200 series owners who went to 250 series?

[Kramerica1]

Serious conflict with myself trying to decide if I want to jump ship on the 200 and get the 250.

Any 200 owners who made the swap have any thoughts? Pros, cons, happy, have regret?

Thanks

 

[hoot504]

I’m curious why someone would want to. Not saying there don’t exist circumstance where it makes sense.

 

[Kramerica1]

For me it’s the HUD, which I love on my other vehicle, ease of CarPlay, like the look slightly more.

What I’m struggling with is the 4 cylinder reliability, smaller gas tank, overall quality compared to the 200.

But the most important issue to me is I have some back issues and the 200 just kills me on long drives. I think the 250’s leg support extension would be huge for comfort.

 

[Corbet]

 

[BobJingles]

This ought to be civil.

In all seriousness, doesn’t sound like there is a real rush to get rid of the 200. If I were in your shoes and my 200 was running fine, I’d wait another year or two to see what, if any, issues pop up and then reassess.

There will always be something newer, sexier, with better tech out there and would be wary of the impulse to buy the latest and greatest unless there was a specific need.

Also for what its worth - I didn’t like the angle of the 250 driver seat, I’m taller and felt the seat front/angle was too low, making it feel like I was sliding off the front of the seat. I installed seat jackers which raised the front end and made a significant difference. May be something to look into for your 200.

 

[Kramerica1]

Yeah definitely no rush.

I said my biggest gripe is the seats, I’ve lived with the vehicle the past 5 years, as well as a 100 series I put 224k miles on, and an 80 series as well.

Didn’t realize how uncomfortable I was until I got…hate to say it, my 24 Raptor. I can drive all day no issues, but for the first time in my life I’m finding myself not wanting to drive the 200.

Tech is a bonus but not a deal breaker. Literally zero issues with the 200.

Lastly, financially though I can basically get 57k from the dealer with is 2.5k less than what I bought it for OTD in 2019. So to get the best bang for my buck would be to trade it in now.

Yes the 200 is arguably better for longevity and being a classic, that’s what’s making it so hard.

 

[Corbet]

If you find yourself not wanting to drive the 200 then combine that with the equity situation... Both make good reasons to take a look.

I'm 6' & 220lbs. Find the seat and overall driving position of the 250 very comfortable. But I can also drive all day a week straight in my 80 without complaint. Either I'm not that sensitive or 200K+ miles and my 80's seat is perfectly molded. I can't go more than 2 hours in my wife's Outback Touring without discomfort. That has the leg extender and all the same adjustments. This is our 3rd top tier Outback and I've hated all of their seats.

 

[BigMF]

I had a 2011 LX570 for 5 years and made the switch a few months ago. I have many positive and some negative thoughts on the vehicle but I will limit the list below to the things that I can compare directly to the 200 series.

Pros:

• 50% better MPG
• Drives like a car in a GOOD way and my 5'1", 97lb wife doesn't feel overwhelmed by it. I dare say it's almost sporty compared to the 200. Definitely MUCH easier to drive, particularly around town.
• Front sway bar disconnect
• Tech (Carplay, HUD, Rear view camera that I can actually use)
• More comfortable - Have already taken it on a 16-day, 4,000+ mile trip and never got REALLY stiff or sore like I did in the 200
• Everything is new and not 200,000 miles/13 years old
• I have a new project to play with
• The many admiring stares, nods, and thumbs-up's I've gotten. While it's shallow, I confess to getting a warm and fuzzy feeling when someone comes up and says "Is that the new Land Cruiser? I love it!".

Cons:

• The (perhaps unfounded) stress that comes with a new generation. Won't know if the stress is warranted but it is a factor for now.
• Small gas tank - WTF?!
• No split tail/lift gate! - Really miss that
• Tech - There is a lot of babysitting tech built in that cannot be turned off. For example, I cannot open the door to look back and see where my rear tire while backing up in a sketchy spot without the system emergency braking thinking you are about to fall out.
• Interior space - I could look up the actual numbers but it FEELS like the interior is about 20% smaller. This is largely a result of the hybrid battery. Wouldn't be as big of an issue on the GX550.
• The unknown/unfamiliar - I know for a fact that the 200 is a beast because I've seen it with my own eyes or done it with my own 200. The 250 is not proven....yet. So, until I've seen a ton of YouTube/Instagram videos of people doing crazy things and done some of them myself, I will have that fear in the back of my head. However, that would be true for ANY vehicle that I'd not driven before, including a 100 series.
• The (current) lack of a deep knowledge base of answers and folks who are thoroughly knowledgeable about the platform.
• Cabin noise is slightly higher - I don't know if that's a Toyota vs Lexus thing or a new 250(550) vs the 200 thing.
• Smaller issues/irritating/poor design decisions
  • Visors are awkward
  • Dashcam placement is ridiculous
  • Cool-box is about 33% smaller/shorter

All in all, I'm very happy with my decision to swap. Of course I'm nervous that the reliability won't be as good but I'm willing to bet that there were a LOT of 100 series owners saying that about the 200 back in 2007. The recent Tundra cluster has actually given me more confidence that Toyota still stands behind their reputation and will make it right if they F something up, particularly with a model that is sold globally.

