2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 2.8L MHEV 8AT AWD (204 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota continued the Land Cruiser saga in 2023 after more than 70 years since the model’s inception in 1951, and the LC250 variant was the successor of the light-duty version of this moniker.

The Japanese automaker divided the Land Cruiser range into three directions. One evolved into a luxury SUV, another version was a heavy-duty model that was used by the military and NGOs, and a version in between was known as the Prado. The latter was also known as the LC 250 on the generation launched in 2023. Toyota tried to satisfy most customers with this version. While it retained the Land Cruiser’s hard-core values, it still provided enough amenities for a family. It surely wasn’t as luxurious as its richer sibling, the LC300, but it could tackle serious off-road trails without breaking a sweat. Furthermore, unlike its hard-core sibling, the 70, it had plenty of comfort features that transformed it into a more than decent daily driver vehicle. Toyota made the LC 250 based on the GA-F platform used by its more luxurious sibling and introduced this light-duty version in 2024.

Its front fascia was available with a choice of two types of headlights. One was fitted with circular LEDs for daytime running lights that surrounded the main headlamps. This version resembled the famous J70 generation from 1984. Customers could also get the vehicle with a different styling, with slim headlights that integrated three LED blocks inside. The squared-looking front fascia boasted the Toyota lettering shown on the upper grille. Both versions sported the same front bumper adorned in the center by a gray trim.

From the profile, the enlarged front fenders covered the chunky off-road wheels and featured plastic molds around the squarish wheel arches. The door mirrors were huge for a 2024 vehicle and were intentionally left black and unpainted to lower the repair costs when scratched. On the rear doors, Toyota created a step-up for the windows’ line towards the vertical D-pillar at the back. Like on the front fenders, the rear ones featured plastic moldings and enlarged areas. The automaker kept the back of the SUV unaltered by the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate and installed it underneath the vehicle. Finally, the Land Cruiser 250 featured corner-mounted taillights that flanked the tailgate and kept things traditional.

Inside the Land Cruiser, there was ample space for up to seven occupants across three rows of seats. The third row, located in the trunk area, consisted of jump seats, while both the second and third rows could be flat-folded to expand cargo capacity. The longer wheelbase contributed to a more spacious interior despite a reduced overall length compared to its predecessor. This provided sufficient legroom for the first and second rows, with just enough space for the third row. In homage to the iconic FJ70 Series, the SUV embraced modern technology, featuring an LCD display in front of the driver and a touchscreen for the infotainment system atop the center stack. A substantial center console divided the front seats, accommodating transmission controls, a pair of cup holders, and a storage compartment doubling as an armrest. All buttons could be operated with gloved hands.

Under the hood, the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 came fitted with an evolved version of the older 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine. Unlike previous versions, which were paired with five-speed automatics, the 2024 version came mated to an eight-speed automatic. Furthermore, the automaker also provided the vehicle with a hybrid powertrain.