This is probably going to be very unliked, but this is just like my opinion man. This is my issue with the LC250 (11 Viewers)

[APIOQM]

What is the source of your information? Which TMC website?

Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser "250" Series in Japan | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced the addition of the "250" series to the Land Cruiser lineup in Japan. Alongside this, it has also released the special edition models ZX "First Edition" and VX "First Edition." These special models are limited to a total of 8,000 units.

global.toyota

 

[TWILLY]

Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser "250" Series in Japan | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced the addition of the "250" series to the Land Cruiser lineup in Japan. Alongside this, it has also released the special edition models ZX "First Edition" and VX "First Edition." These special models are limited to a total of 8,000 units.

global.toyota

The LC 250 "exclusive bed kit" harkens to LC 80 "active vacation."

 

[Leelanau]

The LC 250 "exclusive bed kit" harkens to LC 80 "active vacation."

That is actually a pretty simple and turn-key solution. I like it!

So, the Japanese 250 has a diesel engine and therefore no raised cargo area...but, could this bed kit possibly fit in the GX500?

 

[Rednexus]

Agreed, that's an awesome OEM solution if it's not crazy expensive. Seems like they just copied what all of us were either DIY-ing in our garages or paying small time shops to make for us .

 

[M1911]

TNGA-F are all the same, meaning ALL body on frame are the same with exception to length in the Tundra and Sequoia.

Toyota has said that the TNGA-F platform allows them to change not only the length of the frame but also to adjust the strength of the frame as needed for each particular vehicle. So I don’t think it is accurate to say that the strength of the frame is identical among all variants, as Toyota can apparently change the strength in particular sections through either thicker (or thinner) plating and/or changing the type of steel in particular sections.

The Tacoma is also built on TNGA-F, but I suspect that the Tundra frame is stronger than the Taco frame. Whether there are any strength differences between 250, 4Runner, and GX 550 is something that only Toyota can answer. I suspect that they are nearly identical, but I’ve got no evidence to support my suspicion.

 

[joseywales]

To me, the 250 came in with good intentions (which it was supposed to be planned with similar specs to the GX), then along the design path, Toyota got word that the EPA was having more and more ridiculous mandates to meet, and they were so far along in the design path, they just said screw it - Throw the light duty gear in to meet these new standards. We might as well try and recoup some of the R&D cost for the US market.

I see it as them burning the Land Cruiser nameplate and heritage to the ground. It deserves more respect than what we got with the 250…

Howdy neighbor…

I agree with you 100%, with the exception that Toyota has been building Prados (which is what the 250 is) under the Land Cruiser name plate for decades. Like since the 1980s. Are they “real” Land Cruisers? The debate on that will rage for eternity, but the company that makes them has decided to put a LC nameplate next to the Prado one. Thus if there was any “burning to the ground” occurring, it was done in the 1980s. We just couldn’t see the smoke from North America.

 

[joseywales]

If Toyota wants to expand - build a short wheelbase FJ Cruiser with a removeable top.

Please NOOOOOO! Let that gawdawful FJCrusier thing fade into the past where all mistakes belong.

 

[TheBat]

The price difference doesn’t make sense though. You’re going to end up paying close to
70 grand when it’s all said and done… correct me if I’m wrong but i will cost you $15k-$20k more for a more for a comparably loaded 250 vs a 4Runner.

Maybe I’m missing something but it just seems over priced… especially when you look at a base LC 250.

Everyone seems to be assuming that the similarly equipped 4Runner will be a deal. I'm going to wait and see when prices are announced if that is really true. Even 2024 4Runner TRD Pro (5th gen) and Tacoma TRD Pro (new gen) are pricey, so I'm expecting that to carry forward. My prediction is that TRD Pro and Trail Hunter are well above 1958 price level maybe right around where LC-LC starts.

 

[Jetboy]

Please NOOOOOO! Let that gawdawful FJCrusier thing fade into the past where all mistakes belong.

Think of it as a chance at redemption for the FJ Cruiser. Great sight lines. Low belt line. Convertible, T top, or something like that. Boxy and utilitarian - not overstylized. Maybe like these renders or possibly smaller than this. My ideal would be something in the size range of a Corolla Cross or Jimny. Unpopular take: Make it longitudinal powertrain unibody with IFS/IRS based on a Lexus IS platform with long travel IFS/IRS and high clearance control arms.

or

 

[MeWantLC]

Hello good almost neighbor....

I agree with you 1000%, with the exception that Toyota has been putting a LC nameplate next to the Prado one for decades ! And there is nothing bad with Prados, incredible capable vehicles as such that one of my mates from elementary, his parents STILL own and drive the same Prado for years and not in the easiest of enviroments, and that thing keeps on giving and going ! Like you said, we just couldnt see the smoke from here in the North of America !

BTW, impressive line of automobiles you have/had accornding ot your signature ! WOW

Howdy neighbor…

I agree with you 100%, with the exception that Toyota has been building Prados (which is what the 250 is) under the Land Cruiser name plate for decades. Like since the 1980s. Are they “real” Land Cruisers? The debate on that will rage for eternity, but the company that makes them has decided to put a LC nameplate next to the Prado one. Thus if there was any “burning to the ground” occurring, it was done in the 1980s. We just couldn’t see the smoke from North America.

