I’ve been watching a lot of Land Cruiser videos because I thought I was really excited about this car and most of them they try and avoid all the negatives, maybe because they’re afraid of backlash, but I truly appreciated what you called out in this video. It was less about offloading which 99% of people who own these will ever do and more about the real every day issues that you face with the car.
The reality is, if you’re a professional UA-camr (which I am not), in order to maintain a good relationship with the automaker who’s lending you cars, you stay away from any actual critique. So you’ll hear them refer to things that are bad as “interesting” versus “terrible” and so on… unfortunately more than not, UA-cam has become more about advertising cars than actually reviewing them.
Best Landcruiser review I have watched. All the points that you make are important and informative for someone looking for one of these. Like you I wanted to love this vehicle but too many issues at this price point.
I’ve put around 4K miles on my mid-trim LC, so no issues with lumbar or hard plastics. And the cabin is mostly a very nice place to be (save for side-to-side leg room, which is a little cramped). This is a very honest review, which I appreciate. I will say that the jerky start-stops really bothered me a lot at first, but that I got used to it. What bothers me more is the thin metal and plastics and glass compared with my 5th gen 4Runner. Also, the lackluster range and lack of fold-flat seats like my 4R. Alas. It’s still a nice truck, and excellent at speed. I’m very fortunate to have both, but if I could only own one, I would own the 4Runner if I’m being honest with myself.
Yes, your mid trim has much better seats which is why I call out that the 1958 seats are a problem and just another reason I don’t think anyone should buy the 1958 as you get so much more with the mid-trim.
@@jaydoh6420 I wouldn't have a GX. The lack of tactile buttons resulting in the overuse of the "infotainment" screen is enough to keep me away from that.
@timfreeman7034 I agree with you on that but the engine for me would win out over buttons-and it’s both sad and annoying that we have to make that decision whether you want the better more tactile interior or the better engine.
@@joshjamescars I get that. But I really have gotten used to the jolt of energy that the thing delivers immediately at stop signs!! Have I come to like it? Maybe I have a little. When I get back in my 4Runner now it is *smooth* but BORING and slow. I honestly like driving the LC so much more. But maybe I'm just getting used to its quirks! I got it at the beginning of August. I don't think it's as well built on the outside as the 4R (what IS?!). But I would take it for daily driving around hills here in the Ozarks 7 out of 7 days of the week now. It's grown on me! And I find myself still excited to get in it.
Everything is 💯 % correct as usual. You will never be a Toyota or Lexus ambassador with your non bias honesty )) With every other new Toyota/Lexus car review , I appreciate the quality and joy of driving my GX460.
Thank you! And frankly, it’s my personal belief that no reviewer should ever be an ambassador to a brand. That is the ultimate conflict of interest. So, I would never want to be one. :)
I appreciate the detail and thoughts on this video. Very professional video as always. So glad I decided on my 5G4R TRD Pro over this vehicle. I love the hydraulic steering....and I have other vehicles that give me a different experience. Each have their "personality". You definitely deserve way higher subs. You'll get there the quality here is unmistakable. The dichotomy of big vehicles, full economy and engine type struck a note with me as well. This "save the world" movement has limitations and this is it--at least in the current iteration we are in.
Yep! And if you ever get tired of your 4Runner you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid for like I did, LOL. As for bigger vehicles relative to emissions standards, I agree. I think Toyota needs to axe this powertrain from the Land Cruiser and 4Runner and either discontinue them or pay the price (fines) to put a V6 in them like Ford, Porsche, and others do who still make midsize SUVs with engines that can actually support them.
@kurtbeck5809 I don’t know if I fully agree with that, because I think if Toyota actually tried they could engineer a climate-friendly powertrain that isn’t crap to drive. Like how they gave the old 2GR V6 plug in hybrid power in the TX550h+. I think there are ways to meet all the emissions regulations with engines that are still great to drive.
They should have the capability so then it may just come back to the cost of doing as well as their evaluation of the public/their customers acceptance of that...what is your take on that? I still agree with you about the GX460 being the better choice @joshjamescars
Hold onto that thing for a looong time-they don’t make ‘em like they used to, and that will be a gem on the used market if you decide to get rid of it one day.
Wow are they really? Haven’t seen that yet here but I was just thinking that our dealers are going to have to start discounting the undesirable trims of Tundra, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser if they don’t start selling.
@@joshjamescars There is a guy out east that is working off the slimmer margin/more volume approach, and cutting thousands off, not just on the LC250. Like you, I live in the Austin area, (posted earlier today with my other username), and I never buy cars/motorcycles here. Vehicles are a commodity, commodities trade on price, and businesses in Central Texas are insane. Fly and ride/drive, or delivery services, work for me.
Excellent video Josh. In a UA-cam chock full of advertisements masquerading as ‘reviews’, I truly appreciate the time you took to make this. The vibration measurement was very clever, and downright embarrassing for Toyota. I have a 2019 200 series and looking around I don’t see an adequate replacement for it. I can only hope it lasts a long time.
As a GX460 owner I feel exactly the same way! Seeing what was out there last year is what made me decide to pull the trigger on the 460 while I could still get one new. I honestly don’t know what I’d replace it with because the new GX550, while better than the LC, isn’t great and also way overpriced IMO.
You really hit the nails on the heads in this one. I had a 23 40th anniversary 4runner and now I have a 1958 and the 4 runner is a higher quality vehicle in every way. The Land Cruiser jerky confused powertrain takes some getting used to BUT I would still choose it over the 4runner because I value having more torque which is a lot more fun to drive in the real world on daily commutes. Once you learn how it likes to be driven (I know that is crazy) you adjust yourself to it and make it pretty smooth. I know we shouldn’t have to do this but it happens naturally with every vehicle we drive over time anyway. Not making excuses for it because it is def NOT a smooth powertrain but it is very powerful and does not suffer turbo lag. I am also getting 22mpg over almost 6000 miles which offsets the premium fuel cost of the LC when compared to the 4 runners. 17mpg. To me the biggest issue with these is the cheapness. The sheet metal is paper thin, the doors sound HORRIBLE when shutting them esp with the windows down or if the passenger door is open, the windows rattle when rolled partially down, the rear spoilers are def loose by design I noticed the first time I washed it, no lumbar support although the seats are nice to me but I’m a wide guy and don’t like big bolsters, the S-flow mode in the climate is ANNOYING and keeps the vents from blowing full blast and has to be turned off EVERY time you get in. It’s overall NOT a 58k vehicle in my opinion it is more like a 44k vehicle but i have never gotten so many compliments on a vehicle in my life and I’ve had over 40 vehicles For whatever that’s worth lol. It def still gets the cool points from the general public lol
I was wondering why I wasn't seeing more of them on the road, now I know. What a difficult video it must have been to make, I can assure it was hard for me to watch. Hope Toyota management get to see it as well. Thanks !
Yeah.. it’s a sad day for Land Cruiser fans. Also, @howlilly4288 the mid trim is nice inside but shares the same powertrain and that rules it out for me.
Thank you for the very detailed and helpful review! The real-world MPG for this truck is miserable 😥 This would be a big problem for overlanders/offroaders. Once they add heavy bumpers, armors, tent, AT/MT tires etc., the MPG will suffer even more. Combined with the smaller gas tank, it's no longer overland-able 😂 And why is premium gas required when it's not a Lexus! In many places, the premium gas costs 50% more than regular. So we'd end up paying more for gas than the old V6 4runner and V8 Landcruiser... Not cool 😂 I'd just buy a good old 100 series LC for a fraction of the price.
Yep! Had the exact same thought about this car loaded up. Also, this is an incredibly complex, high strung turbo engine so I’m guessing they tuned it to run at a really high compression ratio that requires the more combustible octane rating in premium. Premium gas isn’t exclusively a luxury car thing, and many Lexuses run just fine on regular, it all depends on the engine.
Thank you and welcome aboard, I hope you enjoy! My channel is a side hobby and isn’t always reviews, but just my adventures in ownership and things that interest me.
Thanks Josh for the review. Love getting your thoughts on these new Toyotas/Lexus’ from a GX 460’s owner. You seem truly unbiased and pragmatic and my family and I will definitely stay tuned for more full size SUV reviews from your channel!
Thank you! That’s so very kind of you to say! This UA-cam channel is a side hobby for me and as such, I don’t have relationships with automakers that I have to maintain by only saying good things about their cars.
The version you may have rented might have serious mechanical issues. My 1958’s rear spoiler doesn’t rattle like that. I’m averaging 22-23mpg with a Front Runner roof rack on and my transmission is smooth and the gearing is appropriate when it downshifts when I need to pass or get on the on ramp. I’m also not getting any odd vibrations that you are experiencing. If anything, that LC looks to be in need of a major service. Also, we took a road trip to Austin a couple of weeks ago and were comfy to and fro, taking scenic routes. These days our 5th Gen Limited 4Runner is spending more time in the garage the past couple of months since we got the LC last summer.
It may have, but I’ve heard from a significant number of folks whose experience mirrored mine so I’m wondering if there’s something going on in first year production that some are coming off fine and others are having these issues. In any case, a reason for me to not buy first model year.
@@joshjamescars yeah, agreed. That’s the gamble I took with this generation but I trust Toyota. Hehe. Also, I wouldn’t sugar coat anything either like you did here with your review.
Excellent review. Thank you. After having driven my 1988 FJ62 Land Cruiser for 36 years, I wanted to love (and buy) this new land cruiser. I even put a deposit on it sight unseen. When I did test drive it I was extremely disappointed. You nailed it. It just felt like any other SUV. Needless to say, I got my deposit back. It's a Prado, not a Land Cruiser.
Your experience is indeed your experience, others have had such a different experience however. I didn’t see your review on the GX550, but if I’ve heard you correctly, you wanted to like it, but you didn’t. Your mpg (for a non modified LC)is the lowest I’ve seen on the Land Cruiser, now a number of people have stated after about a 1,000 miles their mpg improved; also disabling PDA drastically helped some. I’ve driven the 2025LC and didn’t have any issues with driving it in the city and it being jerky. I do agree the lack of lumbar setting and seeing over the hood were issues for me. These prices are insane and unfortunately that’s a trend that all car manufacturers are doing. Keep making your videos, I appreciate your point of view!
