As someone who grew up with in Australia with all three LandCruiser model’s - Prado, 70 series, 80 series and have owned both an FJ40 and 100 series I’m happy we are finally getting an affordable LandCruiser here in the US that is not a mall cruiser. The old Prado was a very capable Off Roader and I think the new 250 series looks great I also like the fact there is no third row to deal with. I’ve been on the fence about which vehicle to get for my next overland vehicle. Just found it!!!

You are so right about this new powertrain. Also I share the unpopular opinion that a vehicle like this should be as small as possible but as large as necessary to be a work horse. Otherwise we should drive 18 wheelers. This LC is smaller but it looks like it maximizes space, payload, and towing for its size.

This is what the Land Cruiser should have been all along. But it seriously needs that 4L V-6, not a turbohybrid. Ease of repair matters, Toyota.

Toyota stopped making Land Cruiser in the US market because it was too expensive and no one bought them. Of course, they don't want to go down that road again. I am happy they change the strategy and brought down the price and made it more affordable for everyone.

Totally agree with the split folding tailgate. Don't even understand why Toyota and (LR for that matter) are not doing those anymore. It's freaking amazing.

They should offer the tdi diesel in us version. Hybrid is great but a simple diesel, more cargo room would be my choice. I currently drive a VW Touareg tdi that get real 27-34 mpg and 700-800 mile range. Love the look on new LC including cloth seats.

300+HP / 400+ lb-ft @ 27mpg sounds pretty freakin' sweet to me... gas is expensive as hell and it ain't gettin' any cheaper, and if you need more power than this, I honestly don't know what you're using this vehicle for

The reason the LC 250 is hated is because the spare wheel should’ve been on the back in order to fit in a long range fuel tank.

I agree. The 100 series is slept on, but it’s an incredible blend of everything that has been over the generations. It’s got just enough luxury, and the amazing v8. I also agree though, that as long as it’s reliable and good, the new Land Cruiser is already looking to be the best. Love that it’s smaller again and love the standard off road tech, as well as the better mpg and way cheaper price. Also people saying it’s not as overbuilt are just being ignorant. Honestly the only thing that’s missing is those cool flip sideways 3rd row seats.

i heard the 2024 land cruiser in Canada (North America) only takes premium gas, can i put regular gas in ?

I think you are very spot on with your comments and opinions. I thinks it's very cool to have a less expensive LC option.

In Australia we are getting the 2.8 diesel 4 pot with a 48 volt 'hybrid' add on, not sure how good that will be in terms of fuel savings... looks like we will still get a 7 seat version... not sure about long range fuel tanks? current model has 150 litre fuel tank which was achieved by putting the spare wheel on the tailgate. With the new lift up tailgate we loose the long range fuel tanks which is not good for Australian conditions with very very long distances in remote areas.

I've been driving Cruiser's for 25 years and have owned a dozen or more, and this is the same thing I have heard everytime a new Cruiser comes out!:) I remember when I got my first 80 series in the mid 90's, I was laughed at by the Cruiser community, it's too big, it's too bloated, it's not a real Cruiser etc... Bought a new 100 in 98, once again, not a real Cruiser, doesn't have a I6, no solid axle, way too big etc.. Grabbed a 200 in 2013 and once again, same stuff, just a bloated V8 Highlander, not a real Cruiser etc.. Guess it's just what Cruiserheads do? Funny thing is years from now when the next Gen LC comes out these same people will be posting about how the LC250 is the "last of the real Cruisers" LMAO... Great video and agree with most of what ya said and I will proly grab one and add it to my fleet! -Ken

I would need suggestion of wesite where to do some some mods Witherspoon the next landcruiser and where i can find some pics of the résulte i am very visual Thank you

Great video! I had another thought, we own a Lexus GX 460 and are not the overlanders that your fan base is; but, we love what it can do. What we need is better fuel economy, comparable towing specs, some off road chops and 5 seats not seven so we can carry our gear. So I think the new Land Cruiser will be excellentt and I think it might substantially expand the market for Land Cruuiser in North America. This would spur on afted market companies. I just hope I can get one in Canada.

