LC 250 Hate = It’s REAL

[ToyFan]

Ehhh, who cares what reviewers think, there seems to be a 50/50 love hate with them. Sure it's a Prado, but it's still a Landcruiser. I bought one and love it. I dig the hybrid turbo 4, it fits the personality of the truck, all torque and has never lacked for power. It's actually pretty impressive the amount of power we get out of a 4 cylinder now! The old saying no replacement for displacement doesn't hold true anymore.

I checked out the gx at a car show, and it's nice, but I didn't want a Lexus. I wouldn't say it's the real Landcruiser so much as an alternate trim level. I've never driven one, so can't comment on the drivetrain, but the interior wasn't much nicer than the LC.

In the end, people just like to complain and probably had no intention to buy one anyway.

 

[Pavman2473]

First off this is not a troll thread, because I personally own a LC 250 First Edition that I purchased in October.

Before buying my LC 250 First edition I did some/a lot of research via YouTube and written articles and I test drove 3 different LC 250’s, plus I test drove a GX 550, so in fairness I knew what I was getting myself into. I did a fairly in depth review on my LC 250 Likes and dislikes probably 1 month ago. And my stance has not changed. I pretty much really like/love the LC 250 but there are 2 things I really hate = fuel economy and 18 gallon tank. Everything else I really like. I know it’s better off road than the 200 series LC and I personally likes the looks better.

Here comes the unfortunate downfall of the LC 250 and unfortunately it really is not fair, but it’s the world we live in today and that undoing is YOUTUBE and SOCIAL MEDIA. Let’s be honest the social media automotive industry, and I call them social media automotive industry for a reason because they are not journalists like they think they are, has really hurt the LC 250, along with Toyota/lexus brand in general. If You where to take a full day and just do a lot of research via YouTube, written articles, and utilize other sources like article comments, the general consensus from reviewers and consumers is far more negative than positive. For Example lets look at the common summary they you will hear from most consumers and reviewers of the LC 250 =

1) not a real Landcruiser.

2) cheaply built compared to the LC 200 and other SUV’S.

3) The GX is far better and is the REAL Landcruiser.

4) terrible engine choice to put in a Landcruiser

5) This is a Prado = light duty cheap Landcruiser

6) The vehicle sounds “ Tinty” and cheaply made

7) Ground clearance is terrible and it is better on the LC 200, although after climbing underneath mine I found that my lowest ground clearance is 10 inches with no lift and BFG KO3’S 275 R 18’S. I guess I can not read a ruler or maybe I got lucky with the build on mine.

8) Fuel economy is terrible.

9) small fuel tank

10 ) Terrible acceleration

11) way to expensive for a cheaply made vehicle.

12) How could Toyota put a Rav 4 engine in a Landcruiser.

Do I agree with sentiments ? NO. The only points I agree with are the fuel economy and the small fuel tank. But unfortunately social media , especially YouTube, has really done damage to the LC 250 in terms of initial reputation and perception. It’s even to a point where LC 200 owners literally piss on LC 250 owners and GX 550 owners do the same. It’s really a shame because it is actually just dividing the brand even more and slowly eroding the existing values and potential resale values in the toilet. But unfortunately this social media hate isn’t just on the LC 250 , it’s on a lot of Toyota/lexus products today = LX 600, GX 550, TUNDRA, TACOMA, and the new 4 Runner . They are all getting trashed badly and although you would not think it could effect future values of vehicles, it most certainly can and it does today, and resale value has always been a strong point of Toyota/lexus. I will illustrate how perception and YouTube effected 1 particular Toyota model, in this case for the better. The LC 200. Prior to Covid you could walk into a Toyota dealership and if they had a new LC 200 on the with a MSRP of $ 86,000.00 you could walk out of the dealership purchasing that vehicle for around $ 77,000.00. Once covid hit and Toyota announced the end of the V-8 Landcruiser and rumors started to surface about a possible Hybrid Landcruiser a 2020/2021 Landcruiser with 40,000 miles was selling for $ 85,000.00 and guess what, people are actually bragging about paying that price for a “ REAL LANDCRUISER” . By the time these people purchase a warranty and put cool looking off road tires on their “ real Landcruiser “ they have $ 100,000.00 in a used 40,000 mile LC 200, but the LC 250 at $ 58,000 to $ 76,000 ( first edition ) is to expensive. Hence the power of social media.