People say they have had different experiences, but it’s important to remember most pro-Toyota people here on UA-cam only say positive things so as to not offend Toyota; and many reviews also only focus on the off-road abilities of the Land Cruiser, which I imagine are quite good. Also, regarding MPG I live in Texas which does usually result in my MPG being lower than someone who lives in places on the east or west coasts where they may not do the highway driving we do. So as always, take my review (and those in the comments who had the same experience I did) as a factor in any decision making you do.
You did a great job here and what you describe about the engine and interior is why I went from my previous 5th gen 4Runner TRD Offroad, said no to the 6th gen 4Runner and this LC, and bought a GX 550. Unfortunately the GX interior is also very underwhelming for "luxury" Good video! You kept me engaged for the whole thing😊
Yep! Could not agree more. The GX550 is better but as a GX460 owner when I got into it, I felt like I was sitting in a 4Runner or Bronco. And thank you for the kind words!
@@joshjamescars Yup and the GX 550 feels like a Toyota LC 250 interior slighty re organized, and some "soft touch" material added. I refuse to acknowledge my massage seats, because to use them you have to have a degree in computer programming lol. So deep in the display settings that they aren't worth using, or trying to figure out. I personally think the GX 460 had slightly better based visual luxury appointments than the 550, based on the era it was made, having "wood" trim option etc just looked better, especially for the era it was made. Unfortunately with Toyota's poor choice to not develop a more affordable dedicated midsized frame, like previous Prado, GX460, 5th gen 4Runner sat on, and using their "global", more heavy, more expensive TNGA platform for both midsized and fullsized 4x4s, means now they can only differentiate the prices of these vehicles by stripping down features, or adding forced features, like the LC's forced hybridization to justify pricing, or those dumb gimmick seats forced on Tacoma TRD Pro buyers, that you can't option out. Stamping the Supra name (a Japanese cultural icon) on a BMW was definitely a key sign that Toyota is too American influenced now, cashing in on names, rather than quality. This "Land Cruiser" is no different imo
@lunamaria1048 100000% agree with everything you say here! I’ve been a longtime Toyota fan but I won’t buy another one until or unless they change their approach.
@@joshjamescars It is unfortunate. 12 years of amazing memories with two 5th gen 4Runners! I love that vehicle soo much! I feel like they forced the 550 on buyers like me tbh. I do actually buy body-on-frame Toyota/Lexus 4x4s to use as secondary offroad adventure, camping, winter driver vehicles, so durability and reliability is very important. The 6th gen 4Runner and new Tacoma lack much needed front frame mounted bumpstops, and have a top shock mount bumpstop setup, that is used for cars and crossovers. The Tacoma is already blowing that shock mount in light offroading, live on videos. It is so sad to see something I love decline. Appreciate the replies! Liked and subbed and will check out more of your videos😊
That’s about on par with our mid-trim; and I think your prices may include taxes and fees which are not included in our pricing so I’d guess it comes out to be about the same. But I completely agree with you-it’s an expensive vehicle for what it is.
Hey Josh, your video was great! I was thinking about test-driving the new land cruiser, but your insights on the driving experience, which I can relate to, given that I have a GX460 myself, have given me a lot to consider. Kudos to you!
Thank you! I would still recommend you test drive it, but I don’t think it’s in any way a viable replacement for a GX460. But… as the saying goes, they don’t make ‘em like they used to and the GX460 was a product of a time that’s long since passed and a consumer who no longer exists, so I don’t know if there ever will be a true replacement for it.
Gebtleman on youtube took the time to compare the older 200 to this. This was more than 60% thinner in all undercarriage thickness of material.wh9ch equates to 8 times the sttemgth
Yup! you pretty much summed it up. So many misses on this vehicle. I really wanted to like it. But, it's over priced, the build quality is subpar, and the lots of misses from the small tank, plastic interior, no lumbar etc. And for the 1958 being the more off road base version the lack of sway bar disconnect is perplexing. I also found the width of the footwell to be rather small. My right leg felt like it didn't have enough room. I don't need to keep going as you summed it up well. Now I just have to figure out my next vehicle. I want it to be a Toyota truck or SUV but why I used to buy them has seemingly faded into the past. Thanks for a great detailed review!
@RSwrightMD Thank you! The money to rent this Land Cruiser came from the few bucks I make in ad revenue so I look at it as reinvesting it back into the channel!
I know a lot of people are looking at the LC as a 5th gen 4Runner replacement because of the advertised fuel economy and "refinement." Thank you for honestly reviewing the LC and putting some perspective out there. You can easily average 18.5 mpg mixed driving in a 5th gen 4Runner, which would give you much better range with its larger gas tank. Not to mention the proven reliability and excellent build quality you get with the 4Runner. I'll be keeping mine for the long haul! Thanks again.
I would wait and see how the 25s drive. This drivetrain (engine+hybrid+transmission) simply does not drive to my liking. It needs a lot of refinement to get it to a point where it will feel seamless and smooth.
Another excellent review!! The details you bring up vs. any other UA-camr is incredible! Thanks for taking the time to do these. In the words of Randy Jackson, " it's a no from me dawg". lol Like you said, it's just too much money for what you get. I never keep vehicles for very long, but with the janky cars being produced nowadays, It's going to be easy holding on to my two 4Runners. 😎 Take care. ;)
Hello my friend!! Thank you as always for watching and for your kind words! And I’m with ya 100%. It’s a no from me. Especially not when this thing costs the same amount as your 4Runner TRD Pro!? What!? Ridiculous.
I wanted the premium version of this car, but the pricing just pushed me to get an MDX. The interior is so lackluster in the landcruiser, you're paying luxury price for a non-luxury car. I wanted something that can handle snow and light off-road, but I think I'll be fine with the MDX. Crazy for similar price, anyone could have gotten an Lexus GX few years ago. I saw a Black LC the other day with wide black wheels, it's literally my dream! but sadly, a dream not worth pursuing for me. I'm loving my MDX its literally 99% what I want in a car minus the fuel efficiency (well its same as the LC so its not really a minus in comparison). The LC just looks good on the outside.
For the MDX, get a set of Michelin Cross Climate2s. They’re FANTASTIC on crossovers. I have them on our RAV4 Prime and they are terrific all year round. A friend up in the Midwest where they get serious winter also has a set on their Grand Cherokee and swears by them as well.
I've been in the LC300 & LC250, on paper their dimension are close (especially since they share the TNGA-F platform), but in reality it's a clear difference in interior space. The Prado has a thinner body but larger fender flares which on paper makes it seem just as wide, but inside the cab it isn't. The LC300 is already a shorter wheelbase than it's direct competitors like the Nissan Patrol, Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition, so compared to those in the full size class, the Prado is definitely mid-sized, especially when considering actual interior space.
I went and checked out the maxed-out midrange. I'll probably be getting at the end of 25/early 26. I drove the base, and actually loved the ride, steering, control, and the engine was fine to me. I put it through the paces. As for interior, you got it, it's a plain doughnut with no glaze, and little sugar. It's baser than any other base I've every seen. It's 1995 base. They took us back 20 years, even with the little bit of tech it does have, but are charging us today's Lexus prices. The midrange, though still not worth the $70k sticker, is what I want. I fell in love with it. It's a better GX in my opinion than the GX. I've been a 4Runn fan since '96. BUT, the midrange LC made me ready to switch. Maybe I'm the fool, but I'm totally not a fan of the new 4Runner look, and as I said, I fell in love with LC mid. Hopefully, the rest of you refuse to purchase, forcing Toyota to discount them, and I get a good "under" MSRP sale. Lastly, I have a 2019 Camry XSE and TX 350. I apologize for this statement, but American manufacturing has screwed up the quality. My 2004 Tundra doesn't have as many rattles!! I want my next vehicle from Japan. LC is my choice. I'll shut up now.
I’m with you 100% on all of this. Totally agree at the 1995 base! I’m almost surprised it doesn’t have crank windows. 😂 And I also really like the mid-range Land Cruiser. I feel like $70K for it is a much better buy than $60 for the 1958. And I MUCH prefer the mid-trim Land Cruiser interior to the interior in the GX550. No hard buttons for climate is a no go for me. And as for your timeline, like I say in the video, I am going to hope/assume that some of the weird behavior in the drivetrain will get sorted over the next couple of years and so I think if you were to buy at the end of 25 or early 26, you’d end up with a more mature version of this new Land Cruiser than the 24 that’s out right now. Like you say, it’s still incredibly expensive but I’d be okay with it if the drivetrain was more refined (which I hope it will be by then).
Thank you so much for this very, very honest and helpful review. I am a Toyota guy... and my opinion of Toyota has been formed by cars such as my 06 Tundra (and previous 2000 Tundra) and my 2018 Landcruiser (after two 100 series Cruisers). All I can say is that it is truly disappointing to see some of the quality issues and other things that Toyota has let happen in some of these newer cars. I am really hoping they are delaying the 4Runner release to make sure they got everything right. I really hope that Toyota is getting some good feedback like this.
Thank you for watching! Like you, I’m a Toyota guy who has owned 10 different Toyotas over the years and have had an appreciation for their products because of the cars they made in the nineties and 2000s. The beautiful old Toyota and Lexus cars with the silky smooth V6 like the GS, ‘08 RX/Highlander, and cars like my GX460 with the V8. I think in addition to the emissions and CAFE limitations being imposed upon automakers, Toyota has also decided to focus on profits instead of quality like they used to which is so depressing to see. I probably won’t go back to Toyota and definitely won’t go back to Lexus.
No, the powertrain is the same in all Land Cruisers regardless of trim, so it’s going to drive the same way, and many others have confirmed that in the comments.
I have a 3 year old BMW X3 and every-time I get a service the car get's smoother and smoother. No doubt Toyota will improve the programing on that drivetrain over time. The build quality issues are very surprising to me, but as you say, will be worked out also. I'm in Europe and test drove the Diesel, it was very smooth. I was surprised to find that it didn't feel so different to my X3.
The diesel is so much better than this engine we get in the US… diesels by their nature make a ton of really good, usable torque. To do that with the T24A engine, it has to be really high strung and Toyota added an electric motor onto it as well. I wish we could get a diesel version here in the states. Or the 70-Series V8 diesel.
