2024 GX/Prado Release and Discussion (1 Viewer)

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Isn't the Fortuner based on the Hilux? I am not tracking this but was the Tacoma release applicable to the Hilux as well or is the Hilux a completely different chassis and model? It makes sense for the 4R to downsize to the Fortuner footprint to differentiate from the LC.
Was making an analogy but also under the impression that all of the body on frame vehicles were going to eventually align to the new platform with maybe the exception of the 70 series
 
I think the main difference will be the 4Runner will have the 4cyl engine and the LC will have the V-6.
That would be okay to me. I'm still not sure why they wouldn't just have 2 engine options in a single vehicle. But it probably makes the 4r the true overland choice because the 4cyl is serviceable and the V6 basically isn't. I'm pretty torn on which engine I'd want between them. The V6 power is a lot better. But the 4cyl is a better design for taking in the field and owning longer term. I wish it was I4 vs I6. I think I'd prefer the V6.
 
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That comment above about the Fortuner/Hilux and T4R/Taco, makes good sense. Maybe that's where Toyota would go.

The Fortuner is a great one... Sadly we never got it here. 😢
 
Not getting the "good stuff" is the price we pay for not being a third world country.
 
I remember when the head USA Tundra/Sequoia developer (Mike Sweers) was interviewed on the Sequoia release, and he mentioned it was either going to be the full size 300 LC or the Sequoia being offered in the US, but not both, and the team decided on the Sequoia.

Now for the life of me, I cant understand why they won’t offer a long wheelbase model offering (similar to a Surburban vs. Tahoe) that can have a useable cargo area with the hybrid battery.

Then the LC actually makes sense as an offering to slot in between the 4Runner and long wheel base Sequoia.

I think this sort of personifies Toyota.

Sequioa...
Hey lets design a full size SUV and give it mid size cargo capacity... Bonus points for if can get worst in class fuel economy.

LC
Hey we spent 15 years designing the most rugged and reliable SUV on the planet. We should totally compete it against Denali's, Escalades, EQS's and Q8's. in the most over saturated segment in the biggest car market on the planet.

Prado/GX/LC
Hey, instead of just selling the 300 series with the same options that are available in every other market, Lets get the engineers to make the next gen Prado the same size the 300 series and give it the same power train.

Century
Hey, let's do a reliable Rolls Royce SUV with the Sequioa power plant and call it 200k. Done.

4runner/tacoma. Lets make it look like a small sequoia but with a tiny engine.

I have no clue how well the sequoia is selling,



I would be a buyer if they had a non-hybrid variant with more cargo room,
 
From what we already know - they both share the same wheel base, width, and same rear axles and rear suspension. The GX has eKDSS from the LC300. Frames visually are very close to identical with minor change for higher rear clearance on the Prado/GX. I don't see any of the same variation between the current Prado/LC200 as far as parts sizing or strength. It's still TBD in some cases since no one I'm aware of has actually seen part number lists or put parts like steering boxes side by side. So far, everything I've seen points to them being the same underneath. And we know they share the same engine, transmissions, and transfer cases. They have the same tow ratings, so presumably the same cooling systems. My guess is that the heavy duty vs light duty distinction is all but gone. (Unless we count the Sequoia that really is a step up in size from the LC300/GX550.) I think we need a bit more time to really tell, but it sure looks like they share similar or the same rolling chassis and powertrains.

I think it's pretty likely the new LC gets a hybrid turbo 4 and my bet is the base engine is the turbo 4 not the TTv6. Ideally it would be offered with all 3 options - T4, T4h, and TTv6. And it may use an 8 speed instead of the 10 speed transmission. According to Toyota engineers the 8 speed gives higher belly ground clearance. So, it might make sense to put that transmission in the off-road focused model. I'm a bit skeptical of that claim, but that's what the head engineer of the Tacoma said as they could have used either one and why they chose the 8 speed over the 10 speed.



Quoting @TeCKis300 post #32
[/URL]
''

Looking at the chassis comparison, the 300-series is still larger and built to a higher standard with more robust cross sections, larger brackets, and more substantial elements. There's quite a bit but I'll just point out a few. Maybe others can as well.
1) Front bump stops - the GX has a single stop, the LX utilizes two as does todays 200-series
2) Body mounts - the two largest ones in the mid section, the 300-series brackets are larger and tie into a longer section of frame
3) Front LCA pickup points - 300-series pickups are tighter in to the frame and would be geometrically stronger/stiffer''

1686429588165.png
''



GX 550

GXP5005.jpg



LX 600

20211014_01_39.jpg




 
Quoting @TeCKis300 post #32
[/URL]
''

Looking at the chassis comparison, the 300-series is still larger and built to a higher standard with more robust cross sections, larger brackets, and more substantial elements. There's quite a bit but I'll just point out a few. Maybe others can as well.
1) Front bump stops - the GX has a single stop, the LX utilizes two as does todays 200-series
2) Body mounts - the two largest ones in the mid section, the 300-series brackets are larger and tie into a longer section of frame
3) Front LCA pickup points - 300-series pickups are tighter in to the frame and would be geometrically stronger/stiffer''

View attachment 3367574''



GX 550

View attachment 3367576


LX 600

View attachment 3367575



I think you're drinking the cool aid here. The two are 50lbs different. And the GX has significant body structure additions the 300 doesn't. I think the variations between them we can see so far are immaterial.
 
