Purchasing a new ‘26 LCLC - Concerns

[1streamer]

You probably aren’t going to get too many people on a Land Cruiser forum telling you not to buy one

We had a 97 40th Edition LC that we traded for an FJ Cruiser. Loved the FJ but trading out of the LC was the worst mistake we ever made! Sadly the new LC is NOTHING like that one was - they just don’t make them like that anymore.

FYI you will take about a $7,000 hit if trade in your 6 month old Premium packaged LC with 4,000 miles on it.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

The color is wind chill pearl.
It’s unfortunate for those that have had transmission issues. I experience the hard change to 2nd when cold. I’ll tell you, I’ve never had an 8 speed tranny, this thing kicks ass. With the torque of the electric motor. Just when you think it’s bogging down in the mud or snow it downshifts and up go the rpm’s… it seems like it knows what gear you want to be in. There is no manual transmission that can even come close to what this vehicle can do in deep mud and snow. I wish I had this when I was 20. Combined with downhill assist, MTS, crawl, atrac, SDM. Not invincible, I did get stuck twice. It’s how a 4wd should operate in the 21st century. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[HammerTheWall]

My '24 FE has experienced the following:

• Squeaking Brakes - happened a few times, never happened again.
• Apple Car Play disconnecting, I use it every day. - only during remote start, just need to re-enable.
• Popping Center Console noises - happens once in awhile if I lean too hard on it, no issues though.

 

[ultane]

Hello all! Please don’t roast me here. I really really want this vehicle. I have a ‘26 on order which should be delivered in less than a month now. I’ve been pouring over this forum and other LC specific groups. The below issues have me really concerned about following through on this vehicle and that would be very disappointing, as I’ve already sold my daily driver and have my truck slated for trade in. I want one vehicle that is capable off road in Colorado as well as a solid every day driver. Everyone’s experience with these vehicles, I’m sure, are different. However these have me second guessing myself and I think if one researches long enough that they can talk themselves out of anything.

Problems:

• Squeaking Brakes
• Apple Car Play disconnecting, I use it every day.
• Popping Center Console noises
• Easy Crack windshield
• Ineffectiveness of OEM Roof rack rails for basic attachments, such as a bubble box unless it has a perfectly flat bottom. I have an OEM 3/4 rack on my build.
• Transmission issues/failed transmissions/rough shifts at low speeds.
• Small battery
• Key fob/rear door unlock & very limited range
• Easily chipped pain

Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill here? This will be my most expensive purchase besides my house. And financially it’s not an issue. But I don’t want to get stuck with a $70k vehicle with a slide of “known issues”. Maybe they’ve addressed some of this on the ‘26? Anyone driving one yet?

Thanks for any responses. I really appreciate it.

Mike.

Maybe the Land Cruiser is not the right choice for you…

 

[ATbuckhunter]

I will say of all the things listed I've only had 2 of them. I've had some rough shifting at low speeds (not often, but its happened) and I have limited key fob range. The key fob range really annoys the crap out of me, but I use the app most of the time anyway

 

[Guest8178]

Maybe the Land Cruiser is not the right choice for you…

Hes just doing diligence, no harm there. Its very easy to Google "Insert Make/Model Issues" and feel overwhelmed.

I am a Toyota lover. Had an FJ Cruiser for 150k miles. Currently a 2017 Tundra for 160k miles and 2025 Landcruiser with 1800 miles.

Not much to add but...

