It depends which market though,
in some markets like the GCC, you can get LC300 twin turbo v6 diesel or twin turbo Petrol with lockers for cheaper than the current GX 460, with much more power, better off road angles and just a better overall vehicle.
I imagine the same will happen with the 250 in terms of pricing, some versions will overlap with the 300.
So I would rather just get the superior vehicle rather than get something for looks only ( and then that's subjective)
The underpinnings also won't be 100% identical, yes it is based on the same platform but not all the parts will be identical.
Already from what we have seen, the 300 has more underbody armoring, bigger upper control arm, better off road angles and ground clearance in stock form.
Quoting
@TeCKis300 from an earlier post - post number 32
Have details on axle/ring gear size been released? The idea of a 200-sized GX still on the 8.2 doesn’t get me excited.
forum.ih8mud.com
''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''
And I am sure other things that would also be in favor of the 300.
So to me in a market where both will exist, it will be difficult to justify the 250 over the 300, especially when they can be had for similar pricing.
I really like how the GX 550 looks, but would I pay more for a GX 550 over a more powerful and superior LC300? It will be hard to convince myself of that.
Which is why the Middle East isn't getting the GX 550, instead we are getting 4cyl Prado and I definitely won't be paying close to 300 money ( and in some cases even more )for a 4cyl Prado.
However for you guys in the US, you don't have cheaper versions of the 300 so the fact they are so similar, is great news for you as you finally get a cheaper Land Cruiser. Maybe you could end up with a tune to get more power soon.
I am sure guys like
@bjowett would be happy to point out any easy worthy upgrades from the 300 that would bolt right in the 250 when the time comes.
Case in point, its all a matter of perspective I guess, depends on which market you are in.