If social media can effect a presidential election like it did in 2020, it can most certainly effect vehicle values. I’m kind of a nerd with stats, but what really boggles my mind is a company like Ford rolls out Recalls literally every other day and in a lot of cases there is better value in buying a Ford vehicle than a Toyota/lexus and just think 5-10 years ago you never would have seen this. And you very rarely see a negative review on a Ford vehicle, especially the Ford performance variants like Raptors and mustangs. Amazing.

I know that’s a long thread but after looking at some values and actual numbers in correspondence with timelines with the recent Toyota/Lexus hate, you know the old saying, NUMBERS DON’T LIE.

I actually think Toyota/lexus still builds a quality vehicle and in most cases builds a much better vehicle than the big 3, but resale and value and social media reviews are telling a different story. Personally I think Toyota should have named the LC 250 the new FJ cruiser, I think that would quieted a lot of the mass hysteria because unfortunately a lot of United States consumers do not have a clue how important the LC 250 prado is to the Landcruiser lineage and history.

Although I will have to honestly say if I was to reverse the timeframe to October and do it all over again , I probably would have opted for a Ford Raptor R just based on value for dollar because there is no comparison. Unfortunately Toyota/Lexus vehicles do not hold the same values or desirability as they did pre COVID and I really don’t think they ever will again.

Yes, YouTube and social media has become extremely powerful.

I am still reading your post. I agree with you so far. I’d like to point out the gas tank issue. It is small but if you look at real world feedback, the LC250 still has a better range than the GX550. And for all the V6 V8 LC pissing on the LC250, most of it is their bias towards v6 and v8 being better and neglecting the engineering and progress in 4 cylinder engines, turbos and hybrids. I am enjoying your post.

 

[Impatient]

We’ll just wait and see what time has to say. Initial reception of new models is almost always mixed. If the LC250 proves durable over time, the consensus will change.

 

[jack520]

I am a LC owner too and have been a lifelong engineer.

I mainly use my 4x4 to drive through very thick deep snow on step slopes. I am moving up from the 4Runner series 98 and 04 and love the new lc. I have 600K miles of experience of driving them, and have also driven hybrid and ev too ...

I read the reviews and bad reviews make for good press .... not accurate reviews.

People loved the old LC but not enough to buy any .. so far the new land cruiser has sold more than the old one did in 5 years.

The GX550 looks good on paper, but who is going to spend all that money on it and pay for the terrible gas mileage, the answer is not many .. and that is how many they are selling. It is too luxury, too limited production and too expensive.

I get over 300 miles on a tank, yah, maybe if you do hard remote driving you need more, but then figure out how to add extra tanks .. the vast majority of the people are okay with 300 ..... the extreme people want more, but what vehicle provides more and able to handle the rought terrain.

I have a few things that I think need to be improved.

1. The ability to change options that are electronically controlled is not intuitive ... they need a cleaner computer screen and app to allow these changes to be made.. they should learn from the Tesla ..

2. They need to make an option for real-time hybrid mode changes to get better echo on normal city driving ..

3. Get some better colors..

 

[AgRN16]

First off this is not a troll thread, because I personally own a LC 250 First Edition that I purchased in October.

Before buying my LC 250 First edition I did some/a lot of research via YouTube and written articles and I test drove 3 different LC 250’s, plus I test drove a GX 550, so in fairness I knew what I was getting myself into. I did a fairly in depth review on my LC 250 Likes and dislikes probably 1 month ago. And my stance has not changed. I pretty much really like/love the LC 250 but there are 2 things I really hate = fuel economy and 18 gallon tank. Everything else I really like. I know it’s better off road than the 200 series LC and I personally likes the looks better.