• Squeaking Brakes
  • Yes. Dealer will fix with TSB. Its not just the Landcruisers but also Lexus and other model Toyotas
• Apple Car Play disconnecting, I use it every day.
  • No disconnects yet. I have an iPhone SE Gen 3 and my wife a iPhone 15.
• Popping Center Console noises
  • This isn't a real concern. If you put all of your weight onto it while climbing it, there might be a noise.
• Easy Crack windshield
  • All vertical windshields have this. Not an issue, just a result of the design. BUT, you an amazing roomy feel with great field of view
• Ineffectiveness of OEM Roof rack rails for basic attachments, such as a bubble box unless it has a perfectly flat bottom. I have an OEM 3/4 rack on my build.
  • No comment
• Transmission issues/failed transmissions/rough shifts at low speeds.
  • I'd like to think they could update/tune the shift points. Once warm, its pretty smooth accelerating, but many notice a small stumble during braking around 15pmph. Its not all the time, but it does happen under certain conditions. Seems like software could fix it. Lexus recently released a transmission TSB related to "harsh downshifts" which leads me to believe its possible
• Small battery
  • No comment
• Key fob/rear door unlock & very limited range
  • It reaches from my house to driveway, but it is def less range than my Tundra... which feels like a half mile
• Easily chipped pain
  • Meh.

 

[BTHawk]

Hello all! Please don’t roast me here. I really really want this vehicle. I have a ‘26 on order which should be delivered in less than a month now. I’ve been pouring over this forum and other LC specific groups. The below issues have me really concerned about following through on this vehicle and that would be very disappointing, as I’ve already sold my daily driver and have my truck slated for trade in. I want one vehicle that is capable off road in Colorado as well as a solid every day driver. Everyone’s experience with these vehicles, I’m sure, are different. However these have me second guessing myself and I think if one researches long enough that they can talk themselves out of anything.

Problems:

• Squeaking Brakes
• Apple Car Play disconnecting, I use it every day.
• Popping Center Console noises
• Easy Crack windshield
• Ineffectiveness of OEM Roof rack rails for basic attachments, such as a bubble box unless it has a perfectly flat bottom. I have an OEM 3/4 rack on my build.
• Transmission issues/failed transmissions/rough shifts at low speeds.
• Small battery
• Key fob/rear door unlock & very limited range
• Easily chipped pain

Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill here? This will be my most expensive purchase besides my house. And financially it’s not an issue. But I don’t want to get stuck with a $70k vehicle with a slide of “known issues”. Maybe they’ve addressed some of this on the ‘26? Anyone driving one yet?

Thanks for any responses. I really appreciate it.

Mike.

I will add my experiences just for a data point to the OP's concerns:

2025 LC250 Base with premium package, ~8 months of ownership, just over 10K ODO:

• Squeaking Brakes - I have this issue occasionally when backing into my garage. Strangely, it only happens if I park the vehicle in my driveway when I get home, then back it into the garage after it sits for a little while. Who knows? I do have the parts for the TSB on backorder with my local preferred dealership, and will get it taken care of when they call me.
• Apple Car Play disconnecting - I don't have this issue (currently using iPhone 13PM with IOS 26).
• Popping Center Console noises - I don't know what this is and have never experienced it.
• Easy Crack windshield - I will admit that the windshield is quite vertical, but fortunately I have not had anything significant impact it yet (knock on wood). It does accumulate more bugs than any vehicle I have previously owned, so I might be looking into some type of bug deflector (if they even work).
• Ineffectiveness of OEM Roof rack rails - I haven't had anything on the roof yet, so no valuable input from me here. I will say that I plan on replacing it with a 3/4 option in the future.
• Transmission issues/failed transmissions/rough shifts at low speeds - The only issues that I've experienced so far are the wonky downshifts at low speeds (e.g. approaching a stop sign), and the occasional hard shift from drive into reverse. I am hoping that Toyota releases a transmission re-flash or something to fix the low speed shift "humps", or that someone releases a tune in the near future to address it. Otherwise, I feel fairly confident in the transmission.
• Small battery - I didn't realize this was an issue. I had planned on changing it out when it was due for replacement, but no issues so far.
• Key fob/rear door unlock & very limited range - I have not experienced any issues with the key fobs, but I typically just use the door handles to lock/unlock.
• Easily chipped paint - This is my 6th Toyota (4 Tacomas and 1 FJ80), so I went in knowing the paint was likely going to be thin. All of my previous Toyotas have had this issue, and even the new LC has its first chip on the passenger front door. I always buy the chip repair pens and just deal with it. I'm going to put pinstripes on it eventually anyway.

