The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 has finally reached its home market in Japan, abandoning the Prado moniker that has been in use in the country since 1990. Described as the “core model” of the Land Cruiser family, this capable off-roader joins the more luxurious 300 Series and the classic 70 Series.
In terms of powertrains, Japanese buyers don’t get the mild-hybrid diesel that is available in Europe and Australia, nor the hybrid gasoline option from North America. Instead, they can only order the Land Cruiser 250 with non-electrified diesel and gasoline powertrains.
The flagship 2.8-liter turbodiesel produces 201 hp (150 kw / 204 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, and is exclusively mated to an eight-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. As for the less potent naturally aspirated 2.7-liter gasoline engine, it is good for 160 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 246 Nm (181 lb-ft) and is connected to a six-speed Super ECT automatic.
Both powertrains are combined with a full-time 4WD system featuring a Torsen LSD on the center differential and electronic rear differential lock. To make life easier when driving off the beaten track, the model offers six driving models via the Multi-Terrain Select system, and has a Multi-Terrain Monitor combining feed from four cameras.
In terms of safety equipment, the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite comes standard in all trims, while the Toyota Teammate that’s available on higher grades adds more sophisticated systems taking over the control of the vehicle when certain conditions are met.
The new Land Cruiser 250 is already available to order from Toyota dealers in Japan. Pricing starts from ¥5,200,000 ($33,700) for the base-spec five-seater GX and tops out at ¥7,850,000 ($50,872) for the flagship seven-seater ZX First Edition.