Thank you! And I think you made the right decision, at least for this year, but after having driven this, I think you’d be better served by the GX550 for not that much more.
Great review. As a bigger guy, I have found my Sequoia to be the perfect size daily. My wife’s 200 “feels” small in comparison. GX550 would be perfect for her next vehicle.
If the size works for you, great! I live and work in a city and park in the underground garage of a corporate office tower where that would just be too big unless I wanted everyone to hit and scratch my car. 😅
Thanks for an honest review. For the price, this is outrageous. I used to be a huge Toyota and Lexus fan, but the past 15+ yrs, I feel like they have cheapen out a lot. However, I still recommend them for the reliability.
You’re 100% spot on. The reliability is in question with these trucks, too. The tundra has had engine failure at scale and the Tacoma is experiencing transmission failures… both I think as a result of Toyota rushing products to market and cheaping out on not just the interior but also the R&D.
Love watching your videos! And I appreciate you pointing out that this is not a version of the previous generation Land Cruiser that started at 86K. It’s a Prado, it is what it is… mid range and first edition are fun as hell, this is not a GX 460;) The US LC250 likely has its place among midsize utilitarian SUVs…Will it be a hit with reliability for years to come, who knows, but right now it fits a lot of what people were wanting from Toyota, better, gas mileage, better towing capacity, and better engine numbers. One thing I think it’s important to note is that many Ford, Jeep, Toyota owners Are bitching about the price lol they have 70 K wrapped up in Overland builds with Broncos or Wranglers that see the trail for photo shoots… not buying that this thing is overpriced. That’s all I’m saying.
I agree with you on most counts and thanks for watching! Two things I do want to add... yes, Bronco can be similar in price, but for the same price in a Bronco, you get a much nicer interior and the tried and true 2.7 Ecoboost V6. And closer to home, both the mid-trim and First Edition are comfortably in Gx550 territory and after driving the 4-cylinder, I’d MUCH rather have the GX550’s V6 plus Mark Levinson and Lexus dealer experience. For those who actually will off road you can also get the GX550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ with the V6 and eKDSS too. And on the cheaper end, I have to imagine that the new 4Runner will have to be cheaper than the Land Cruiser but they’re identical underneath with the same engines and drivetrain.
Wow! I’ve watched like 100 videos on LC250 and was about to buy one, even though in my country there is no hybrid version, just the 4 cylinder 2.4. But now I am in doubt since even hybrid is not doing so good. Would you recommend buying a new GX or a previous GX version? Thank you in advance!
I think the smart buyer would give these another year or two for all the bugs and kinks to get worked out. Even between big cosmetic changes, Toyota improves their cars in little ways every year. Things like drivetrain refinement, fine tuning the suspension, fixing and changing software, etc., etc. etc. and 2024 is the first model year for Land Cruiser and GX so I’d most definitely wait until 2025 but ideally even 2026 if you can. By then I hope they’ll be much more sorted than they are now. The new GX is okay but the 3.4 TT V6 (the V35A that we get in our market) has had some serious issues as well. The previous generation GX is fantastic, though. If you got it with the V8 in your market, that’s the one I’d buy hands down.
@@joshjamescars yes, there is a new 2022 GX 460 v8 available with 0 mileage. By the time Toyota fixes new LC250 I believe I will be able to resell it at more or less same value, given I usually drive 5,000 km/year I was actually surprised you replied. Thank you! You are doing a great job! Appreciate your honesty. There is no other channel like yours I believe. Wish you all the best! Hope you will later switch to all brands, not only Japanese) Good luck!
@battakov1 Thanks! This channel is just a side hobby for me where I make videos about cars that interest me, so probably won’t expand beyond that simply because I just don’t have the time to do that much here on UA-cam.
Just purchased a Landcrusier Landcrusier with premium trim and I really like it, well expect the price. It drives nicer than my 2021 Ram Rebel at 72k and has better build quality. I know it’s comparing apples to oranges though. I don’t mine the drive train, I drive fast and I am getting 21-22mpg in mixed driving. I give Toyota two thumbs up. I did drive the 4 runner 2023 and I couldn’t get past it not having any power and the reason I went with the LC. I did consider the GX550 but I think lifting a GX would like ridiculous.
Very good and honest review hitting all the practical needs of a daily driver. Really fantastic! Buying a first gen always comes with downsides. I test drove the LC and also hated the steering (unless you put it sport mode) and the motor was thrashy and loud plus the premium gas requirement - wierd. All that for +$70k and a nice, fat dealer markup or installed options! Keeping my 5th gen 4Runner for now and upgraded the suspension. The LC is still on my list maybe in a few years and will compare it to the Rivian R2 that I have a $100 deposit on (not holding my breath tho).
Thank you! And thanks for watching! I agree with everything you’re here-thrash is a great word for it. Even in years to come, I just can’t reconcile the price on these when we know how much Toyota was charging for the GX460 and 5th gen 4Runner which have also been adjusting for inflation.
Thanks for another great video Josh. Toyota/ Lexus quality have traded luxury and refinement for cheap plastic and poor build quality, not regretting a bit going with the Mdx type s to replace my good old gx 460.
The crazy (stupid) part is the MDX Type S isn’t even that much more than a mid-trim Land Cruiser fully optioned ($70K vs $75K) but you get so much more car for the money.
I haven’t had a chance to do that as of now, but I was also holding off because of the changes Toyota is making to the V35A engine to remedy the issues they’ve had.
Great review. I'm just starting to see whats out there to replace my 2015 4Runner LTD with 210k miles. I don't see anything out there to make me want to trade it in. If/when the time comes I may just look for a lightly used GX460 or used real LandCruiser/LX570.
Yep. That’s how I feel too. I will say if you want a GX460 now is a good time to buy since you can still find some that are like new with very, very low mileage and at a good price.
Like your honest review, currently a owner of 2023 GX 460. I have tried the new RX and NX, like you said the 8 speed transmission is so erratic, There is no much noise and uneven shifting when you hit the gas pedal. Some of online Toyota/Lexus fan boys just tell what ever Toyota/Lexus does is great, I feel they are not honest. But when you compare it with some of German or even Honda for that matter, the new generation of Toyota/Lexus is not a great value for that price. They may look great but that's not only thing. These new vehicles are so expensive, they don't justify the build quality.
Most of the fanboys are also dependent upon Toyota to keep giving them vehicles to support their livelihood on UA-cam. And when that’s the case, you can’t say anything that would upset them. This is a hobby for me and I source the cars myself and so I can say whatever I want to. And I completely agree with all your points here! The new T24A and 8-speed combo never feels like it’s timed properly to me.
First off, great review and some great points. I have a First edition, I don't experience that shutter and shaking when accelerating. I find the seats comfortable as it has the lumbar support. It drives amazing on dirt roads and the lockers work well in tougher terrain. The fuel mileage is what it is, I average 25-26 mpg but remember it's all wheel drive. I think that's really good for a large SUV. Also it's not all about how much fuel you burn but the emmsions it produces. I do agree with you that it might be over priced but most vehicles are ridiculously over priced these days. All said I think you had a great unbiased review. One thing that bothers me is the fog lights shake like none I have seen on dirt roads and makes them almost unusable on rough roads. Also I think you should drive and review a land cruiser edition or first edition so we can hear your opinion on these.
I have a video on the interior of the mid-trim and I agree it’s much better. What I just can’t reconcile is that a mid-trim Land Cruiser is considerably more expensive than my 2023 GX460 that I bought brand new 14 months ago. I know I bought a the end of the generation (intentionally), but in my opinion the build quality and materials, engine and transmission are better than the new Land Cruiser and my GX had a sticker price of $64K and I paid less than that at around $62 for it.
I put a deposit on a mid trim LC LC before they had one to test drive. When I did get a test drive, I got my deposit back for all the reasons you cite. Excessive engine vibration was the biggest issue along with excessive body roll. I currently drive a Jeep GC trailhawk and it drives like a sports car compared to the LC. I really wanted to love this car based on other UA-cams and its looks, but it was terrible.
Great review. Looking forward to the dash cam review too. Thinking about one for my wife and/or son. But a camera can hurt as much as help in some cases 😂.
the previous Land Cruiser Prado in Europe was 10cm shorter and looked more elegant imho, in streets this looks like a mammoth, i doubt they are gone sell any in the European market, apart from those bought by enthusiasts, it still has the 2.8L turbo-diesel here though so that's good lol
Yeah you all are lucky to still get the old diesel engine! And I agree, even here, the great thing about the Prado 150 was that it was a really nice size.
Excellent points. "This is not a cheap car.," while scratching the interior with a Rolex strapped hand. Agreed. Other reviews seem to push build quality, but clearly lacking. Nice review!
I think a lot of people think that since it’s a Toyota, build quality is a given but as someone who’s owned 10 and driven quite a few of the new ones, that isn’t the case the way it used to be. And you know what’s so sad but funny? I was able to afford the Rolex because I never had to spend THAT much to buy a Toyota but any of these new Land Cruisers or GX550s is basically the price of my GX460 and the Rolex together!
@@joshjamescars My Tacoma access cab (2014 bought new) has been extremely trouble free, but I'll have to upgrade for the family. Really wanted to like the Landcruiser, yet not getting good vibes from truthful reviews like yours. Likely a 4runner for me. Thanks again!
in Canada it starts at over 69k. Toyota's justification for the cheap crappy low quality was to keep the price affordable...lol can you imagine the cost if they actually built them with higher quality. so it doesn't live up to the hype as i feared. good honest review. The car care nut first reported that jerkiness/bucking on acceleration from stops in his technical review.
That’s what they’d like you to believe but I don’t see how that’s possible when the chassis and its associated R&D costs were shared between the Tacoma, 4Runner, LC250, and GX550 vehicle programs.
Josh absolutely great review , I also own the 23Gx 460 & agree with your assessment of the Toyota, but I’ll admit my GX feels small to me as a Trucker, and my next SUV will be the QX 80
I LOVE the QX80. If I had the $120K for the Autograph or Sensory, best believe I’d own one. But we’re not there financially just yet. So in the meantime I’ll live vicariously through you!