Here comes the unfortunate downfall of the LC 250 and unfortunately it really is not fair, but it’s the world we live in today and that undoing is YOUTUBE and SOCIAL MEDIA. Let’s be honest the social media automotive industry, and I call them social media automotive industry for a reason because they are not journalists like they think they are, has really hurt the LC 250, along with Toyota/lexus brand in general. If You where to take a full day and just do a lot of research via YouTube, written articles, and utilize other sources like article comments, the general consensus from reviewers and consumers is far more negative than positive. For Example lets look at the common summary they you will hear from most consumers and reviewers of the LC 250 =

1) not a real Landcruiser.

2) cheaply built compared to the LC 200 and other SUV’S.

3) The GX is far better and is the REAL Landcruiser.

4) terrible engine choice to put in a Landcruiser

5) This is a Prado = light duty cheap Landcruiser

6) The vehicle sounds “ Tinty” and cheaply made

7) Ground clearance is terrible and it is better on the LC 200, although after climbing underneath mine I found that my lowest ground clearance is 10 inches with no lift and BFG KO3’S 275 R 18’S. I guess I can not read a ruler or maybe I got lucky with the build on mine.

8) Fuel economy is terrible.

9) small fuel tank

10 ) Terrible acceleration

11) way to expensive for a cheaply made vehicle.

12) How could Toyota put a Rav 4 engine in a Landcruiser.

Do I agree with sentiments ? NO. The only points I agree with are the fuel economy and the small fuel tank. But unfortunately social media , especially YouTube, has really done damage to the LC 250 in terms of initial reputation and perception. It’s even to a point where LC 200 owners literally piss on LC 250 owners and GX 550 owners do the same. It’s really a shame because it is actually just dividing the brand even more and slowly eroding the existing values and potential resale values in the toilet. But unfortunately this social media hate isn’t just on the LC 250 , it’s on a lot of Toyota/lexus products today = LX 600, GX 550, TUNDRA, TACOMA, and the new 4 Runner . They are all getting trashed badly and although you would not think it could effect future values of vehicles, it most certainly can and it does today, and resale value has always been a strong point of Toyota/lexus. I will illustrate how perception and YouTube effected 1 particular Toyota model, in this case for the better. The LC 200. Prior to Covid you could walk into a Toyota dealership and if they had a new LC 200 on the with a MSRP of $ 86,000.00 you could walk out of the dealership purchasing that vehicle for around $ 77,000.00. Once covid hit and Toyota announced the end of the V-8 Landcruiser and rumors started to surface about a possible Hybrid Landcruiser a 2020/2021 Landcruiser with 40,000 miles was selling for $ 85,000.00 and guess what, people are actually bragging about paying that price for a “ REAL LANDCRUISER” . By the time these people purchase a warranty and put cool looking off road tires on their “ real Landcruiser “ they have $ 100,000.00 in a used 40,000 mile LC 200, but the LC 250 at $ 58,000 to $ 76,000 ( first edition ) is to expensive. Hence the power of social media.

If social media can effect a presidential election like it did in 2020, it can most certainly effect vehicle values. I’m kind of a nerd with stats, but what really boggles my mind is a company like Ford rolls out Recalls literally every other day and in a lot of cases there is better value in buying a Ford vehicle than a Toyota/lexus and just think 5-10 years ago you never would have seen this. And you very rarely see a negative review on a Ford vehicle, especially the Ford performance variants like Raptors and mustangs. Amazing.

I know that’s a long thread but after looking at some values and actual numbers in correspondence with timelines with the recent Toyota/Lexus hate, you know the old saying, NUMBERS DON’T LIE.

I actually think Toyota/lexus still builds a quality vehicle and in most cases builds a much better vehicle than the big 3, but resale and value and social media reviews are telling a different story. Personally I think Toyota should have named the LC 250 the new FJ cruiser, I think that would quieted a lot of the mass hysteria because unfortunately a lot of United States consumers do not have a clue how important the LC 250 prado is to the Landcruiser lineage and history.

Although I will have to honestly say if I was to reverse the timeframe to October and do it all over again , I probably would have opted for a Ford Raptor R just based on value for dollar because there is no comparison. Unfortunately Toyota/Lexus vehicles do not hold the same values or desirability as they did pre COVID and I really don’t think they ever will again.

