In August 2023 Toyota unveiled the J250 Land Cruiser Prado to be released in 2024. The 250 series marks a significant stride in Toyota’s iconic SUV lineup. Built to improve its on- and off-road prowess and daily usability, the Land Cruiser 250 series is built on the GA-F platform it shares with its larger sibling, the 300 series, which improves its performance and handling. The 250 series features a sturdy design and advanced technology, with the American and European markets planned to be treated with a mild hybrid model by 2025.
With this release Toyota aims to cement the Land Cruiser’s legendary durability, dependability, and practicality, making it suitable for urban environments and rugged terrains.
Notable features and updates on the “250” Series
Available powertrains: A 2.8-liter I4 direct injection turbo diesel engine paired with Direct Shift-8AT transmission and a 2.7-liter I4 petrol engine. A 48V mild hybrid option will be available.
Platform: The GA-F platform it shares with the 300 Series.
Design and Features: Features a rugged exterior design with modern interior amenities, conforming to Toyota’s Safety Sense standard.
Market Position: As a light-duty model in the Land Cruiser lineup, it is positioned as a core model that bridges functionality and luxury.
Launch and Availability: Timing of availability in different markets region across Japan territory, with pre-sales opening as early as December 4, 2023, and the estimated launch date set for December 15, 2024.
(Initially launched in Japan, with potential global expansion plans.)
This series retains the Land Cruiser’s reputation for durability and off-road capability while integrating new technologies and design elements to appeal to modern consumers.
The Interior
The 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series interior is a good combination of practicality and modern luxury. It’s available in two distinct colors: Dark Chestnut, which highlights its rugged off-road nature, and Black, which creates a firm, sharp feel.
It is available in a two-row, five-seat, or three-row seven-seat configuration. The second row is a 60:40 split and the third row is a 50:50 split, this unleashes a 408-liter boot and enables the SUV to carry long items, although the second row does not completely collapse to the floor. Its tailgate glass can be lowered by a touch of a button enabling the loading and unloading of small items without opening the rear tailgate.
Standard features include a 12.3-inch infotainment system with built-in wireless smartphone connectivity, sat-navy, and DAB+ digital radio, a 7.0-inch color instrument cluster, a 10-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, a console cool box, several USB-C ports, and a three-prong 220V 2400-watt AC inverter, manually adjustable cloth-covered seats, and all-weather rubber floor mats.
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Price Range
The 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series is available in several trims with varying price bands.
- The MSRP of the Prado 250 series starts at ¥5,200,000 (US$32,400) for the five-seat 2.8-liter diesel GX model and goes all the way up to ¥7,850,000 (US$48,900) for the top ZX Special Edition model with seven seats and 2.8-liter diesel.
- In Japan, the pricing for the Toyota Prado (a Land Cruiser 250 series), starts at around ¥4,000,000 (US$24,900) and can reach up to ¥7,350,000 (US$45,800) for top-tier trims like the ZX and VX limited models.
- In the United States, the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series starts at $55,950 for the base model, with the mid-range version priced at $63,345 and the top-end “First Edition” model priced at $76,345.
- In the Philippines, the Land Cruiser Prado ranges between ₱3.665 million and ₱4.487 million (approximately $62,700 to $76,760).
- In South Africa, the Land Cruiser Prado 250 price ranges between R1,296,300 (US$71,200) and R1,472,600 (US$80,900)
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Exterior
The styling of the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series boasts a rugged and modern-retro design, staying grounded in its heritage while incorporating contemporary elements.
It is available in multiple trims, including the GX, VX, and ZX, each with defining features to cater to different tastes. And if that is not enough, you can customize it to your tastes with readily available parts from companies such as JAOS, MODELLISTA, and Toy-Factory.
Its facial features a bold “TOYOTA” heritage grille, flanked by round or rectangular Bi-Beam LED headlights with LED DRLs and a robust-looking bumper underneath. The sides are defined by horizontal lines, square wing mirrors, rock rails, and athletic Fender flares, while at the rear there is a swing-up tailgate and LED taillights. Roof rails and a shark fin antenna are available in some trims.
Under the skin, it retains the body-on-frame structure built on the GA-F platform like the LC 300, with several mechanical changes. The notable one is the adoption of electric power steering that enhances its responsiveness allowing the lane keep assist technology to be implemented.
Side Profile
From the sides, the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series draws attention to both functionality and sturdy design. A prominent horizontal beltline travels along the car’s length, strengthening its dynamic posture and stability. The lowered beltline improves visibility for both the driver and passengers, which is crucial for off-road driving and safety. Its squared-off wheel arches and muscular fender flares draw attention to its off-road abilities, and its practical design features guarantee durability and toughness in harsh conditions. Its high driving position and low-set cowl are welcome as they boost visibility and control, bolstering the Land Cruiser’s reputation for dependability, versatility, and reliability in diverse environments.