Others have brought up the fuel tank size and premium fuel requirement, but these are not really issues for me either. I find the fuel tank/range more than sufficient for road trips (don't want to be sitting/driving for that long anyway), and when I start taking the LC offroad, I will be accounting for extra fuel storage (internal or external) as part of my setup at that time. Offroad range was an issue with all of my previous Tacomas as well (at least for me). The premium fuel requirement I believe is there for a reason; I'm sure the engineers have tuned the motor just different enough to require it, so I will follow their recommendation. Plus, I bought a 70K vehicle and am not going to squabble about 91 or 93 vs 87 at the pump.

I appreciate that Toyota saw fit to offer the light duty Land Cruiser here in the States in addition to the traditional GX line offered. Would I love the option to buy the heavy duty 70 or the station wagon 300 here in the US as well? Absolutely, but I am more than pleased with the LC250 in terms of aesthetic, capability, comfort, and price point! Good luck, OP, and welcome to the Prado family!

 

[Altitude]

My comments below:

• Squeaking Brakes

Yes, but IME only in reverse and when cold. Not a big deal. Our Mercedes does it too.

• Apple Car Play disconnecting, I use it every day.

Not in my experience and I use it daily too. This might be a problem limited to certain hardware batches. I find the largest issue with CarPlay to be the lack of a persistent Toyota function menu, which we need to reduce taps to get from CarPlay to the radio stations. They can fix that in an update; I hope they do.

• Popping Center Console noises

Mine is as quiet as a vault.

• Easy Crack windshield

I just got my first chip since December ‘24. It’s a pretty vertical windshield, not sure what we can do other than buy glass insurance.

• Ineffectiveness of OEM Roof rack rails for basic attachments, such as a bubble box unless it has a perfectly flat bottom. I have an OEM 3/4 rack on my build.

No experience yet; I haven’t needed to use our Skybox. The rails I bought seem to have plenty of clearance so I don’t expect an issue.If there is an issue it might be with the vehicle height - I’m tempted to buy a lower profile crossbar to save a couple inches up there. Mine does not clear the ceiling at the Lionshead garage in Vail when I have my skis on it.

• Transmission issues/failed transmissions/rough shifts at low speeds.

That gets discussed around here but I’ve had no issues. I suspect it’s overreported.

• Small battery
• Key fob/rear door unlock & very limited range
• Easily chipped pain

None of these are problems for me at all.

I love the vehicle. I might prefer if they’d tuned the engine note a little differently but it’s not a big deal. You didn’t mention the fuel tank capacity - that might be the most common complaint. I get around 325 miles per tank, not an issue for me but people who live in the middle of Nevada may have a legit complaint about it.

If I were you I would jump in with confidence.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

You probably aren’t going to get too many people on a Land Cruiser forum telling you not to buy one

We had a 97 40th Edition LC that we traded for an FJ Cruiser. Loved the FJ but trading out of the LC was the worst mistake we ever made! Sadly the new LC is NOTHING like that one was - they just don’t make them like that anymore.

FYI you will take about a $7,000 hit if trade in your 6 month old Premium packaged LC with 4,000 miles on it.

As will happen with ANY vehicle you try to trade in in 6 months and probably an even bigger hit.

 

[t3lcfe]

Man…in mindset with that many negative doubts and less confident things in your longggg list, personally, I rather not step into this LC world.
With those in mind, in the future, if your bump to a little thing, that will become the HUGE deal
Base on those “scenarios”, it’s a big NO GO for me

In reality, LC especially my FE is my Favorite vehicle that I IN LOVE every day and night after 14 months of ownership

 

[1streamer]

As will happen with ANY vehicle you try to trade in in 6 months and probably an even bigger hit.