 

[Kramerica1]

Yeah I’m only 6’2” and about two years ago I did a 19 hour drive straight…not smart and will never do again, but seems anytime I drive over 3 hours now in it I’m hurting. Just getting old I guess. Would be unfortunate if I made the switch and the 250 seats turned out bad too.

 

[Kramerica1]

I had a 2011 LX570 for 5 years and made the switch a few months ago. I have many positive and some negative thoughts on the vehicle but I will limit the list below to the things that I can compare directly to the 200 series.

Pros:

• 50% better MPG
• Drives like a car in a GOOD way and my 5'1", 97lb wife doesn't feel overwhelmed by it. I dare say it's almost sporty compared to the 200. Definitely MUCH easier to drive, particularly around town.
• Front sway bar disconnect
• Tech (Carplay, HUD, Rear view camera that I can actually use)
• More comfortable - Have already taken it on a 16-day, 4,000+ mile trip and never got REALLY stiff or sore like I did in the 200
• Everything is new and not 200,000 miles/13 years old
• I have a new project to play with
• The many admiring stares, nods, and thumbs-up's I've gotten. While it's shallow, I confess to getting a warm and fuzzy feeling when someone comes up and says "Is that the new Land Cruiser? I love it!".

Cons:

• The (perhaps unfounded) stress that comes with a new generation. Won't know if the stress is warranted but it is a factor for now.
• Small gas tank - WTF?!
• No split tail/lift gate! - Really miss that
• Tech - There is a lot of babysitting tech built in that cannot be turned off. For example, I cannot open the door to look back and see where my rear tire while backing up in a sketchy spot without the system emergency braking thinking you are about to fall out.
• Interior space - I could look up the actual numbers but it FEELS like the interior is about 20% smaller. This is largely a result of the hybrid battery. Wouldn't be as big of an issue on the GX550.
• The unknown/unfamiliar - I know for a fact that the 200 is a beast because I've seen it with my own eyes or done it with my own 200. The 250 is not proven....yet. So, until I've seen a ton of YouTube/Instagram videos of people doing crazy things and done some of them myself, I will have that fear in the back of my head. However, that would be true for ANY vehicle that I'd not driven before, including a 100 series.
• The (current) lack of a deep knowledge base of answers and folks who are thoroughly knowledgeable about the platform.
• Cabin noise is slightly higher - I don't know if that's a Toyota vs Lexus thing or a new 250(550) vs the 200 thing.
• Smaller issues/irritating/poor design decisions
  • Visors are awkward
  • Dashcam placement is ridiculous
  • Cool-box is about 33% smaller/shorter

All in all, I'm very happy with my decision to swap. Of course I'm nervous that the reliability won't be as good but I'm willing to bet that there were a LOT of 100 series owners saying that about the 200 back in 2007. The recent Tundra cluster has actually given me more confidence that Toyota still stands behind their reputation and will make it right if they F something up, particularly with a model that is sold globally.

Great input. Thank you.

 

[krice118]

Swap in a scheelmann seat into the 200

Personally I don’t think it’s worth ~$60-$70k the GX550 might be…..

For me the tighter second row compares to 2nd row and the transmission jump is a deal breaker- we have 2 small kids and are often riding in the back with them.

Now it does seem like it could be a safe bet- could buy and drive for a year and possibly not lose much $ at all. They are still quite sparse on the 2nd hand market

 

[lcgeek]

I have a couple 200's and just got a 250, so I didn't swap one for the other per se. I agree with most of BigMFs comments above. The 250 is not perfect, but neither is the 200 (IMHO).

My summary observations is the 200 is a reliable luxurious capable tank. Quiet inside, solid thud to the doors, power a plenty, but not the most nimble beast. The 250 is quick, light on her feet, nimble, and almost drives itself. Puts a smile on face each trip. I didnt want to like it, but one drive and I was sold. Is my giddiness confirmation bias, or the honeymoon.... maybe. But she sure is delightful. Both the 200s and my 250 are wonderful in their own way. If I had to choose only 1, I'd keep the 25O (for now ). I'm thankful I don't have to choose.

