I didn't know he has a bad back, but as someone the same age as Doug, it does get a bit more awkward getting into the backseats of small cars as we age. It be cool to see him do it every now and then
Gee let’s drop 60k for an 8 inch screen, cloth seats and a 4 cylinder. So it’s a base model Corolla in a hiking outfit? Toyota really decided that the “taxicab” special fit the bill for this price huh?
EVERY car is too expensive. The cheapest new Corolla starts at $22k. If you don't need the "hiking outfit" and larger "taxicab" size for your needs, buy the nicer trim corolla with the 10" screen for a lot less than the LC250. Also the base model Corolla doesn't come with a turbo like the LC. For that, you are looking at a GR Corolla that is getting up around $47k (for a Corolla!). Kind of a weird comparison, but your adjacent point about inflation I agree with. • Side note: I don't want a screen for anything except map navigation, I'm over the Teslafication of every vehicle. I want real tactile buttons and knobs that I can engage without looking (the new Ineos Grenadier is on the right track).
Agreed, with you 100%. I actually like it, but when I sat in it, it felt like a $40,000 *at best*. The door sounding so tinny and hollow was just rubbing salt on the wound. I don’t think most cars are too expensive or a bad value. This one takes the cake for bad value, though.
@maroonedmaniac any way you put it their great vehicles and that's why people are so passionate about them. No other way to put it but Toyota has earned their loyalty amongst people.
In Australia, we get five variants of the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (250 Series). Two come only with 5 seats (GX & Altitude) & three come with 7 seats (GXL, VX, Kakadu). The Altitude is the offroad focus variant with a rear diff lock, sway bar disconnect, mutil-terrain offroad mode, AT tyres plus more etc. And you're right, in Austtralia, we don't really consider this as the "real" Land Cruiser. We don't call it Land Cruiser. It's always been called the Prado. The 300 Series (& the 70 Series - still available for sale new) is/are the real Land Cruiser(s).
@HammerRocks I'm only really disappointed about the spare tyre being underneath which has resulted in a reduced fuel capacity and weird placement of the 48v system. I still can't understand why toyota did that for all trim grades aside from cost cutting.
@juliocastro2588 as in y61 4.8 patrol? Can you still buy those new in el Salvador? I was very disappointed when Nissan stopped selling them in Australia 8 years ago 😭
@@icculus but what if something is needing replacement under the spaghetti? That requires removal of the spaghetti, which seems complicated and lots of labor. That's why I stick with my 10+ year old sub $15k vehicles. Minimal spaghetti
@@Zenergist Fair, haha. Although it’s probably not an actual engine component that would need to be replaced, but rather something in the spaghetti like a hose, sensor, or connector.
I feel the real issue here is theyre replacing a full land cruiser with the prado version we havent usually got in the states and they thought we wouldnt notice the difference
Exactly. When Doug reviewed the over seas version a couple years back he praised it, but now that the American version is gone he isn’t a fan. Doesn’t really make sense but whatever…
@@ottohibl9212That is the point. The one he reviewed few years back and the new US one are not the same car. They are very different. The one that middle east gets is still the real deal. The one US gets now is the one Europe used to get and in other places it was called LC Prado.
yeah that's the prado in other countries, i don't know if doug knows this and if he knows of the 300 series real Land cruiser that is still on sale outside the USA
Doug, I think there’s a small misunderstanding. The Toyota Prado (the same model featured in this video, known as such globally except in the U.S.) is not the replacement for your old Land Cruiser. Globally, the LC300 is the actual successor to the Land Cruiser 200 Series that you had before. The Prado is a smaller, separate model and has been positioned differently in Toyota’s lineup. Just wanted to clarify-keep up the awesome work!
that’s a good point. is the LC300 still made in a way that’s designed for superior long-term durability like the previous LC series trucks? because yea that would make sense, this is kind of a new product, a Toyota badged Prado model that the US wasn’t getting previously (but we DID get it previously in Lexus GX form) but they called it a Land Cruiser which is not where it is positioned in the market as Doug points out. not like the J80/100/200 models
I think he and the educated know that, but Toyota is selling this LC as a replacement for the LC200, which we all know it isn't. Everywhere else in the world, the LC250/Prado is a grocery getter, which would be fine, but not at these prices (in N.A.) I want one, but I don't think the value is there, unfortunately.
@@chase1as it’s definitely a conflicting product positioning because of what it actually is and the nameplate they put on it. it is well positioned against the Bronco and even has a hybrid advantage there. I think it is more accurately an evolution of the FJ, being platform buddies w the 4Runner.
Doug thinks it's cartoonish,, it's the only new Toyota truck that ISN'T cartoonish.. lol I think the styling of ALL the recent Toyota trucks are odd and off-putting...
Agree with him on this not being a Land Cruiser. It's a Prado. Call it what it is. What is wrong with that? Land Cruiser, Patrol, Defender - these are iconic vehicles. Why change their names based on regions?
8:53 this is because there is the actual Land Cruiser 300 in other markets, the American Land Cruiser is called the Prado in other markets, and it’s a replacement for the 150 series prado not the old 200 series Land Cruiser
Yea, only way to get the 300 series in North America is the Lexus LX600. I can’t get past the massive grill on that thing, plus it’s having engine problems/ recalls/ replacements after ditching the V8 and switching to a turbo V6.
5:11 "if you want the same power you get a 4Runner because you can get a 3rd row" FYI this is incorrect, the 3rd row in the 4Runner is only available with the base (non-hybrid) engine. The Land Cruiser doesn't offer a 3rd row BECAUSE of the hybrid battery in the rear. That's why the base 4Runner (no hybrid) and GX (no hybrid) can offer a 3rd row.
@@jimmy-buffett Its not that Toyota can't put a third row in the U.S. Land Cruiser, they just chose not to. A third row is offered in the Land Cruisers sold in China, Australia, and New Zealand even with a hybrid battery. I have to say that's its not an elegant integration, but I would buy a 3 row LC if it was offered, just so I could fit the whole family comfortably. Instead I'll be buying a Grand Cherokee L. With its lower price tag, at least I'll have $20 grand left to spend on Jeep repairs!😁
@@paulgassler6742 "I would buy a 3 row LC if it was offered" Then buy a 3-row GX. It's not any more expensive than the hypothetical 3-row LC you would buy, and everything about it is nicer (I've spent significant time in both platforms).
@@paulgassler6742 I do not believe any three row LC is offered with the same hybrid that we have here in the US. The hybrid they pair with the 2.8 diesel is a 48v mild hybrid and different from the "full" hybrid we get.
I dunno. Imho the 4Runner looks much more “cartoonish” than the Landcruiser. That ridiculous overbite in the front. The oversized fender flares. Whereas the Landcruiser is much more restrained. Timeless design.
Completely agree. The new Land Cruiser interior and exterior look much more appealing and mature than the new 4Runner. The new 4runner may appeal to high school kids and that’s about it
I'm mad at Toyota over this. They still don't offer a vehicle that properly competes with the Wrangler and the Bronco, they had an opportunity to bring either the Land Cruiser or the 4runner back to their roots and position one of them as a Wrangler/Bronco competitor, and they didn't do it. Instead they gave us two vehicles that are almost identical to each other.
I feel like they could have just taken the new 4-runner/landcruiser and put a locking solid front axle in it and then eaten the wrangler for lunch. No need for a removable top or doors (though, I do enjoy those on my jeep).
Exactly, moving it down market wasn't the mistake, moving it to a segment they already had a model in was. Doug forgets that the 200 series sold so poorly because it was priced too close to the Lexus version. I don't agree with him that the 400 people who bought the old 200 series every year as "stealth wealth" was worth for going the tens of thousands of people who would have bought it if it went back to its roots as a Jeep like thing.
@@charlesbrock5162 Solid front axles handle horribly in every situation on or off-road known to man except crawling on rocks at 5mph. That ain't going to happen in any modern vehicle designed to go 75+mph highway speeds. Not even SXS offer them for this reason. Too dangerous. Jeep will be the last and don't expect that to last past the decade. The crawling over rocks issue has been solved with electronic swaybar disconnects.
They probably were saving the FJ Cruiser name for that Wrangler fighter, but at the same time, is there room for the FJ Cruiser at that price point now with the 4Runner and Land Cruiser? Maybe not, and guess they didn’t think about that.
As a LC250 owner I will be the first to say it’s not perfect. But Doug’s criticisms are probably the opposite of mine. The powertrain is surprisingly punchy. Wayyy more power than the old V6s. It just doesn’t deliver the economy that was promised. Interior is (at least on our premium trim) definitely near Lexus level. The interior storage is just weak. I’ve driven a few Sequoias and was disappointed with how loose everything felt inside. So odd critique there. Exterior styling is subjective but I think it’s very handsome. And the “not a real Land Cruiser” is an eye-roll. If it isn’t then neither is a 100 series. The badge has been put on so many trucks. Maybe they’ll bring the LC300 over as a Grand Land Cruiser.
LC 300 is on the same new TNGA-F chassis as the LC 250 "Prado". I'm still confused why so many are confused. People just want what they can't have and want to complain despite any real hands on knowledge. The only argument that remains is really the U.S. lack of access to buy a new 79 series. Positive reviews don't generate as much engagement, so there's that.
Yes, the biggest downfalls in the US car industry, not everyone got screwed. It occupies a weird place where both the GX and 4Runner are better options for every use case. What were they thinking? Hopefully they retire this thing quickly and give us the real deal.
The new Land Cruiser in the US is the Prado model, not the 300 series so it kinda makes sense for its drawbacks. Even still, there’s probably better choices to get. The US does still have access to the 300 series through the Lexus LX so the Landcruiser isn’t completely gone. Yes it’s seen as a soccer mom vehicle but that may be an advantage, you get a very capable off-roader without all the unnecessary attention, you just blend
@@AhmedMJ97the issue is it would be redundant. The Sequoia is currently occupying the spot the 300 would be, all it would do is eat each other’s sales. The Lexus LX also still here so it’s not like 300 is completely gone. Yes it’s seen as a soccer mom vehicle but that may be an advantage, you get a very capable off-roader without all the unnecessary attention, you just blend in.
I think Toyota along with Lexus positioned their vehicles and price points very well in the US. They obviously know the market, there is a Toyota SUV or truck for everyone - all the way from $40k (which is below average price for a new vehicle) to $100k. You can basically find a Toyota/Lexus vehicle that will satisfy anyone’s needs, starting from base Tacoma/4Runner all the way to Sequoia TRD Pro or Lexus LX600. They don’t care which brand/model you’re going to get, but you are getting a Toyota product, it’s all that matters
Doug has mentioned before that the reason he wouldn’t get a Lexus LX is because it has less ground clearance in the rear than a Land Cruiser (or now the Sequoia), they compromise that to give third row passengers better leg room. And since he mainly wants one as an offroad vehicle, that matters a lot to him.
Yeah to be honest it's kind of disappointing Doug completely missed the point of the different models of Land Cruiser. It's awesome that Toyotas offering us a class of land cruiser that they've never offered before. It's sad they took away the big boy 200/300 series but we never got it in Canada anyways.
Just picked up my 1958 LC and even though I agree they are too pricey, it is great. The engine has plenty of power - not even a question. This reminds me of the old Discovery - when they first came out - it sits higher than the 4R and has great visibility, and I love the overall looks. For context, I traded in a 2024 Mercedes GLE350...all that tech, so glitchy, and so many other issues. This LC is basic and lots of buttons and just refreshingly simple. Love it!
@@JC_DILLO I just picked up a 1958 last week and cannot agree more with you. I traded in a 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country. The buttons and less emphasis on a touch screen is so refreshing.
I’m pretty happy with my LC250 so far. One has to consider that it’s a bullet proof permanent all wheel drive system (unlike the 4Runner) that I just had the opportunity test up in Vermont on a snow day. It was a mountain goat. No issues with turbo 4 banger.