Right, I’m giving my real experience. LC just didn’t work for us, not really reasons the OP posted. Trading for a Sequoia …

 

[t3lcfe]

Usually…in the real world:
• Millions positive experiences: you don’t hear
• Few hundreds ( or less ) negative experiences: it spreads out every where and multiply up especially the haters

Nothing is perfect. Many millions of us as LC owners in the world proudly have them as part of our lifestyle, but not for all

Enjoy your Sequoia or whatever suites you. I guess you already joined Sequoia or 4Runner or else forums. Hope you will enjoy them and no negative “experiences”

 

[LCDakota]

Thanks, everyone. I sincerely appreciate you sharing your insights and experiences. I will be doing some off-roading for certain and it’s one of the reasons I decided on the Land Cruiser. Ouray, Lake City, Telluride trails are one of the reasons I’m so interested and made the deposit. My F-150 is just too darn big and had become my “weekend ride” while driving my sedans most of the time. Perhaps I’m just getting too old to drive it as much as I did 10 years ago. I love it and I’ll miss it for sure. I never lacked for space in the bed or cab because it’s so damn big lol.

LC LC Premium in white pearl (I believe that is the name of it) paint is what I’ve ordered. 18 inch wheels will be fitted with Nokian Hakkapeliittas on the stock wheels since I’m taking delivery in November. I’ve always run them on my Audi sedans and they’re unbelievable in the snow. They are lousy when it warms up though because they are so darn soft on warm pavement so it’ll sit some in the winter as I decided to not put winters on more than one vehicle going forward. There are just too many warm winter days in the winter on the front range to burn off two sets of tires that are ridiculously expensive. Can’t beat em in the snow and ice though. I’ll move to Method bead grips in black with either Toyos AT3s or BFG KO3s. I had KO2s on the truck though and while they wear very well they were lousy on wet pavement. I’ll research this to death too (already have started lol). I want to size up one on the diameter of the tire and 265s. I almost had the dealer install a lift to protect the warranty but I want to ride it stick before making any changes to the suspension etc.

I’m buying it. I always loved LCs and my buddy once had one with the swing doors in the back in white and while I loved my ‘87 Toyota Truck, I was always envious of that vehicle. It’s been 20 years since I’ve been back in a Toyota. I’m pretty pumped for everything and I’m sure I’ll shed a tear when my ‘15 A6 leaves the driveway on Friday and when the truck keys get handed over to Toyota. But this LC has everything I want. Very capable off road and a solid highway and around town cruiser. I’m not looking forward to my signature on that check though lol!

Thanks again. I’ll be joining the family soon!

Congrats and enjoy! Have you looked at Falken? I’ve got Falken AT/4s and they’re great

 

[Trail250]

Hello all! Please don’t roast me here. I really really want this vehicle. I have a ‘26 on order which should be delivered in less than a month now. I’ve been pouring over this forum and other LC specific groups. The below issues have me really concerned about following through on this vehicle and that would be very disappointing, as I’ve already sold my daily driver and have my truck slated for trade in. I want one vehicle that is capable off road in Colorado as well as a solid every day driver. Everyone’s experience with these vehicles, I’m sure, are different. However these have me second guessing myself and I think if one researches long enough that they can talk themselves out of anything.

Problems:

• Squeaking Brakes
• Apple Car Play disconnecting, I use it every day.
• Popping Center Console noises
• Easy Crack windshield
• Ineffectiveness of OEM Roof rack rails for basic attachments, such as a bubble box unless it has a perfectly flat bottom. I have an OEM 3/4 rack on my build.
• Transmission issues/failed transmissions/rough shifts at low speeds.
• Small battery
• Key fob/rear door unlock & very limited range
• Easily chipped pain

Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill here? This will be my most expensive purchase besides my house. And financially it’s not an issue. But I don’t want to get stuck with a $70k vehicle with a slide of “known issues”. Maybe they’ve addressed some of this on the ‘26? Anyone driving one yet?

Thanks for any responses. I really appreciate it.

Mike.

