife got the 4runner. last year, we bought the LC200, so my wife is in heaven now and I got the 4runner back! I considered maybe swapping the 4runner out for a LC250 but I'd rather put the extra money into making the 4runner into a diehard offroad machine. I'm thinking of going the Marlin RCLTHD route!

If you need a third row that will be used on a daily basis, I would opt for a 2nd gen sequoia.

The 3rd row in the 200 will work in a pinch, but it’s tough once your kids are grown up and have longer legs. The sequoia has much more room in the back and you can opt for the middle seat captain chairs for easy access to the third row.

I’m not sure what she means by a solid feeling. The fasteners on the 250 make it feel drum tight still on the inside. One thing you will notice is the 250 does have lighter feeling doors whereas the 200 feels like a bank vault.

The seating position pretty much feels the same, but the 250 seats are more comfortable than the 200 seats due to the seat extenders on the premium models (that’s one thing the LX 570 has over the LC 200 as well). I can’t vouch for the cloth seats since I have not sat in them, but they’re not nearly as adjustable, and I have heard they’re not very comfortable. (Hence the ~55k price point in the 1958…. You get what you pay for)

 

[peneumbra2]

So I guess my '57 IH S120 4x4 Wagon isn't the... apogee of modern technology?

 

[Redbull]

If you need a third row that will be used on a daily basis, I would opt for a 2nd gen sequoia.

The 3rd row in the 200 will work in a pinch, but it’s tough once your kids are grown up and have longer legs. The sequoia has much more room in the back and you can opt for the middle seat captain chairs for easy access to the third row.

I’m not sure what she means by a solid feeling. The fasteners on the 250 make it feel drum tight still on the inside. One thing you will notice is the 250 does have lighter feeling doors whereas the 200 feels like a bank vault.

The seating position pretty much feels the same, but the 250 seats are more comfortable than the 200 seats due to the seat extenders on the premium models (that’s one thing the LX 570 has over the LC 200 as well). I can’t vouch for the cloth seats since I have not sat in them, but they’re not nearly as adjustable, and I have heard they’re not very comfortable. (Hence the ~55k price point in the 1958…. You get what you pay for)

I think just steering a 200 implies the majority of the hefty feeling.

 

[Blackford Oakes]

Toyota owns trademark. The word is theirs. Any vehicle they choose to call a Land Cruiser is a Land Cruiser. The 200 is such a departure from the Land Cruiser's roots, that calling the new LC250 "not a land cruiser" just seems silly.

My wife and I both drive 200s (a 16 and a 13). Never had any other Toyotas but LC wagons, so I guess you can take this for what it’s worth.

The Land Cruiser badge for me - maybe not for you, isn’t so much about following a set of features or even a look - more of an ethos. Time will tell, but the 250 Prado doesn’t scream 25 year vehicle to me, as described by Toyota engineers involved in the past LC programs. I think both sides of this argument can agree that there is some level of deceptive marketing at play here in North America and some people find it to be a little bit insulting, and rightfully so.

This probably means nothing to anyone but me but, personally, when I think Land Cruiser, the SOCOM’s NSTV and PB-NSCV programs come to mind which includes a list of qualified vehicles (a couple flavors of 70s, Hilux and the 200) that achieve base durability standards and are proven worthy to be used in a combat theater with or without modification. The 100 has also seen extensive use by American forces in 21st century conflicts. I’ll never use my 200s in a warzone, but knowing that it has made the short list by people that do, clearly means something. Prado has not made that list - only the heavy duty and wagon LCs.

This doesn’t mean the Prado is a bad vehicle, of course. I still think it’s a terrible value. Fight me.

 

[MRego]

The wife enjoys the 250 and I enjoy the 200. They’re just different, but also great in their own right.

Yes! Hence my point, it should be compared with the old GX460 NOT the 200 series. It is just natural that women will prefer a lighter vehicle but that still sits tall and gives a sense of security. Honestly, of the GX460s I see driving around town, it is a 90% to 10% ratio of women x men driving them.

If you like a more heavy duty feeling vehicle, then the 200 would be a better option, and you better snag a lightly used one while they’re still available.

Yes, yes and yes.

Let’s be real here, any new car coming out right now looks like an econobox.

Yes again, but to be honest the Prado LC250 gives me the same vibe. I sat in a 1958 and in a First Edition when taking my 200 to maintenance and man it is night and day in terms of fit and finish and hefty feeling we all know the 200 has.

 

[MCtree]

So if the 250 isn’t a true successor to the 200, which current vehicle would you guys get to replace your 200 should something disastrous happen? (Hoping not to jinx myself here) (and if you couldn’t buy a used 200)

I love my LC for:
The reliably.
Size to haul stuff for my road trips.
Off-road ability at the end of those road trips.