If you want the look, I would HIGHLY advise waiting for a 2025 or 2026. They have a lot to work out that I expect they will in the next couple of years.
Honestly, this new LC250 is starting to grow on me. I'd probably get the First Edition to get the soft touch plastics and leather seats but then we'd be back to LC200 pricing. But still.. although I still don't like the powertrain, I love the LC so much that I might honestly overlook it 😭
The First Edition is a mid-trim with an extra badge for $5K, and gone for 2025 anyway. So you’d be good with the mid trim, as long as you’re okay with the $70K price-and waiting for a 2025 would probably be a good idea since I imagine they’ll work on some of the issues I had with this 2024.
@@joshjamescars yeah the FE is gone after this yr. i wonder if they’re gonna add a lux package to the 1958 edition. i like that version better than the mid trim just because of the rounded headlights..adds a special old school touch to it
@JokerG16 Toyota confirmed that they’re plug and play! So if you bought a mid trim you could buy the headlights and they supposedly work perfectly. Another reason the First Edition really isn’t special. 😂
Oh you’re so kind to say, thank you! This channel is my little side hobby; my day job is working in tech so sadly I don’t have a ton of time to dedicate to UA-cam. :)
Agree to disagree 🤷♂ I've had my 1958 for 3,000 miles and love it. It doesn't feel cheap to me at all, it's specced with well-considered appointments designed to be durable for decades to come, and it drives so, so much better than the 4Runners I've wheeled. I'm getting 19-20 MPG in city-heavy mixed driving with upgraded oversized 33" tires too. Maybe your Turo had been filled up with 87 octane?
When I bought my '23 Camry SE, I asked for a base model SE with no sunroof, no, push start, stripped. I wanted a physical key to start the ignition. I wanted everything that my Lexus GS didn't have. I had issues with the PUSH START in my GS when the battery in the key fob ran out of juice. Fortunately, I googled how to push start my car and I was able to get home. I didn't want the inconvenience of always having to replace the battery, even though the display in the car will indicate when the battery is low. Nonetheless, I wanted a cheap car, because my lifestyle doesn't require all the bells and whistles and I didn't want any of it anyway. Initially, I regretted not buying more car, but I had to remind myself, I needed a car badly during the (end of) the chip shortage.where I had to place an order for a car, and I'm happy now that I've had it for 1 1/2 years. After this review on the base Land Cruiser, I may wait for the 4Runner. Yeah, my SE sCVT, I feel like I am driving a lawnmower. - there I've said it. However it is zippy.
Hello again! So sorry somehow this got flagged and didn’t appear in my regular comment inbox! If you have the non-hybrid SE, you actually have an 8-speed automatic. And I think you have a great car with that Camry. Hybrid or not that’s an unbeatable vehicle that we know will last decades. Regarding the 4Runner, I’d say buy a 24 now or wait until the 26 model year. The 25 is already delayed (presumably due to quality issues), and I imagine since it’s basically the same vehicle underneath as this Land Cruiser, it will need a year to get some of the kinks worked out.
Great review Josh. Quality on this looks like a Toyota RAV4 level vehicle that they just made extra large a far cry from the previous Prados, so typical American style vehicle in the vein of Volkswagen's large SUV. Large vehicle with compact car rental car vibes.
As someone who has a Rav4 Prime, I have to say the Rav4’s interior feels superior in a number of ways. And completely agree… it’s mind boggling that this is the next generation of the same vehicle my GX460 is built from!?
I think the best upgrade path for you would be an almost-new 2023 GX460, for the same $60K or less! Or a 2024 4Runner. But don’t get rid of your GX470 either!!! :)
@@joshjamescars i actually also have an 05 4th Gen 4Runner granted its a 2WD drive. I drove my friend’s 5th Gen TRD pro and I hate how they neutered the throttle response on the 1GR versus 4th Gen virtually same powertrain since 2004
Thanks for the in depth review! I don't mind the 4 cyl, that's where things are going it seems. They'll probably be running on a 2 cyl in 20 years 😅 Given the delay of the 4runner, think they will apply some of the lessons from this to it? Still excited for it, but a bit wary.
For me it isn’t the fact that it’s a 4-cylinder, but the fact that the drivetrain behaves so poorly. Porsche, BMW, Honda, and even other Toyotas with 4-cylinders have proven that you can have an I4 that’s great to drive. On the 4Runner, I’m hoping it’ll be more refined, and I’d also be willing to cut it more slack if it isn’t priced at outrageous numbers. I could deal with a poor drivetrain for $45K which is where I imagine the 4Runner will start.
Hi Josh. Wow! I always thought of the Land Cruiser as an iconic classic vehicle. I don’t see any on the road. We used to have the Mitsubishi Montero Sr around the same time as the Land Cruiser became popular. Is the bumper plastic or metal? I also had a jeep wrangler that I purchased used, however it was in the shop all the time. After the heater core went up I had to get rid of it. This looks like a vehicle that you may regret your purchase after all the creaks and plastic parts. From a side view it looks like the GX550. In regard to the blind spot I had to purchase the blind spot mirrors for my GX the lane change assist was not picking up vehicles on the tail end of the driver’s side. They are spot on and give me an excellent view. I wonder how the Sequoia rides. I believe it is in the mid to upper 80’s. Thanks for the review.
Hi Joann. This is not the full-size Land Cruiser, it’s the Land Cruiser Prado, so it is the twin vehicle of the GX550. And this new generation Land Cruiser Prado is the next generation of the Prado 150-series that our GX460s are based on. If you’re not familiar with the Prado, go google it, it’ll look familiar. ;)
Considering one myself in midlevel trim. Definitely a different perspective from all the other reviews I have seen. But then again, the prior review implying that there was a 150 pound load limit in the cargo area was a different perspective as well. Hoping to be able to drive one and decide for myself sometime soon, but they are pretty scarce here in my area. Also, one thing I don't see mentioned in the various MPG tests is whether 100% pure gas or an ethanol mixture was used. My general experience has been that the ethanol mixture reduces mileage by about 10%, which would be 2 to 3 MPG versus the mileage claimed for the LC. However, that certainly wouldn't explain the difference between 17 and 23. That does not appear to be an uncommon finding on new LC reviews, which is a little concerning.
100% pure gas (or non ethanol gas) is illegal to sell for automobiles in some states and countries so that would be an unrealistic test to do. All fuel economy tests are done with the recommended grade of gas (so premium in this case). Regarding the official EPA scores, I don’t think their testing methodology covers real world driving. The Camry Hybrid is the only car in recent memory that I was actually able to achieve the stated scores. I always assume I will see 2-3 below whatever the EPA says in my real world driving.
I am getting 21 at nearly 4K miles. BUT, a large chunk of that was going 85 in Texas when it was 104 degrees outside. So probably 22-23 is realistic in combined driving in this thing.
I’ve been watching a lot of Land Cruiser videos because I thought I was really excited about this car and most of them they try and avoid all the negatives, maybe because they’re afraid of backlash, but I truly appreciated what you called out in this video. It was less about offloading which 99% of people who own these will ever do and more about the real every day issues that you face with the car.
The reality is, if you’re a professional UA-camr (which I am not), in order to maintain a good relationship with the automaker who’s lending you cars, you stay away from any actual critique. So you’ll hear them refer to things that are bad as “interesting” versus “terrible” and so on… unfortunately more than not, UA-cam has become more about advertising cars than actually reviewing them.
Hands down the best first take/review of the LC I’ve come across. Instant subscribe.
That’s so very kind of you to say! And welcome aboard!
Best Landcruiser review I have watched. All the points that you make are important and informative for someone looking for one of these. Like you I wanted to love this vehicle but too many issues at this price point.
Thank you! That’s very kind of you to say! And could not agree more.
I’ve put around 4K miles on my mid-trim LC, so no issues with lumbar or hard plastics. And the cabin is mostly a very nice place to be (save for side-to-side leg room, which is a little cramped). This is a very honest review, which I appreciate. I will say that the jerky start-stops really bothered me a lot at first, but that I got used to it. What bothers me more is the thin metal and plastics and glass compared with my 5th gen 4Runner. Also, the lackluster range and lack of fold-flat seats like my 4R. Alas. It’s still a nice truck, and excellent at speed. I’m very fortunate to have both, but if I could only own one, I would own the 4Runner if I’m being honest with myself.
Yes, your mid trim has much better seats which is why I call out that the 1958 seats are a problem and just another reason I don’t think anyone should buy the 1958 as you get so much more with the mid-trim.
I have the same ride and it does take some getting used to but I still enjoy it and think it’s great
I would have got a GX if I could but no supply
@@jaydoh6420 I wouldn't have a GX. The lack of tactile buttons resulting in the overuse of the "infotainment" screen is enough to keep me away from that.
@timfreeman7034 I agree with you on that but the engine for me would win out over buttons-and it’s both sad and annoying that we have to make that decision whether you want the better more tactile interior or the better engine.
@@joshjamescars I get that. But I really have gotten used to the jolt of energy that the thing delivers immediately at stop signs!! Have I come to like it? Maybe I have a little. When I get back in my 4Runner now it is *smooth* but BORING and slow. I honestly like driving the LC so much more. But maybe I'm just getting used to its quirks! I got it at the beginning of August. I don't think it's as well built on the outside as the 4R (what IS?!). But I would take it for daily driving around hills here in the Ozarks 7 out of 7 days of the week now. It's grown on me! And I find myself still excited to get in it.
New to your channel. Great review. No other reviews remarked on the size difference between this and the older GX. Well done.
Thank you! Appreciate the kind words!
Everything is 💯 % correct as usual. You will never be a Toyota or Lexus ambassador with your non bias honesty ))
With every other new Toyota/Lexus car review , I appreciate the quality and joy of driving my GX460.
Thank you! And frankly, it’s my personal belief that no reviewer should ever be an ambassador to a brand. That is the ultimate conflict of interest. So, I would never want to be one. :)
This review was spot on, thanks for the great content
Thank you for watching!
I appreciate the detail and thoughts on this video. Very professional video as always. So glad I decided on my 5G4R TRD Pro over this vehicle. I love the hydraulic steering....and I have other vehicles that give me a different experience. Each have their "personality". You definitely deserve way higher subs. You'll get there the quality here is unmistakable.