Popularity Facts
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a global icon, renowned for its dependability, durability, and off-road abilities. For over 70 years it has retained a strong market presence, attaining accumulative global sales of over 10.6 million units by 2021. Extremely popular in the Middle East, with one country alone accounting for 42,300 units, about 13.3% of its global sales. Public opinion on the Land Cruiser is rated at 89% fame, with its popularity at 54% among car enthusiasts.
The Land Cruiser is globally celebrated for its dependability, durability, and off-road prowess. It has received numerous awards, including the 2014 Highest Retained Value and Excellent Value awards by IntelliChoice, and Best Resale Value by Kelley Blue Book.
Customers appreciate its go-anywhere capability and the introduction of a strong hybrid system is welcome, its biggest drawback is its high price and some fans feel let down by its reduced engine size. Despite mixed reviews on the newer models’ uniqueness, the Land Cruiser remains a sought-after vehicle for new and old fans.
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Its Competitors
The three top rivals of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 series are:
Land Rover Defender: With a strong reputation rugged off-roading capabilities and luxurious amenities, the Defender is a strong rival to the Land Cruiser 250 series in terms of performance and prestige.
Jeep Wrangler: The Wrangler is known for its off-road prowess and customizable features, making it a top contender for adventure enthusiasts.
Lexus GX 550: Coming from the same Toyota family as the LC 250, the GX550 is a luxury SUV with premium features, it offers a good mixture of luxury, comfort, modern technology, performance, and off-road capability, positioning it as a direct competitor Land Cruiser 250.
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Land Cruiser Series Differences
The production of the Land Cruiser series is divided into three categories. Heavy-Duty, Light-Duty, and Station Wagon.
The Heavy-Duty model is the Land Cruiser J70 which is sold in a few select markets, the Light-Duty model is the Toyota Prado (70, 90, 120, 150, and 250 series), with the latest model being the Land Cruiser 250, and the Station Wagon is the 50, 60, 80, 100, 200, and the latest being the 300 series.
What is the difference between the Land Cruiser 200, 300, and 250 series?
The main differences between the Toyota Land Cruiser series 200, 300, and 250 primarily lie in the platform they are built on, engine, body design, and features.
The 200 series built from 2007 to 2021 is large and luxurious, designed to provide maximum comfort and towing capacity, and powered by a V8 engine. In contrast, the latest 300 series is built on a new GA-F platform resulting in a slightly reduced body compared to the 200 series without sacrificing luxury and off-road capability but with the addition of the latest technologies and a lineup of more efficient engines.
The Land Cruiser 250 series seats below the 300 series, it’s built on a similar GA-F platform as the 300 series but smaller and compact with an emphasis on simplicity, affordability, and sturdiness. Its engines are also small and efficient creating a good balance of off-road prowess and everyday practicality.
Mileage: 14KM
Year: 2024/5
Engine: 2,800cc
Trans. AT
Fuel: Diesel
Engine & Performance
What engine is the Land Cruiser 250?
The 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series is primarily available with optional engines. These are:
- The i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter T24A-FTS inline-4 cylinder petrol with 276 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
- The turbocharged 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV inline-4cylinder diesel with 201 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque.
These engines are paired with a 6-speed or 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. These powerplants are robust and are designed to provide a good balance of efficiency, power, reliability, and sufficient torque and performance, ideal for both on- and off-road adventures and smooth highway driving.
In addition, these two engines are also available in a hybrid (T24A-FTS) and mild hybrid (1GD-FTV). The petrol model pairs the i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter petrol engine with hybrid technology that places a motor between the engine and transmission, producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The diesel model features a mild hybrid (MHEV) system that utilizes a 48V battery and small motor paired with the 2.8-liter diesel engine producing a combined 204 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
These hybrid systems enhance fuel efficiency and improve the vehicle’s overall performance.
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Performance
The performance of the Land Cruiser is further improved by its full-time 4WD system, guaranteeing optimal traction and stability across various terrains.
Combining ultra-modern powertrains and rugged off-road capability makes the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series an all-around and potent SUV, suitable for diverse driving conditions.
Built tough with capable engines, the 250 series is impressive at towing, with its maximum towing capacity standing at 6000 pounds (2.7 tons). This enables it to tow loads of varying nature, such as trailers and boats, boosting its practicality for work and recreational purposes.
Overall, the Land Cruiser 250 series continues Toyota’s heritage of producing dependable vehicles that meet diverse needs, from daily drivers to work horses.
