All-New 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Now in Japan

Toyota unveiled the all-new Land Cruiser Prado in the US last year. Also called the Land Cruiser 250 (or J250), the fifth-generation SUV now sits on the same platform as the Land Cruiser 300 (LC300) and features a retro-inspired exterior & interior.

Now the all-new Land Cruiser 250 has been formally launched in Japan. While it looks no different from the US version, Toyota has decided to drop the “Prado” name from its nomenclature and simply call it the Land Cruiser 250. Some might say this is a simple name change, but the Japanese automaker has announced that the rename also signifies the repositioning of the Land Cruiser 250 as the core model of the lineup.

Whereas the Prado used to be a high-end luxury SUV that sits close to the Land Cruiser 200/300, the Land Cruiser 250 returned to its original role as a mid-range midsize SUV that can go anywhere it pleases. As for the number of variants, the LC250 will be offered in three distinct versions; ZX, VX, and GX. The ZX and VX come with three-row seating while the base model GX is only available as a five-seater.

For those who want a little more special, they can get the Special Edition ZX First Edition. This one has unique features like round bi-beam LED headlights, matte black aluminum alloy wheels, and 18-inch off-road tires. There’s also the Special Edition VX First Edition which is painted in an exclusive Sand exterior color with a Dark Chestnut interior finish.

Like the vehicle revealed in the US last year, the Land Cruiser now sits on the new GA-F platform albeit shortened. The ladder frame architecture makes use of ultra-high tensile strength steel plates in certain places to increase body rigidity while also reducing weight. It also comes with high-mount double wishbones at the front and a trailing link axle suspension at the rear. Not only do these provide better wheel articulation but the new suspension also delivers optimized front & rear suspension geometry.

Under the hood, the Land Cruiser 250 for Japan is not available with an electrified powertrain. Instead, it’s only offered with either a turbo-diesel or naturally aspirated gasoline engine. The former gets the 2.8L 1GD-FTV that makes 203 hp of power and 500 Nm of torque and comes paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The other engine is the 2.7L 2TR-FE petrol that puts out a humble 162 hp with 246 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Both engine variants are coupled to a full-time 4WD system with Multi-Terrain Select and a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD). In addition, the Land Cruiser 250 benefits from Multi-Terrain Monitor which consists of four cameras that help the driver see around in all directions. This is particularly useful when navigating off-road terrain.

Toyota in Pakistan is offering the new Land Cruiser 300 as a CBU imported model, we will have to wait to see when they are going to introduce the new Land Cruiser 250 since the Prado has been quite a successful vehicle in its class among the affluent & elites of our country.