The dichotomy of big vehicles, full economy and engine type struck a note with me as well. This "save the world" movement has limitations and this is it--at least in the current iteration we are in.
Yep! And if you ever get tired of your 4Runner you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid for like I did, LOL. As for bigger vehicles relative to emissions standards, I agree. I think Toyota needs to axe this powertrain from the Land Cruiser and 4Runner and either discontinue them or pay the price (fines) to put a V6 in them like Ford, Porsche, and others do who still make midsize SUVs with engines that can actually support them.
@@joshjamescarsAnd we all can and should vote to help slow this inane push in changing EPA regulations
@kurtbeck5809 I don’t know if I fully agree with that, because I think if Toyota actually tried they could engineer a climate-friendly powertrain that isn’t crap to drive. Like how they gave the old 2GR V6 plug in hybrid power in the TX550h+. I think there are ways to meet all the emissions regulations with engines that are still great to drive.
They should have the capability so then it may just come back to the cost of doing as well as their evaluation of the public/their customers acceptance of that...what is your take on that?
I still agree with you about the GX460 being the better choice @joshjamescars
I agree with you, the base landcruiser should be a top seller at $46k.
Wow you did a great job with this review. I subscribed just because of how informative and honest you were. Keep up the great reviews.
Thank you! And welcome aboard!
Appreciate your straight talk about this. My 2024 4Runner makes me happy!
Hold onto that thing for a looong time-they don’t make ‘em like they used to, and that will be a gem on the used market if you decide to get rid of it one day.
These are selling already $4k off MSRP, but they are priced $10k more than they should so still not a great value buying new
Wow are they really? Haven’t seen that yet here but I was just thinking that our dealers are going to have to start discounting the undesirable trims of Tundra, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser if they don’t start selling.
@@joshjamescars There is a guy out east that is working off the slimmer margin/more volume approach, and cutting thousands off, not just on the LC250. Like you, I live in the Austin area, (posted earlier today with my other username), and I never buy cars/motorcycles here. Vehicles are a commodity, commodities trade on price, and businesses in Central Texas are insane. Fly and ride/drive, or delivery services, work for me.
Love your videos keep it up. Keep up your standards.
Thank you!
I’m glad you pointed out the obvious lack lustre features. Love your unbiased views
Josh is honestly the best
Thank you both! I’m so glad you’re enjoying!
Thanks for being honest with your review. Too many vidoes i've seen only state positives.
Amazing detail and thought. Great job
Excellent video Josh. In a UA-cam chock full of advertisements masquerading as ‘reviews’, I truly appreciate the time you took to make this. The vibration measurement was very clever, and downright embarrassing for Toyota.
I have a 2019 200 series and looking around I don’t see an adequate replacement for it. I can only hope it lasts a long time.
As a GX460 owner I feel exactly the same way! Seeing what was out there last year is what made me decide to pull the trigger on the 460 while I could still get one new. I honestly don’t know what I’d replace it with because the new GX550, while better than the LC, isn’t great and also way overpriced IMO.
Great review, Josh! Honest and informative.
Thank you!
You really hit the nails on the heads in this one. I had a 23 40th anniversary 4runner and now I have a 1958 and the 4 runner is a higher quality vehicle in every way. The Land Cruiser jerky confused powertrain takes some getting used to BUT I would still choose it over the 4runner because I value having more torque which is a lot more fun to drive in the real world on daily commutes. Once you learn how it likes to be driven (I know that is crazy) you adjust yourself to it and make it pretty smooth. I know we shouldn’t have to do this but it happens naturally with every vehicle we drive over time anyway. Not making excuses for it because it is def NOT a smooth powertrain but it is very powerful and does not suffer turbo lag. I am also getting 22mpg over almost 6000 miles which offsets the premium fuel cost of the LC when compared to the 4 runners. 17mpg. To me the biggest issue with these is the cheapness. The sheet metal is paper thin, the doors sound HORRIBLE when shutting them esp with the windows down or if the passenger door is open, the windows rattle when rolled partially down, the rear spoilers are def loose by design I noticed the first time I washed it, no lumbar support although the seats are nice to me but I’m a wide guy and don’t like big bolsters, the S-flow mode in the climate is ANNOYING and keeps the vents from blowing full blast and has to be turned off EVERY time you get in. It’s overall NOT a 58k vehicle in my opinion it is more like a 44k vehicle but i have never gotten so many compliments on a vehicle in my life and I’ve had over 40 vehicles For whatever that’s worth lol. It def still gets the cool points from the general public lol
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
@joshjamescars thank you for making an honest video wish I could donate more but this has helped
I was wondering why I wasn't seeing more of them on the road, now I know. What a difficult video it must have been to make, I can assure it was hard for me to watch. Hope Toyota management get to see it as well. Thanks !
You have to get the other trims… much better… I love my mid trim. Not plastic by the way, not basic.
Yeah.. it’s a sad day for Land Cruiser fans.
Also, @howlilly4288 the mid trim is nice inside but shares the same powertrain and that rules it out for me.
Thank you for the very detailed and helpful review!
The real-world MPG for this truck is miserable 😥 This would be a big problem for overlanders/offroaders. Once they add heavy bumpers, armors, tent, AT/MT tires etc., the MPG will suffer even more. Combined with the smaller gas tank, it's no longer overland-able 😂 And why is premium gas required when it's not a Lexus! In many places, the premium gas costs 50% more than regular. So we'd end up paying more for gas than the old V6 4runner and V8 Landcruiser... Not cool 😂 I'd just buy a good old 100 series LC for a fraction of the price.
Yep! Had the exact same thought about this car loaded up. Also, this is an incredibly complex, high strung turbo engine so I’m guessing they tuned it to run at a really high compression ratio that requires the more combustible octane rating in premium. Premium gas isn’t exclusively a luxury car thing, and many Lexuses run just fine on regular, it all depends on the engine.
Most honest and best review I have seen so far. Just subscribed for more great future content.
Thank you and welcome aboard, I hope you enjoy! My channel is a side hobby and isn’t always reviews, but just my adventures in ownership and things that interest me.
Thanks Josh for the review. Love getting your thoughts on these new Toyotas/Lexus’ from a GX 460’s owner. You seem truly unbiased and pragmatic and my family and I will definitely stay tuned for more full size SUV reviews from your channel!
Thank you! That’s so very kind of you to say! This UA-cam channel is a side hobby for me and as such, I don’t have relationships with automakers that I have to maintain by only saying good things about their cars.
The fact that “Land Cruiser” and a “hybrid 4 cyl” are in the same sentence is insane.
You're spot on with this review. I test drove the same model a couple weeks ago and came to nearly all the same conclusions
The version you may have rented might have serious mechanical issues. My 1958’s rear spoiler doesn’t rattle like that. I’m averaging 22-23mpg with a Front Runner roof rack on and my transmission is smooth and the gearing is appropriate when it downshifts when I need to pass or get on the on ramp.
I’m also not getting any odd vibrations that you are experiencing.
If anything, that LC looks to be in need of a major service.
Also, we took a road trip to Austin a couple of weeks ago and were comfy to and fro, taking scenic routes.
These days our 5th Gen Limited 4Runner is spending more time in the garage the past couple of months since we got the LC last summer.
It may have, but I’ve heard from a significant number of folks whose experience mirrored mine so I’m wondering if there’s something going on in first year production that some are coming off fine and others are having these issues. In any case, a reason for me to not buy first model year.
@@joshjamescars yeah, agreed. That’s the gamble I took with this generation but I trust Toyota. Hehe.
Also, I wouldn’t sugar coat anything either like you did here with your review.
Excellent review. Thank you. After having driven my 1988 FJ62 Land Cruiser for 36 years, I wanted to love (and buy) this new land cruiser. I even put a deposit on it sight unseen. When I did test drive it I was extremely disappointed. You nailed it. It just felt like any other SUV. Needless to say, I got my deposit back. It's a Prado, not a Land Cruiser.
WOW. While I completely understand wanting something new I would HATE to see you ever give up that 60-series. Or, call me if you do! 😝
It's like a land cruiser from TEMU but it should be priced at 38k.
Hahaha! That’s a pretty apt description.
Your experience is indeed your experience, others have had such a different experience however. I didn’t see your review on the GX550, but if I’ve heard you correctly, you wanted to like it, but you didn’t. Your mpg (for a non modified LC)is the lowest I’ve seen on the Land Cruiser, now a number of people have stated after about a 1,000 miles their mpg improved; also disabling PDA drastically helped some. I’ve driven the 2025LC and didn’t have any issues with driving it in the city and it being jerky. I do agree the lack of lumbar setting and seeing over the hood were issues for me. These prices are insane and unfortunately that’s a trend that all car manufacturers are doing. Keep making your videos, I appreciate your point of view!
People say they have had different experiences, but it’s important to remember most pro-Toyota people here on UA-cam only say positive things so as to not offend Toyota; and many reviews also only focus on the off-road abilities of the Land Cruiser, which I imagine are quite good. Also, regarding MPG I live in Texas which does usually result in my MPG being lower than someone who lives in places on the east or west coasts where they may not do the highway driving we do. So as always, take my review (and those in the comments who had the same experience I did) as a factor in any decision making you do.
You did a great job here and what you describe about the engine and interior is why I went from my previous 5th gen 4Runner TRD Offroad, said no to the 6th gen 4Runner and this LC, and bought a GX 550. Unfortunately the GX interior is also very underwhelming for "luxury"
Good video! You kept me engaged for the whole thing😊
Yep! Could not agree more. The GX550 is better but as a GX460 owner when I got into it, I felt like I was sitting in a 4Runner or Bronco. And thank you for the kind words!
@@joshjamescars Yup and the GX 550 feels like a Toyota LC 250 interior slighty re organized, and some "soft touch" material added. I refuse to acknowledge my massage seats, because to use them you have to have a degree in computer programming lol. So deep in the display settings that they aren't worth using, or trying to figure out. I personally think the GX 460 had slightly better based visual luxury appointments than the 550, based on the era it was made, having "wood" trim option etc just looked better, especially for the era it was made.
