I bought an LC 250 in March 2025 after trading in my 2023 Ford Raptor. Yes, I did notice the difference. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon who bounces between North Texas and the inter mountain west, specifically Westcliffe, CO.
I went on the reputation of the LC in making my decision to purchase, but I should have done a little more homework. Why didn’t I buy the GX 550? The GX looks like a perfect ride for the suburban soccer mom, which I am not. Both the GX and the LR Defender should be listed as lunar vehicles to accompany our return to the moon.
I have discovered this forum while trying to determine how to relocate my rear backup camera from the lift gate. Why do I need to relocate the camera? Well given the totally inadequate fuel tank capacity of the LC 250 (18 gal.) I found it necessary to purchase and have installed an auxiliary fuel tank from LRA (24 gal) which increased my fuel capacity to a total of 42 gallons. That’s more like it. The new tank took up the space where the spare tire once resided and so I have had to relocate my spare tire. I chose the Trail Swing hitch mounted spare carrier, which is very sturdy and easy to install except for the back up camera relocation. If you go to Dissent Offroad and look at the installation manual for the camera relocation kit for the LC250/GX550 that they offer you will find a step be step illustrated manual on how to access and remove the old camera and relocate it to somewhere on or near the bumper. I have not attempted this relocation yet and will probably search for someone more experienced to do the work. In the end I wish I had just spent the extra money and purchased the Dissent Offroad rear bumper with both the swing out spare carrier and the swing out roof ladder.
Why is it that of all the offroad capable vehicles in production(Jeep, G Wagon, Defender, Grenadier, Bronco, etc.) the Land Cruiser is the only one without side hinged rear doors and a door mounted spare carrier? I believe it is because Toyota is more interested in the suburban buyer than the offroad enthusiast. It is my opinion that Toyota should have available an offroad package that includes a three inch lift and upgraded suspension, 35” all terrain tires, Larger fuel tank, side hinged rear doors with door mounted spare carrier, full roof rack, and roof rack ladder.
I did have my LC lifted with an ICON 3” lift and beefed up suspension. I looked at the Arctic Truck conversion available out of Cheyenne, WY, but for $46K you basically end up with a slightly lifted vehicle that will accommodate 37” tires, wider fender flares, and a longer wheel base that precludes the addition of the auxiliary fuel tank. It’s still a single turbo, 4 cyl, hybrid. No telling what the fuel economy is with those 37 inchers?
I would also recommend the full length roof rack with full decking offered by Rago Fabrication. I have used it to transport 8’, 12’, and 16’ lumber, and on other occasions two fabric cargo carriers simultaneously. That was before I had it lifted so I was a bit of a low rider in those instances!
Since I am not a lifelong Toyota enthusiast I am not blinded by the insufficiencies of today’s Land Cruiser. I have a buddy with a 1976 LC, and I think I would trade him straight across for his vehicle if I didn’t also have to drive a fair amount on the highway.
The center console in the new LC is a joke. Not enough storage capacity. I had to get after market sunglass holder, additional storage option between the two front seats, additional dash storage for the front passenger. Because the hybrid battery takes an additional 4” of height out of the back storage compartment you also loose out there for storage. I did purchase two Rago inside back molle panels with a shelf where I store most things I travel with regularly so as to keep stuff up off the floor of the back cargo area.
I will change my tires from 33s to 35s when the 33s wear out, maybe.
Good luck with carrying more than two adults in this wagon, but that is for me a minor consideration.
In the end, believe it or not, I am enjoying my new Land Cruiser and look forward to getting it upgraded. If you would like a brand new trail swing hitch mounted spare carrier I will offer it to you at half price. You had better live close however, because I wouldn’t pay to ship it.
I went on the reputation of the LC in making my decision to purchase, but I should have done a little more homework. Why didn’t I buy the GX 550? The GX looks like a perfect ride for the suburban soccer mom, which I am not. Both the GX and the LR Defender should be listed as lunar vehicles to accompany our return to the moon.
I have discovered this forum while trying to determine how to relocate my rear backup camera from the lift gate. Why do I need to relocate the camera? Well given the totally inadequate fuel tank capacity of the LC 250 (18 gal.) I found it necessary to purchase and have installed an auxiliary fuel tank from LRA (24 gal) which increased my fuel capacity to a total of 42 gallons. That’s more like it. The new tank took up the space where the spare tire once resided and so I have had to relocate my spare tire. I chose the Trail Swing hitch mounted spare carrier, which is very sturdy and easy to install except for the back up camera relocation. If you go to Dissent Offroad and look at the installation manual for the camera relocation kit for the LC250/GX550 that they offer you will find a step be step illustrated manual on how to access and remove the old camera and relocate it to somewhere on or near the bumper. I have not attempted this relocation yet and will probably search for someone more experienced to do the work. In the end I wish I had just spent the extra money and purchased the Dissent Offroad rear bumper with both the swing out spare carrier and the swing out roof ladder.
Why is it that of all the offroad capable vehicles in production(Jeep, G Wagon, Defender, Grenadier, Bronco, etc.) the Land Cruiser is the only one without side hinged rear doors and a door mounted spare carrier? I believe it is because Toyota is more interested in the suburban buyer than the offroad enthusiast. It is my opinion that Toyota should have available an offroad package that includes a three inch lift and upgraded suspension, 35” all terrain tires, Larger fuel tank, side hinged rear doors with door mounted spare carrier, full roof rack, and roof rack ladder.
I did have my LC lifted with an ICON 3” lift and beefed up suspension. I looked at the Arctic Truck conversion available out of Cheyenne, WY, but for $46K you basically end up with a slightly lifted vehicle that will accommodate 37” tires, wider fender flares, and a longer wheel base that precludes the addition of the auxiliary fuel tank. It’s still a single turbo, 4 cyl, hybrid. No telling what the fuel economy is with those 37 inchers?
I would also recommend the full length roof rack with full decking offered by Rago Fabrication. I have used it to transport 8’, 12’, and 16’ lumber, and on other occasions two fabric cargo carriers simultaneously. That was before I had it lifted so I was a bit of a low rider in those instances!
Since I am not a lifelong Toyota enthusiast I am not blinded by the insufficiencies of today’s Land Cruiser. I have a buddy with a 1976 LC, and I think I would trade him straight across for his vehicle if I didn’t also have to drive a fair amount on the highway.
The center console in the new LC is a joke. Not enough storage capacity. I had to get after market sunglass holder, additional storage option between the two front seats, additional dash storage for the front passenger. Because the hybrid battery takes an additional 4” of height out of the back storage compartment you also loose out there for storage. I did purchase two Rago inside back molle panels with a shelf where I store most things I travel with regularly so as to keep stuff up off the floor of the back cargo area.
I will change my tires from 33s to 35s when the 33s wear out, maybe.
Good luck with carrying more than two adults in this wagon, but that is for me a minor consideration.
In the end, believe it or not, I am enjoying my new Land Cruiser and look forward to getting it upgraded. If you would like a brand new trail swing hitch mounted spare carrier I will offer it to you at half price. You had better live close however, because I wouldn’t pay to ship it.