Frankly this looks more Land Cruiser than ever. More like the old school ones before they got all bloated and too big to park. Is Doug smoking something? The new 4Runner looks like a hideous life size Hot Wheels fantasy car dreamt up by a 7 year old. I have had the new LC since August and I love it. The power train is the best part. I’m coming from a 5th Gen 4Runner and it’s much peppier than the V6. And why do you need a third row? Unless you have a big family, you don’t need that. And I don’t have a big family. Doug skipped over the fact that it’s an off-road beast and the ride is fantastic, and it’s super luxurious compared to the 4Runner fifth generation, and probably better than the sixth generation that’s about to come out. And that Lexus GX that is the exact same version of this just fancier? The styling is hideous. I would take this on looks ALONE. And it doesn’t have any buttons for A/C or the audio. You have to use the screen for everything. I don’t know what’s wrong with Doug, but he definitely doesn’t have good taste in new cars. He’s got some quirky takes on old cars that are fun to watch, but unless you want some big thing like a sequoia or Yukon that most nobody needs it all or once because they’re way too enormous, he doesn’t seem to get it. He certainly doesn’t understand what most people would take camping or off-road. The old land cruiser was nothing but a mall cruiser. But maybe that’s what Doug likes.
A prado may wear a landcruizer label but but will never be a landcruizer up till this gen they were on a hilux chassis and just watered down .. the prado will never be a cruizer and thats coming from someone that works on all kinds of cars and is an owner of a cruizer made 47 ish years ago
@@laistab1916 okay, thanks, i never knew that. I thought they had the same frame. Now I'm wondering how tough the Land Cruiser must be given Hilux's reputation.
Part of this I think is Toyotas hubris these days. They've realized they can charge more, especially for their trucks, just because they're Toyota and people will buy them anyway. A Tacoma SR5 is now something like $4k more than a Chevy Colorado LT. I like the new Land Cruiser a lot but $57k for a base trim with only white, black, or gray to choose from is a bit ridiculous. I agree with Doug they should've called it the second gen FJ Cruiser. I do have to wonder if they're going to do some sort of higher trim in the future maybe with a bigger engine and more off road upgrades.
I agree with you but this definitely is not an FJ Cruiser successor - the FJ had way, way more character and drives totally differently. It's wide and planted, whereas the LC250 is narrow and much more comfort-oriented. Toyota says that they will not be offering any more off-road upgrades or off-road oriented trims for the Land Cruiser because they want to maintain the implication that the Land Cruiser name is the top-of-the-line off-roader, so putting TRD or GR above that will be diminishing. Ridiculous, I know.
Exactly. Long time Toyota enthusiast and I went to a different brand. The new Toyota “trucks” are soo overpriced for what you get. The interiors feel cheap and plasticky and they’re charging like 50 - 70k. Clearly people aren’t paying these redicilious prices because new tacos are already getting discounted as a brand new model.
Great videos, Doug! I don't know anything about LC lore, but LC looks way better than the 4Runner. It also has more legroom in the back seats than the 4runner. The LC also has more gadgets in one model... Torsion center diff (full-time 4wd), locking rear diffs, etc, all in one vehicle. And I also like LC interior better. Its rugged but spartan. Utilitarian. New 4Runners and Tacomas interiors are a bit cartoonish. (But I don't hate them.) Also, the 4Runners with the iforce max batteries will only have 2 rows, just like the LC. ✌
I’m from Africa, Kenya to be specific, and I think the issue here is in Toyota’s nomenclature. We have the Land Cruiser LC300 and Land Cruiser Prado (LC250)-the car you reviewed. From my understanding the LC300 and previous models are not sold in the US, and it makes sense because you have the Sequoia. The Prado (LC250) is a mid-tier SUV here and mostly driven by government officials and middle class folk. The LC300 is what we refer to as Land Cruiser here and it costs a hell of a lot more. Toyota North America should have called the LC250 - Prado - and priced it accordingly.
how about the Landcruiser 250 being permanent 4WD and the 4Runner being a part-time 4WD system? surely that's still a major difference, particularly for winter conditions
I definitely like it better than the new 4Runner... The old LC200 was definitely a nicer vehicle as a whole, but at least this new one isnt $90k anymore.
Give it 3-4 years, it will be right back up to the 90K price point. New Tacoma's are over 70K now and they fly off the lots. There is no stopping this momentum.
11:00 They Should've called it Land Cruiser Prado what it really is in some markets. As a long-time subscriber and fan (since around Viper days) I'm amazed that Doug is so confused about this Land Cruiser which isn't a replacement for the 200 series.
Any of the new Toyota truck or SUV’s with the 4 cylinder engine are a total no-go for me. I’ve been waiting for the new GX550 to replace my older rock-solid GX, but until Toyota gets the turbo V-6 engine issue solved I’ll be on a holding pattern.
Also shocked he never mentioned the J300 or even that this is the J250 Prado everywhere else in the world. Almost like he wanted it to be hidden in this video from viewers who dont know
I generally agee with most points of the video, The fact that the Land Cruiser and 4Runner have the same engine and platform kind of renders the LandCruiser a little bit vain, I would like to point a few things out : Yes the 4Runner is cheaper to start with, it doesn't come with the same HybridMax that is standard on the LandCruiser, the 4Runner starts with just the regular turbo version with 275HP and 317lb-ft of torque, you would have to step up to the limited trim where the Hybrid Max powertrain becomes optional and to get the Hybrid Max powertrain, you would have to sacrifice the 3rd row cos the battery goes to the same place that the 3rd row mechanism is located, hence why the Land Cruiser doesn't offer a 3rd row on any trim because the hybrid max is standard, and that's why the GX offers a 3rd row because there is no hybrid powertrain availabrele on it at the moment. You also pointed out that the interior feels more regular Toyota and I believe that was done in purpose, Toyota is trying to re-position the LandCruiser as as a "cheaper" go anywhere lifestyle vehicle, which means that it sits under the Seqouia which is our "real" landcruiser. Another point I would like to make is that I do not think Toyota expected the LandCruiser to sell in the boatloads, for most families, the GH and Highlander is the more rational choice, its cheaper, more efficient, and has way more space. The Landcruiser is simply a lifestyle vehicle that is big on style and off-roading, it doesn't make sense for most buyers cos the 4Runner is there and it does almost everything the LandCruiser does for less money, but there will be way more 4Runners on the road than LandCruisers, so people wanting a more "special" vehicle will gravitate towards the 4Runner I am not hear to say the LandCruiser is perfect because it is not, Toyota could have given it more power to help differentiate moreit from the 4Runner and Tacoma, or brought us the diesel but I personally do not think it is a disappointment in the way others do. 4Runner is the more rational choice and the LandCruiser is simply the cooler choice is how I see it
Actually, the Land Cruiser is easily the best looking vehicle in Toyota’s lineup. Probably because it looks the least Toyota. And the older Toyota SUVs you referenced largely look awful. As for the rest of it, I don’t know, but the new Land Cruiser does indeed sound disappointing from the reviews. Not sure why anyone would ever buy a Toyota in the first place apart from hybridization which fortunately is coming to other brands.
Are Sequoias really attracting the off-road enthusiast who perform heavy mods (10:35)? That seems like a stretch. The Sequoia has been highly disappointing as well with the lack of cargo space and powertrain problems. Overall, good points on the LC disappointments. It would all be forgivable if it maintains most of the legendary reliability. Time will tell, I don’t know.
InEurope this has 4 cyl diesel with 200hp. it is tortoise. All past lesser Land Cruisers are massive hits in my country. Wood business owners and hunters love them.
The issue with the LC250 is that it’s being labeled as an LC in America. As Doug points out, it should’ve been named something else such as the Land Cruiser Prado (like it is for the rest of the world) - that would make its market position more compelling versus comparing it to the old LC’s higher competition.
The US has the Sequoia and the LX600, In previous years, the full fat LC was sold along side the Sequoia, same engine but different platform. Now they share a platform.
🚦Blah blah blah…what I want to talk about is that sexy Mercedes SEC behind you Doug …I just saw the resto mod done by Bespoke Orange County with the M156 engine swap pure 🛞sex🛞 on wheels 😂😂😂😂
@10:36 they are buying older Land Cruisers or FJ Cruisers. Had a guy come up to me in my FJ and he just bought the new Land Cruiser. He traded in his FJ for it and he told me he regrets it. Then he asked how much I’d sell for 😂
to make things short, everyone expected too much of it. you're looking for the LC300, THE full size Land Cruiser. this is the Prado, a "light duty" cheaper little brother Land Cruiser
@@gericurl76 while it's true that they now share the same TNGA-F platform, the Prado is still a bit more different than its bigger brother. everybody just acts like the 250 series is the direct successor to the 200 series so it needed to be clarified what it really is vs. what people expected it to be
I actually agree with just about everything you said. What bugs me most is you can’t get a base model anything anymore. Just one example, I was excited about the VWID buzz electric microbus but when it comes out, it’s $80,000! So I can’t get near it and everything is like that now!
doug this is not land cruiser, cuz in asia and europe market,Toyota selling this car like Toyota Prado , they just took off Land Cruiser , you right about new Toyota sequoia is Land cruiser
I'm disappointed with it because it's got a $60,000 base price tag for what in essence is a $40,000 SUV with a 4 cylinder engine. Very cheap materials for the price. My Nissan Murano seems better equipped, and that thing went for 40 grand for the fully loaded model.
Man be happy they don't charge 100k usd for a land cruiser 200 hp diesel like they do in europe. We have pretty good prices in US, even lower in Canada.
In a matter of 5 years Toyota went from bullet proof I4, V6, & V8s with Aisin automatics that they put in appropriate vehicles to throwing over boosted 4cyls with CVTs in full sized SUVs. Crazy.
Aisin automatics aren't bulletproof, but are pretty good in reliability. Their Hybrid eCVT planetary gears will still outlast the Aisin torque converters by a long shot. There aren't any CVT in Toyota's full size SUVs and BoF vehicles, only the Corolla and Corolla Cross have CVT.
@@phee3D That's because in Netherlands they pay a CO2 tax (depending on how much C02 a car emits) on top of the buying price. Only there you have this system. Petrol is also crazy expensive. In Belgium you also pay the same amount you do like in Germany.
In Kenya they start at the equivalent of USD 178,000, from the local dealer. Meaning a gray import here, from Japan, might be at a slightly lower price.
As an Australian - it sounds like you didn’t research and understand the role of the 250 series Land cruiser, or study the specifications relative to the old 200 series. It’s the typical family land cruiser that balances on-road performance with all of the off-road performance that 99% of families need. It’s 100% a land cruiser, and is probably the best value LC ever made as it’s on the same platform as the luxury 300 series. The performance is excellent on and off-road. This is just another rant that a Prado isn’t a real Landcruiser, when in fact it’s superior to the former 200 series in almost every measurable metric including torque on the ground and torque : weight ratio. Folks, don’t pay attention to much attention to this review. If you have a family, you can’t go wrong with this LC.
You can't go wrong with a grand cherokee trailhawk either. I have a 2022 grand cherokee WL 3.6 V6, so the current generation and I wouldn't change it with the new LC. -Better offroad capability than the land cruiser 1958 edition (disconnecting sway bar, air suspensions up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance) -More space inside (LC rear legroom is very little) -Reliable and comprovated 3.6 pentastar engine. No hybrid stuff to change when batteries run out of juice -Better comfort (air suspensions) and less weight (LC weights about 5400 lbs, my grand cherokee 4800 lbs).
I agree with this comment wholeheartedly though I wish they’d put a V6 like with the Lexus GX or a 4 cylinder diesel like the global models. The US market is the only market that got the 4 cylinder petrol hybrid model and that’s our only choice.
2 things about it...The engine is border-line acceptable in a vehicle costing this much... And the the round headlamps look WAY better. About time Toyota developed an all-new engine, especially at this price.!
The 200 series Land Cruiser replacement is the 300 Series. Sadly not available in the USA. Australia has the diesel because we love our diesel engines here in Australia.
