The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 has finally reached its home market in Japan, abandoning the Prado moniker that has been in use in the country since 1990. Described as the “core model” of the Land Cruiser family, this capable off-roader joins the more luxurious 300 Series and the classic 70 Series. While North American buyers are restricted to a single gas-electric hybrid four-cylinder powertrain, Japanese buyers don’t have the option for a hybrid. Instead, they can choose between two non-electrified engines: a 2.8-liter turbodiesel and 2.7-liter gasoline powertrains. They also have access to a set of First Edition models with a limited production of 8,000 units.
Compared to its predecessor, the Land
Cruiser 250 series is more focused on practicality instead of high-end luxury,
leaving the larger 300 series to fulfill that role. Predictably, the Japanese
version looks identical to the EU-spec and US-spec models, setting aside a few
special touches on the First Edition trims and the array of optional
accessories from Toyota, Jaos, Modellista, and Toy Factory. The color palette
includes six exterior shades and two interior finishes (Black, Dark Chestnut).
The First Edition models are based on the
mid-spec VX and the high-spec ZX trims, featuring rectangular and round LED
headlights respectively. Both ride on a new set of 18-inch aluminum wheels
finished in matte black which are shod in off-road tires. The VX can be had
with diesel or gasoline while the ZX is exclusively available in diesel form.
Inside, the models have “First Edition” lettering on the doors, leather
upholstery, and discreet titanium accents. Standard equipment is more generous
in the diesel-powered versions, including the fancier digital cockpit with the
dual 12.3-inch displays, the 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, and the more
sophisticated Toyota Teammate ADAS.
The Land Cruiser 250 rides on the TNGA-F
architecture honoring the ladder-frame heritage of the series. The SUV measures
4,925 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm and is
available in five-seater or seven-seater configurations. In terms of
powertrains, Japanese buyers don’t get the mild-hybrid diesel that is available
in Europe and Australia, nor the hybrid gasoline option from North America.
Instead, they can only order the Land Cruiser 250 with non-electrified diesel
and gasoline powertrains.
The flagship 2.8-liter turbodiesel
produces 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and is
exclusively mated to an eight-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. As for the
less potent naturally aspirated 2.7-liter gasoline engine, it is good for 160
hp and 246 Nm and is connected to a six-speed
Super ECT automatic. Both powertrains are combined with a full-time 4WD system
featuring a Torsen LSD on the center differential and electronic rear
differential lock. To make life easier when driving off the beaten track, the
model offers six driving models via the Multi-Terrain Select system, and has a
Multi-Terrain Monitor combining feed from four cameras.
In terms of safety equipment, the Toyota
Safety Sense ADAS suite comes standard in all trims, while the Toyota Teammate
that’s available on higher grades adds more sophisticated systems taking over
the control of the vehicle when certain conditions are met. The new Land
Cruiser 250 is already available to order from Toyota dealers in Japan. Pricing
starts from ¥ 5,200,000 (US$ 33,700) for the base-spec five-seater GX and tops out
at ¥ 7,850,000 (US$ 50,872) for the flagship seven-seater ZX First Edition.