Would the new LX cover this after some mods?

 

[MRego]

So if the 250 isn’t a true successor to the 200, which current vehicle would you guys get to replace your 200 should something disastrous happen? (Hoping not to jinx myself here) (and if you couldn’t buy a used 200)

I love my LC for:
The reliably.
Size to haul stuff for my road trips.
Off-road ability at the end of those road trips.

Would the new LX cover this after some mods?

Correct. It most definitely is NOT a successor to the 200.

I do not see a world where I could not buy a used 200, but if that is the assumption, the LX600 (not the 550) might be an option if and when Toyota/Lexus sort it out the engine woes and (let's pray in unison) hopefully comes up with an overtrail version of the LX600 without that silly body kit, ginarmous overhang and bit of a lift just enough for better ground clearance. That could work, but the V8 would still be missed.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Came across this today, feels oddly relevant:

 

[coleAK]

My wife and I both drive 200s (a 16 and a 13). Never had any other Toyotas but LC wagons, so I guess you can take this for what it’s worth.

The Land Cruiser badge for me - maybe not for you, isn’t so much about following a set of features or even a look - more of an ethos. Time will tell, but the 250 Prado doesn’t scream 25 year vehicle to me, as described by Toyota engineers involved in the past LC programs. I think both sides of this argument can agree that there is some level of deceptive marketing at play here in North America and some people find it to be a little bit insulting, and rightfully so.

This probably means nothing to anyone but me but, personally, when I think Land Cruiser, the SOCOM’s NSTV and PB-NSCV programs come to mind which includes a list of qualified vehicles (a couple flavors of 70s, Hilux and the 200) that achieve base durability standards and are proven worthy to be used in a combat theater with or without modification. The 100 has also seen extensive use by American forces in 21st century conflicts. I’ll never use my 200s in a warzone, but knowing that it has made the short list by people that do, clearly means something. Prado has not made that list - only the heavy duty and wagon LCs.

This doesn’t mean the Prado is a bad vehicle, of course. I still think it’s a terrible value. Fight me.

With this rational Chevy Colorado ZR2 (army infantry squad vehicle) and MB g wagons (USMC FAV) are “battle tested” to a much higher standard than the land cruisers you mention.

 

[coleAK]

So if the 250 isn’t a true successor to the 200, which current vehicle would you guys get to replace your 200 should something disastrous happen? (Hoping not to jinx myself here) (and if you couldn’t buy a used 200)

I love my LC for:
The reliably.
Size to haul stuff for my road trips.
Off-road ability at the end of those road trips.

Would the new LX cover this after some mods?

Easy if my LX is totaled today, for
Me a Silverado EV WT4

 

[Zill]

Yes! Hence my point, it should be compared with the old GX460 NOT the 200 series. It is just natural that women will prefer a lighter vehicle but that still sits tall and gives a sense of security. Honestly, of the GX460s I see driving around town, it is a 90% to 10% ratio of women x men driving them.


Yes, yes and yes.


Yes again, but to be honest the Prado LC250 gives me the same vibe. I sat in a 1958 and in a First Edition when taking my 200 to maintenance and man it is night and day in terms of fit and finish and hefty feeling we all know the 200 has.

Oh don’t get me wrong, I do wish we had the option to have an updated 200, with an upgraded V8 engine that produced even more power and had new amenities in the cabin. I will say, the LX 600 is not that, and if I were looking at long term durability, the LC 250 beats out the LX 600 strictly due to the known engine reliability issues in that new platform. The hybrid 4 popper gets all the benefits of the instant torque off the line, and gets much better MPG, all while not seizing up on you at random.

At the end of the day, Toyota can’t legally build and sell a true 200 series replacement here in the States. You can thank the regulations for that.

To me, the Prado was a step up from the LC 150 platform, and the 300/600 was a step down from the 200/570 platform. They’re very similar now and the 30-50k price difference is not justifiable.

 

[Blackford Oakes]

With this rational Chevy Colorado ZR2 (army infantry squad vehicle) and MB g wagons (USMC FAV) are “battle tested” to a much higher standard than the land cruisers you mention.

Both absolutely sick vehicles.

Curious though, what’s the much higher standard?

 

[MRego]

With this rational Chevy Colorado ZR2 (army infantry squad vehicle) and MB g wagons (USMC FAV) are “battle tested” to a much higher standard than the land cruisers you mention.

I think the point is that none of them (or the UN for that matter) are trading their battle tested/approved units for the new Prados.