A lot of comments like 'I'm disappointed with Toyota because... blah' came from folks who never drove one. Lemme tell you - I never owned Toyota, always been a Jeep guy. Curiosity took over, scheduled a test drive on new LC, and ended up getting the LC trim. This is a real deal folks, drives like a dream, lots of torque, incredible fit'n'finish, and will go places where I could dare only on my JK that I built over a period of 5yrs. Wranglers are incredible vehicles after you build them; this LC won my heart after a single test drive. Goes anywhere, looks fantastic, drives like a dream. I guess to each their own...
You say this while admitting you have never been a Toyota owner or spent much, if any time in one before. Then you mock anyone that criticizes these new ones? Is it possible they see downgrade problems that you would not?
I'm delighted you have positive things to say, I think us long time Toyota fans expected more for the money with the cost of this Land Cruiser lol. I think as long as the Land Cruiser remains reliable, it shall remain relevant. If only it was cheaper...
i think you're spot on here. i've owned a several different off roaders from many different manufacturers, including jeep, toyota, ford, nissan, dodge and chevy. jeeps are no doubt the leader as far as capability is concerned, but most people will never utilize their full potential. i think the new LC is a fantastic product that does a lot of the things the old one simply couldn't. doug says what he says because he's a content provider and going with the mainstream doesn't get clicks or viewership. there's value in being a contrarian sometimes and he's found it.
Doug doesn’t go off-road. Toyota went for fuel efficiency and torque with the hybrid engine. They allocated the engine power to being able to tow and rock climb at slow speeds. It’s not designed to accelerate quickly off the line or drive fast. But hey, maybe they won’t sell well and I’ll be able to grab one used for cheap.
Doug, I recently purchased a LC (Landcruiser), I spent a few months figuring if I would wait for a 4 Runner, which is rear-wheel biased and does not work well out here in the PNW and smaller or Lexus GX550 Overtrail + (Because the non-+) does not have memory seating and other stuff you would like on a 70K+ SUV. I really liked the GX, but 17 mpg combined are you kidding me, they could have put the hybrid powertrain from the Tundra, but nope. Also, the dealer marks the GX up, similarly priced GX would have cost me 86K; I paid 69K. Lastly, E-KDSS is awesome unless you are planning to lift it, full suspension lifts cost way more than on the LC. I took the LC to Elk Camp this year, the hybrid powertrain worked awesome on the 30 degree + climbs to camp, I did not have to wait for turbo spool up and it never missed a beat. If you are looking for a good mall runner, sure cheaper go 4Runner and if you want to look cool for the other soccer mom's go GX. Also, it is a Landcruiser because the company names their vehicles; but you and I know it is a Prado and who cares. I wanted a reliably (Toyota knows something about hybrid = Prius) SUV, something that will go anywhere, looks good (4runner looks funny) and something with decent MPGs. IMO
Hey Doug, I noticed that you repeatedly complained about this car not meeting the top of the range qualities of the previous Land Cruiser´s.That is because this is not the top of the Land Cruiser's lineup model. This particular car (Land Cruiser J250) is the mid range Land Cruiser between the 4Runner and the flagship LC300 (J300). For a more accurate and logical comparisson you should experience the quirks and features of the Land Cruiser J150, as I understand that car was not commercialized in the US under the Toyota badge, but the lexus GX460 is basically the same car underneath, paired with a more luxurious interior.
As an FJ Cruiser owner, I'm more interested in the capability of this the Land Cruiser rather than its looks and speed. People use to trash the FJ Cruiser relentlessly when it was released, so much so in fact, it wasn't a huge seller at first. Suicide doors? 3 windshield wipers? Why is it so wide? Man, the FJ is hands down the BEST car I've ever owned. And I am not a grocery store soccer mom either. I live in SoCal and I go serious offroading in the Mojave and Death Valley all the time. I put my FJ through the wringer. And it has tackled EVERYTHING. I love my FJ so much that I will drive it until it explodes. My only regret is that I didn't buy it when it first came out. And the lesson here is... don't judge vehicles based on what these reviewer guys say. I know Doug would have trashed the FJ back in the day, because pretty much every reviewer did. Now it's suddenly revered and considered a "classic car". The decisions made with the Land Cruiser were calculated decisions. Toyota wasn't just cheaping out on the drivetrain and choosing to make it slow off the line. They allocated the engine power to slow speed torque. Personally, I don't give a crap what the speedometer looks like or if there's special trim around the dash. Doug talks about the interior like a child does saying things like, "I just wish it was more rugged and cool looking." Ummm.... okay. Personally, I want to know if the entire under carriage is covered in skin plates and how thick they are. I want to know how much headroom I have when I sleep in the back. I want to know how easy it is to install a winch or replace parts. I want to know if it has the torque to pull me up a steep incline. I want to know if this thing will last me a lifetime and not strand me out in the middle of nowhere. Get out of here with complaints like, "The interior just doesn't feel cool." Lol.
A little internet research to refresh my memory: Everything I found for "Toyota Prado" bolsters the fact that the Prado appears to have always been the "Land Cruiser Prado," not just the "Prado," although people seem to refer to it as that only. I think the Prado has always been a sub-model of the Land Cruiser range, so, I don't think it's entirely accurate to suggest that the LC250 isn't a "Land Cruiser" it seems they just don't call it the Prado because there isn't a higher range model not in the U.S. FYI I have a 1958 (lease) and I love it after six months so far. I have on several occasions gotten more than 30 mpg with it, although that's an outlier for sure. I always look back at it and love it from any angle. This is from someone who has probably owned a dozen Toyotas over the years. I personally like the hybrid powertrain and the full-time AWD system, but agree it can be coarse. It's definitely well-built and actually has frame-mounted bump-stops and not the damper-contained ones in the Tacoma and new 4Runner, which seem to be a problem.
Learn the difference. LC 200/300 = Station Wagon land Cruiser LC 250/150 = Light Duty Land Cruiser LC 70 = Heavy Duty Land Cruiser All THREE are ''The Land Cruiser''
I'm pretty sure to get the 4runner with the 3rd row, you can only get the trim WITHOUT the hybrid (turbo4 only) and the only hybrid trim level is the TRDs and Trail Hunter, but will not have the 3rd row due to the battery placement.
Hey Doug, here in Australia that car is called the "Prado" and we still get the big daddy Landcruiser as well. The Prado has always been the baby Land Cruiser but we also get 7 seats here if you opt for the non-hybrid version.
I’ve just watched Harry Metcalfe’s video about the new Land Cruiser and his press car got a third row… Edit: just checked it for my country (Belgium) and we also have 3 row seating as standard.
I'm in agreement on most of your points in this video. Such as it's placement in the lineup, it's price point, and it's land cruiser badge without the traditional land cruiser characteristics. I am confused though, in your original review you spoke as if you loved the styling. You also mentioned how the engine had PUNCH, and it was 347 hp but felt as though it had more. In this episode it's almost a 180 on the whole product. A little inconsistent if you ask me.
It's a great replacement for the FJ Cruiser. It doesn't have a third row because overlanders don't want one. The last real Land Cruiser was just too big.
@kgh065 the overseas versions of almost anything are better than what we get in the US. I'm just trying to explain why it's probably going to still do well
Wow, Doug! As a car enthusiast, I would have expected you to know better. The Land Cruiser isn’t just one model-it’s a lineup that includes various versions like the 300 Series, FJ40, FJ Cruiser and 250, which you’re reviewing, is making its U.S. debut because Toyota has discontinued the 300 Series in this market. These models are completely different within the Land Cruiser family, so comparing your Land Cruiser to the Prado doesn’t make sense. The Prado is built for durability and practicality, not luxury or size. I think you should take a closer look into the history and purpose of these vehicles before forming your review. To put it simply, the Land Cruiser is a model line, not a single model.
Ok your talking about those other variants in other countries , they still use better diesel power trains then the new model those are still real LCs. The NEW one is a 4 popper lol
The Land Cruiser is NOT a model line in NA, where Doug lives and the new Toyota LC is on sale in... Discontinuing the previous LC and bringing this LC to the market right after is disingenuous at best, by Toyota. This vehicle has very little market share when compared to the GX and 4R and they are attempting to use the previously robust LC namesake to garner fanfare.
@@djplauche5850if he knew this he wouldn’t be saying that the Land Cruiser has been dumbed down 8:51!! The LC 300 Series is still being produced just not marketed in NA however Lexus has the 300 Series know as Lexus LX600
The old Land Cruiser sold terribly in the US, hence why it was discontinued. The new Land Cruiser however is flying off lots. They have already sold more new Land Cruisers than they ever sold in a year in the US in the past. This has been a fantastic move by Toyota.
The problem was by the time you got a decent trim on the Land Cruiser, you could get a Lexus for the same our sometimes less money! I think it is the same on these 250s. The 55k base gets you nothing, so by the time you’ve picked a few options, you should really get the Lexus with the better drivetrain…
So far it has been a great move. I’m just curious how the Land Cruiser sales are gonna hold when the new 4Runner comes out. Then you have the 4Runner and GX cutting into its sales. But I agree, the last Land Cruiser was way expensive, getting into Lexus LX sales and most people were going for the LX anyways so like, might as well kill off the Land Cruiser because people in the states are a lot more brand conscious and don’t want to spend that much on a Toyota.
One of the big things with the land cruiser used to be the 25 year part lasting? It was supposed to be this overbuilt, ever lasting beast. And the more recent years, it's gotten away from that, this new gen one is completely divorced from that ideal. Sad
The lx570 was an absolute TOP vehicle.. and you complained ? Why? I’ll tell you guys why. He didn’t like the v8 because of mpg, and I kid you not he complained- get ready- that the lx570 wood and leather wrapped high quality luxury gear shifter instead of POS plastic dial button to shift into gear. Which is no place for a Land Cruiser. Anyways.. now you got exactly what you wanted all along. A cheap lightweight plastic hybrid.
The 4Runner won’t be as capable off-road, they don’t have bump-stops. There will not be a 4Runner trim with the same power as the LC and a 3rd row option. Hybrid is required to get to those power figures, and there’s no room for a 3rd row with the Hybrid battery in the cargo area. The Land Cruiser’s interior will age much better than the 4Runner. 4Runner’s interior is a bit tacky imo.
4Runner's interior is incredibly "over-engineered". It's very busy and blocky. That was a big miss, as well as not having full-time 4WD available in more trims.
6:31 the strangest part is the real land cruiser still exists, toyota just chose not to bring it to north america for whatever reason. the real land cruiser also differentiates itself significantly better against the sequoia and lexus lx vs. the swb land cruiser against the 4runner and gx.
There is a valid reason we don’t have the 300 series, nobody bought the 200’s, they always opted for the LX570. Thats why the LX is still on sale and the 300 series isn’t here any more. Nobody wanted to pay 100K for a Toyota vehicle.
Because the last year of the 'real' Land Cruiser they only sold a few thousand. Land Cruiser was being outsold by Range Rovers which were twice as expensive. The people spoke
It may be a while before Doug gets another Toyota press car. But appreciate the honest review. The biggest thing you failed to emphasize is the lack of ground clearance. Hardly a hardcore off roader with 3 inches less ground clearance than a factory third gen Tacoma
The new LC’s are flying off dealership lots, so joke’s on us. Will be interesting to see how well they are selling in 2-3 years when the honeymoon is over.
@@deanrotering879 Well, They're amazing. Remember, Douge hated the 200 series Land Cruiser station wagon and he sold his after he crashed it and it became a rust bucket underneath from sitting near the ocean
@@deanrotering879 here in the PNW they are selling quite well. Just checked inventory and the most I saw any dealership have on hand is 7, four of which are in transit.
I usually agree with Doug on everything. But it's interesting how polarizing the opinions are on this car. I'm in the car business, and have extensive experience with almost every car under $150k. I've had my Land Cruiser about a month now and it's everything I want or need out of a vehicle. Out of everything I could have bought, this is what I wanted, and I love it.
