The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 has finally arrived in its home market of Japan, abandoning the Prado name that has been used in the country since 1990. This vehicle is renowned for its off-road capabilities and is described as the 'base model' of the Land Cruiser family. It joins a range of other off-road vehicles, including the luxurious Series 300 and the classic Series 70.
While North American buyers are limited to a hybrid system that includes a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, Japanese buyers do not have the hybrid option. Instead, they can choose between two conventional engines: a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine and a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. They also have access to a limited production run of 8,000 units of the First Edition models.
Compared to its predecessor, the Land Cruiser 250 series focuses more on practicality rather than luxury and refinement, leaving that role to the larger Series 300. As expected, the Japanese version looks identical to the European and American specifications, with some special touches on the First Edition models and optional accessories. The color palette includes six exterior colors and two interior colors: black and dark chestnut.
The First Edition models are based on the mid-spec VX version and the high-spec ZX version, featuring rectangular and round LED headlights respectively. Both models rely on a new set of 18-inch black matte aluminum wheels fitted with off-road tires. The VX can be had with either diesel or gasoline engines, while the ZX is exclusively available in diesel form.
Inside, the models feature 'First Edition' lettering on the doors, leather upholstery, and titanium accents. The standard equipment is more generous in the diesel versions, including a more luxurious digital cockpit with two 12.3-inch screens. The vehicle also comes with a premium JBL sound system consisting of 14 speakers and the advanced Toyota Teammate ADAS system.
The vehicle is built on the TNGA-F platform, honoring the ladder frame heritage of the series. The SUV measures 4,925 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, and is available in five or seven-seat configurations.
Regarding engines, Japanese buyers do not get the hybrid diesel available in Europe and Australia, nor the gasoline hybrid option from North America. Instead, they can only order the vehicle with standard diesel and gasoline engines.
The leading 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine produces 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission with direct drive. The less powerful 2.7-liter gasoline engine generates 160 horsepower and 246 Nm of torque, with a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission.
Both engines are integrated with a permanent four-wheel drive system featuring a central differential and an electronic locking rear differential. To make off-road driving easier, the model offers six driving modes through the Multi-Terrain Select system and features a Multi-Terrain Monitor that combines feeds from four cameras.
In terms of safety equipment, the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS system comes standard on all models, while the higher trims add the more advanced Toyota Teammate system that takes over vehicle control.