Yes, YouTube and social media has become extremely powerful.

I'll way in. I've owned a 5th gen 4runner for the past 8 years. Had a brief stent with a 2018 TRD off-road road premium then in January 2029 bought my current TRD Pro brand new off the lot. Six plus years later and almost 120k miles, suffice it to say it is an EXCELLWNT VEHICLE. It's issues are well known. Slow. Not great fuel economy. Outdated tech. The tech is VERY easy to remedy. As to the other two, slow is no issue as it is not a race car. It's a go anywhere and get you back car. And with the fuel tank size, I never felt like the low gase milage was a problem at all.

My wife and I were VERY BLESSED to come into our Land Cruiser LC 250 w/Premium Package. It is not stock and has several professionaly installed aftermarket mods so when I discuss it keep that in mind. Having only had it since January and in light of the mods it's hard to make a fair comparison. But I will do so anyway. The LC at base is heavier than our 4runner, and with the mods rides much higher and is even heavier still. Despite that, it drives better, handles better, and while no race car, is still noticeably faster than the 4runner and noticeably quicker off the line.

The interior is most definitely nicer/more plush as well. And the tech is light years better than the 4runner came with stock. Interior space (not including the trunk space) is also better in the LC than the 4runner. Trunk space wise it seems to be a wash to me. Some may include this with tech, but in terms of safety features, the LC is loaded and makes my wife and I feel safer while driving. This is a big deal considering we have our two small children riding in the back with us.

Road and wind noise/interior sound deadening wise even with the tent and rack onto and bigger heavier tires, LC 250 is better/quiter. Sound system wise, both are JBL systems, and Landcruiser is just better. Hands down.

As for fuel economy, at base I am very confident that the LC 250 is better. However with the 35s, 3 inch lift, all the added weight, plus the RTT on top that acts like an air damn, the fuel economy on the LC now is, shall we say, less than stellar. Combined with the small fuel tank, and it is a serious Achilles heel. Womp womp.

The one thing that I will give the 4runner, and is just not yet known with this new Lancruiser 250, is that I never doubt at all if my 4runner is going to work, if it's going to break down, if I'm going to have problems with the truck. It is a TANK of confidence in that way. The LC, I hope it will be that way. But it's a question mark for me.

So far though my wife and I are very impressed.

Some will say hey, your comparing it to a 4runner! You should compare to the old LC 200!! Well, I haven't driven that one. My 4runner is the top trim of its generation. And just as, if not more, reliable than the 200 is. And definitely more capable off road than the 200 is though the 200 is no chump off road. This LC 250 we have (yes heavily molded for off road) is unquestionably better off road than our 4runner TRD Pro is.

Let's look at some hard facts between 250 and 200. 200 is faster, slightly and has more HP. 250 is lighter, has better fuel economy, and has more torque. 200 can tow more (by a about a ton!). 250 is verifiable better off road. At base, 250 has significantly better tech than the 200 and has better safety features. 200 has a 3rd row, 250 doesn't. Oh and starting price. Base 200 I think in it's last year was more than a 250 FE. So price wise the 250 is LESS expensive (a plus in my book) so if you add those up, it's a pretty lopsided win for the 250. The one big x factor is longevity and reliability. Which we just don't know yet on the 250. Only time will tell


The last thing I will say, there is not a single 200 LC out there, modded or otherwise, that i would trade for our 250. Period.

 

[Noctilucent]

I'll way in. I've owned a 5th gen 4runner for the past 8 years. Had a brief stent with a 2018 TRD off-road road premium then in January 2029 bought my current TRD Pro brand new off the lot. Six plus years later and almost 120k miles, suffice it to say it is an EXCELLWNT VEHICLE. It's issues are well known. Slow. Not great fuel economy. Outdated tech. The tech is VERY easy to remedy. As to the other two, slow is no issue as it is not a race car. It's a go anywhere and get you back car. And with the fuel tank size, I never felt like the low gase milage was a problem at all.