Doug is completely missing the point about this model, especially in comparison to the old Land Cruiser. The full size to Land cruisers really developed a reputation in North America, completely separate to the reputation around the world. Full size Land cruisers were always popular in North America, the middle East, and Japan, but not really anywhere else. To the rest of the world, a land cruiser usually meant a Land Cruiser Prado. The Land Cruiser Prado was always an alternative to the 4Runner. Whether it was available in different markets, or in some markets alongside the 4Runner, they were always slightly different offerings of the same chassis that were very comparable. The real fault here is not calling it the Land Cruiser Prado in the North American market like they do everywhere else. This is an alternative to a 4Runner, a slightly different offering with a different four-wheel drive system. It's not a replacement for the old 180 series full size Land Cruisers. Also to the point of the styling, everyone said the exact same thing about the FJ Cruiser when that was released in the 2000s. They said it looked comical, too retro, they said it would age poorly, and it looks silly and cartoonish. I love FJ cruisers, I think they've aged really well. I think that's the general census about them as well, FJ Cruiser values are absolutely insane these days, even compared to all the other off-road SUVs.
Actually I think that in Europe too they just call it the land cruiser, because the 300 LC is also not sold in Europe, so there isn't any other LC product to differentiate it from.
I think thr fault is offering 2 SUVs that directly compete with one another and one has more options. I have never been a Toyota guy so im not going to make comparisons to the 300 but it just doesnt make sense the way this is positioned. Its basically a worse 4runner. As for the point about the FJ, it doesnt matter if the looks age well and become accepted in 20 years, just like the FJ it needs to sell in its own time, and just like the FJ if it does not it will be canceled. I liked the FJ when it came out, I like the way this looks, but the reality is its simply a little to expensive for how little it offers compared to the rest of the market, including other Toyota products.
@@DrivingGod21 I’m not sure entirely but I’m pretty sure that some previous gen prados were on some European markets. Whatever people call them they’re still considered “true” LC. Unlike the states where the LC name is seen as a luxury off-road suv. Hence the out of touch take form Doug where 340 HP somehow isn’t enough for this car. It isn’t even supposed to be driven on a highway most of the time, yet it seems that is the case
@@AHungryHunky I mean trim for trim, future for feature, the LC will probably cost 5 to 10 grand more than the 4Runner. In the grand scheme of car prices, when a 4Runner's base price is 55 grand that's honestly not that big of a difference. The LC also comes with a full-time four-wheel drive system that is more complex and more expensive than the old school transfer case four-wheel drive system in the 4Runner. I'm not saying one is better than the other, I'm just saying that the drivetrain alone justifies the price difference between the 4Runner and the LC. I agree with you, the FJ did not sell well in its time it was a two and a half door vanity SUV in a time where people weren't spending extra money, let alone on two door SUVs. We are in a different time now, the economy is in a completely different state, and the LC is a four-door car. I hope the LC sells well enough to justify its continued sale in North America. Considering that they're making the exact same car for the global market, even if it doesn't sell well, there isn't really a reason to cancel it.
I've seen some other comments touch on this, but it feels weird that you didn't touch on that this is a Land Cruiser Prado, and in the US the Land Cruiser (300 series) is the Lexus LX600. It would be more apt to compare the Sequoia to the LX600 in terms of capability/features. It is weird that they brought the land cruiser Prado over as a Toyota as well as a Lexus since the 4Runner has always filled that space in the Toyota Lineup (Lexus has had it for a long time as the GX).
You are right, it's not a LandCruiser, it's a (LandCruiser) Prado, since the 90s a very specific sub model. So in most markets it's sold as a Prado. Aside from this one and the 300 LandCruiser, in Oz we still have the recently upgraded LandCruiser 70 series, in a wagon, ute/chassis and Troopy. Some markets even have the short wheelbase 3 door!
Absolutely agree with you on every point here Doug. I saw the new LC at my local dealership here and was instantly turned off by it. New 4Runner in top trim looks compelling.
Coming from an FJ Cruiser followed by a Lexus GX, I love the new Land Cruiser! I'm a big fan of the odd styling and the 23 mpg we get by putting a battery where the 3rd row might go.
Here in AUS 🇦🇺 we still got the LC 300 as a straight successor to the LC 200. That is still the top dog in Toyota’s line-up with the twin turbo V6 and all the bells and whistles you may want. The LC 250 (Prado), which is the replacement for the previous Prado (LC 150), came out last month here and is seen here as one of the best versions of the Prado to ever come out. It appears to me that in the USA 🇺🇸 release perceptions have not been handled appropriately by marketing and unfortunately expectations have not been met.
I fully agree with everything you said! I thought the new LC should have been the 6th Gen 4Runner. As an owner of a LC200, I would never waste my time with the new Prado. If I were to add to our stable it would be the GX550.
For reference (I work for Toyota so it’s all I really read about). New 4Runner will offer 3 Row Seats, but not in the same Hybrid Engine configuration that the Land Cruiser comes with. 3 Row Seating is offered on GX and (Non-Hybrid 4 Cylinder Turbo) Gas 4Runner Models because the back area isn’t filled up by a Hybrid battery. That’s why the Land Cruiser isn’t offered with them because they don’t offer it with the standard gas version (and by extension this applies to Hybrid 4Runners as well).
Nailed it! Add in the small fuel tank. 4R pricing is out, the TRD Pro is cheaper than the LC Premium lol. 4R is going to kill LC sales. They should have put a 6 in the LC to make it different. I actually like the LC interior better.
Totally agreed Doug! I have been in the market to buy a land cruiser and test drove the new one. I felt like it was trying to compete with the new bronco and the Jeep, not at all what I expected from a land cruiser! At the end of the day, I’m set on buying a 2006 for thelook and nostalgia!
AMEN!!!!!! SO gratful for honest reviews like this, they make a difference. Bring back the V6!! I test drove multiple cars with this powertrain (Tacoma, RX, etc) and all felt stressed, loud, tiny, and small. NOT smooth, NOT powerful.)
Agree Doug! I'm just hoping when Lexus introduces their version of the Sequoia, they do away with the hybrid so we can get a fold flat 3rd row. I'm 2 years in on my '23 Sequoia and that is my biggest gripe.
About 10 year ago there was an article that stated Toyota envisioned the Sequoia eventually replacing the Landcruiser in the North American market. It seems like they followed through with that.
I know that your especially talking about the north american market, but there are 2 differents models with the land cruiser badge, the full size land cruiser 300, which is sold in the midle east and asia, and the land cruiser prado 250, which is what is offered today in the us and is the decendent of the europeen lc prado
As many said this is the prado, while US got the full version. Toyota decision is still weird, as prado for EU wa the car in between full land cruiser and 4runner, but as EU market isn't searching for big SUV it is more of a 4runner with slightly better interior.
The insane thing to me is that $60,000 *is* mid-tier these days. 🙄
New Nissan Versa with a 5 speed manual will run you $17,000
he said it feels mid tier bro
@@LMacNeill no he said for 60k it feels mid tier, not that it is
@@sub_playz_yt4626that's the point, 60k shouldn't be mid tier but has become
@@LMacNeill well, the outgoing Land Cruiser 200 started at $89k. It’s all relative.
I'm disappointed you don't get in back seats of Two door cars anymore 😢
Bad back
Apparently his back can't handle it
Bro is getting older, and is pretty tall I’d bet his back isn’t quite what it used to be. Edit: never mind it’s been answered
@@Henchman1977please point me to the "THISSSSS is why I don't get into 2 door back seats" video 🤗
I didn't know he has a bad back, but as someone the same age as Doug, it does get a bit more awkward getting into the backseats of small cars as we age. It be cool to see him do it every now and then
Gee let’s drop 60k for an 8 inch screen, cloth seats and a 4 cylinder.
So it’s a base model Corolla in a hiking outfit?
Toyota really decided that the “taxicab” special fit the bill for this price huh?
EVERY car is too expensive. The cheapest new Corolla starts at $22k. If you don't need the "hiking outfit" and larger "taxicab" size for your needs, buy the nicer trim corolla with the 10" screen for a lot less than the LC250. Also the base model Corolla doesn't come with a turbo like the LC. For that, you are looking at a GR Corolla that is getting up around $47k (for a Corolla!). Kind of a weird comparison, but your adjacent point about inflation I agree with.
•
Side note: I don't want a screen for anything except map navigation, I'm over the Teslafication of every vehicle. I want real tactile buttons and knobs that I can engage without looking (the new Ineos Grenadier is on the right track).
@@gericurl76 toyota fanboy ‼️
@@maroonedmaniacrelax dork.
Agreed, with you 100%. I actually like it, but when I sat in it, it felt like a $40,000 *at best*. The door sounding so tinny and hollow was just rubbing salt on the wound.
I don’t think most cars are too expensive or a bad value. This one takes the cake for bad value, though.
@maroonedmaniac any way you put it their great vehicles and that's why people are so passionate about them. No other way to put it but Toyota has earned their loyalty amongst people.
In Australia, we get five variants of the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (250 Series). Two come only with 5 seats (GX & Altitude) & three come with 7 seats (GXL, VX, Kakadu). The Altitude is the offroad focus variant with a rear diff lock, sway bar disconnect, mutil-terrain offroad mode, AT tyres plus more etc. And you're right, in Austtralia, we don't really consider this as the "real" Land Cruiser. We don't call it Land Cruiser. It's always been called the Prado. The 300 Series (& the 70 Series - still available for sale new) is/are the real Land Cruiser(s).
Spot on accurate!
@HammerRocks I'm only really disappointed about the spare tyre being underneath which has resulted in a reduced fuel capacity and weird placement of the 48v system. I still can't understand why toyota did that for all trim grades aside from cost cutting.
@@user-pp6kw6yl6z I hear yah. I too wish they still had the the spare wheel mounted at the rear door.
Same here to us thats the prado in el salvador, and we get tha 300 which is the land cruiser, so for those reasons i went for a patrol 4.8 😂
@juliocastro2588 as in y61 4.8 patrol? Can you still buy those new in el Salvador? I was very disappointed when Nissan stopped selling them in Australia 8 years ago 😭
That engine compartment looks like spaghetti.
@@elpuzzlo6800 I'm sure that'll be fun to work on in 10 years once the warranty expires!
@@rc_playeror easier to work on since everything is accessible!
@@icculus but what if something is needing replacement under the spaghetti? That requires removal of the spaghetti, which seems complicated and lots of labor.
That's why I stick with my 10+ year old sub $15k vehicles. Minimal spaghetti
@@icculus What about that engine looks accessible ?
@@Zenergist Fair, haha. Although it’s probably not an actual engine component that would need to be replaced, but rather something in the spaghetti like a hose, sensor, or connector.
I feel the real issue here is theyre replacing a full land cruiser with the prado version we havent usually got in the states and they thought we wouldnt notice the difference
Exactly. When Doug reviewed the over seas version a couple years back he praised it, but now that the American version is gone he isn’t a fan. Doesn’t really make sense but whatever…
@@ottohibl9212are you talking about his 300 series review? Because this is a 250 series
If you want the new full Land Cruiser, get a 2022 + Lexus LX600.
@@ottohibl9212That is the point. The one he reviewed few years back and the new US one are not the same car. They are very different. The one that middle east gets is still the real deal. The one US gets now is the one Europe used to get and in other places it was called LC Prado.
yeah that's the prado in other countries, i don't know if doug knows this and if he knows of the 300 series real Land cruiser that is still on sale outside the USA
I'm interested in the Mercedes 560sec in the background. A timeless masterpiece.
YES!! Exactly
Came to post this, what a sexy thing in the backround...
Exactly that's what I was thinking the entire time. Looks like a euro model with the bumper so even more interesting.
I wonder why it's there.
Could it be a AMG Widebody?