Great vid Jeff! Agreed on all fronts. We will mourn the split tailgate in unison though. Are you guys planning to get one? Or maybe the new GX?

Thank you ! In the past 23 years, I have owned 4 Land Cruiser Prado 90 120 150 series with turbo charged d4d engines. All badged Land Cruiser by Toyota Europe. All reliable All super efficient on trails -- Just add a 2.5 inch lift and BFG AT All far more fuel efficient than big bro 100 200 series And never ever had an offroading issue with IFS Love Kdss on the 150 So a lot of good times with the LC Prado aka Land Cruiser and still going! That new J250 Land Cruiser is à very good move from Toyota Thanks again ! I can only agree with 100% of what you say. 👍 Cheers from France🎉

I have owned 2 Toyota hybrids. They have a very low cost of ownership until you reach 150k. After that every repair is in the ball park of couple thousand dollars. So, I do not think it is wise to have a turbo engine and a hybrid system in a LC.

Toyota should remake the 80 series body with modern guts(V8 engine,modern interior,more safety features, keep solid axles, keep things simple and mechanical). Jeep just came out with a Rubicon V8 and me thinking why can’t Toyota? That beast will smoke any modern Toyota off road.

Not questioning why, but how did you calculate the 40k in savings based on the scenario you’ve given? Informative video nonetheless.

As an 80 100 and 200 series owner….I like it! 8:17 Sure there’s no V8…but the newbie is reminiscent of the 70 series Troopy…..I drove in Qatar and Afghanistan……it’s cool and if it gets anywhere near 20 mpg….It’s a WINNER!

There are a few missed tidbits here. First is this LC has a full floating rear axle (like the 200 had) which is an absolute for an overlander. Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ cruiser, Wrangler, and other quarter ton platforms have never had this. Some competitors will also offer it this year though. Second, the most prone failure point of an overland vehicle in water, mud, sand and dust is the alternator. Land Cruisers are known for alternator failures. Hybrids don't have alternators! Also the hybrid system is internal so it is quite resistant to the elements. It could also eliminate secondary battery systems.

People constantly complain that vehicles don’t have all the features they want, and then they get all the features and they complain that the price is too high. And when the manufacturers offer more basic and strip down models to lower the price, they complain that they don’t have all the features.

27 mpg would be epic, but I wonder what water crossings might be like in a hybrid? I haven't talked to anyone with experience doing it safely, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. How sealed are those batteries?

On the tailgate: at least they gave us a pop open window since the Highlander and Grand Highlander both have a tailgate where the glass doesn’t open now. I would prefer a power roll instead but will take the pop open one.

You sold me. I was debating (with myself) the merit of this powertrain, and potential issues. But really, I don't typically keep a car more than 5 years. The gas savings offsets any battery replacement concerns. Truthfully, I mainly like the looks .

Curious to size. What size does this directly compare to? Looks small in the videos ive watched. Will this be larger than my current FJ cruiser? I love everything about this new cruiser, including the power train. Everyone complaining about "off-road power", it has more torque than outgoing v8's

I’ll be buying one! Tailgate is my 1 and only complaint.

My complaint over the 150 prado: I want the spare wheel on the back door where its accessible and allows for more fuel underneath.

I absolutely agree with the power train assessment.

Excellent video! Your thoroughness in research and the experience you bring to this topic. Well don’t sir

Saw the new LC at Overland Expo Mountain West in Denver a couple weeks ago. It's awesome and far better looking (IMO) than the new GX, which was also there. Not sure I'll replace my FJC for it immediately...but in a couple years when its obtainable...yep.

I wonder what the price difference would have been if there was a non hybrid option for the base model.

