Finally and automotive journalist/enthusiast that can explain the engineering and design of the car. Sooo boring listening to someone review their experience with a car, but not a full understanding of how things work and are made. Appreciate the videos!

You make a lot of sense explaining the differences between the 250 and 300 series Land Cruiser and even the GX. Thank you once again for the great work you do and videos you produce!

It will be known as the LandCruiser 250 Series in Japan - to sit below the full-size 300 Series - but it will retain the Prado name in Australia.

This guy really knows his stuff. Comes with detailed facts. Very nice.

Correct the LC 250 series is no longer called the Prado version but its considered by Toyota the LIGHT DUTY version.

Thank you, David! I appreciate your educational videos. 👍

Great points David. Thank you!

Hopefully the 2024 Land Cruiser's 2400 watt Inverter will be allowed to run with no time limit cut-off. Will make a great setup for camping!

Thanks David for explaining the difference in models, very informative video, 👍👍❤

When we see the 250 and 300 side by side we will know the differences. The Tundra has had the same base frame and 5.8 liter V8 as the Land Cruiser in recent generations, but when closely compared the frame for the LC200 was reinforced to be made stronger and smaller durability adjustments were made to the engine. It will be interesting to see if Toyota does anything different than the 300 with the 250 to make it lighter and more fuel efficient. And the question will be is the LC300 still seen as the top model or just another flavor of Land Cruiser.

Thank you so much. This helps a bunch on my selection

You got the best content!! Thank you for these awesome videos

It’s a LC Prado…. a lighter duty Land Cruiser 😎

great analysis! thanks for sharing. probably best automotive journalist I've heard. Subscribed now!

Thank you! SO much knowledge in 20 minutes! :)

If I where given the choice of a brand new 300 series, 200 series or a 250 series Land Cruiser given to me for free ... I would pick the new 250 series. ... If the 2024 years model of Land Cruiser 76 was in the bowl of choices I would choose the 250 series, since I live in Sweden. But the 76-series if I still were living in Tanzania. I had a Land Cruiser Prado (1992 years model) when I lived in TZ some years ago ... that car is very similar in looks to the 76-series.

Thanks! Very helpful

Excellent review thanks.

Your video has given a better understanding of what I would get or not get if I got the Landcruiser 250. Very informative, thank you!

Great analysis David. 💯 19:58

Hi David, thanks so much for your insights. I am curious where you bought your seat covers for the GX460 you used in this filming?

Thank you for your video.

The Land cruiser 250 (prado) Is more similar to the 4runner than it is to the LC 300. Begin with power train. They will share the 4 cyl turbo. Lc300 has a v6twin. They are closer in size than with lc300. But what really separates them is the quality of build of the lc300…. It is well known that parts may look the same but the materials used in the lc300 are unique to it.

David, when discussing the engine reliability and extensive testing that Toyota does I could not stop thinking about the ongoing engine failures being reported for the new Tundra. Reading various forums the customer service experience is not consistent among those that have a blown engine. Perhaps you can answer the question why Toyota is not getting ahead of this issue with some type of announcement and or proactively working with owners. By this time I would hope they have enough data to help them pinpoint the cause (which is rumored, but never confirmed by Toyota) and make an official announcement and / or contact those who’ve have vehicles in the suspect range.

Can you please make a video discussing the differences between the 4Runner and LC250?

Anyone know the type of seat covers he’s using in his gx460?

L300 is and always been the mother of all toyotas and Lexus, don't get confuse. L250 still better than 4 runner..The GX will be the most capable in US

GX is the way to go. If anything happens to my current vehicle, I'm going to try for GX as it's probably going to be hard to find for a few years. HOWEVER, I've decided when my midlife crisis hits, I'm getting the LX. Saving for it now :)

Also LC300 has a front diff lock. So does the LX 600 in Japan.

How to know if the "250 Land Cruiser" is a "Land Cruiser": A: Is it made by Toyota? And B: Do they call it a Land Cruiser? Moreover, it's going to be one of the best equipped Land Cruisers' of all time, with standard Rear Differential Locker -- neither the 80, 100, 200, and 300 series LC's had that feature -- and some of them didn't even have the option (that's ridiculous). Furthermore, the j250 should be about 76" wide, that's about the same as the 100 series! It's almost perfect Let's just hope they give us the approx 9" of IFS travel instead of the approx 7" of the 4Runner....

Hi David, l agree the 250 should be built as tough as the 300 series for all the reasons you pointed out. I’d just like to point out that in Australia the GR LC300 has a front diff lock. So that’s another thing apart from eKDSS that the 250 doesn’t have. It will be interesting when Toyota releases the GR Prado if it will have a front diff lock like the GR LC 300.

David, what brand are the seat covers you have in your GX?