Doug, I think there’s a small misunderstanding. The Toyota Prado (the same model featured in this video, known as such globally except in the U.S.) is not the replacement for your old Land Cruiser. Globally, the LC300 is the actual successor to the Land Cruiser 200 Series that you had before. The Prado is a smaller, separate model and has been positioned differently in Toyota’s lineup. Just wanted to clarify-keep up the awesome work!
From memory, the Prado typically runs on the same mechanicals as the Toyota Hilux. It's basically the SUV version.
that’s a good point. is the LC300 still made in a way that’s designed for superior long-term durability like the previous LC series trucks?
because yea that would make sense, this is kind of a new product, a Toyota badged Prado model that the US wasn’t getting previously (but we DID get it previously in Lexus GX form) but they called it a Land Cruiser which is not where it is positioned in the market as Doug points out. not like the J80/100/200 models
I think he and the educated know that, but Toyota is selling this LC as a replacement for the LC200, which we all know it isn't. Everywhere else in the world, the LC250/Prado is a grocery getter, which would be fine, but not at these prices (in N.A.) I want one, but I don't think the value is there, unfortunately.
Doug is well aware of the LC300. He's just pointing out that Toyota USA want consumers to be oblivious of it's existence in other markets.
@@chase1as it’s definitely a conflicting product positioning because of what it actually is and the nameplate they put on it. it is well positioned against the Bronco and even has a hybrid advantage there. I think it is more accurately an evolution of the FJ, being platform buddies w the 4Runner.
Doug thinks it's cartoonish,, it's the only new Toyota truck that ISN'T cartoonish.. lol
I think the styling of ALL the recent Toyota trucks are odd and off-putting...
Same. This is the only one that I like now. Their new trucks look like GMC products. And the new 4Runner looks like a hot wheels car come to life.
@@timfreeman7034 Yeah,, they're way over the top
Yeah the new 4Runner has the “RGGHH IM SO TOUGHH” bro ish look while the new LC is restrained. In 25 years the LC will age soo much better
@ianmontesinos1001 I think you're right...
agreed!!
Agree with him on this not being a Land Cruiser. It's a Prado. Call it what it is. What is wrong with that? Land Cruiser, Patrol, Defender - these are iconic vehicles. Why change their names based on regions?
8:53 this is because there is the actual Land Cruiser 300 in other markets, the American Land Cruiser is called the Prado in other markets, and it’s a replacement for the 150 series prado not the old 200 series Land Cruiser
@@Spoooookkyy right on point
damn you got cheated. it's a pity. I live in Asia and we have access to all Toyota and Lexus lines. Prado, 300 in bulk
@@Spoooookkyy yeah he keeps comparing to the lc200 which is misleading.
Yea, only way to get the 300 series in North America is the Lexus LX600. I can’t get past the massive grill on that thing, plus it’s having engine problems/ recalls/ replacements after ditching the V8 and switching to a turbo V6.
I miss the Land Cruiser Prado. Such a great presence and overall great car. Super thirsty tho lol
5:11 "if you want the same power you get a 4Runner because you can get a 3rd row"
FYI this is incorrect, the 3rd row in the 4Runner is only available with the base (non-hybrid) engine. The Land Cruiser doesn't offer a 3rd row BECAUSE of the hybrid battery in the rear. That's why the base 4Runner (no hybrid) and GX (no hybrid) can offer a 3rd row.
You just said he was incorrect in a point he didn't make. Go have a centipede IQ somewhere else
@@jimmy-buffett Its not that Toyota can't put a third row in the U.S. Land Cruiser, they just chose not to. A third row is offered in the Land Cruisers sold in China, Australia, and New Zealand even with a hybrid battery. I have to say that's its not an elegant integration, but I would buy a 3 row LC if it was offered, just so I could fit the whole family comfortably. Instead I'll be buying a Grand Cherokee L. With its lower price tag, at least I'll have $20 grand left to spend on Jeep repairs!😁
@@paulgassler6742 "I would buy a 3 row LC if it was offered"
Then buy a 3-row GX. It's not any more expensive than the hypothetical 3-row LC you would buy, and everything about it is nicer (I've spent significant time in both platforms).
@@paulgassler6742 I do not believe any three row LC is offered with the same hybrid that we have here in the US. The hybrid they pair with the 2.8 diesel is a 48v mild hybrid and different from the "full" hybrid we get.
if it's anything like the optional 3rd row on the previous gen 4runner, it's so small that it's nearly useless no one should bother with it
I dunno. Imho the 4Runner looks much more “cartoonish” than the Landcruiser. That ridiculous overbite in the front. The oversized fender flares. Whereas the Landcruiser is much more restrained. Timeless design.
It looks like a storm trooper transport vehicle
Agreed
Yup agreed. It looks far more refined than the new 4Runner which is trying too hard with all the angles and shapes definitely more cartoony
Completely agree. The new Land Cruiser interior and exterior look much more appealing and mature than the new 4Runner. The new 4runner may appeal to high school kids and that’s about it
He addressed that though, and his point is that 4runner designs always grow on their future buyers. And there is a lot of truth in that.
09:31 that’s a MySpace picture if I’ve ever seen one
@@randomcommenterurl 😂🤣🤣
the 4runner looks cartoonish. Looks like a kangaroo trying to flex
It's more FJ Cruiser than Land Cruiser.
It looks like a Jeep more than anything else
Or PT Cruiser
It’s like a bronco sport but bigger
Should have made it the fj and had a removable top
Agreed, they should have just made it the new FJ.
Sorry, I’m on board with the argument against the Land Cruiser but there is no way that the 4Runner looks better. The 4Runner is ridiculous.
It looks like it went on steroids and all the muscle popped in the wrong area.
New 4 Runner kinda looks like it already got all the weird sci-fi looking bolt-ons they add to trucks in South America.
Ugly....as only the Japanese can do it...
The 4Runner 100% looks better than the Land Cruiser, unfortunately.
And the Sequoia is WORSE
I'm mad at Toyota over this. They still don't offer a vehicle that properly competes with the Wrangler and the Bronco, they had an opportunity to bring either the Land Cruiser or the 4runner back to their roots and position one of them as a Wrangler/Bronco competitor, and they didn't do it. Instead they gave us two vehicles that are almost identical to each other.
I feel like they could have just taken the new 4-runner/landcruiser and put a locking solid front axle in it and then eaten the wrangler for lunch. No need for a removable top or doors (though, I do enjoy those on my jeep).
Exactly, moving it down market wasn't the mistake, moving it to a segment they already had a model in was.
Doug forgets that the 200 series sold so poorly because it was priced too close to the Lexus version. I don't agree with him that the 400 people who bought the old 200 series every year as "stealth wealth" was worth for going the tens of thousands of people who would have bought it if it went back to its roots as a Jeep like thing.
@@charlesbrock5162 Solid front axles handle horribly in every situation on or off-road known to man except crawling on rocks at 5mph. That ain't going to happen in any modern vehicle designed to go 75+mph highway speeds. Not even SXS offer them for this reason. Too dangerous. Jeep will be the last and don't expect that to last past the decade. The crawling over rocks issue has been solved with electronic swaybar disconnects.
@@ThePioneerSpirit I agree 100%
They probably were saving the FJ Cruiser name for that Wrangler fighter, but at the same time, is there room for the FJ Cruiser at that price point now with the 4Runner and Land Cruiser? Maybe not, and guess they didn’t think about that.
As a LC250 owner I will be the first to say it’s not perfect. But Doug’s criticisms are probably the opposite of mine. The powertrain is surprisingly punchy. Wayyy more power than the old V6s. It just doesn’t deliver the economy that was promised. Interior is (at least on our premium trim) definitely near Lexus level. The interior storage is just weak. I’ve driven a few Sequoias and was disappointed with how loose everything felt inside. So odd critique there. Exterior styling is subjective but I think it’s very handsome. And the “not a real Land Cruiser” is an eye-roll. If it isn’t then neither is a 100 series. The badge has been put on so many trucks. Maybe they’ll bring the LC300 over as a Grand Land Cruiser.
I have almost 4000 miles on mine and could not agree with you more on everything you stated here.
LC 300 is on the same new TNGA-F chassis as the LC 250 "Prado". I'm still confused why so many are confused. People just want what they can't have and want to complain despite any real hands on knowledge. The only argument that remains is really the U.S. lack of access to buy a new 79 series. Positive reviews don't generate as much engagement, so there's that.
The new Land Cruiser is one of the biggest downfalls in the car industry, from amazing road presence to your typical meh soccer mom suv
Yes, the biggest downfalls in the US car industry, not everyone got screwed. It occupies a weird place where both the GX and 4Runner are better options for every use case. What were they thinking? Hopefully they retire this thing quickly and give us the real deal.
The new Land Cruiser in the US is the Prado model, not the 300 series so it kinda makes sense for its drawbacks. Even still, there’s probably better choices to get.
The US does still have access to the 300 series through the Lexus LX so the Landcruiser isn’t completely gone. Yes it’s seen as a soccer mom vehicle but that may be an advantage, you get a very capable off-roader without all the unnecessary attention, you just blend
@@Bobspineable the 300 series is attractive, if it was offered in the US, it would definitely sell in huge numbers.
👍
@@AhmedMJ97the issue is it would be redundant. The Sequoia is currently occupying the spot the 300 would be, all it would do is eat each other’s sales. The Lexus LX also still here so it’s not like 300 is completely gone. Yes it’s seen as a soccer mom vehicle but that may be an advantage, you get a very capable off-roader without all the unnecessary attention, you just blend in.
I think Toyota along with Lexus positioned their vehicles and price points very well in the US. They obviously know the market, there is a Toyota SUV or truck for everyone - all the way from $40k (which is below average price for a new vehicle) to $100k. You can basically find a Toyota/Lexus vehicle that will satisfy anyone’s needs, starting from base Tacoma/4Runner all the way to Sequoia TRD Pro or Lexus LX600. They don’t care which brand/model you’re going to get, but you are getting a Toyota product, it’s all that matters
Doug has mentioned before that the reason he wouldn’t get a Lexus LX is because it has less ground clearance in the rear than a Land Cruiser (or now the Sequoia), they compromise that to give third row passengers better leg room. And since he mainly wants one as an offroad vehicle, that matters a lot to him.
LC 200/300 = Station Wagon land Cruiser
LC 250/150 = Light Duty Land Cruiser
LC 70 = Heavy Duty Land Cruiser
Yeah to be honest it's kind of disappointing Doug completely missed the point of the different models of Land Cruiser. It's awesome that Toyotas offering us a class of land cruiser that they've never offered before. It's sad they took away the big boy 200/300 series but we never got it in Canada anyways.
Agreed!!!!!!
@@DrivingGod21 He tested a 2022 LC 300 at a Washington, DC armorer and loved it.
@@DrivingGod21 You could import in 2025, a 2010 LC 200 to Canada. . .
@@DrivingGod21 yeah this 100% it's a Prado but for some of us we very much prefer a prado
Just picked up my 1958 LC and even though I agree they are too pricey, it is great. The engine has plenty of power - not even a question. This reminds me of the old Discovery - when they first came out - it sits higher than the 4R and has great visibility, and I love the overall looks. For context, I traded in a 2024 Mercedes GLE350...all that tech, so glitchy, and so many other issues. This LC is basic and lots of buttons and just refreshingly simple. Love it!
@@JC_DILLO I just picked up a 1958 last week and cannot agree more with you. I traded in a 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country. The buttons and less emphasis on a touch screen is so refreshing.
I’m pretty happy with my LC250 so far. One has to consider that it’s a bullet proof permanent all wheel drive system (unlike the 4Runner) that I just had the opportunity test up in Vermont on a snow day. It was a mountain goat. No issues with turbo 4 banger.
How do you feel about the road noise? I think my Highlander is terrible compared to my Tahoe.