Enthusiasts both in the USA and Australia tend to forget that the New 2024 Land Cruisers are Designed by Japanese Engineers ( without any input from the North American Toyota Design Engineers in San Antonio in Texas ) they are designed by these Japanese Engineers primarily for the Rest of the World Markets and not exclusively for the North American Customers and they are Built in the Yoshiwara Factory in Aichi south of the City of Nagoya where Land Cruisers have been built since the 1960's

Great video and well said....I've had many Toyota's over the years and never had any issues at all. I love there cars had a 4runner and many trucks and vans, also great products hands down. These new land cruisers are gonna be great and i will get one. Also they will be reliable for sure Toyota does not lower there standards like other manufacturers. Enjoy the ride everyone Peace!!! 🤙

You don't need a front locker when you have Toyota's proven ATRAC system. Also, with regards to the powertrain, AISIN makes the wet clutches, Denso makes the electric engine, and Panasonic makes the batteries, so this is going to be a reputable hybrid system made by quality companies. The only failing the new Land Cruiser has is that it only has front disconnecting sway bars, and not rear disconnecting sway bars. If you want both, you have to step up to the all0-new Lexus GX550 Overtrail. But other then that, the new LC is a solid package.

Count me in with the group who is excited for the hybrid mileage and range. I replaced the tank in my lx470 with a 40 gallon tank because range was awful. I’d love the bi-turbo v6 but not at the expense of range… esp with no long range tank options in the new GX.

I appreciate the video, man! I think I agree with a lot of your points, though from a different prospective than you and the majority of the LC community are coming from, though. Not sure if this will piss off the old timers or not, but…I think the 2024 250 opens up the Land Cruiser to a whole new audience with the ability to actually get a new vehicle. I’ve got a decent amount of off road experience over a few different platforms, but the Land Cruiser has always been something that, while amazing and desirable, has somewhat been Unobtanium. Especially a new 200 series when those were sold in the US. So yeah, I think the smaller size (and it’s not like it’s tiny) and lower price is a very good thing. I might actually be able to get one of these, lol. I’m definitely excited for it, and I certainly hope it does well and continues to uphold the outstanding Land Cruiser heritage it’s based on.

Wow! Finally a review that I agree with. Thank you!

2:36 Thanks, I agree. I own one myself and I freaking love it.

Only quibble would be do the math on fuel cost vs. inflation over the last 20 years. It's actually been hovering around $4/gallon since the 70s adjusted for inflation.

Awesome video. I’m gonna wait for the 6th Gen 4Runner

Always thought Toyota should just restyle the 70 Series offered elsewhere and market that as your lower-cost based Land Cruiser. That style is iconic. With the new LC (except for the engine) you have similar differential issues between the LC and the GX that the LX and 200 Series shared. I also think Toyota should allow for special orders of the 300 series--the GR Sport!

Great video. 2004 LC owner here, 320k. I got a GX460 as a loaner recently and my 100 rides better and was surprised to find this out. I’m not knocking Prado dependability or capability, as I feel it is proven. I also feel everyone who wanted a Prado has been able to get one in the USA for a while. The motors are what confuse me. That twin turbo v6 has started with so many issues in every body it has been put in. Even Toyota says the hybrid 4 is the “dependable” option (!). I would like to know how Toyota has increased dependability on the hybrid drivetrain, as two of the bigger issues historically has been oil consumption and head gaskets. For my usage (ground pounder 30k/yr all conditions around the country) I’m looking to pick up a final year 200 for my next one. Final note: Toyota usually places the battery pack where some of the fuel tank resides, I am curious what the final tank size will be.