FYI
-Squeaking Brakes got mine fixed TSB
-Apple Car Play, I have issues with multiple phones wanting to be in charge of Car Play, but no disconnect issues.
-popping center console - got mine fixed under warranty and replaced with a new.
-I got one crack last year, haven't gotten another since. Thinking there is just so much pressure built into the glass, that's why they crack easily, mine is very minimal, so I've been living with it.
-easily fixed with an aftermarket
-No transmission issues from my end, except for offroading transmission will heat up if wheel traction is bad, but it is full-time 4WD and learning curve on what modes are best for what you are doing, such as using tow/haul mode for steep climbs off road in 4h, or dropping down to 4low even if you feel it's unnecessary.
-small battery, think you mean gas tank? Doesn't bother me none, I average 275, same range on the rest of my Toyota mid-size vehicles.
-I have an ice cap, and paint is very robust and durable.

alas,
My only gripe is squeaky driver floor board.

 

[BMFS33]

FYI
-Squeaking Brakes got mine fixed TSB
-Apple Car Play, I have issues with multiple phones wanting to be in charge of Car Play, but no disconnect issues.
-popping center console - got mine fixed under warranty and replaced with a new.
-I got one crack last year, haven't gotten another since. Thinking there is just so much pressure built into the glass, that's why they crack easily, mine is very minimal, so I've been living with it.
-easily fixed with an aftermarket
-No transmission issues from my end, except for offroading transmission will heat up if wheel traction is bad, but it is full-time 4WD and learning curve on what modes are best for what you are doing, such as using tow/haul mode for steep climbs off road in 4h, or dropping down to 4low even if you feel it's unnecessary.
-small battery, think you mean gas tank? Doesn't bother me none, I average 275, same range on the rest of my Toyota mid-size vehicles.
-I have an ice cap, and paint is very robust and durable.

alas,
My only gripe is squeaky driver floor board.

You’re the second person that mentioned that floor. I’ll figure out some way to get rid of that squeak somehow if it happens. Squeeking drives me mad!

 

[ovʀʟxnᴅ]

It's going to do everything you're worried about.

 

[BMFS33]

It's going to do everything you're worried about.

Doesn’t matter now! I’m buying it!

 

[R_che]

Hello all! Please don’t roast me here. I really really want this vehicle. I have a ‘26 on order which should be delivered in less than a month now. I’ve been pouring over this forum and other LC specific groups. The below issues have me really concerned about following through on this vehicle and that would be very disappointing, as I’ve already sold my daily driver and have my truck slated for trade in. I want one vehicle that is capable off road in Colorado as well as a solid every day driver. Everyone’s experience with these vehicles, I’m sure, are different. However these have me second guessing myself and I think if one researches long enough that they can talk themselves out of anything.

Problems:

• Squeaking Brakes
• Apple Car Play disconnecting, I use it every day.
• Popping Center Console noises
• Easy Crack windshield
• Ineffectiveness of OEM Roof rack rails for basic attachments, such as a bubble box unless it has a perfectly flat bottom. I have an OEM 3/4 rack on my build.
• Transmission issues/failed transmissions/rough shifts at low speeds.
• Small battery
• Key fob/rear door unlock & very limited range
• Easily chipped pain

Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill here? This will be my most expensive purchase besides my house. And financially it’s not an issue. But I don’t want to get stuck with a $70k vehicle with a slide of “known issues”. Maybe they’ve addressed some of this on the ‘26? Anyone driving one yet?

Thanks for any responses. I really appreciate it.

Mike.

Mike
You have answered your own questions with the last sentence of the 1st paragraph in your post...too much research will always create more negatives than positives. It's just human nature for people to remember the bad stuff, and unfortunately, not as much of the good.
Buy it and enjoy it...mine is great!

 

[EOD Guy]

Doesn’t matter now! I’m buying it!

Congratulations! If mine were destroyed, I'd buy another one!

 

[rjmh]

We bought a 1958 - so no factory roof rack. I used Gamiviti mounts on the factory location and they have been great. I used ARB crossbars but any bar will do. For our use the they have been great and have not been off the truck since they were installed.