Finally talking about the landcruiser

Saw the new Land Cruiser 250 at CruiserFest SLC the other weekend. Very slick looking package inside and out. A couple inches longer than a 5th gen 4Runner. I very much hope the 6th gen 4Runner goes smaller, to lean into offroading more, and to differentiate itself from the LC250.

Thank you.... hopefully you can do a deep detailed comparison between LX 600 and GX 550.... including crash safety....

Great analysis that should open our minds to fair analysis. I would like to see an extension to this piece to dig into software differences. Your analysis was far more focused on core hardware, which is important but not complete in today's world of vehicles being computers on wheels. :-) Well done video as always.

Great video. Thank you for highlighting the difference and similarities. Now I am curious about the weight of the vehicles. Technically a lighter SUV should perform better off-road

Just a correction David, they didn't drop the name prado they have show case the LC 250 in Europe with the badge of prado at the back of the vehicle

That was so interesting i thank you for your expertise, one thing id like to know will the 250 series be sold in Thailand in 2024 or not. Thank you, Keith .

Hello David do you have more information on the land cruiser mini

David, I am an Acura/Honda generational buyer. Your thoughtful and detailed explanations have turned me into a Lexus/Toyota fan. My next purchase will be a Lexus GX 550 to replace my Acura MDX, but I get the feeling it will be a long time before I get a chance to get one due to demand and dealer adjustments 😤. Regardless, thank you for your approach and attention to detail!

Thank you sir.

I still can't figure out where the 4Runner will fit in all of this, If, it fits at all.

I have a 2019 GX 460 Luxury edition and like the Land Cruiser because it seems like it addresses the items on this GX that I don't care for. Could you go more in depth on the new suspension? I'll really miss my air ride if I do this, so I may need to go GX 550.

Hi David! What type of seat cover is that?

David, great video. I'm excited for the LC250. At launch there will be 3 trim levels. First Edition, Land Cruiser, and 1958. Three trim levels makes sense but after the 5000 First Editions are gone there will only be two choices. By current marketing standards two choices does not make sense. It makes me wonder if Toyota is planning a "Special" edition for every year. Similar to the Trail Team edition FJ cruisers. Thoughts?

What seat covers do you have in your gx?

Prado was basically born out of LC (originally as its smaller version), so they have always been very similar. However, still they're called 300 and 250 series for a reason. Having said that, I'd stick to my FJ Cruiser for now :)

Outstanding video. I've owned the same landcruiser for 25 years-and now will soon get a Replacement-im leaning towards a 2016 year model. . But the 1 thing you didn't mention is this-a turbo 4 cylinder with hybrid technology-my guess is it has twice as many parts? More parts equals less simplicity and higher odds of failure? Or do I have that wrong ? Which I really don't know that answer.

The Land Cruiser down sizing started with the Toyota Prado decades ago. The Prado Land Cruiser is a Land Cruiser in name only and sold in parrell with the 100, 200 and 300 series. The ruggedness that created the legend came with solid beam axle housings front and rear. There has been a progression away from offload to town car. The 70 series commercial range has remained true to the legend's philosophy. The last of the solid axle designs was produced for Australian and African conditions in some of the 100 series models based on the 80 series. To expand Land Cruiser sales, Toyota has produced the less costly 250 series for the North American market. In 2024, the transition will be complete to follow the Prado design platform. Time will tell if the new design will last as long as the legend. Cheers from Australia - PS. The Prado name is still current in OZ.

I am waiting for the rumored mini Land Cruiser with an efficient hybrid system😆 I really want a body on frame small suv that hit more than 35 mpg average!

Have you ever asked Toyota why they won't bring the 70 series to the US market? They build it for the Australian market, but not the US market.

David, It has been 10 whole days since you posted your surprise news about the affordable Mini Land Cruiser due in 2024. Do you have any updates? 🤔

Excellent 👍. I am seriously considering the new Land cruiser or the Lexus GX 550. I go back and forth between them I like the body styling and grill and the look of the GX better but I'm hearing that the 3.4 l turbo is 17 miles per gallon. I would actually rather have the better fuel economy hybrid and the other thing about hybrid is she have that linear response and torque from the electric which makes the driving experience really good. Tell me what you think? Thank you

Does the gx 550 has aluminium body panels ???

I would say the engine choice shouldn’t be too controversial because it was only for the last 20 years where a V8 was in the Land Cruiser. BEFORE 1998, there was an inline 6 and all there were four cylinder versions before the 80s. If anything, all the changes for an American market Land Cruiser were necessary as it was getting harder to justify the prices. American consumers wanted a cheaper Land Cruiser, this is what comes with it and I’m glad

Of course it is! It’s the new Prado code named J250 which is a successor to the J150. Here in Asia it’s called the Prado. What’s a shame is the US market doesn’t sell the LC300 where you get the 3.3L V6. There and in Australia you get the 2.4L turbo hybrid four pot. Oh boy..