The 5th gen is essentially a Prado as is the GX460, the new Cruiser is a Prado, a newer evolved one. I have owned two FJ60’s, an 80, a hundred, an FJ Cruiser, a Tundra and other Toyota products over my entire adult life. I grew up bouncing around in my father’s FJ40 which went to my older brother. Needles to say I am a Toyota guy but mostly a Land Cruiser guy. I got into overlanding back in the early ‘90’s cutting my teeth on Isuzu Troopers and even did a stint with a Land Rover. We now have a Sportsmobile 7.3 Powerstroke packed with my wife and three kids. We recently got rid of my 80 series that I had built and owned for 20 years. Going through the exercise of what to get for hauling the fam, wife’s daily driver and an acute rig that is smaller and easier to squeeze into places than our van I initially thought this new Cruiser would be it. Two things, well three I suppose made me decide to get a 5th gen 4Runner this fall instead. For a vehicle we want to own, daily drive and use for the next 20 years it was a no brainer as gas turbo engines typically need new turbos by 150k typically, hybrid batteries what, 12-15 years depending on where you live? The 5th gen 4Runner doesn’t even need timing belt changes. So I expect over the long haul the current 4Runner will need less upkeep and repairs. Secondly, the new Cruiser doesn’t get a 3rd row option. Some people really need that, our previous cruisers had the 3rd row out but now we need them. 3rdly, price, the 5th gen is considerably less money than the new cruiser. I love the looks of the 1958, love it. I am sure it will be very capable and the tech better, but that’s what makes the 4Runner so attractive, it has been so perfectly refined and proven, you know it will stand the test of time while the new cruiser is just that, totally new and unproven. I think there is a good chance it will surpass the expectations for reliability and durability but at the end of the day I had to be honest with myself… shiny new, exciting new Cruiser that appeals to my inner Cruiser nerd, or being perfectly practical and boring and getting a new yet 15 year old 4Runner, we did the 4Runner. After all they are both Prado’s, and I appreciate the old school nature of what I think will long be considered the last great Toyota 4wd. As an added bonus I was pleasantly surprised that dealers finally have these sitting in lots and we were able to get a friggen discount off of MSRP which I didn’t think existed anymore. So yeah just some real world decision making thought process.

I would like to first say I’m looking to get one; I currently have my beloved FJ, but can ANYONE tell me what is the projected life span of the turbo and the hybrid ? And what it will cost to replace it? Let’s face it, neither have a solid reputation. Your projected savings of $40k is great/possible over projected, but now you have to replace your battery because its busted? A few thousand dollars to replace the battery? Is that $2k, 3 4 5?

I'm a fan to be honest. While I love a V8 sound, I've always approached all of my vehicles and mods with a function over form and bite over bark mentality. The function of this new 2.4 turbo hybrid should be good in just about every situation. I'll probably keep my Raptor, but I'm considering building one of these for daily, trips, tighter trails, etc etc. I figure, upgrade the suspension, add a tad bit of height, slap on 285/75R18s, and enjoy the ride...oh and bumpers/sliders

what is that music ???

i am actually pretty stoked for it!!! great video man!! i agree with you on everything! i do think its going to be a killer over lander. i am curious with the great MPGS with 35s how it will fair? stoked for it!! with the hybrid Toyota is putting it in pretty much all there rigs so it has to be good right? i mean its Toyota!!!!

Nice work, very well said!

I currently have a 2023 Land Cruiser prado 2.8L diesel, and its a brilliant car. And despite what some say that diesel engine is excellent, has more than enough power to cruise on motorways up hill or to pull up slow steep slopes. Although I bought it brand new last August if the price is right, I may be tempted to swap to this new one, but would be the diesel again. Not interested in paying more for a hybrid and then paying more for petrol only to get a little better mph. Diesel here is much cheaper than petrol so getting a hybrid makes little sense here and unless it was a diesel hybrid, then it would carch my interest. Only thing I find a bit worrying is the lack of ground clearance compared to the current 150 series model I have. Not sure where the measurement it taken from, but on the car I have now measured to under the side step boards there is almost 13 inches of ground clearancr. Even at the lowest point, diff is about 10 inches or more. Yet it is supposedcto have slightly bigger wheels than the current model. So you would expect it to be higher off the ground not lower than the 150 series. That is something I will need to check before considering it, other than that it looks great and should be a very good car. Not that there is anything wrong with what I got, I really like it, but its the design and the fact the boot swings up rather than out that does it for me

Last chance to buy the iconic 4Runner ,with the bullet proof v6 engine and last of the up and down glass on the rear window

I love this review and looking to trade in my BMW X5 for this , which trade-ins is something I never do .