Unfortunately with Toyota's poor choice to not develop a more affordable dedicated midsized frame, like previous Prado, GX460, 5th gen 4Runner sat on, and using their "global", more heavy, more expensive TNGA platform for both midsized and fullsized 4x4s, means now they can only differentiate the prices of these vehicles by stripping down features, or adding forced features, like the LC's forced hybridization to justify pricing, or those dumb gimmick seats forced on Tacoma TRD Pro buyers, that you can't option out.
Stamping the Supra name (a Japanese cultural icon) on a BMW was definitely a key sign that Toyota is too American influenced now, cashing in on names, rather than quality. This "Land Cruiser" is no different imo
@lunamaria1048 100000% agree with everything you say here! I’ve been a longtime Toyota fan but I won’t buy another one until or unless they change their approach.
@@joshjamescars It is unfortunate. 12 years of amazing memories with two 5th gen 4Runners! I love that vehicle soo much! I feel like they forced the 550 on buyers like me tbh. I do actually buy body-on-frame Toyota/Lexus 4x4s to use as secondary offroad adventure, camping, winter driver vehicles, so durability and reliability is very important. The 6th gen 4Runner and new Tacoma lack much needed front frame mounted bumpstops, and have a top shock mount bumpstop setup, that is used for cars and crossovers. The Tacoma is already blowing that shock mount in light offroading, live on videos. It is so sad to see something I love decline.
Appreciate the replies! Liked and subbed and will check out more of your videos😊
In Europe prices start from 70k euros, with the 4cilindres diesel. Yes, there's no 1958 version here, but a pretty high price.
That’s about on par with our mid-trim; and I think your prices may include taxes and fees which are not included in our pricing so I’d guess it comes out to be about the same. But I completely agree with you-it’s an expensive vehicle for what it is.
Excellent review, thanks Josh. Subscribed👍
Thank you and welcome aboard!
Wow what a great review! Thanks for the thorough and honest opinion. Hope your back is better:)
Haha yes! Much better. Couldn’t wait to give this thing back and get back into my GX460. 😅
Thanks for the great, unbiased review
I agree as one who has owned 7 LC’s & LX version’s, I found you review refreshing.
Thank you!
Hey Josh, your video was great! I was thinking about test-driving the new land cruiser, but your insights on the driving experience, which I can relate to, given that I have a GX460 myself, have given me a lot to consider. Kudos to you!
Thank you! I would still recommend you test drive it, but I don’t think it’s in any way a viable replacement for a GX460. But… as the saying goes, they don’t make ‘em like they used to and the GX460 was a product of a time that’s long since passed and a consumer who no longer exists, so I don’t know if there ever will be a true replacement for it.
All are great points, particularly the fuel efficiency. Great review as always. I am waiting for my GX550 Over trail Plus
Gebtleman on youtube took the time to compare the older 200 to this. This was more than 60% thinner in all undercarriage thickness of material.wh9ch equates to 8 times the sttemgth
Right which is why this is the LIGHT DUTY Land Cruiser. The only comparison I was drawing between the two was the dimension.
Yup! you pretty much summed it up. So many misses on this vehicle. I really wanted to like it. But, it's over priced, the build quality is subpar, and the lots of misses from the small tank, plastic interior, no lumbar etc. And for the 1958 being the more off road base version the lack of sway bar disconnect is perplexing. I also found the width of the footwell to be rather small. My right leg felt like it didn't have enough room. I don't need to keep going as you summed it up well. Now I just have to figure out my next vehicle. I want it to be a Toyota truck or SUV but why I used to buy them has seemingly faded into the past. Thanks for a great detailed review!
I would consider a Ranger Raptor or a Badlands Bronco at this point
INEOS, if you have the founds.
Wow an honest review, thanks for pointing out the 1st year short comings. As you said best to wait for them to work out the bugs.
Thank you! And yes-I’m never a proponent of buying first year no matter what kind of car it is.
I am 100% agree with your review with my experience...... thank you for being honest.
Thank you for watching! Sorry we had the same (less than ideal) experience.
Turo is great place to rent cars for reviews without needing to get them from the car companies. This allows more freedom with the editorial process.
Yep! I have never nor will ever take a vehicle from a manufacturer and end up in those golden handcuffs.
@@joshjamescarsI appreciate your integrity and your willingness to spend your time and money producing this for us. Thank you!
@RSwrightMD Thank you! The money to rent this Land Cruiser came from the few bucks I make in ad revenue so I look at it as reinvesting it back into the channel!
I know a lot of people are looking at the LC as a 5th gen 4Runner replacement because of the advertised fuel economy and "refinement." Thank you for honestly reviewing the LC and putting some perspective out there. You can easily average 18.5 mpg mixed driving in a 5th gen 4Runner, which would give you much better range with its larger gas tank. Not to mention the proven reliability and excellent build quality you get with the 4Runner. I'll be keeping mine for the long haul! Thanks again.
I think they are too but to really replace a 5th-gen 4Runner IMO you’re looking at the GX550 which is $70-$90 versus $40-60 for a 5th gen 4Runner.
Excellent review as I’m looking to buying one.
I would wait and see how the 25s drive. This drivetrain (engine+hybrid+transmission) simply does not drive to my liking. It needs a lot of refinement to get it to a point where it will feel seamless and smooth.
Another excellent review!! The details you bring up vs. any other UA-camr is incredible! Thanks for taking the time to do these. In the words of Randy Jackson, " it's a no from me dawg". lol
Like you said, it's just too much money for what you get.
I never keep vehicles for very long, but with the janky cars being produced nowadays, It's going to be easy holding on to my two 4Runners. 😎 Take care. ;)
Hello my friend!! Thank you as always for watching and for your kind words! And I’m with ya 100%. It’s a no from me. Especially not when this thing costs the same amount as your 4Runner TRD Pro!? What!? Ridiculous.
I agree with you on the side mirrors they are completely inadequate, great review as always!
Thank you! And yes! They’re so bad!
Looking forward to your Garmin dashcam review. Appreciated all your honest opinions on the Landcruiser!
Thank you! Hoping to have the dash cam video out next week!
I wanted the premium version of this car, but the pricing just pushed me to get an MDX. The interior is so lackluster in the landcruiser, you're paying luxury price for a non-luxury car. I wanted something that can handle snow and light off-road, but I think I'll be fine with the MDX. Crazy for similar price, anyone could have gotten an Lexus GX few years ago. I saw a Black LC the other day with wide black wheels, it's literally my dream! but sadly, a dream not worth pursuing for me. I'm loving my MDX its literally 99% what I want in a car minus the fuel efficiency (well its same as the LC so its not really a minus in comparison). The LC just looks good on the outside.
For the MDX, get a set of Michelin Cross Climate2s. They’re FANTASTIC on crossovers. I have them on our RAV4 Prime and they are terrific all year round. A friend up in the Midwest where they get serious winter also has a set on their Grand Cherokee and swears by them as well.
I've been in the LC300 & LC250, on paper their dimension are close (especially since they share the TNGA-F platform), but in reality it's a clear difference in interior space. The Prado has a thinner body but larger fender flares which on paper makes it seem just as wide, but inside the cab it isn't. The LC300 is already a shorter wheelbase than it's direct competitors like the Nissan Patrol, Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition, so compared to those in the full size class, the Prado is definitely mid-sized, especially when considering actual interior space.
I went and checked out the maxed-out midrange. I'll probably be getting at the end of 25/early 26. I drove the base, and actually loved the ride, steering, control, and the engine was fine to me. I put it through the paces. As for interior, you got it, it's a plain doughnut with no glaze, and little sugar. It's baser than any other base I've every seen. It's 1995 base. They took us back 20 years, even with the little bit of tech it does have, but are charging us today's Lexus prices. The midrange, though still not worth the $70k sticker, is what I want. I fell in love with it. It's a better GX in my opinion than the GX. I've been a 4Runn fan since '96. BUT, the midrange LC made me ready to switch. Maybe I'm the fool, but I'm totally not a fan of the new 4Runner look, and as I said, I fell in love with LC mid. Hopefully, the rest of you refuse to purchase, forcing Toyota to discount them, and I get a good "under" MSRP sale. Lastly, I have a 2019 Camry XSE and TX 350. I apologize for this statement, but American manufacturing has screwed up the quality. My 2004 Tundra doesn't have as many rattles!! I want my next vehicle from Japan. LC is my choice. I'll shut up now.
I’m with you 100% on all of this. Totally agree at the 1995 base! I’m almost surprised it doesn’t have crank windows. 😂 And I also really like the mid-range Land Cruiser. I feel like $70K for it is a much better buy than $60 for the 1958. And I MUCH prefer the mid-trim Land Cruiser interior to the interior in the GX550. No hard buttons for climate is a no go for me. And as for your timeline, like I say in the video, I am going to hope/assume that some of the weird behavior in the drivetrain will get sorted over the next couple of years and so I think if you were to buy at the end of 25 or early 26, you’d end up with a more mature version of this new Land Cruiser than the 24 that’s out right now. Like you say, it’s still incredibly expensive but I’d be okay with it if the drivetrain was more refined (which I hope it will be by then).
My 1995 FZJ80 is a lot more luxurious than this new cruiser.
Thank you so much for this very, very honest and helpful review. I am a Toyota guy... and my opinion of Toyota has been formed by cars such as my 06 Tundra (and previous 2000 Tundra) and my 2018 Landcruiser (after two 100 series Cruisers). All I can say is that it is truly disappointing to see some of the quality issues and other things that Toyota has let happen in some of these newer cars. I am really hoping they are delaying the 4Runner release to make sure they got everything right.
I really hope that Toyota is getting some good feedback like this.
Thank you for watching! Like you, I’m a Toyota guy who has owned 10 different Toyotas over the years and have had an appreciation for their products because of the cars they made in the nineties and 2000s. The beautiful old Toyota and Lexus cars with the silky smooth V6 like the GS, ‘08 RX/Highlander, and cars like my GX460 with the V8. I think in addition to the emissions and CAFE limitations being imposed upon automakers, Toyota has also decided to focus on profits instead of quality like they used to which is so depressing to see. I probably won’t go back to Toyota and definitely won’t go back to Lexus.
Thank you for reviewing the LC. You are awesome!
Thank you for watching, you are awesome!
Really rare and helpful review. Appreciate your honesty.
Thank you! Appreciate you watching!
do you think the drive experience would've been different in the premium/base trim?
