What would you choose, LC250 or LC300?

[PDPete]

In this hypothetical scenario, I would need to know:
1) LC300 Power plant for US consumers
2) MSRP and invoice

Yeah... If it's the TTV6 that's similar to the current GX550, it would be enticing...add a hybrid motor to the powertrain and I'm even more interested.

...but, the only way I'm choosing a 300 over the 250 is in a "price is no object" scenario, and that's not my current reality. I'd go as far as to call it a fantasy, but I'm happy enough with the 250 that I don't even really fantasize about owning other similar vehicles, such as a 300 series.

So, ultimately, my answer to OP's question is probably "The LC 250"...

I may be off my rocker, but I bet if you pivoted this question into a J70 vs 250 scenario you would get a much less divided consensus. I was in Yokosuka last month, and will be going back next year. I would spend wayyyyy too much money to get my hands on one of those 4 door trucks.

Here's the thing...if this was a reality where I had extra money (and extra garage space) for a "weekend vehicle", I'd honest rather supplement my 250 with a 70 series than switch my 250 with a 300, I will say that much...

...but, no matter how sexy the 70 series may seem (at least to someone like me who loves the utilitarian aspect of it), I know that I wouldn't want to rely on one as my sole daily driver either, as I've grown to used to modern comforts... so if you posed this question as "would you choose a 250 OR a 70 series?", I'm still going 250...but a world where I could own both would be awesome.

and yeah, whenever I see posts suggesting that Toyota would sell a ton of 70 series if they brought them to NA, I have to disagree...for the reasons stated above, I think that initially a lot of hobbyists and enthusiasts would initially buy them, but otherwise interest would be VERY limited; there just aren't that many people who want to drive such a utilitarian vehicle, or that can financially and/or logistically justify keeping one as a "weekend" vehicle, IMO.

 

[DubDub]

1) "Yeah... If it's the TTV6 that's similar to the current GX550, it would be enticing...add a hybrid motor to the powertrain and I'm even more interested."
2) "...the only way I'm choosing a 300 over the 250 is in a "price is no object" scenario..."
3) "...I'd honest rather supplement my 250 with a 70 series than switch my 250 with a 300..."
4) "...but, no matter how sexy the 70 series may seem (at least to someone like me who loves the utilitarian aspect of it), I know that I wouldn't want to rely on one as my sole daily driver either, as I've grown to used to modern comforts... whenever I see posts suggesting that Toyota would sell a ton of 70 series if they brought them to NA, I have to disagree... a lot of hobbyists and enthusiasts would initially buy them, but otherwise interest would be VERY limited..."

1) My thoughts exactly. However, that would just be a Sequoia's powerplant... and I have one of those... for $75k OTD. I'd rather have the non-hybrid with retained space for cargo, lower GVWR and payload room for armor.
2) 100% agree (see my response to #1)
3) 1000% agree 70 series over 300, but I would gladly swap my 250 for a 70, because...
4) I grew up on 60's and early 70's Jeeps, Buicks, GMCs... and I chose a 1958 for the same longing for simplicity. IF we could get the inline turbo diesel you're looking at a 300k mile, near worry free experience. Manual hubs, physical key, manual climate, swing gate, vinyl floors... I'd daily drive the crap out that. I DO agree, however, that MOST people suffer from wanting what they can't have, the forbidden fruit. I 10000% agree that most would not be able to daily a vehicle that spartan. However, if the pricing followed the Japan/Australian established model ($35k/45k respective starting point) I think that it opens the door strongly in favor of those willing to fork money as a recreational expense. Hell, I own a $30k Polaris UTV that I could justify simply replacing with a 70 series at that price point. The US is slowly pushing SxS out of recreation OR territory and driving them toward membership lands specific to the hobby, or shared treks amongst actual passenger vehicle trails. I used to have no less than a dozen locations to spend a Saturday wheeling within an hour haul. Now the closest is 3 hours away.

 

[PDPete]

However, if the pricing followed the Japan/Australian established model

I feel like tariffs/chicken tax would make that unlikely. (and is probably already a reason why the 70 series isn't in the US)

 

[DubDub]

I feel like tariffs/chicken tax would make that unlikely. (and is probably already a reason why the 70 series isn't in the US)

I also feel like it is in the equation. Behind Toyota's knowledge of NA's obsession with sporty, refined, technology-flooded offerings, which is further behind us having our own market-specific Toyota offerings, and significantly behind the California led restrictions on everything that makes the 70 a 70. Last I saw, the newest refresh of the 70 series still doesn't have pillar airbags.

 

[Truckee]

so LC300 is now lighter than it was prior and 400lbs lighter than a sequoia? thought they all used the same platform......but it is still 350-400lbs heavier the our LC@%) which peaks out at ~5450 unless you start adding armour.

The LC300 is much lighter than the Sequoia. The Sequoia is larger, doesn't use steel in the body and only comes in the hybrid TTV6.

LC300 TTV6: 2585 kg = 5698 lbs

And that's with 29 gallon fuel tank(s) and 3rd row seats.

Several online publications list the LC250 FE with a weight of ~5639lbs (C&D, Motortrend, R&T). They can be off too but in any case, the weight is similar. You can see the amount of aluminum in this thread.

 

[Lainford Express]

I'd rather have a 250 1958 with the overseas 4-cyl diesel and larger tank than the 300.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

The LC300 is much lighter than the Sequoia. The Sequoia is larger, doesn't use steel in the body and only comes in the hybrid TTV6.

LC300 TTV6: 2585 kg = 5698 lbs

And that's with 29 gallon fuel tank(s) and 3rd row seats.
View attachment 44041

Several online publications list the LC250 FE with a weight of ~5639lbs (C&D, Motortrend, R&T). They can be off too but in any case, the weight is similar. You can see the amount of aluminum in this thread.

3rd row seats are 100% useless to me. I hate idiots like Ford that make you accept a 3rd row when you don't ant it. They lost out on an Aviator sale as a result.
Him dealer pulled out his spec book and loaded LC250 was in the ~ 5450 zone. I bet that 5639 number is with all the heavy guards etc added... Regardless, neither are lightweights. Interesting how the bigger motor adds bout as much as the battery packs.
Aslo regardless, till the jury is out, that V6 motor is red flagged....

 

[Truckee]

The LC300 is available in a 5 seater as well and even more stripped down trim. That is just the weight figure with those options. Probably 100-150 lbs less in more basic model. The 5 seater, stripped down diesel version weighs 5467 lbs.

Interesting how the bigger motor adds bout as much as the battery packs.

There are many more differences than just the motor. Frame, axles, suspension are all different... to accommodate higher load capacity/duty cycle. Given the lightweight body and the heavier weight frame & drivetrain, I'd venture to say that 300 has a lower center of gravity than the 250.