I’m a Bronco guy, and have never been a LC guy, but my wife likes Toyotas. I’d be overjoyed if the new LC tripped her trigger. It’d make a great stable mate next to the Bronco. I was pretty meh about the current GX, but the new sheet metal that appears to share the rear lines with the new LC is very nice. As far as naysayers go, the more dedicated a fan of any storied platform is, the more likely they are to crap all over any modern rendition of the vision that lives mostly in their heads. Me? I’m all about modern tech applied to vintage style (or is it vintage style applied to modern tech?).

current 80/100/200 owner here. I definitely welcome the new hybrid engine with 20+ MPG. The biggest gripe with LC is the range when I filled out Toyota LC owner survey. ~200 miles range is pathetic for overlanding vehicle (when loaded), everyone is carrying Jerry cans (fire hazard). I'm glad Toyota listens. Secondly, there's no perfect vehicle for everyone, especially, for offroad/overlanding drivers who always personalize their vehicle for their intend purpose. Toyota now delivers a cheaper platform with more than enough offroad hardware for us to make our "dream" vehicle. Thank you.

To the size of the fuel cell, my guess is it will be smaller. Seems like the more fuel efficient a vehicle becomes, the smaller the tank. Also a smaller tank will also reduce weight. Just my thoughts.

I believe the sway bar disconnect is not available on the 1958, you get it with land cruiser trim,

question is why we cant have new full size land cuiser like Australia? Why north america should be ok with Prado....

the current gen Honda HR-V that is currently sold in the US is actually the Honda ZR-V that is also sold in China, and is different to the HR-V being sold to the other part of the world. same thing.

I own a 2013 FJ Cruiser (Australia) and reckon that the 250 (Prado) is FJ Cruiser inspired, there might just be one in my life.

not haters, realists. that thing is not a landcruiser.

Great video, 90% of the hater videos are just clickbait for views- just needs a few mods to be great

And hybrid technology is changing rapidly every couple years So is there a point in the future that this could be better Yes but current day hyper technology that battery is only good for a certain number of charges before it gives out

You hit the nail on the head. Great video

Love this video- your evidence silences the non-engineer critics who know everything.

That hybrid battery is going to eventually need a replacement and it won't be cheap. My 2011 4Runner trail will never need that......in fact, I've only replaced the starting battery only once.

Because it technically isn’t a Land Cruiser, it’s a Land Cruiser Prado. The one I want is the 79 Series with a diesel and manual just don’t know which body style.

Don't really hate the 250. I have the 200 heritage '21. Can't understand the new powertrain, and I'm sure no mechanic in the middle of rural America where I go hunting and fishing will either. I'll stick with the V8, naturally aspirated.

I think it’s going to be a hit. While it needs some stuff off the showroom floor to make it fully off-road worthy, it’ll be worth it. My sole gripe revolves around the insane completely of the engine. Specifically the hybrid engine. Fuel economy is great, but you don’t see people wrenching on their hybrids. In turn, these power plants/vehicle feel ‘disposable’, sortof like your cell phone. MAJOR costs to keep running down the line. And that’s if you’re cool with the nations/practices/exploitation involved with the whole battery/EV thing. And n contrast, I just started a project on another 4Runner (‘97), and there’s not much there I can’t fix in my driveway.

Well explained!!

Dream car for me!

I don’t hate it, I just don’t like it. Same with the shoes my wife bought me that I now love. Yes it’s different than what I wanted butI’ll likely buy one used in the next few years and Bragg how I can now drive over 225 miles per tank (80 series) and lament how that sucked.

Split folders do make it harder to reach gear in the back...

In Africa the Prado has a tank that has about 40 Gallons.

While I agree with the range being a bonus it’s still gonna be cheaper to buy an older LX 470 or GX 470 and just pay for the fuel then to purchase and finance a new vehicle at this price in the long run.

The after market folks need to come out with a tail gate mod. Otherwise I love this new Landcruiser.

This particular model Land Cruiser 250 is called Prado in China, the larger Land Cruiser 300 is called Land Cruiser

People are complaining about the power train? Really??!! In Europe, the only engine will be a 4-cylinder turbodiesel. It produces a heady 201bhp and 300lb-ft. And will probably have worse MPG compared to the turbo petrol hybrid. Face it USA, you’re getting the best engine. 😉

I still own my 1998 Landcruiser. the 4.7 V8 purr like the day I bought it. Well pass 200k miles and still going strong.

Toyota debuted the Prius in 1997. I think they know how to make hybrids reliables.