What neighborhood do you film your videos? The houses are beautiful.

Brother Engineer, Kindly tell us in a docmentry about Toyota's Hydrogen Combustion Engine vs Electrical Tesla Engine and what is the best . Best regards, Asad Mominah

I watch your channel all the time and appreciate your take on these models. However, I am in my 70's and to me there is only one real "Land Cruiser" and that is the old FJ40 series. I had a 73 back in 73 when off-roading was not a thing. It was a tank! Solid axles, built proof engine and drive train, manual transmission and manual transfer case, so you knew what you had and what gear you were in, body was solid as a rock and frame was a real frame, no gimmicks, no electronics and you could actually work on it in the field. Then again times were different back then and I realize we can never go back to those days. Absolutely loved it and wish I had never sold it but life got in the way. To me Toyota and Lexus are using the name to re-invent the Land Cruiser today and I totally understand that. A majority of people will but it because of name and will never use it as intended. It will be right along all the other SUV's on the market. The main difference I see, is that it will stand out among all of them in design, looks and name. Again going back to my days we only had a inline 6 cylinder and it was plenty powerful, as torque was key, not horsepower. My concern in longevity with these new 4 cylinder turbocharged engines is you are putting a lot stress on the internal components of 4 cylinder. That said I know they have been around for awhile and seem to be doing fine. My other concern is the hybrid, electrification part when you introduce that component to "WATER", which is a common thing in off-roading. Water and electric do not mix. Let's address the other issue, cost and availability. Toyota and Lexus dealers are not as friendly as they used to be. We know fist hand because we own a Lexus RX350 and a 4Runner. They have service us well and no issue there but, when inquiring about trading up, that was another game. No deals, the highest interest rates of all and extreme markups. We are long standing customers at one particular Lexus dealer and recently while in for service inquired about a new 2023 RX350 hybrid. Right off the bat a 20% markup and no negotiating and they had none in inventory and didn't know when they would get any. The people we have dealt with in the past were apologetic and understood how we felt but they claim it comes from way above the dealership level. Our Toyota dealer is pretty much the same way. So it is great they are introducing all these new models but it does no good if the consumer can't get them and they mark them up ridiculous amounts from what they claim the prices allegedly start at. I know you have inside contacts and I hope you will pass along some of these comments. I know auto makers are fighting tooth and nail to stay up on the game with all the new regulations but, right now the US auto industry in on strike so who knows what that is going to do to the industry and it is the perfect time for some of the auto makers outside to step up their game, as most are more reliable than US auto makers. Just my 2 cents, sorry for the long comment. Keep up the great reviews.

finally applying your engineering knowledge instead of focusing on panel gaps!

David, how did Toyota manage to produce the new Land Cruiser 250 series with a price drop from the original Land Cruiser models and still manage to maintain nearly identical off road capabilities? Good video in clearing up differences.

Does the 4x4 systems on the 300 is the same as the Lexus 550GS Overtrail?

Thank you David! The incredible knowledge you presented in this video can not be measured on any scale known to humans.

What seat covers do you use?

4:35 I believe the Australian/NZ market are still calling it the Prado right?

David, thank you so much for going into such incredible detail in so many areas of both Land Cruisers and the Lexus GX. The top two important areas for me regarding the comparison of these vehicles is safety, engine, luxury features, and the suspension. If a V-8 is available, it will be my top choice, then a V-6. Not quite ready to move to a turbo engine. After everything has been compared, it would be a Lexus GX for me.

David, I am so grateful you took the time to make this video to finally end the nonsensical debate. We all know the 70 Series is the only true Land Cruiser and the 300 Series is just a glorified station wagon.😉🤣😂 As Toyota won't sell either of them to us, we will have to 'compromise' with a 250 Series. In my case, I will be happy to compromise even further with the new Mini Land Cruiser you previewed recently but my Mini Land Cruiser has to have a 6 speed manual and the 2.5 litre 203 hp engine. 🤩 For the record, I am also willing to be flexible enough to accept the base 300 Series 'station wagon' equipped with the 4.0 V6. 😁🤩😄😃

I was never going to jump to a V8 Land Cruiser that got 10mpg, along with enough luxury features to make it stratospherically expensive. There's speculation the 250 will get 27mpg. I'm in a very expensive, very thirsty F350 right now for towing, and could imagine driving the 250 into retirement as my next vehicle. The assumption is the hybrid battery will need to be replaced during its lifetime at least once, maybe twice. Is that $3,000-8,000 expense worth the fuel offset? Probably.

David, so where does the Sequoia fit in with these vehicles covered in this video?