Land Cruiser 250 Series Fuel Consumption
The 2024 Land Cruiser 250 series is available in two main engines. Their efficiency rating is as follows. The turbocharged 2.8-liter engine achieves approximately 12.5 km/L (29 mpg) while the i-Force 2.4-liter achieves approximately 9.4 km/L (22 mpg).
In contrast, the hybrid version’s efficiency is as follows. The turbocharged 2.8-liter mild hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 14 km/L (33 mpg) while the i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid has a combined fuel economy rating of 11 km/L (26 mpg).
Toyota’s engine technologies and hybrid systems are well optimized offering a good balance between performance and efficiency, and that applies to the engines fitted on the Land Cruiser 250 series. If you are for power or efficiency, the 250 series has it without compromising the vehicle’s renowned capability.
Environmental Consciousness
Toyota has been championing the environmental cause by continuously improving its engines, the release of the Land Cruiser 250 series revealing that with the obvious advancements in technology and efficiency. The model is available with a diesel, petrol, hybrid, or mild hybrid powertrain designed with a reduction of CO2 footprint in mind without jeopardizing the vehicle’s robust performance.
This approach aligns with Toyota’s devotion to sustainability by improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact without compromising the Land Cruiser’s legendary capabilities.
Incorporating eco-friendly materials and adhering to strict emissions standards underscores Toyota’s dedication to environmental stewardship in this legendary off-road vehicle.
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Key Features
The introduction of the Land Cruiser 250 series coincides with the introduction of several new innovative features designed to enhance its appeal, performance, and comfort. They include:
- Powertrain Options: It offers a choice between a 2.8-liter diesel, 2.4-liter petrol, a mild hybrid, and a hybrid powertrain, all designed to cater to different preferences for power and efficiency.
- Advanced Off-Road Capabilities: It is equipped with Toyota’s latest technologies, which have improved its off-road capabilities, these include upgraded traction control and suspension systems which guarantee superior off-road performance.
- Luxurious Interior: The cabin finish is premium, it features a high-end infotainment system and the seats are spacious, providing a comfortable and seamless driving experience.
- Safety Features: Safety Wise, the vehicle is offered with plenty of active and passive safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a comprehensive distribution of airbags which guarantee passenger safety in various driving conditions.
- Design Updates: It features a new and modern exterior design with improvements in aerodynamics and lighting improving the vehicle’s appeal while maintaining its legendary Land Cruiser silhouette.
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Designed to Appeal
The Land Cruiser 250 series release targets a specific group of customers, those who value efficiency, comfort, style, versatility, and ruggedness. People who are into:
Off-Roading: This vehicle is ideal for off-roading. It is a capable off-roader, it’s rugged with advanced off-road features and technologies that make it suitable for challenging terrains.
Family and Adventure Seekers: For adventurous families, this vehicle is compatible with them, its cabin is spacious and luxurious, and its high towing capacity makes it suitable for long family trips and outdoor activities.
Tech-Savvy Drivers: If you are into tech, this car won’t let you down, its advanced safety features and latest infotainment system will give you a home feel.
SUV Enthusiasts: For SUV fanatics, this vehicle falls within your category, its Land Cruiser heritage and a good mixture of small but powerful petrol, diesel, hybrid, and mild hybrid powerplants will prove mouth-watering.
TOYOTA
“The design of their cars presents a unique and customized aesthetic that seamlessly blends with the African landscape, enhancing their appeal. ” Keep reading ≫
Final Verdict
For car critics and fanatics, a deep look into the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 series will definitely leave you impressed as it offers a good mixture of rugged off-road capability, elegant interior comfort, and the latest technology. Built to enhance the Land Cruiser’s iconic status, Toyota has achieved just that, as this car presents a good balance of ruggedness and sophistication. Its turbocharged petrol and diesel engines deliver ample power for both on-road dynamics and off-road adventures, and the hybrid and mild hybrid systems add choices but also boost efficiency.
Its advanced safety features and a premium cabin are the cherry on top.
Compared to its predecessor, the 250 series body has been reduced resulting in improved agility and reduced weight, improving overall drivability. Despite the reduced size, its towing capacity and off-road capability is remarkable, lining it up as an appealing choice for adventurous families and off-road enthusiasts.
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Writer’s Perspective
With the slogan “back to the basics,” Toyota has succeeded in bringing this Land Cruiser (Prado) 250 series project to fruition. The final product unveiled in America in August 2023 was so striking.
Borrowing a leaf and harking to its roots gave birth to classic looks that appeal and trigger nostalgia for old and new Land Cruiser fanatics, especially the limited “special edition” “first edition” models sold in Japan that went so close to recapturing the earlier models looks.
Regardless of trim, the LC 250 series has managed to signify the Land Cruiser legacy by being a true off-roader capable of withstanding the harshest conditions while offering car-like comforts and drive appeals.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