How can you compare to totally different products. It’s a cool 4x4 but telling me that it’s back… it’s smaller… and cheaper is just dishonest marketing. Imagine if ford made the current bronco here and the bronco sport on other markets… then stopped production on the bronco we know for a bit. Then made a huge deal about bringing a “better” bronco that’s actually just an updated bronco sport. 🤷🏻‍♂️ At the end of the day it’s a cool addition and I don’t care that they call it the Land Cruiser… I just feel like Toyotas marketing team is pretty sleazy (with this launch at least).

Don’t like it don’t buy it. It will just make it easier for the rest of us to get one.

It is called Prado only in three places in the world: Australia, UAE and South Africa as far as I know. The rest of the world know it simply as Land Cruiser. I honestly don't understand this Prado issue. Also it has the same frame, wheelbase and underpinnings of the 300... Also I sure the "four banger" will be a great engine. Here in Europe we've had mostly 4 cylinder engines with turbo from Toyota for ages. Some of them are now legendary with their reliability.

Great overview. Elephant in the room not mentioned regarding the hybrid is the sacrifice of vertical space in the cargo area because of the battery, and that aggravating step up back there. Yes, new-tech fanbois will counter - it's just a couple inches, but in that area a couple inches is a lot for a rig with overlanding/camping pretensions. Also, I would add, a lot more people than they might think are going to like the styling of the 1958 better, and so that should be available as more of a mainstream fully optionable choice and not just a limited base trim. Meaning, be able to get all the goodies of the regular (upper) model, and not play the insidious, ever popular (among manufacturers) game of "you can't get this with that."

great music

My issue is the hybrid engine. I just wish Toyota would offer a standard petrol or diesel engine.

Great video! Just a shame Americans think only US excists in the world and Europeans would like to see metric stuff, even only popup text in sted of switching to converting apps forever 😂😂

Why would you buy this versus a 4runner?

I like it. We will get one in 25

I want one and don't care what others say.

I love V8s but my stock Sequoia only gets 14mpg w/300 mile range on the highway. That’s just absurd in 2023. She’s a dinosaur that won’t die but I’d gladly pickup this new Landcruiser.

I'm with you all the way I like this new Land cruiser. I actually haven't liked any of the Land cruisers since the 80 series because they were getting too big too fancy really poor fuel economy which is always been the case. I like that this new hybrid is going to have 465 ft lb of torque And what people need to understand is a lot of that is going to be linear from the electric instant response. And it's not like Toyota just started doing hybrid they pretty much wrote the book on hybrid so I'm not that concerned about it at all. I actually love the new GX550 and I wish that it had the same hybrid because they're claiming the turbo V6 is only going to be 17 miles per gallon. Thank you 👍 PS what I really wish is for a '70 series turbo diesel from Australia. That's what we really need. Lol 🤣

I made it “this far” the 100 series is the greatest… i still wish i had bought one 7 years ago :(

5:03 good idea, think I will if I get one rather than a 5th Gen 4Runner

I look at that and my 2014 FJ cruiser.. and think... Wow... FJ's morphed brother

Split folding tailgate - wont that be like 100$ aftermarket? Or even 50 - just put a wood piece and anchor it or something cheap..

Based on my co worker buying a F150 for 28,000 below MSRP, m sure the lowest trim LC will actually be 49,000 USD! maybe less if this current trend continues!

Split folding tailgate, damnit! Put it on all the platforms!

My two cents is the 200 series was the last true real genuine land Cruiser. this is just a baby Prado that’s coming to the United States that’s all. Is it an incredible vehicle? Yes, of course it is because it’s Toyota but let’s not fool anyone. It’s not truly a land cruiser. to reiterate the 200 series because we don’t get the 300 series here in the United States is the last V-8, and was the most durable, reliable, iconic, legendary vehicle ever built

I just wish they at least put a 3.5 V6 in it. Some of us don’t care about MPG’s, don’t want turbos slapped on a tiny motor and definitely don’t want hybrid crap. I guess I’ll have to buy a HD Truck now that all the good SUV’s are no longer being made.