 

[2021 LC200]

Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser "250" Series in Japan | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced the addition of the "250" series to the Land Cruiser lineup in Japan. Alongside this, it has also released the special edition models ZX "First Edition" and VX "First Edition." These special models are limited to a total of 8,000 units.

global.toyota

Looks like Toyota on their English website portion is trying to come out of the hole they have dug introducing the 250 as return of the legend and now labeling the real Land Cruiser as “Symbolic”. IMO This is when clowns in finance and marketing run the business. Keep digging Toyota Global/Toyota US as we did not get a worthy 200 follow up in the US.

For those who know the 250 is a follow up for the 150 and the name used for that is Prado, ever since it was introduced.

A Yaris in one country does not suddenly become a Corolla in another, same for a new RAV4 becoming suddenly a 4Runner.

IMO it is name trickery to sell a class lower vehicle at a relative high price.

Having said all of this the 250 maybe perfect for many so I am happy for you.

 

[Banandalorian]

Gonna start one upping the "not a real Land Cruiser" people by yelling at everyone with an LC250 that it's not a real Prado.

 

[MeWantLC]

I am going to find time to draft the art of "It is just a Prado" and maybe even starting a thread to ask for opinions about the text and the art, and then contact a person that did a few for me years ago that read: "Tuna no crust" and "Dude I almost had you" that I had in my "fast" cars.

That will be my first mod, and then tires. LOL./

 

[gt7058a]

Don’t forget this one in the art collection.

“This will decimate all, after, you put about fifteen grand in it or more. If we have to, overnight parts from Japan”

 

[TurbodreamZ]

I saw a GX550 up-close for the first time yesterday and I must say the outer dimensions give it much more of a stately presence than the out going GX.

 

[GTV]

I must admit, the LC250 is a great looking rig. Styled for purpose. It tugs on my heartstrings a bit.

The GX550 is spec'd to be a proper 460 replacement with new off road trims available.
The 6th gen T4R, same, and with additional off road trims.

Where exactly does the LC250 fit in? Is there anything truly unique about it that separates it from its siblings? The other two seem to have the market covered. The new LC seems very... skin deep to me.

 

[malden]

I've ridden in one (not driven in it) and was pretty disappointed. It's like the old saying of "never meet your heroes". You realize they are flawed just like everyone else .

In another portrayal, you noted that you were driving in a stripped down Mining version of the 70 series. Toyota sold these bare bones models either for Mining or Agriculture. It used to be that these stripper vinyl interior trucks were sold commercially in France as well. People used to try to buy them because both registration, and insurance cost far less for them.

What you have not driven or even ridden in, and neither have the most violent critics of the modern 70, is the modern 70. This is not the vinyl hero, this is a real hero. You should endeavor to meet one someday.

 

[Rednexus]

I did ride in the mining version. It was still disappointing considering how excited I was to get to ride in it . Maybe the more posh one would be better, but I'd need to take a trip to Oz to figure out. If it were to end up feeling like a smaller F250 PSD, I'd probably still be disappointed.

Edit: This was my rental on the trip where I got to ride in the 70. 4x4, SFA, turbodiesel. I probably liked the Jeep a bit more than the 70 (not a fair comparison as I put a lot of miles on the Jeep as the driver), but didn't really feel like such a rig (which is more 70-esque given the size/styling/SFA/diesel) would be better for my needs than my current GX (other than it getting around 30 mpg on that trip).

 

[malden]

I did ride in the mining version. It was still disappointing considering how excited I was to get to ride in it . Maybe the more posh one would be better, but I'd need to take a trip to Oz to figure out. If it were to end up feeling like a smaller F250 PSD, I'd probably still be disappointed.

Edit: This was my rental on the trip where I got to ride in the 70. 4x4, SFA, turbodiesel. I probably liked the Jeep a bit more than the 70 (not a fair comparison as I put a lot of miles on the Jeep as the driver), but didn't really feel like such a rig (which is more 70-esque given the size/styling/SFA/diesel) would be better for my needs than my current GX (other than it getting around 30 mpg on that trip).

Rednexus, it really is about one’s individual needs. And there is no blanket statement or “review” that can account for all our uses and needs. These modern 70s are utilitarian “utility” vehicles as in “sports utility vehicle.” They are neither Range Rover luxurious or supremely comfortable. That being said, in the Aussie video the family of four is quite comfortable and the driver notes how quiet the truck is. I would be very disappointed if the new 70 has been gentrified; but like you I would have to book a flight to OZ to find out.

I have never driven a F250 PSD, and I had to google it to even find out what it is, but I guess it is a very spartan ball buster of a work truck that you can clean the vinyl interior with a Karcher. People who need that kind of truck probably love them. (I will have to go test drive one now.)

For my use, I always have had a couple cars to transport me on pavement and the 70 for my work where there are no roads. I am not talking about forestry dirt roads. That is dirt road driving, it is not off road driving. To me off road driving means no roads at all and that is what I have to contend with on my ranch and why I use a 70 series. I originally bought my 70 for work, but then I grew to love the driving experience so much, it kinda stuck with me. Yesterday I was up in the hills here in AZ for half a day and had a blast on dirt roads. Fun is a good reason to own something too.

 

[M1911]

I have never driven a F250 PSD, and I had to google it to even find out what it is, but I guess it is a very spartan ball buster of a work truck that you can clean the vinyl interior with a Karcher. People who need that kind of truck probably love them. (I will have to go test drive one now.)

You can buy an F-250 from work truck spartan to blinged-out King Ranch.