 

[Romer]

I don't have the 250, I have the Tacoma 4th gen which is very similar and comfortable. That is in addition to my 200

The tech in the 250/Tacoma is awesome. Some of it you can add to your 200 with a Tesla sized Android. In some cases it is better as you can add any apps you want to the Android head unit. Although, Android Auto (Like Car Play) puts much of what you haave on your phone on the 250/Tacoma screen. My only point here is you can upgrade some of the tech in your 200.

I have always found the seats in the 200 to be very comfortable, more so than my 100 or 80 and much more so than my 40's. It did takee some adjustments to get it just right

250 or 200, both great vehicles. It comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use it.

My preference was a 200 and a 2024 Tacoma

 

[Kramerica1]

I don't have the 250, I have the Tacoma 4th gen which is very similar and comfortable. That is in addition to my 200

The tech in the 250/Tacoma is awesome. Some of it you can add to your 200 with a Tesla sized Android. In some cases it is better as you can add any apps you want to the Android head unit. Although, Android Auto (Like Car Play) puts much of what you haave on your phone on the 250/Tacoma screen. My only point here is you can upgrade some of the tech in your 200.

I have always found the seats in the 200 to be very comfortable, more so than my 100 or 80 and much more so than my 40's. It did takee some adjustments to get it just right

250 or 200, both great vehicles. It comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use it.

My preference was a 200 and a 2024 Tacoma

Yeah I added the NaviPlus CarPlay unit to the 200 and it’s been great. Zero issues.

Unfortunately can’t have both as much as I want to. Just wouldn’t be financially responsible after just buying a 2024 Ford. I’ve had land cruisers since 2000 and just need to have one ha.

Would have bought a Tacoma but just won’t work with kids in the “back seat.”

Think I know what I want to do regarding the purchase, just hoping someone has that one golden nugget of wisdom to sway me either way.

 

[Romer]

just hoping someone has that one golden nugget of wisdom to sway me either way.

Loking in the mirror is the best way to find that person. Everyone else has a diferent perspective and set of preferences
I typicaly make a spread sheet going over options, advantages, disadavantages, preferences, how I plan to use it or anything else that may aply. That forces me to have a conversation with myself and think things through, tweak the inputs and then tweak them some more before I work through what I THINK I should do.
that is how I came up with the decision to keep the 200, but sell the 40 and buy a Tacoma

 

[rexington14]

For me it’s the HUD, which I love on my other vehicle, ease of CarPlay, like the look slightly more.

What I’m struggling with is the 4 cylinder reliability, smaller gas tank, overall quality compared to the 200.

But the most important issue to me is I have some back issues and the 200 just kills me on long drives. I think the 250’s leg support extension would be huge for comfort.

Don't overcomplicate it. Why drive a vehicle that you know causes you pain / issues that will only get worse over time? Test drive the 250. If it's more comfortable, make the switch. Even if it's not, it sounds like the 200 has to go. Or give it to your wife and get something else entirely. It's just a car.

 

[SavGACruiser]

This is a good write up. I didn't have a 200 series, but did have an 80 that I sold several years ago. Happy to be back in a LC. The pros / cons of the 250 are well summarized here. It isn't perfect, but it isn't the swing and a miss that some would have you believe.

I had a 2011 LX570 for 5 years and made the switch a few months ago. I have many positive and some negative thoughts on the vehicle but I will limit the list below to the things that I can compare directly to the 200 series.

Pros:

• 50% better MPG
• Drives like a car in a GOOD way and my 5'1", 97lb wife doesn't feel overwhelmed by it. I dare say it's almost sporty compared to the 200. Definitely MUCH easier to drive, particularly around town.
• Front sway bar disconnect
• Tech (Carplay, HUD, Rear view camera that I can actually use)
• More comfortable - Have already taken it on a 16-day, 4,000+ mile trip and never got REALLY stiff or sore like I did in the 200
• Everything is new and not 200,000 miles/13 years old
• I have a new project to play with
• The many admiring stares, nods, and thumbs-up's I've gotten. While it's shallow, I confess to getting a warm and fuzzy feeling when someone comes up and says "Is that the new Land Cruiser? I love it!".

Cons:

• The (perhaps unfounded) stress that comes with a new generation. Won't know if the stress is warranted but it is a factor for now.
• Small gas tank - WTF?!
• No split tail/lift gate! - Really miss that
• Tech - There is a lot of babysitting tech built in that cannot be turned off. For example, I cannot open the door to look back and see where my rear tire while backing up in a sketchy spot without the system emergency braking thinking you are about to fall out.
• Interior space - I could look up the actual numbers but it FEELS like the interior is about 20% smaller. This is largely a result of the hybrid battery. Wouldn't be as big of an issue on the GX550.
• The unknown/unfamiliar - I know for a fact that the 200 is a beast because I've seen it with my own eyes or done it with my own 200. The 250 is not proven....yet. So, until I've seen a ton of YouTube/Instagram videos of people doing crazy things and done some of them myself, I will have that fear in the back of my head. However, that would be true for ANY vehicle that I'd not driven before, including a 100 series.
• The (current) lack of a deep knowledge base of answers and folks who are thoroughly knowledgeable about the platform.
• Cabin noise is slightly higher - I don't know if that's a Toyota vs Lexus thing or a new 250(550) vs the 200 thing.
• Smaller issues/irritating/poor design decisions
  • Visors are awkward
  • Dashcam placement is ridiculous
  • Cool-box is about 33% smaller/shorter