I think you're drinking the cool aid here. The two are 50lbs different. And the GX has significant body structure additions the 300 doesn't. I think the variations between them we can see so far are immaterial.

They are not 100% identical as everyone seems to point out. I am sure more there are more differences that we probably won't know until we see in real life.
Fact of the matter is, the flagship body on frame TNGA-F product is the LX600 ( and later LX700) on the Lexus side and LC300 on the Toyota side. This is not speculation, it is a fact.
That surely has to translate in numerous ways in the vehicle development/core construction.

I am not drinking any cool aid, I already own a LC300 with triple lockers that is probably cheaper and more capable than the GX550 based on specs we have seen( I can't comment on capability of LC250 because we don't know official specs yet )

Being a newer product, It is expected some things in the GX/250 as of the current model year might have more updated spec/tech because well, it is a newer product after all, but things do eventually fix themselves with future updates, just like how the Seqouia had the hybrid before the LX/300, eventually the LX700 will come out and be on top of the range performance wise again.
 
Also @Jetboy I will be fair here and share
these two photos since you mentioned body structure additions.

maybe someone can chime in and tell us a reason for the differences? I would assume obviously different bodies. different use of material would cause a difference in what we are seeing in these photos, but also natural cycle of product development and updates.

LX

20211014_01_45.jpg



GX 550

GXP5012.jpg



LX 600

20211014_01_44.jpg


GX 550

GXP5011.jpg
 
They are not 100% identical as everyone seems to point out. I am sure more there are more differences that we probably won't know until we see in real life.
Fact of the matter is, the flagship body on frame TNGA-F product is the LX600 ( and later LX700) on the Lexus side and LC300 on the Toyota side. This is not speculation, it is a fact.
That surely has to translate in numerous ways in the vehicle development/core construction.

I am not drinking any cool aid, I already own a LC300 with triple lockers that is probably cheaper and more capable than the GX550 based on specs we have seen( I can't comment on capability of LC250 because we don't know official specs yet )

Being a newer product, It is expected some things in the GX/250 as of the current model year might have more updated spec/tech because well, it is a newer product after all, but things do eventually fix themselves with future updates, just like how the Seqouia had the hybrid before the LX/300, eventually the LX700 will come out and be on top of the range performance wise again.
The flagship is the Sequoia in terms of size and robustness. It's bigger, heavier, and more powerful than any version of the 300. As is the Tundra. They are the only two full size models with the highest capacities, biggest frames, up sized drivetrain, etc. The lc300 is a midsize version that's effectively identical to the GX. The options for front locker is a regional market decision. The LX doesn't even get a rear locker.

I'm not sure why the GX and Tacoma lack that option. Especially the Tacoma. It's Toyotas most capable model for off-road use. I'll be surprised if the new LC doesn't have it.
 
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The flagship is the Sequoia in terms of size and robustness. It's bigger, heavier, and more powerful than any version of the 300. As is the Tundra. They are the only two full size models with the highest capacities, biggest frames, up sized drivetrain, etc. The lc300 is a midsize version that's effectively identical to the GX. The options for front locker is a regional market decision.

I'm not sure why the GX and Tacoma lack that option. Especially the Tacoma. It's Toyotas most capable model for off-road use. I'll be surprised if the new LC doesn't have it.


I have sat inside a Sequoia and don't be fooled by the fancy looking leather/screens, it does not feel the same quality as the LC300 from a touch and sense point of view.

Now back to topic, the good news is the Prado even in the past did feel like a land cruiser inside the cabin quality wise in terms of what you can touch and feel. not as fancy interior wise but it still felt like its land cruiser material if you know what I mean. Basically anything that has Land Cruiser in the name just seems to hit different, and it's more than psychological, it can be felt the moment you get in the car. Even if they share platforms. Many cars share platforms but they can be really different to experience.
 
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I have sat inside a Sequoia and don't be fooled by the fancy looking leather/screens, it does not feel the same quality as the LC300 from a touch and sense point of view.

Now back to topic, the good news is the Prado even in the past did feel like a land cruiser quality wise, not as fancy interior wise but it still felt like its land cruiser material if you know what I mean.
There's a pretty big difference in the size of the parts underneath the Sequoia.
1688718288096.png
 
There's a pretty big difference in the size of the parts underneath the Sequoia.
View attachment 3367599

This still does not convince me that the Sequoia is more durable off road than a LC300 or even the upcoming LC250.
It is bigger because of its intended use.