My wife and I were VERY BLESSED to come into our Land Cruiser LC 250 w/Premium Package. It is not stock and has several professionaly installed aftermarket mods so when I discuss it keep that in mind. Having only had it since January and in light of the mods it's hard to make a fair comparison. But I will do so anyway. The LC at base is heavier than our 4runner, and with the mods rides much higher and is even heavier still. Despite that, it drives better, handles better, and while no race car, is still noticeably faster than the 4runner and noticeably quicker off the line.

The interior is most definitely nicer/more plush as well. And the tech is light years better than the 4runner came with stock. Interior space (not including the trunk space) is also better in the LC than the 4runner. Trunk space wise it seems to be a wash to me. Some may include this with tech, but in terms of safety features, the LC is loaded and makes my wife and I feel safer while driving. This is a big deal considering we have our two small children riding in the back with us.

Road and wind noise/interior sound deadening wise even with the tent and rack onto and bigger heavier tires, LC 250 is better/quiter. Sound system wise, both are JBL systems, and Landcruiser is just better. Hands down.

As for fuel economy, at base I am very confident that the LC 250 is better. However with the 35s, 3 inch lift, all the added weight, plus the RTT on top that acts like an air damn, the fuel economy on the LC now is, shall we say, less than stellar. Combined with the small fuel tank, and it is a serious Achilles heel. Womp womp.

The one thing that I will give the 4runner, and is just not yet known with this new Lancruiser 250, is that I never doubt at all if my 4runner is going to work, if it's going to break down, if I'm going to have problems with the truck. It is a TANK of confidence in that way. The LC, I hope it will be that way. But it's a question mark for me.

So far though my wife and I are very impressed.

Some will say hey, your comparing it to a 4runner! You should compare to the old LC 200!! Well, I haven't driven that one. My 4runner is the top trim of its generation. And just as, if not more, reliable than the 200 is. And definitely more capable off road than the 200 is though the 200 is no chump off road. This LC 250 we have (yes heavily molded for off road) is unquestionably better off road than our 4runner TRD Pro is.

Let's look at some hard facts between 250 and 200. 200 is faster, slightly and has more HP. 250 is lighter, has better fuel economy, and has more torque. 200 can tow more (by a about a ton!). 250 is verifiable better off road. At base, 250 has significantly better tech than the 200 and has better safety features. 200 has a 3rd row, 250 doesn't. Oh and starting price. Base 200 I think in it's last year was more than a 250 FE. So price wise the 250 is LESS expensive (a plus in my book) so if you add those up, it's a pretty lopsided win for the 250. The one big x factor is longevity and reliability. Which we just don't know yet on the 250. Only time will tell


The last thing I will say, there is not a single 200 LC out there, modded or otherwise, that i would trade for our 250. Period.

Well said, I wouldn't trade my 250 for any 200 LC out there either.

 

[AlexGates]

I was on the original "hate train" for the LC, I watched every review (including some who raved about it, then slammed it a month later), I wanted a 2nd vehicle for around town and some areas where a full size p/u wasn't ideal. I settled on a LC because I didn't want a "luxury" branded vehicle (BMW, Lex, Merc) and I didn't want a Highlander/Explorer. I settled on a LC, it was overpriced, but it checked all the boxes, and the lack of blind spots is fantastic.

My only two real complaints are that the gas tank is small and some of the weird tech/nanny things Toyota likes to do, that are quite frankly, stupid. I do wish the front seats were firmer (I have the LC LC/mid). I saw comments saying the rear seats were too firm, I think the rear seats are great.

It has plenty of power, the 0-60 times thrown around are pretty meaningless. The transmission is really smooth. The LC does not feel slow.

YT creators are awful, the Ben Hardy guy is the worst of all of them. SavageGeese are one of the best and most honest (they just trashed the LX700h.) I'm not "in love" with my LC like some people, but it is a very good appliance and actually very fun to drive.

 

[PDPete]

. The ability to change options that are electronically controlled is not intuitive ... they need a cleaner computer screen and app to allow these changes to be made.. they should learn from the Tesla ..