Frankly this looks more Land Cruiser than ever. More like the old school ones before they got all bloated and too big to park. Is Doug smoking something? The new 4Runner looks like a hideous life size Hot Wheels fantasy car dreamt up by a 7 year old. I have had the new LC since August and I love it. The power train is the best part. I’m coming from a 5th Gen 4Runner and it’s much peppier than the V6. And why do you need a third row? Unless you have a big family, you don’t need that. And I don’t have a big family. Doug skipped over the fact that it’s an off-road beast and the ride is fantastic, and it’s super luxurious compared to the 4Runner fifth generation, and probably better than the sixth generation that’s about to come out. And that Lexus GX that is the exact same version of this just fancier? The styling is hideous. I would take this on looks ALONE. And it doesn’t have any buttons for A/C or the audio. You have to use the screen for everything. I don’t know what’s wrong with Doug, but he definitely doesn’t have good taste in new cars. He’s got some quirky takes on old cars that are fun to watch, but unless you want some big thing like a sequoia or Yukon that most nobody needs it all or once because they’re way too enormous, he doesn’t seem to get it. He certainly doesn’t understand what most people would take camping or off-road. The old land cruiser was nothing but a mall cruiser. But maybe that’s what Doug likes.
In the world outside the US, Prado is a Land cruiser, was always a Land Cruiser, and first generation of Prado was the J70.
A prado may wear a landcruizer label but but will never be a landcruizer up till this gen they were on a hilux chassis and just watered down .. the prado will never be a cruizer and thats coming from someone that works on all kinds of cars and is an owner of a cruizer made 47 ish years ago
@@laistab1916is the Hilux chasis less good or just different
@@themeettrees is prado is a lexus GX for countries than don’t get lexus also easy to sell out side the US… not a land cruiser.
@@untitled6391 both
@@laistab1916 okay, thanks, i never knew that. I thought they had the same frame. Now I'm wondering how tough the Land Cruiser must be given Hilux's reputation.
Part of this I think is Toyotas hubris these days. They've realized they can charge more, especially for their trucks, just because they're Toyota and people will buy them anyway. A Tacoma SR5 is now something like $4k more than a Chevy Colorado LT. I like the new Land Cruiser a lot but $57k for a base trim with only white, black, or gray to choose from is a bit ridiculous. I agree with Doug they should've called it the second gen FJ Cruiser.
I do have to wonder if they're going to do some sort of higher trim in the future maybe with a bigger engine and more off road upgrades.
I agree with you but this definitely is not an FJ Cruiser successor - the FJ had way, way more character and drives totally differently. It's wide and planted, whereas the LC250 is narrow and much more comfort-oriented. Toyota says that they will not be offering any more off-road upgrades or off-road oriented trims for the Land Cruiser because they want to maintain the implication that the Land Cruiser name is the top-of-the-line off-roader, so putting TRD or GR above that will be diminishing. Ridiculous, I know.
Exactly. Long time Toyota enthusiast and I went to a different brand. The new Toyota “trucks” are soo overpriced for what you get. The interiors feel cheap and plasticky and they’re charging like 50 - 70k. Clearly people aren’t paying these redicilious prices because new tacos are already getting discounted as a brand new model.
Doug looks like he’s transforming into someone that says “get off my lawn” 😅😂😅😂
Great videos, Doug! I don't know anything about LC lore, but LC looks way better than the 4Runner. It also has more legroom in the back seats than the 4runner. The LC also has more gadgets in one model... Torsion center diff (full-time 4wd), locking rear diffs, etc, all in one vehicle. And I also like LC interior better. Its rugged but spartan. Utilitarian. New 4Runners and Tacomas interiors are a bit cartoonish. (But I don't hate them.)
Also, the 4Runners with the iforce max batteries will only have 2 rows, just like the LC. ✌
I’m from Africa, Kenya to be specific, and I think the issue here is in Toyota’s nomenclature. We have the Land Cruiser LC300 and Land Cruiser Prado (LC250)-the car you reviewed. From my understanding the LC300 and previous models are not sold in the US, and it makes sense because you have the Sequoia. The Prado (LC250) is a mid-tier SUV here and mostly driven by government officials and middle class folk. The LC300 is what we refer to as Land Cruiser here and it costs a hell of a lot more. Toyota North America should have called the LC250 - Prado - and priced it accordingly.
how about the Landcruiser 250 being permanent 4WD and the 4Runner being a part-time 4WD system? surely that's still a major difference, particularly for winter conditions
I definitely like it better than the new 4Runner... The old LC200 was definitely a nicer vehicle as a whole, but at least this new one isnt $90k anymore.
New 4R looks like trash
Give it 3-4 years, it will be right back up to the 90K price point. New Tacoma's are over 70K now and they fly off the lots. There is no stopping this momentum.
11:00 They Should've called it Land Cruiser Prado what it really is in some markets. As a long-time subscriber and fan (since around Viper days) I'm amazed that Doug is so confused about this Land Cruiser which isn't a replacement for the 200 series.
Any of the new Toyota truck or SUV’s with the 4 cylinder engine are a total no-go for me. I’ve been waiting for the new GX550 to replace my older rock-solid GX, but until Toyota gets the turbo V-6 engine issue solved I’ll be on a holding pattern.
I guess they thought with it being the only LC in the US market, it wasn't necessary
@@nickz4993 good point.
Also shocked he never mentioned the J300 or even that this is the J250 Prado everywhere else in the world. Almost like he wanted it to be hidden in this video from viewers who dont know
@@jnhalstead Exactly!
I generally agee with most points of the video, The fact that the Land Cruiser and 4Runner have the same engine and platform kind of renders the LandCruiser a little bit vain, I would like to point a few things out :
Yes the 4Runner is cheaper to start with, it doesn't come with the same HybridMax that is standard on the LandCruiser, the 4Runner starts with just the regular turbo version with 275HP and 317lb-ft of torque, you would have to step up to the limited trim where the Hybrid Max powertrain becomes optional and to get the Hybrid Max powertrain, you would have to sacrifice the 3rd row cos the battery goes to the same place that the 3rd row mechanism is located, hence why the Land Cruiser doesn't offer a 3rd row on any trim because the hybrid max is standard, and that's why the GX offers a 3rd row because there is no hybrid powertrain availabrele on it at the moment.
You also pointed out that the interior feels more regular Toyota and I believe that was done in purpose, Toyota is trying to re-position the LandCruiser as as a "cheaper" go anywhere lifestyle vehicle, which means that it sits under the Seqouia which is our "real" landcruiser.
Another point I would like to make is that I do not think Toyota expected the LandCruiser to sell in the boatloads, for most families, the GH and Highlander is the more rational choice, its cheaper, more efficient, and has way more space. The Landcruiser is simply a lifestyle vehicle that is big on style and off-roading, it doesn't make sense for most buyers cos the 4Runner is there and it does almost everything the LandCruiser does for less money, but there will be way more 4Runners on the road than LandCruisers, so people wanting a more "special" vehicle will gravitate towards the 4Runner
I am not hear to say the LandCruiser is perfect because it is not, Toyota could have given it more power to help differentiate moreit from the 4Runner and Tacoma, or brought us the diesel but I personally do not think it is a disappointment in the way others do.
4Runner is the more rational choice and the LandCruiser is simply the cooler choice is how I see it
Should have called it a Land Runner
Actually, the Land Cruiser is easily the best looking vehicle in Toyota’s lineup. Probably because it looks the least Toyota. And the older Toyota SUVs you referenced largely look awful. As for the rest of it, I don’t know, but the new Land Cruiser does indeed sound disappointing from the reviews. Not sure why anyone would ever buy a Toyota in the first place apart from hybridization which fortunately is coming to other brands.
Agreed. The Honda CRV or Ford Maverick are better hybrid options than toyotas.
Spot on. The same rings true for the first land cruiser 40 series. Looked so good only because it was just a jeep clone
Are Sequoias really attracting the off-road enthusiast who perform heavy mods (10:35)? That seems like a stretch. The Sequoia has been highly disappointing as well with the lack of cargo space and powertrain problems. Overall, good points on the LC disappointments. It would all be forgivable if it maintains most of the legendary reliability. Time will tell, I don’t know.
Agreed. People don't realize that the Sequoia's cargo capacity is laughable compared to it's competition.
InEurope this has 4 cyl diesel with 200hp. it is tortoise. All past lesser Land Cruisers are massive hits in my country. Wood business owners and hunters love them.
I actually drove the 2.8l diesel LC last week for my channel, video out on Tuesday
Can you get the lc300 with the 3.3L twin turbo diesel?
i met a lot of italians swearing the 200 hp land cruiser is fast enough. L0sers, lol
and europeans think "it's reasonable powerful". what a joke of continent we are
The issue with the LC250 is that it’s being labeled as an LC in America. As Doug points out, it should’ve been named something else such as the Land Cruiser Prado (like it is for the rest of the world) - that would make its market position more compelling versus comparing it to the old LC’s higher competition.
The US has the Sequoia and the LX600, In previous years, the full fat LC was sold along side the Sequoia, same engine but different platform. Now they share a platform.
Toyota were curious if people were going to pay 70k for a somewhat off-road capable Prius… And the people paid.
🚦Blah blah blah…what I want to talk about is that sexy Mercedes SEC behind you Doug …I just saw the resto mod done by Bespoke Orange County with the M156 engine swap pure
🛞sex🛞 on wheels 😂😂😂😂
Hahaha that's all I was thinking as well. I kinda clocked out half way through the video and was just staring
Yeah same here
@10:36 they are buying older Land Cruisers or FJ Cruisers. Had a guy come up to me in my FJ and he just bought the new Land Cruiser. He traded in his FJ for it and he told me he regrets it. Then he asked how much I’d sell for 😂
to make things short, everyone expected too much of it. you're looking for the LC300, THE full size Land Cruiser. this is the Prado, a "light duty" cheaper little brother Land Cruiser
yup, and now every thinks they can afford 110k all of a sudden. I'm glad I have the light duty Land Cruiser
The 300 and the 250 are not as different from each other as the 200 series is from the old LC Prados. So there's that.
@@gericurl76 while it's true that they now share the same TNGA-F platform, the Prado is still a bit more different than its bigger brother.
everybody just acts like the 250 series is the direct successor to the 200 series so it needed to be clarified what it really is vs. what people expected it to be
I actually agree with just about everything you said. What bugs me most is you can’t get a base model anything anymore. Just one example, I was excited about the VWID buzz electric microbus but when it comes out, it’s $80,000! So I can’t get near it and everything is like that now!
doug this is not land cruiser, cuz in asia and europe market,Toyota selling this car like Toyota Prado , they just took off Land Cruiser , you right about new Toyota sequoia is Land cruiser
I'm disappointed with it because it's got a $60,000 base price tag for what in essence is a $40,000 SUV with a 4 cylinder engine. Very cheap materials for the price. My Nissan Murano seems better equipped, and that thing went for 40 grand for the fully loaded model.
Man be happy they don't charge 100k usd for a land cruiser 200 hp diesel like they do in europe. We have pretty good prices in US, even lower in Canada.
Nissan is the new Toyota. Change my mind.
You get what you pay for. Complaining about a 4 cyl might have been a reasonable point 20 years ago lol
In a matter of 5 years Toyota went from bullet proof I4, V6, & V8s with Aisin automatics that they put in appropriate vehicles to throwing over boosted 4cyls with CVTs in full sized SUVs. Crazy.
This is the full story. Sad
Aisin automatics aren't bulletproof, but are pretty good in reliability. Their Hybrid eCVT planetary gears will still outlast the Aisin torque converters by a long shot. There aren't any CVT in Toyota's full size SUVs and BoF vehicles, only the Corolla and Corolla Cross have CVT.
@@GrayHuska The new Land Cruiser has an Aisin 8 speed transmission, not a CVT.
Is the over boosted 4 cly with a cvt in the room with us?
As a Dutch person i'm astonished these cars are so cheap in the US. Here the new land cruiser starts at €180.995,- Absolutely insane.