No, the powertrain is the same in all Land Cruisers regardless of trim, so it’s going to drive the same way, and many others have confirmed that in the comments.
Where is the car being built?
Japan.? That’s disappointing
All of these will come from Japan, either the Hino truck plant and either Tahara or Yoshiwara, I believe.
I have a 3 year old BMW X3 and every-time I get a service the car get's smoother and smoother. No doubt Toyota will improve the programing on that drivetrain over time. The build quality issues are very surprising to me, but as you say, will be worked out also. I'm in Europe and test drove the Diesel, it was very smooth. I was surprised to find that it didn't feel so different to my X3.
The diesel is so much better than this engine we get in the US… diesels by their nature make a ton of really good, usable torque. To do that with the T24A engine, it has to be really high strung and Toyota added an electric motor onto it as well. I wish we could get a diesel version here in the states. Or the 70-Series V8 diesel.
Thank you for putting that sticker mad respect for that 😭
HAHA! I mean… let’s be real about what this is. 🤣
Thanks for this honest review! I cancelled my Land Cruiser deposit.
Thank you! And I think you made the right decision, at least for this year, but after having driven this, I think you’d be better served by the GX550 for not that much more.
MUCH RESPECT....JUST FACTS
Thank you!
Great review. As a bigger guy, I have found my Sequoia to be the perfect size daily. My wife’s 200 “feels” small in comparison. GX550 would be perfect for her next vehicle.
If the size works for you, great! I live and work in a city and park in the underground garage of a corporate office tower where that would just be too big unless I wanted everyone to hit and scratch my car. 😅
Thanks for an honest review. For the price, this is outrageous. I used to be a huge Toyota and Lexus fan, but the past 15+ yrs, I feel like they have cheapen out a lot. However, I still recommend them for the reliability.
You’re 100% spot on. The reliability is in question with these trucks, too. The tundra has had engine failure at scale and the Tacoma is experiencing transmission failures… both I think as a result of Toyota rushing products to market and cheaping out on not just the interior but also the R&D.
Love watching your videos! And I appreciate you pointing out that this is not a version of the previous generation Land Cruiser that started at 86K.
It’s a Prado, it is what it is… mid range and first edition are fun as hell, this is not a GX 460;)
The US LC250 likely has its place among midsize utilitarian SUVs…Will it be a hit with reliability for years to come, who knows, but right now it fits a lot of what people were wanting from Toyota, better, gas mileage, better towing capacity, and better engine numbers.
One thing I think it’s important to note is that many Ford, Jeep, Toyota owners Are bitching about the price lol they have 70 K wrapped up in Overland builds with Broncos or Wranglers that see the trail for photo shoots… not buying that this thing is overpriced. That’s all I’m saying.
I agree with you on most counts and thanks for watching! Two things I do want to add... yes, Bronco can be similar in price, but for the same price in a Bronco, you get a much nicer interior and the tried and true 2.7 Ecoboost V6.
And closer to home, both the mid-trim and First Edition are comfortably in Gx550 territory and after driving the 4-cylinder, I’d MUCH rather have the GX550’s V6 plus Mark Levinson and Lexus dealer experience. For those who actually will off road you can also get the GX550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ with the V6 and eKDSS too.
And on the cheaper end, I have to imagine that the new 4Runner will have to be cheaper than the Land Cruiser but they’re identical underneath with the same engines and drivetrain.
Thanks. Excellent review
Thanks for the review. I didnt see anything that I would give up my 19 GX for.
There is no new Toyota truck product I would give up my 2023 GX460 for.
Wow! I’ve watched like 100 videos on LC250 and was about to buy one, even though in my country there is no hybrid version, just the 4 cylinder 2.4. But now I am in doubt since even hybrid is not doing so good. Would you recommend buying a new GX or a previous GX version?
Thank you in advance!
I think the smart buyer would give these another year or two for all the bugs and kinks to get worked out. Even between big cosmetic changes, Toyota improves their cars in little ways every year. Things like drivetrain refinement, fine tuning the suspension, fixing and changing software, etc., etc. etc. and 2024 is the first model year for Land Cruiser and GX so I’d most definitely wait until 2025 but ideally even 2026 if you can. By then I hope they’ll be much more sorted than they are now. The new GX is okay but the 3.4 TT V6 (the V35A that we get in our market) has had some serious issues as well. The previous generation GX is fantastic, though. If you got it with the V8 in your market, that’s the one I’d buy hands down.
@@joshjamescars yes, there is a new 2022 GX 460 v8 available with 0 mileage. By the time Toyota fixes new LC250 I believe I will be able to resell it at more or less same value, given I usually drive 5,000 km/year
I was actually surprised you replied. Thank you! You are doing a great job! Appreciate your honesty. There is no other channel like yours I believe. Wish you all the best! Hope you will later switch to all brands, not only Japanese) Good luck!
@battakov1 Thanks! This channel is just a side hobby for me where I make videos about cars that interest me, so probably won’t expand beyond that simply because I just don’t have the time to do that much here on UA-cam.
Just purchased a Landcrusier Landcrusier with premium trim and I really like it, well expect the price. It drives nicer than my 2021 Ram Rebel at 72k and has better build quality. I know it’s comparing apples to oranges though. I don’t mine the drive train, I drive fast and I am getting 21-22mpg in mixed driving. I give Toyota two thumbs up. I did drive the 4 runner 2023 and I couldn’t get past it not having any power and the reason I went with the LC. I did consider the GX550 but I think lifting a GX would like ridiculous.
Great review!
Prado is such as badass word. It means meadow in Spanish
How interesting! I learned something new today!
I thought Vegas was meadow in Spanish?
Vergas is @@vegasstang1
Very good and honest review hitting all the practical needs of a daily driver. Really fantastic! Buying a first gen always comes with downsides. I test drove the LC and also hated the steering (unless you put it sport mode) and the motor was thrashy and loud plus the premium gas requirement - wierd. All that for +$70k and a nice, fat dealer markup or installed options! Keeping my 5th gen 4Runner for now and upgraded the suspension. The LC is still on my list maybe in a few years and will compare it to the Rivian R2 that I have a $100 deposit on (not holding my breath tho).
Thank you! And thanks for watching! I agree with everything you’re here-thrash is a great word for it. Even in years to come, I just can’t reconcile the price on these when we know how much Toyota was charging for the GX460 and 5th gen 4Runner which have also been adjusting for inflation.
Thanks for another great video Josh. Toyota/ Lexus quality have traded luxury and refinement for cheap plastic and poor build quality, not regretting a bit going with the Mdx type s to replace my good old gx 460.
The crazy (stupid) part is the MDX Type S isn’t even that much more than a mid-trim Land Cruiser fully optioned ($70K vs $75K) but you get so much more car for the money.
Have you reviewed the lx600? Just curious what you think.
I haven’t had a chance to do that as of now, but I was also holding off because of the changes Toyota is making to the V35A engine to remedy the issues they’ve had.
The Prado sticker was awesome 👏
Haha thank you! Had to set the record straight!!!
We need more videos like this, thank you!
Thank you for watching!!
Lolol that lil sticker got me good!
Great review. I'm just starting to see whats out there to replace my 2015 4Runner LTD with 210k miles. I don't see anything out there to make me want to trade it in. If/when the time comes I may just look for a lightly used GX460 or used real LandCruiser/LX570.
Yep. That’s how I feel too. I will say if you want a GX460 now is a good time to buy since you can still find some that are like new with very, very low mileage and at a good price.
Like your honest review, currently a owner of 2023 GX 460. I have tried the new RX and NX, like you said the 8 speed transmission is so erratic, There is no much noise and uneven shifting when you hit the gas pedal. Some of online Toyota/Lexus fan boys just tell what ever Toyota/Lexus does is great, I feel they are not honest. But when you compare it with some of German or even Honda for that matter, the new generation of Toyota/Lexus is not a great value for that price. They may look great but that's not only thing. These new vehicles are so expensive, they don't justify the build quality.
Most of the fanboys are also dependent upon Toyota to keep giving them vehicles to support their livelihood on UA-cam. And when that’s the case, you can’t say anything that would upset them. This is a hobby for me and I source the cars myself and so I can say whatever I want to. And I completely agree with all your points here! The new T24A and 8-speed combo never feels like it’s timed properly to me.
@@joshjamescars Appreciate your honest feedback!! started to like your videos. Great job!!
First off, great review and some great points. I have a First edition, I don't experience that shutter and shaking when accelerating. I find the seats comfortable as it has the lumbar support. It drives amazing on dirt roads and the lockers work well in tougher terrain. The fuel mileage is what it is, I average 25-26 mpg but remember it's all wheel drive. I think that's really good for a large SUV. Also it's not all about how much fuel you burn but the emmsions it produces. I do agree with you that it might be over priced but most vehicles are ridiculously over priced these days. All said I think you had a great unbiased review. One thing that bothers me is the fog lights shake like none I have seen on dirt roads and makes them almost unusable on rough roads. Also I think you should drive and review a land cruiser edition or first edition so we can hear your opinion on these.
I have a video on the interior of the mid-trim and I agree it’s much better. What I just can’t reconcile is that a mid-trim Land Cruiser is considerably more expensive than my 2023 GX460 that I bought brand new 14 months ago. I know I bought a the end of the generation (intentionally), but in my opinion the build quality and materials, engine and transmission are better than the new Land Cruiser and my GX had a sticker price of $64K and I paid less than that at around $62 for it.
I put a deposit on a mid trim LC LC before they had one to test drive. When I did get a test drive, I got my deposit back for all the reasons you cite. Excessive engine vibration was the biggest issue along with excessive body roll. I currently drive a Jeep GC trailhawk and it drives like a sports car compared to the LC. I really wanted to love this car based on other UA-cams and its looks, but it was terrible.
Yep!!! It’s a really odd package overall, and too close in price to the GX with the V6 too. The GC is a fantastic product, I agree 100%.
I'm glad you called Toyota out on their BS! Very well documented
Thanks! Tends to be a theme here on my channel… as a longtime Toyota owner seeing what they’re putting out today is just beyond disappointing.
Thank you for this review
Great review. Looking forward to the dash cam review too. Thinking about one for my wife and/or son. But a camera can hurt as much as help in some cases 😂.