2. They need to make an option for real-time hybrid mode changes to get better echo on normal city driving ..

3. Get some better colors..

1. Yeah, that's a Toyota thing not limited to the LC... it's like you need a cheat sheet to figure out what all the acronyms are

2. Don't necessarily disagree, but I understand that the electric hybrid motor, and powertrain in general, is primarily tuned for providing additional torque and HP, particularly at the low end of RPMs. I've definitely noted the best MPG at highway driving, with speeds constant at 40-70 mph...I wouldn't necessarily want the powertrain tuned for better economy over performance, but perhaps ECO mode in particular could provide better city fuel economy for those that want that.

3. I feel like the Land Cruiser line has never been one to get too "experimental" or even all that varied when it comes to colors...I wouldn't be surprised if the some of the "premium" color options like heritage blue and trail dust get replaced by other options in future model years, but wouldn't ever expect for there to much variety outside of the standard black, white, and grey options aside from that.

Some will say hey, your comparing it to a 4runner! You should compare to the old LC 200!! Well, I haven't driven that one. My 4runner is the top trim of its generation. And just as, if not more, reliable than the 200 is. And definitely more capable off road than the 200 is though the 200 is no chump off road. This LC 250 we have (yes heavily molded for off road) is unquestionably better off road than our 4runner TRD Pro is.

Honestly, I think this is "mistake" a lot of the more negative reviewers make, comparing the current Land Cruiser 250 to the outgoing 200, when the 250 is a "Prado", and thus fits more into the same market segment as the 4Runner. I don't mean that in a negative way either...I've always been more of a "4Runner guy" than a "Land Cruiser guy" (though my wallet has always been a factor in that as well).

I prefer the Land Cruiser 250's understated look over the new 4Runner's, and also prefer the full time 4WD...but was definitely shopping both. I never would have even considered a 200 series Land Cruiser or Lexus LX.

 

[robsurfskate]

The 2024 1958 is the one.

 

[gregh]

I really wanted to get something the would read as "NOT A REAL LC" on a personalized license plate but couldn't make it work.

 

[DeepDive]

8000 miles in. I have certain nits (fuel tank, etc) all of which have been outlined earlier. Bought the LC Premium to be a gear hauler, daily driver a few days a week, and a capable off roader. Does all of those things well. Only mod I've made is going with the Nitto Terra Grapplers, which have been a better tire for the truck in my opinion.

Overall remain very happy. Still get stopped once a week by someone asking about it, as they aren't nearly as ubiquitous in So Cal as Range Rovers and BMW's. I'm coming from a BMW X5 diesel. While it was a great vehicle, this just suits my needs better. Just seems more natural throwing fishing and dive gear in the back of this than it did in the BMW, which also wasn't really something I'd take off road.

Any time an iconic vehicle is reintroduced, you will always have a percentage of people who say "it's just not as good as the original." Always.

 

[PDPete]

Any time an iconic vehicle is reintroduced, you will always have a percentage of people who say "it's just not as good as the original." Always.

Bingo...the older and more "iconic" a particular model line is, the more criticism and scrutiny any attempts to modernize it will come from long time enthusiasts.

Of course, if the same automaker made no changes, there would also be a huge outcry about how they're "stuck in the past"...

Sure we can talk about the differences between the 250 and 300 series...I don't think there's any argument that the 300 series (or the outgoing 200 series) is a more equipped, higher-quality Land Cruiser model...but I assume the vast majority of those folks complaining also aren't willing to spend upwards of $100k on a new one, nor are the overwhelming majority of people that have bought 250s in the past year...from Toyota's point of view, they're going to go with the strategy that sells more new vehicles. I believe I've read that the new LC 250 has already sold more units in the US in one year than the 200 series did for it's entire run.

Or, you have the people who are like, "why doesn't Toyota bring the 70 series to the US??? They'd sell so many of them!!!" ... No, they wouldn't. Most people don't want something that utilitarian and bare-bones...they'd sell a few of them to enthusiasts who can afford an extra weekend vehicle, and that would be about it. I mean, personally, I see the 70s series and think, "Oh wow, that's so cool!" and it hits with nostalgia for how similar the interior is to my old 1st gen 4Runner from way back when, etc... but realistically, I highly doubt I could ever justify buying one as my daily driver...and I don't have "weekend car" money....I need something that can serve as both, which is why ultimately I'd still buy the LC 250 I have now. (and that's not even getting into the changes Toyota would have to make to a modern 70 series to comply with US regulations and standards).