All in all, I'm very happy with my decision to swap. Of course I'm nervous that the reliability won't be as good but I'm willing to bet that there were a LOT of 100 series owners saying that about the 200 back in 2007. The recent Tundra cluster has actually given me more confidence that Toyota still stands behind their reputation and will make it right if they F something up, particularly with a model that is sold globally.

 

[BigMF]

Yeah I’m only 6’2” and about two years ago I did a 19 hour drive straight…not smart and will never do again, but seems anytime I drive over 3 hours now in it I’m hurting. Just getting old I guess. Would be unfortunate if I made the switch and the 250 seats turned out bad too.

Yeah, last year I drove from Nashville to North Sydney in Nova Scotia to catch the ferry to Newfoundland. 29 hours in 2 days is not recommended! Fortunately, I had a 16 hour, overnight ferry trip in a cabin with a bed to recover.

Yes, those are icebergs in the background!

 

[yOHda]

You mentioned Raptor, and you’re 6’2”. That suggest to me you need a more truck like fit. More upright with a taller seat bottom/lower floor.

I am miserable on long distances in my wife’s 570. I am 6’2” 300 and my knees can’t take the angle. I can’t get the seat back far enough. I could drive cross country in my Tundra. So the absolutely perfect vehicle for me has become my Sequoia.

No experience with the 250, but it looks too small for me to daily comfortably. And I’m done cramming myself into clown cars because I think I look cool.

 

[VWEeplusa]

I have a 2015 200 Series and just added a GX550 Overtrail+ this week.

First impressions:

Globally speaking:​

1. It is NOT an apples to apples to compare the 200 Series to the GX/LC250. Different vehicles entirely. That said, it has not made me want to get rid of my 200 Series. I think I'll keep it for now.
2. My take is the GX is NOT the 'rhino proof' overbuilt monster the 200 series is. I'm not an off roader, so that has always been more of a talking point than an actual big deal.
3. I doubt the GX is therefore going to be the 500K mi indestructible gem the 200 series is. I hope that and number 2 above don't translate to less long term love. I do feel it's far superior in build and interior quality than my 2014 4Runner, way beyond the 2006 100 Series I had, and the FJ Cruisers I have driven in the past. That alone should bode well for long term reliability, solidity and value.

Pros of the GX thus far:​

1. Love the styling, love the boxiness, and love the feeling of driving it around. Much more solid AND dynamic than I thought it would be.
2. The fit and finish are much better than the naysayers online have been ruminating about. I prefer non-leather leather, anyway, but its much less plasticky than many have been complaining about.
3. Love the lack of 3rd row seats. I have never used my 3rd row seats in any of my Land Cruisers other than the 1992 80 series I keep at our vacation place, so they've always just been in the way for the dog and luggage. The trunk is humongous.
4. Headroom and trunk height are amazing. Of course, the GX doesn't have the hybrid, so it has more vertical space, so applies only to the Lexus.
5. Technology interface is great. I have a 2023 Rivian R1S quad motor with A/T setup in addition to the 2015 200 Series, and I think the GX is every bit as user friendly and well done as the Rivian. I especially like the 3 knobs added to the interface, as those are 3 of the 4 that make the most sense (4th being a fan speed knob would have been great).
6. Ergonomically, it's really nice and comfortable.
7. I love the balanced feel between truck and luxury vehicle the GX gives. Its a bit more balanced than the 200 Series, in my opinion.
8. It's quieter road noise wise than I was given to expect, even with the A/T Toyo's of the Overtrail+.

Cons of the GX thus far:​

1. Wish there was an option for non-black wheels on the Overtrail+ trim. I hate black wheels. Might get raised white letter Toyo's to offset the blackness.
2. Blind spots are a bit greater than in the 200 Series. Not bad, but less of a fishbowl than the 200.
3. Leg room in back, with front seats set where I like, is a bit lacking but not a game breaker.
4. Wish there was an interior option with far less black. Even the chateau seat centers leaves the interior very very black and dark. Its a bit of a contrast issue w seeing around the interior clearly with sun shining through the car.
5. The seat massagers are laughable. It's like having a child stuck inside your seat, poking at you all over. Its more heebie-jeebies than any sort of good feeling massage.