The unit in the LC300 is perfect for the LC300 size and possibly going bigger could have a negative effect on the overall package.

The fact of the matter is, the flagship TNGA-F Toyota product is the Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport, followed by the Land Cruiser 300 VX-R/ZX/ZX SAHARA/VX and then the the lower grades of the LC300....
That is the reality.

But if you think the Sequoia is the flagship and sits above the Land Cruiser 300 in the hierarchy then I don't have an issue with that honestly as long as you are happy with that.


Ok between me and you I won't lie I feel a bit stupid arguing about this like its a my dad is stronger than your dad scenario LOL but honestly if you see the interviews with Mike Sweers, he always talk about how Land Cruiser is the standard that influences things. You take that standard then you mould it to the best of your ability/cost saving included to whatever the vehicle is intended to be used as.

Most LC owners don't want an LC300 that is as big as a Sequoia and most Sequoia owners don't want care for a front locker or compromise of space/size in favor of off road performance ...
 
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It's all metal and paint. The 300 and GX are nearly identical. Both are smaller and lighter build than the Sequoia. That's just what the hardware is. If the GX were called 300 and the 300 were called Prado I think you'd be trying to convince me that the GX was the flagship.
 
The flagship is the Sequoia in terms of size and robustness. It's bigger, heavier, and more powerful than any version of the 300. As is the Tundra. They are the only two full size models with the highest capacities, biggest frames, up sized drivetrain, etc. The lc300 is a midsize version that's effectively identical to the GX. The options for front locker is a regional market decision. The LX doesn't even get a rear locker.

I'm not sure why the GX and Tacoma lack that option. Especially the Tacoma. It's Toyotas most capable model for off-road use. I'll be surprised if the new LC doesn't have it.


In Japan you can get a LX 600 with lockers on the off road version.
Even the Middle East doesn't get this option on the LX!
LX LOCK.jpg




Hopefully the US LC gets it too.


as for the flagship argument I think we can let it rest as we reached a dead end, respectfully agree/disagree; etc.

On a side note, man I wish they used the OG rotary locker switch on the 300s, it was half the fun.
 
In Japan you can get a LX 600 with lockers on the off road version.
Even the Middle East doesn't get this option on the LX!
View attachment 3367613



Hopefully the US LC gets it too.


as for the flagship argument I think we can let it rest as we reached a dead end, respectfully agree/disagree; etc.

On a side note, man I wish they used the OG rotary locker switch on the 300s, it was half the fun.
The fact we are having the conversation seems to tell me there is room for debate. I’m not all that versed in these boards but I do not recall any previous generation 100/200 being debated in The same room ls the GX/sequoia/4R For flagship status.

I must now go flog my 100 for wasting any more time thinking about this.
 
I played around in photoshop and finally came up with some settings that highlighted the front and rear lights. I then compared the headlight shapes to the Tri-Beam Headlights on the CarsGuide rendering (from the Plano grapevine). At first I was convinced they had to be tri-beam, like the rendering, however, the more I worked on it, different settings and zooms, you can see, what I believe are round headlight bezels and a round headlight convex protrusion.

To confirm this, I've added closeups of the CarsGuide rendering. You can see with the tri-beam headlights the upper and lower bezels are flat. On the new teaser image you can clearly see a classic chamfered headlight bezel. On the other hand, that chamfer could be a center grill section, like the FJ40 and FJ Cruiser.

If true, this would validate some of the leaks that say the international LC Prado will have the tri-beam headlights and the US LC Prado will have round, retro, 40/70 series headlights. What do you think, confirmation bias or do you agree the images lean towards them being round headlights?

1688734372007.png
 
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I played around in photoshop and finally came up with some settings that highlighted the front and rear lights. I then compared the headlight shapes to the Tri-Beam Headlights on the CarsGuide rendering (from the Plano grapevine). At first I was convinced they had to be tri-beam, like the rendering, however, the more I worked on it, different settings and zooms, you can see, what I believe are round headlight bezels and a round headlight convex protrusion.

To confirm this, I've added closeups of the CarsGuide rendering. You can see with the tri-beam headlights the upper and lower bezels are flat. On the new teaser image you can clearly see a classic chamfered headlight bezel.

If true, this would validate some of the leaks that say the international LC Prado will have the tri-beam headlights and the US LC Prado will have round, retro, 40/70 series headlights. What do you think, confirmation bias or do you agree the images lean towards them being round headlights?

View attachment 3367673

Good review, personally the tri-beam have grown on me a lot. I feel like without a good modern reimagination, the round headlights will just look out of place. I've never been a big fan of the FJC and particularly I think it's because the headlights look goofy to me.

Edit:
Adding further I really think Lexus nailed the headlight design on the GX. That said if the new LC has either of the following: front locker or split gate I would seriously reconsider my deposit on the GX.
 
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