 

[Jack_]

I really wanted to get something the would read as "NOT A REAL LC" on a personalized license plate but couldn't make it work.

I might go with FAKELC

 

[Mookie242]

I love my 2024 Land Cruiser. 7 months in, and my only complaint is the cheap thin windows and how difficult it is to go from Car Play to the radio.

The only real alternative I was contemplating was the Bronco. And the LC is much quieter, fuel efficient, and a more luxurious drive. The biggest selling point to me was Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. While not as good as GM super cruise or Ford blue cruise (that are mainly available on vehicles I'm not interested in), it's been a gamechanger for me.

With that said, I'm not "all in" on the LC. I only leased because I think we will be seeing some huge advancements in vehicles in the next couple years.

 

[Deleted member 5624]

I find it amusing how most of the 5th Gen 4Runner folks think they designed the car themselves- rather than just buying a product. The wisdom to create an excellent, reliable product is left to Toyota's automotive engineers. In my case, I place extreme confidence in the individuals who designed and assembled my LC 250.

 

[gregh]

I might go with FAKELC

I went a different route.

 

[Stage7]

I find it amusing how most of the 5th Gen 4Runner folks think they designed the car themselves- rather than just buying a product. The wisdom to create an excellent, reliable product is left to Toyota's automotive engineers. In my case, I place extreme confidence in the individuals who designed and assembled my LC 250.

I'm a former 5th Gen 4Runner owner and I can say that the 4 cylinder turbo/hybrid LC blows my 4Runner out of the water. I think the 5Gen 4Runner was a great truck but I find the new LC is just so much more enjoyable to drive. I don't have to push my foot into the pedal to get it up to speed like I did with the 4Runner.
Is it perfect? No. But I'm really digging it so far and I'm about 15k miles into it now with no problems other than a broken windshield that I was fortunate enough to not have to wait more than a week to have replaced. The fuel tank I'm getting accustomed to checking it more than I did with the 4Runner.
I'm not to concerned with the nay sayers. Not every vehicle is for everybody. But for what I wanted, and use, the LC fits the bill.
I'm a very satisfied owner.

 

[AgRN16]

Sure we can talk about the differences between the 250 and 300 series...I don't think there's any argument that the 300 series (or the outgoing 200 series) is a more equipped, higher-quality Land Cruiser model...

Have to disagree that the 200 series is more equipped, certainly when talking off road. 250 is better and more equipped for off road use, certainly when considering the FE and Land Cruiser LC trims. And even tech wise/safety features it is more well equipped/better. Now if your talking quality of materials used in the interior, then yes I agree the 200 series is better than the 250, at least a little bit.

 

[PDPete]

Have to disagree that the 200 series is more equipped, certainly when talking off road. 250 is better and more equipped for off road use, certainly when considering the FE and Land Cruiser LC trims. And even tech wise/safety features it is more well equipped/better. Now if your talking quality of materials used in the interior, then yes I agree the 200 series is better than the 250, at least a little bit.

Eh, to be fair, I haven't done much research on the 300 series personally, and what little bit I have is mostly based on reviews of the Lexus LX here in the US... perhaps you're right, though the LX definitely seemed impressive based on what I've seen... I guess it just would have been more accurate to focus on overall build quality

Regardless, I stand by the fact that folks shopping for a ~$55-72k LC 250 aren't even in the target audience for the LX, which starts at over $100k MSRP. Even if a Toyota-branded LC 300 were available in the US, I assume it's starting price would be around $90k at least.

I also assume that a lot of people are like myself, who bought the LC 250 because I liked it for what it was, regardless what name was applied to it, and don't care if it's a "Land Cruiser", "Prado", "FJ Cruiser", or something else entirely

 

[brap]

People lusting after diesels have never driven them with regularity. I'd never own one as a personal vehicle. The hybrid 4 is a great power train and I think it'll prove out over time.