Haha!! Isn’t that the truth!! Especially in 4K. 😜
the previous Land Cruiser Prado in Europe was 10cm shorter and looked more elegant imho, in streets this looks like a mammoth, i doubt they are gone sell any in the European market, apart from those bought by enthusiasts, it still has the 2.8L turbo-diesel here though so that's good lol
Yeah you all are lucky to still get the old diesel engine! And I agree, even here, the great thing about the Prado 150 was that it was a really nice size.
Excellent points. "This is not a cheap car.," while scratching the interior with a Rolex strapped hand. Agreed. Other reviews seem to push build quality, but clearly lacking. Nice review!
I think a lot of people think that since it’s a Toyota, build quality is a given but as someone who’s owned 10 and driven quite a few of the new ones, that isn’t the case the way it used to be. And you know what’s so sad but funny? I was able to afford the Rolex because I never had to spend THAT much to buy a Toyota but any of these new Land Cruisers or GX550s is basically the price of my GX460 and the Rolex together!
@@joshjamescars My Tacoma access cab (2014 bought new) has been extremely trouble free, but I'll have to upgrade for the family. Really wanted to like the Landcruiser, yet not getting good vibes from truthful reviews like yours. Likely a 4runner for me. Thanks again!
@@realitynuggets6204 I wish they still offered an Access Cab in something other than the barest of base models. It was perfect for me.
in Canada it starts at over 69k.
Toyota's justification for the cheap crappy low quality was to keep the price affordable...lol
can you imagine the cost if they actually built them with higher quality.
so it doesn't live up to the hype as i feared.
good honest review.
The car care nut first reported that jerkiness/bucking on acceleration from stops in his technical review.
That’s what they’d like you to believe but I don’t see how that’s possible when the chassis and its associated R&D costs were shared between the Tacoma, 4Runner, LC250, and GX550 vehicle programs.
Josh absolutely great review , I also own the 23Gx 460 & agree with your assessment of the Toyota, but I’ll admit my GX feels small to me as a Trucker, and my next SUV will be the QX 80
I LOVE the QX80. If I had the $120K for the Autograph or Sensory, best believe I’d own one. But we’re not there financially just yet. So in the meantime I’ll live vicariously through you!
Ugh…rethinking my deposit currently on the LC 250 mid trim.
If you want the look, I would HIGHLY advise waiting for a 2025 or 2026. They have a lot to work out that I expect they will in the next couple of years.
Honestly, this new LC250 is starting to grow on me. I'd probably get the First Edition to get the soft touch plastics and leather seats but then we'd be back to LC200 pricing. But still.. although I still don't like the powertrain, I love the LC so much that I might honestly overlook it 😭
The First Edition is a mid-trim with an extra badge for $5K, and gone for 2025 anyway. So you’d be good with the mid trim, as long as you’re okay with the $70K price-and waiting for a 2025 would probably be a good idea since I imagine they’ll work on some of the issues I had with this 2024.
@@joshjamescars yeah the FE is gone after this yr. i wonder if they’re gonna add a lux package to the 1958 edition. i like that version better than the mid trim just because of the rounded headlights..adds a special old school touch to it
@JokerG16 Toyota confirmed that they’re plug and play! So if you bought a mid trim you could buy the headlights and they supposedly work perfectly. Another reason the First Edition really isn’t special. 😂
Dude you’re way too good at this to stick to the Japanese brands. Partner up with a videographer and go all in! You definitely have it in you.
Oh you’re so kind to say, thank you! This channel is my little side hobby; my day job is working in tech so sadly I don’t have a ton of time to dedicate to UA-cam. :)
Wow. I wanted one, but now I won't buy one. Thx for the awesome review.
Thanks for watching! If you still want one, maybe wait a year or two to see if they improve some of these things.
Agree to disagree 🤷♂ I've had my 1958 for 3,000 miles and love it. It doesn't feel cheap to me at all, it's specced with well-considered appointments designed to be durable for decades to come, and it drives so, so much better than the 4Runners I've wheeled. I'm getting 19-20 MPG in city-heavy mixed driving with upgraded oversized 33" tires too. Maybe your Turo had been filled up with 87 octane?
All that matters is that you love it, and I’m glad you do! People spend way too much time thinking about what they see online. :)
The pricing and cheap materials are the problem! Last year 57k could get you a Lexus GX!!
Yep!!! Could not be happier with my decision to buy a nicely loaded GX460 for not much more than this 1958.
And the 23 GX460 is just more car for the money with a currently more reliable drive train. Time will tell on the new one.
@@kurtbeck5809 yup don’t trust these 4 cyl hybrids yet
When I bought my '23 Camry SE, I asked for a base model SE with no sunroof, no, push start, stripped. I wanted a physical key to start the ignition. I wanted everything that my Lexus GS didn't have. I had issues with the PUSH START in my GS when the battery in the key fob ran out of juice. Fortunately, I googled how to push start my car and I was able to get home. I didn't want the inconvenience of always having to replace the battery, even though the display in the car will indicate when the battery is low. Nonetheless, I wanted a cheap car, because my lifestyle doesn't require all the bells and whistles and I didn't want any of it anyway. Initially, I regretted not buying more car, but I had to remind myself, I needed a car badly during the (end of) the chip shortage.where I had to place an order for a car, and I'm happy now that I've had it for 1 1/2 years.
After this review on the base Land Cruiser, I may wait for the 4Runner. Yeah, my SE sCVT, I feel like I am driving a lawnmower. - there I've said it. However it is zippy.
Hello again! So sorry somehow this got flagged and didn’t appear in my regular comment inbox! If you have the non-hybrid SE, you actually have an 8-speed automatic. And I think you have a great car with that Camry. Hybrid or not that’s an unbeatable vehicle that we know will last decades. Regarding the 4Runner, I’d say buy a 24 now or wait until the 26 model year. The 25 is already delayed (presumably due to quality issues), and I imagine since it’s basically the same vehicle underneath as this Land Cruiser, it will need a year to get some of the kinks worked out.
Great review Josh. Quality on this looks like a Toyota RAV4 level vehicle that they just made extra large a far cry from the previous Prados, so typical American style vehicle in the vein of Volkswagen's large SUV. Large vehicle with compact car rental car vibes.
As someone who has a Rav4 Prime, I have to say the Rav4’s interior feels superior in a number of ways. And completely agree… it’s mind boggling that this is the next generation of the same vehicle my GX460 is built from!?
I guess I’ll keep my bulletproof 03 GX470 fully paid for :) you saved me 60K.
I think the best upgrade path for you would be an almost-new 2023 GX460, for the same $60K or less! Or a 2024 4Runner. But don’t get rid of your GX470 either!!! :)
@@joshjamescars i actually also have an 05 4th Gen 4Runner granted its a 2WD drive. I drove my friend’s 5th Gen TRD pro and I hate how they neutered the throttle response on the 1GR versus 4th Gen virtually same powertrain since 2004
@@iheartgs400 Pedal Commander... I put one in my Tundra, and have 2-3 friends who bought them after they went for a ride with me.
That backup cam looks like my parent's 2017 Camry lol
Thanks for the in depth review! I don't mind the 4 cyl, that's where things are going it seems. They'll probably be running on a 2 cyl in 20 years 😅
Given the delay of the 4runner, think they will apply some of the lessons from this to it? Still excited for it, but a bit wary.
For me it isn’t the fact that it’s a 4-cylinder, but the fact that the drivetrain behaves so poorly. Porsche, BMW, Honda, and even other Toyotas with 4-cylinders have proven that you can have an I4 that’s great to drive.
On the 4Runner, I’m hoping it’ll be more refined, and I’d also be willing to cut it more slack if it isn’t priced at outrageous numbers. I could deal with a poor drivetrain for $45K which is where I imagine the 4Runner will start.
Great review, nicely done.
Thank you!
Hi Josh. Wow! I always thought of the Land Cruiser as an iconic classic vehicle. I don’t see any on the road. We used to have the Mitsubishi Montero Sr around the same time as the Land Cruiser became popular. Is the bumper plastic or metal? I also had a jeep wrangler that I purchased used, however it was in the shop all the time. After the heater core went up I had to get rid of it. This looks like a vehicle that you may regret your purchase after all the creaks and plastic parts. From a side view it looks like the GX550. In regard to the blind spot I had to purchase the blind spot mirrors for my GX the lane change assist was not picking up vehicles on the tail end of the driver’s side. They are spot on and give me an excellent view. I wonder how the Sequoia rides. I believe it is in the mid to upper 80’s. Thanks for the review.
Hi Joann. This is not the full-size Land Cruiser, it’s the Land Cruiser Prado, so it is the twin vehicle of the GX550. And this new generation Land Cruiser Prado is the next generation of the Prado 150-series that our GX460s are based on. If you’re not familiar with the Prado, go google it, it’ll look familiar. ;)
Considering one myself in midlevel trim. Definitely a different perspective from all the other reviews I have seen. But then again, the prior review implying that there was a 150 pound load limit in the cargo area was a different perspective as well. Hoping to be able to drive one and decide for myself sometime soon, but they are pretty scarce here in my area.
Also, one thing I don't see mentioned in the various MPG tests is whether 100% pure gas or an ethanol mixture was used. My general experience has been that the ethanol mixture reduces mileage by about 10%, which would be 2 to 3 MPG versus the mileage claimed for the LC. However, that certainly wouldn't explain the difference between 17 and 23. That does not appear to be an uncommon finding on new LC reviews, which is a little concerning.
The 150lb limit is only for the storage area at the very back of the cargo area. Not the whole thing.
100% pure gas (or non ethanol gas) is illegal to sell for automobiles in some states and countries so that would be an unrealistic test to do. All fuel economy tests are done with the recommended grade of gas (so premium in this case).
Regarding the official EPA scores, I don’t think their testing methodology covers real world driving. The Camry Hybrid is the only car in recent memory that I was actually able to achieve the stated scores. I always assume I will see 2-3 below whatever the EPA says in my real world driving.
I am getting 21 at nearly 4K miles. BUT, a large chunk of that was going 85 in Texas when it was 104 degrees outside. So probably 22-23 is realistic in combined driving in this thing.