We will know better once it arrives and feedback from that

If the LC 300 series is not sold in the USA, what is the Lexus LX600? The 300 series IS sold here, just rebadged as a Lexus.

Can you please talk of the I Force Max in Land Cruiser 250 ? Just because it is an Off Road SUV. Do you think that Electric Motor between the transmission and Engine could overheat due to harsh terrain, Overload or heavy towing?

If 250 is so similar to 300, why not simply make 300 available in the U.S?

Great job! Do you think the LC 250 will be more off road capable than the current 4-runner?

I agree with you Im buying a GX 550 overtrail!

Good points; I would add that as far as interior space I would expect them to be close to the same. However, the LC 250 does not have the 3rd row; 300 series and GX550 do. Not sure how much that is important for most people. Also, related to powertrain is a a difference in towing figures.

ARB bumper will be interesting

Isn’t the LX600 the closest you can get to LC300 in NA. They are build in the same factory.

Your explanation has been super helpful! And the new GX looks phenomenal. I saw a copy in the local mall at a Lexus experience store. It’s actually bigger than the pictures make it look. Please explain the locker system on the GX. Is it front and rear plus a center differential lock?

One thing you got wrong is the Front Locker. in the GCC market, MOST LC300 trims have a selectable front and rear lockers. of course, it varies a lot between dealers but big chunk if not the vast majority (trim called GX-R) have a mechanical front locker. with that said, I myself eyeing an LC250 when it arrives here. the 300 series is VERY expensive with absurd dealer markups here.

Thanks for doing these reviews! They are very informative and helpful for me in my decision making process. I think what is happening with Toyota in this segment is essentially they are price pointing the Land Cruiser without competing directly with Lexus. The Land Cruiser of Old was nearly a $100,000 vehicle which was way too high relative to what Toyota priced the rest of their vehicle. Essentially, if you want to have a $100,000 Land Cruiser, you were going to have to slide over to the Lexus brand in North America.

For durability, it would be a fine choice to look at the plastic inside the engine bay, and also compare operational temperatures, and pressures across the models. Seems like something that an engineer would wish to do.

David, everybody is still waiting to hear More news On 2024 4Runner? Have you got any news. It's been too silent.. Thank you

I'm curious, do people challenge Land Rover's capabilities with its move away from body on frame?

PRADO NAME STILL IN USE FOR 24 MODEL IN OTHER COUNTRIES. LC300 HAS FRONT DIFFERENTIAL LOCK OPTION IN SOME TRIMS

Weren't the 200 and 300 lux land yachts that cost like $80k and sold in small numbers?

In the Middle East it’s still called Prado as well as in Australia

I subsribed to your chaneel and looking forward for a video about Toyota's Hydrogen Combustion Engine vs Electrical Tesla Engine and what is the best

It will be called the prado in the other countries in addition I expect it to available with a 4.0 v6 engine in the middle east as it is available on the lc300 and the lc70

There's been 2 different LC for decades now. 1 "lightweight" for Prado, rav 4 etc. and a ",heavy duty" like the forever in going 70 series which are aimed at the minings industry etc.

I have seen the new 250 series badged as Land Cruiser Prado in European commercials introducing it to the public. And Australia still refer to it as the "New Prado" As for me, I just wish we could get the 4 cylinder diesel hybrid in the US, as well as the gasoline.

Just because they put the new engine through the same test as the old engine doesn't mean they will get the same results. This is a big marketing claim that I keep hearing from Toyota engineers..."Hey we test them the same!" Yea, and what are the results?!?!?!

Guys, just check Land Cruiser Prado (AUSTRALIA) or Land Crusier 150 series (EUROPE) and you'll see 250 series is very true Land Cruiser and amazing heir to the 150 series. Don't go to 200 or 300 series at all because that is different car/truck.

as of 2024, LC 250 still called PRADO in Australia and also in almost asia and middle East, because Land Cruiser 300 is also available here. they have almost same width but the prado is more with FENDER FLARES or claddings, interior space and legroom is larger in 300 series

The US got the new Prado (LC250). We have the LC300, but it’s overpriced and it’s called the LX600. The Toyota Sequoia can be discontinued in favor of the LC, because in the Middle East it starts at around $60k USD with cloth seats and 309 HP TTV6. Higher trims have the 409 HP TTV6. But if we got the prado and it’s just called the land cruiser, then I don’t that’s going to happen any time soon.

Im Middle East we will have the 250 Land Cruiser branded as Prado,

Thank you, Sir! This was a mind-blowing video!!! I am a previous owner of a 2003 Land Cruiser. One night, I hit a huge black bear going 60mph. It barely made a dent.

Most importantly, both are made in Japan!

but it doesn't have a split tailgate... lol. Still one of my favorite features of my 100 series.