79 in Germany and 85 in spain. I bet if it was available in UK it would be pretty cheap there too like the US
@@phee3D That's because in Netherlands they pay a CO2 tax (depending on how much C02 a car emits) on top of the buying price. Only there you have this system. Petrol is also crazy expensive. In Belgium you also pay the same amount you do like in Germany.
In Kenya they start at the equivalent of USD 178,000, from the local dealer.
Meaning a gray import here, from Japan, might be at a slightly lower price.
@@hadiamranealso in Scandinavia and Portugal you pay co2 taxes
61k USD in Moldova for premium trim. 2.4 gasoline, no hybrid no 7 seats. I love it.
As an Australian - it sounds like you didn’t research and understand the role of the 250 series Land cruiser, or study the specifications relative to the old 200 series. It’s the typical family land cruiser that balances on-road performance with all of the off-road performance that 99% of families need. It’s 100% a land cruiser, and is probably the best value LC ever made as it’s on the same platform as the luxury 300 series. The performance is excellent on and off-road. This is just another rant that a Prado isn’t a real Landcruiser, when in fact it’s superior to the former 200 series in almost every measurable metric including torque on the ground and torque : weight ratio. Folks, don’t pay attention to much attention to this review. If you have a family, you can’t go wrong with this LC.
You can't go wrong with a grand cherokee trailhawk either. I have a 2022 grand cherokee WL 3.6 V6, so the current generation and I wouldn't change it with the new LC.
-Better offroad capability than the land cruiser 1958 edition (disconnecting sway bar, air suspensions up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance)
-More space inside (LC rear legroom is very little)
-Reliable and comprovated 3.6 pentastar engine. No hybrid stuff to change when batteries run out of juice
-Better comfort (air suspensions) and less weight (LC weights about 5400 lbs, my grand cherokee 4800 lbs).
Engine recalls has entered the chat
I agree with this comment wholeheartedly though I wish they’d put a V6 like with the Lexus GX or a 4 cylinder diesel like the global models. The US market is the only market that got the 4 cylinder petrol hybrid model and that’s our only choice.
2 things about it...The engine is border-line acceptable in a vehicle costing this much... And the the round headlamps look WAY better. About time Toyota developed an all-new engine, especially at this price.!
The 200 series Land Cruiser replacement is the 300 Series. Sadly not available in the USA. Australia has the diesel because we love our diesel engines here in Australia.
So, Toyota has decided to equal American SUV's in quality and pricing.. what a win for the buying public 👎
A lot of comments like 'I'm disappointed with Toyota because... blah' came from folks who never drove one. Lemme tell you - I never owned Toyota, always been a Jeep guy. Curiosity took over, scheduled a test drive on new LC, and ended up getting the LC trim. This is a real deal folks, drives like a dream, lots of torque, incredible fit'n'finish, and will go places where I could dare only on my JK that I built over a period of 5yrs. Wranglers are incredible vehicles after you build them; this LC won my heart after a single test drive. Goes anywhere, looks fantastic, drives like a dream. I guess to each their own...
You say this while admitting you have never been a Toyota owner or spent much, if any time in one before. Then you mock anyone that criticizes these new ones? Is it possible they see downgrade problems that you would not?
Coming from a Jeep, any Toyota is a huge upgrade in fit and finish.
I'm delighted you have positive things to say, I think us long time Toyota fans expected more for the money with the cost of this Land Cruiser lol. I think as long as the Land Cruiser remains reliable, it shall remain relevant. If only it was cheaper...
i think you're spot on here. i've owned a several different off roaders from many different manufacturers, including jeep, toyota, ford, nissan, dodge and chevy. jeeps are no doubt the leader as far as capability is concerned, but most people will never utilize their full potential. i think the new LC is a fantastic product that does a lot of the things the old one simply couldn't. doug says what he says because he's a content provider and going with the mainstream doesn't get clicks or viewership. there's value in being a contrarian sometimes and he's found it.
well obviously you thought the LC was the real deal, you used to drive a jeep lmao
Doug doesn’t go off-road. Toyota went for fuel efficiency and torque with the hybrid engine. They allocated the engine power to being able to tow and rock climb at slow speeds. It’s not designed to accelerate quickly off the line or drive fast. But hey, maybe they won’t sell well and I’ll be able to grab one used for cheap.
Exactly. It's meant to be an off road car
Doug, I recently purchased a LC (Landcruiser), I spent a few months figuring if I would wait for a 4 Runner, which is rear-wheel biased and does not work well out here in the PNW and smaller or Lexus GX550 Overtrail + (Because the non-+) does not have memory seating and other stuff you would like on a 70K+ SUV. I really liked the GX, but 17 mpg combined are you kidding me, they could have put the hybrid powertrain from the Tundra, but nope. Also, the dealer marks the GX up, similarly priced GX would have cost me 86K; I paid 69K. Lastly, E-KDSS is awesome unless you are planning to lift it, full suspension lifts cost way more than on the LC. I took the LC to Elk Camp this year, the hybrid powertrain worked awesome on the 30 degree + climbs to camp, I did not have to wait for turbo spool up and it never missed a beat. If you are looking for a good mall runner, sure cheaper go 4Runner and if you want to look cool for the other soccer mom's go GX. Also, it is a Landcruiser because the company names their vehicles; but you and I know it is a Prado and who cares. I wanted a reliably (Toyota knows something about hybrid = Prius) SUV, something that will go anywhere, looks good (4runner looks funny) and something with decent MPGs. IMO
Hey Doug, I noticed that you repeatedly complained about this car not meeting the top of the range qualities of the previous Land Cruiser´s.That is because this is not the top of the Land Cruiser's lineup model. This particular car (Land Cruiser J250) is the mid range Land Cruiser between the 4Runner and the flagship LC300 (J300). For a more accurate and logical comparisson you should experience the quirks and features of the Land Cruiser J150, as I understand that car was not commercialized in the US under the Toyota badge, but the lexus GX460 is basically the same car underneath, paired with a more luxurious interior.
As an FJ Cruiser owner, I'm more interested in the capability of this the Land Cruiser rather than its looks and speed. People use to trash the FJ Cruiser relentlessly when it was released, so much so in fact, it wasn't a huge seller at first. Suicide doors? 3 windshield wipers? Why is it so wide? Man, the FJ is hands down the BEST car I've ever owned. And I am not a grocery store soccer mom either. I live in SoCal and I go serious offroading in the Mojave and Death Valley all the time. I put my FJ through the wringer. And it has tackled EVERYTHING. I love my FJ so much that I will drive it until it explodes. My only regret is that I didn't buy it when it first came out. And the lesson here is... don't judge vehicles based on what these reviewer guys say. I know Doug would have trashed the FJ back in the day, because pretty much every reviewer did. Now it's suddenly revered and considered a "classic car". The decisions made with the Land Cruiser were calculated decisions. Toyota wasn't just cheaping out on the drivetrain and choosing to make it slow off the line. They allocated the engine power to slow speed torque. Personally, I don't give a crap what the speedometer looks like or if there's special trim around the dash. Doug talks about the interior like a child does saying things like, "I just wish it was more rugged and cool looking." Ummm.... okay. Personally, I want to know if the entire under carriage is covered in skin plates and how thick they are. I want to know how much headroom I have when I sleep in the back. I want to know how easy it is to install a winch or replace parts. I want to know if it has the torque to pull me up a steep incline. I want to know if this thing will last me a lifetime and not strand me out in the middle of nowhere. Get out of here with complaints like, "The interior just doesn't feel cool." Lol.
A little internet research to refresh my memory: Everything I found for "Toyota Prado" bolsters the fact that the Prado appears to have always been the "Land Cruiser Prado," not just the "Prado," although people seem to refer to it as that only. I think the Prado has always been a sub-model of the Land Cruiser range, so, I don't think it's entirely accurate to suggest that the LC250 isn't a "Land Cruiser" it seems they just don't call it the Prado because there isn't a higher range model not in the U.S. FYI I have a 1958 (lease) and I love it after six months so far. I have on several occasions gotten more than 30 mpg with it, although that's an outlier for sure. I always look back at it and love it from any angle. This is from someone who has probably owned a dozen Toyotas over the years. I personally like the hybrid powertrain and the full-time AWD system, but agree it can be coarse. It's definitely well-built and actually has frame-mounted bump-stops and not the damper-contained ones in the Tacoma and new 4Runner, which seem to be a problem.
I'm genuinely laughing in my 300 series.
A Prado is going to Prado, I'm sorry America! Hope you get the 300 series in Toyota form sometime soon.
Lx 600 exists, not sure how it's forgotten here
Learn the difference.
LC 200/300 = Station Wagon land Cruiser
LC 250/150 = Light Duty Land Cruiser
LC 70 = Heavy Duty Land Cruiser
All THREE are ''The Land Cruiser''
@@jessedaines7443 I said in "Toyota Form"
@@noctilucent7396 cool thanks, read my comment again.
We do too...and in Diesel form would be nice.⏲
I'm pretty sure to get the 4runner with the 3rd row, you can only get the trim WITHOUT the hybrid (turbo4 only) and the only hybrid trim level is the TRDs and Trail Hunter, but will not have the 3rd row due to the battery placement.
Hey Doug, here in Australia that car is called the "Prado" and we still get the big daddy Landcruiser as well.
The Prado has always been the baby Land Cruiser but we also get 7 seats here if you opt for the non-hybrid version.
I’ve just watched Harry Metcalfe’s video about the new Land Cruiser and his press car got a third row…
Edit: just checked it for my country (Belgium) and we also have 3 row seating as standard.
you said nothing...
Non hybrid models can have 3rd row. In the US they only sell hybrid 250s. The Lexus in the US is v6 non-hybrid and can have 3rd row as Doug mentioned.
IT SUCKS THAT THE US DOES NOT GET THE LC 300
sucks we don't get a 110k vehicle lol
2:38 We need a meme of that!!
I'm in agreement on most of your points in this video. Such as it's placement in the lineup, it's price point, and it's land cruiser badge without the traditional land cruiser characteristics. I am confused though, in your original review you spoke as if you loved the styling. You also mentioned how the engine had PUNCH, and it was 347 hp but felt as though it had more. In this episode it's almost a 180 on the whole product. A little inconsistent if you ask me.
Brutal honesty! Very much appreciated!
It's a great replacement for the FJ Cruiser. It doesn't have a third row because overlanders don't want one. The last real Land Cruiser was just too big.
Not in the Middle East though, the 7 seater LC is staple here for tourism companies and big families alike
@kgh065 the overseas versions of almost anything are better than what we get in the US. I'm just trying to explain why it's probably going to still do well
@@kgh065 Well, this is not the middle east
Wow, Doug! As a car enthusiast, I would have expected you to know better. The Land Cruiser isn’t just one model-it’s a lineup that includes various versions like the 300 Series, FJ40, FJ Cruiser and 250, which you’re reviewing, is making its U.S. debut because Toyota has discontinued the 300 Series in this market.
These models are completely different within the Land Cruiser family, so comparing your Land Cruiser to the Prado doesn’t make sense. The Prado is built for durability and practicality, not luxury or size. I think you should take a closer look into the history and purpose of these vehicles before forming your review.
To put it simply, the Land Cruiser is a model line, not a single model.
Ok your talking about those other variants in other countries , they still use better diesel power trains then the new model those are still real LCs. The NEW one is a 4 popper lol
He knows this, you are totally missing the point.
The Land Cruiser is NOT a model line in NA, where Doug lives and the new Toyota LC is on sale in... Discontinuing the previous LC and bringing this LC to the market right after is disingenuous at best, by Toyota. This vehicle has very little market share when compared to the GX and 4R and they are attempting to use the previously robust LC namesake to garner fanfare.
@@Shabnation correct but that’s a US regulation not Toyotas prefer preference
@@djplauche5850if he knew this he wouldn’t be saying that the Land Cruiser has been dumbed down 8:51!! The LC 300 Series is still being produced just not marketed in NA however Lexus has the 300 Series know as Lexus LX600
The old Land Cruiser sold terribly in the US, hence why it was discontinued. The new Land Cruiser however is flying off lots. They have already sold more new Land Cruisers than they ever sold in a year in the US in the past. This has been a fantastic move by Toyota.
