I’m guessing 75% of what people are finding underwhelming or disappointing in the 250 is common to almost all makes and models in the US and is not a Toyota thing.
A ratcheting up of safety standards that results in:
-intrusive safety features and warnings
-loss of privacy with connected features
-less interior room
-less storage
-less durable materials
-sometimes strange designs
A ratcheting up of CAFE standards that results in:
-forced induction small displacement engines
-weight reduction that leads to less durability, increased NVH, etc
Inflation that results in:
-decreased value; paying more for less
-quality reduced in an effort to limit price increases
I think the perception of build quality issues stems from increased NVH, thin or light materials, etc.
Maybe 25% from:
-Toyota’s somewhat misleading marketing effort in the US to hide the “Prado” and rebadge the line as the next generation Land Cruiser.
Also undeniable is there are some very real positives with the 250.
-upgraded tech
-looks
-capable
-easy & fun to drive
-sales numbers (bringing LC name to more consumers and adding shareholder value)
-incremental fuel efficiency
-repair/tech job security
-aftermarket ecosystem
I don’t really buy that the 250 is:
-smaller (than the 200)
-better off road (than the 200)
-offers more utility (than the 200)
-more durable (than the 200)
-more reliable (than the 200)
Obviously those last two will need time to tell.
I think the 250/GX is a cool truck and I’m happy for their owners if they are happy!
Intrusive safety features and warnings:
I turned those off.
Loss of privacy with connected features:
Also turned those off.
Less interior room:
The driver’s seat is great, but the cargo area could use some improvement.
Less storage:
The cargo area is definitely a downside.
Less durable materials:
The LC250 is solid the materials are nice
Sometimes strange designs:
Not sure what this refers to.
A ratcheting up of CAFE standards results in:
Forced induction small displacement engines:
Plenty of power for my needs.
Weight reduction leading to less durability, increased NVH, etc.:
Drives fine to me no rattles so far so good.
Decreased value; paying more for less:
Not in my case. I’m happy with what I paid for it I feel its worth every penny.
Quality reduced to limit price increases:
I keep hearing this, but everything in the LC250 feels top notch. Some people just don’t recognize quality or are just hating just to hate. Maybe it’s the replaceable plastic on the outside?? designed for potential trail damage? That’s likely contributing to the misconception.
Positives with the 250:
Upgraded tech:
Yup.
Looks:
Yup.
Capability:
Yup.
Easy & fun to drive:
Yup.
Sales numbers (increasing LC’s reach and shareholder value):
Yup.
Incremental fuel efficiency:
Yup.
Repair/tech job security:
Sure, Yup
Aftermarket ecosystem:
Yup.
Comparing the LC250 to the LC200:
Smaller (than the 200):
Honestly, idk Someone needs to measure it if they care so much.
Better off-road (than the 200):
Doesn’t matter to me. their both capable enough.
Offers more utility (than the 200):
The 250 has the 2400w inverter, but overall they could be about equal. 200 has room and a tailgate. BTW I can't believe you didn't put a tailgate on this list. Listen, that F*&Kn tailgate has a s*** ton of utility. it's a crime they removed it on the 300. they should have added it to the entire LC line up instead! The one to blame for the removal needs to beheaded.
More durable (than the 200):
Time will tell.
More reliable (than the 200):
Again, time will tell.