The problem was by the time you got a decent trim on the Land Cruiser, you could get a Lexus for the same our sometimes less money! I think it is the same on these 250s. The 55k base gets you nothing, so by the time you’ve picked a few options, you should really get the Lexus with the better drivetrain…
So far it has been a great move. I’m just curious how the Land Cruiser sales are gonna hold when the new 4Runner comes out. Then you have the 4Runner and GX cutting into its sales. But I agree, the last Land Cruiser was way expensive, getting into Lexus LX sales and most people were going for the LX anyways so like, might as well kill off the Land Cruiser because people in the states are a lot more brand conscious and don’t want to spend that much on a Toyota.
@@sasqwatch00 lol there is videos coming out of lots filled with heritage editions so idk about that
I’m a long time LC owner. I love them! I had the opportunity to detail and ceramic coat a new LC. I completely agree with your thoughts on the LC.
Does the 4runner have locking diffs and a disconnecting front sway bar?
Yes
One of the big things with the land cruiser used to be the 25 year part lasting? It was supposed to be this overbuilt, ever lasting beast. And the more recent years, it's gotten away from that, this new gen one is completely divorced from that ideal. Sad
How can you assume it isn’t a reliable vehicle that will last 20+ years when it has literally just come out. 😂
The lx570 was an absolute TOP vehicle.. and you complained ? Why? I’ll tell you guys why. He didn’t like the v8 because of mpg, and I kid you not he complained- get ready- that the lx570 wood and leather wrapped high quality luxury gear shifter instead of POS plastic dial button to shift into gear. Which is no place for a Land Cruiser. Anyways.. now you got exactly what you wanted all along. A cheap lightweight plastic hybrid.
The 4Runner won’t be as capable off-road, they don’t have bump-stops.
There will not be a 4Runner trim with the same power as the LC and a 3rd row option. Hybrid is required to get to those power figures, and there’s no room for a 3rd row with the Hybrid battery in the cargo area.
The Land Cruiser’s interior will age much better than the 4Runner. 4Runner’s interior is a bit tacky imo.
4Runner's interior is incredibly "over-engineered". It's very busy and blocky. That was a big miss, as well as not having full-time 4WD available in more trims.
6:31 the strangest part is the real land cruiser still exists, toyota just chose not to bring it to north america for whatever reason. the real land cruiser also differentiates itself significantly better against the sequoia and lexus lx vs. the swb land cruiser against the 4runner and gx.
There is a valid reason we don’t have the 300 series, nobody bought the 200’s, they always opted for the LX570. Thats why the LX is still on sale and the 300 series isn’t here any more. Nobody wanted to pay 100K for a Toyota vehicle.
Because the last year of the 'real' Land Cruiser they only sold a few thousand. Land Cruiser was being outsold by Range Rovers which were twice as expensive. The people spoke
It may be a while before Doug gets another Toyota press car. But appreciate the honest review. The biggest thing you failed to emphasize is the lack of ground clearance. Hardly a hardcore off roader with 3 inches less ground clearance than a factory third gen Tacoma
The new LC’s are flying off dealership lots, so joke’s on us. Will be interesting to see how well they are selling in 2-3 years when the honeymoon is over.
@@benjaminv.3172 no they aren’t. The dealerships are loaded with them. Local dealership here has 26 of them
Bet they sell super well, Nobody wanted the Station Wagon land Cruiser. This new Light Duty Land Cruiser was the answer.
My local dealer has 26 of them so I don’t think they are exactly flying anywhere.
@@deanrotering879 Well, They're amazing. Remember, Douge hated the 200 series Land Cruiser station wagon and he sold his after he crashed it and it became a rust bucket underneath from sitting near the ocean
@@deanrotering879 here in the PNW they are selling quite well. Just checked inventory and the most I saw any dealership have on hand is 7, four of which are in transit.
I usually agree with Doug on everything. But it's interesting how polarizing the opinions are on this car. I'm in the car business, and have extensive experience with almost every car under $150k. I've had my Land Cruiser about a month now and it's everything I want or need out of a vehicle. Out of everything I could have bought, this is what I wanted, and I love it.
It’s just not like a traditional LC that’s all he is saying. Of course it will sell it’s just not the same as it used to be.
Doug is completely missing the point about this model, especially in comparison to the old Land Cruiser. The full size to Land cruisers really developed a reputation in North America, completely separate to the reputation around the world. Full size Land cruisers were always popular in North America, the middle East, and Japan, but not really anywhere else. To the rest of the world, a land cruiser usually meant a Land Cruiser Prado. The Land Cruiser Prado was always an alternative to the 4Runner. Whether it was available in different markets, or in some markets alongside the 4Runner, they were always slightly different offerings of the same chassis that were very comparable.
The real fault here is not calling it the Land Cruiser Prado in the North American market like they do everywhere else. This is an alternative to a 4Runner, a slightly different offering with a different four-wheel drive system. It's not a replacement for the old 180 series full size Land Cruisers.
Also to the point of the styling, everyone said the exact same thing about the FJ Cruiser when that was released in the 2000s. They said it looked comical, too retro, they said it would age poorly, and it looks silly and cartoonish. I love FJ cruisers, I think they've aged really well. I think that's the general census about them as well, FJ Cruiser values are absolutely insane these days, even compared to all the other off-road SUVs.
Actually I think that in Europe too they just call it the land cruiser, because the 300 LC is also not sold in Europe, so there isn't any other LC product to differentiate it from.
@@markonikolic7957 Fair. Does that also go for the previous generation? I've heard English people call them Prados before.
I think thr fault is offering 2 SUVs that directly compete with one another and one has more options.
I have never been a Toyota guy so im not going to make comparisons to the 300 but it just doesnt make sense the way this is positioned. Its basically a worse 4runner.
As for the point about the FJ, it doesnt matter if the looks age well and become accepted in 20 years, just like the FJ it needs to sell in its own time, and just like the FJ if it does not it will be canceled. I liked the FJ when it came out, I like the way this looks, but the reality is its simply a little to expensive for how little it offers compared to the rest of the market, including other Toyota products.
@@DrivingGod21 I’m not sure entirely but I’m pretty sure that some previous gen prados were on some European markets. Whatever people call them they’re still considered “true” LC. Unlike the states where the LC name is seen as a luxury off-road suv. Hence the out of touch take form Doug where 340 HP somehow isn’t enough for this car. It isn’t even supposed to be driven on a highway most of the time, yet it seems that is the case
@@AHungryHunky I mean trim for trim, future for feature, the LC will probably cost 5 to 10 grand more than the 4Runner. In the grand scheme of car prices, when a 4Runner's base price is 55 grand that's honestly not that big of a difference. The LC also comes with a full-time four-wheel drive system that is more complex and more expensive than the old school transfer case four-wheel drive system in the 4Runner. I'm not saying one is better than the other, I'm just saying that the drivetrain alone justifies the price difference between the 4Runner and the LC.
I agree with you, the FJ did not sell well in its time it was a two and a half door vanity SUV in a time where people weren't spending extra money, let alone on two door SUVs. We are in a different time now, the economy is in a completely different state, and the LC is a four-door car. I hope the LC sells well enough to justify its continued sale in North America. Considering that they're making the exact same car for the global market, even if it doesn't sell well, there isn't really a reason to cancel it.
I've seen some other comments touch on this, but it feels weird that you didn't touch on that this is a Land Cruiser Prado, and in the US the Land Cruiser (300 series) is the Lexus LX600. It would be more apt to compare the Sequoia to the LX600 in terms of capability/features.
It is weird that they brought the land cruiser Prado over as a Toyota as well as a Lexus since the 4Runner has always filled that space in the Toyota Lineup (Lexus has had it for a long time as the GX).
Great review. Thank you for being so honest.
Doug in 2024:
Jaguar type 00: “exciting”
New Land Cruiser: “looks cartoonish”
I think Doug has lost touch with reality
Idk, that type 00 actually looks sick in terms of of the long hood shape.
I love the GX! Love the front of the Land Cruiser and the front of the 4Runner, hate both rear ends.
is that a 500sec behind doug? does he have a video on that?
You are right, it's not a LandCruiser, it's a (LandCruiser) Prado, since the 90s a very specific sub model. So in most markets it's sold as a Prado. Aside from this one and the 300 LandCruiser, in Oz we still have the recently upgraded LandCruiser 70 series, in a wagon, ute/chassis and Troopy. Some markets even have the short wheelbase 3 door!
Absolutely agree with you on every point here Doug. I saw the new LC at my local dealership here and was instantly turned off by it. New 4Runner in top trim looks compelling.
I know what’s an even better buy too but I’m not mentioning it because if I do the price on it will go through the roof. :(
Thanks for telling the truth about the Land Cruiser. Toyota has really been dropping the ball these days.
Came in ready to criticize Doug. Leaving agreeing with him.
Unfortunately Doug is right. The new Land Cruiser is a disappointment.
This is so right on! Question is with so many cars why can't they create a Cheap, big engine (Not a Hybrid) version.
Coming from an FJ Cruiser followed by a Lexus GX, I love the new Land Cruiser! I'm a big fan of the odd styling and the 23 mpg we get by putting a battery where the 3rd row might go.
Here in AUS 🇦🇺 we still got the LC 300 as a straight successor to the LC 200. That is still the top dog in Toyota’s line-up with the twin turbo V6 and all the bells and whistles you may want. The LC 250 (Prado), which is the replacement for the previous Prado (LC 150), came out last month here and is seen here as one of the best versions of the Prado to ever come out. It appears to me that in the USA 🇺🇸 release perceptions have not been handled appropriately by marketing and unfortunately expectations have not been met.
I fully agree with everything you said! I thought the new LC should have been the 6th Gen 4Runner. As an owner of a LC200, I would never waste my time with the new Prado. If I were to add to our stable it would be the GX550.
For reference (I work for Toyota so it’s all I really read about). New 4Runner will offer 3 Row Seats, but not in the same Hybrid Engine configuration that the Land Cruiser comes with. 3 Row Seating is offered on GX and (Non-Hybrid 4 Cylinder Turbo) Gas 4Runner Models because the back area isn’t filled up by a Hybrid battery. That’s why the Land Cruiser isn’t offered with them because they don’t offer it with the standard gas version (and by extension this applies to Hybrid 4Runners as well).
Nailed it! Add in the small fuel tank. 4R pricing is out, the TRD Pro is cheaper than the LC Premium lol. 4R is going to kill LC sales. They should have put a 6 in the LC to make it different. I actually like the LC interior better.
Totally agreed Doug! I have been in the market to buy a land cruiser and test drove the new one. I felt like it was trying to compete with the new bronco and the Jeep, not at all what I expected from a land cruiser! At the end of the day, I’m set on buying a 2006 for thelook and nostalgia!
AMEN!!!!!! SO gratful for honest reviews like this, they make a difference. Bring back the V6!! I test drove multiple cars with this powertrain (Tacoma, RX, etc) and all felt stressed, loud, tiny, and small. NOT smooth, NOT powerful.)
Agree Doug! I'm just hoping when Lexus introduces their version of the Sequoia, they do away with the hybrid so we can get a fold flat 3rd row. I'm 2 years in on my '23 Sequoia and that is my biggest gripe.
About 10 year ago there was an article that stated Toyota envisioned the Sequoia eventually replacing the Landcruiser in the North American market. It seems like they followed through with that.
I know that your especially talking about the north american market, but there are 2 differents models with the land cruiser badge, the full size land cruiser 300, which is sold in the midle east and asia, and the land cruiser prado 250, which is what is offered today in the us and is the decendent of the europeen lc prado
As many said this is the prado, while US got the full version.
Toyota decision is still weird, as prado for EU wa the car in between full land cruiser and 4runner, but as EU market isn't searching for big SUV it is more of a 4runner with slightly better interior.