I dont think they’re done with mass production, I think the opposite is true. If we extrapolate BOF sales globally, specifically the reception the market had with the J300 launch, these new monikers on the J250/252 are poised to have quite the sales story. The wait lists on these will be of epic proportions, and already are in select global markets years of waitlists plus ADMs.
Bronco is a debacle of a product launch and internally its been a pain sorting out select issues like tops and powertrain. That program was suppose to be the one that KOed Toyota in the BOF space, but I think it acted more of a catalyst to draw on legacy and marketing/imaging.
This. I actually would be mildly interested in an LC (it’s still likely way too big for my parking spaces) b/c it looks really cool, has a legendary nameplate (and presumably the chops to back it up, although I will never use that capability), and (hopefully) Toyota reliability/durability. And I can kind of afford a car in the mid-$50K but could not afford one in the $80K range. And I personally am not a huge fan of domestic brands.
Some mixed unknowns that I was talking about earlier about this LC and GX (J250/2):
-lower ground clearance then an outback and current 4R/GX
-approach angles are worse then the J200 series
-On the J300 LC, the so called durability king, they offer a base hydraulic steering, and then add an E motor as you go up the trims. On the LX600, J250/2 its fully e steering. Interesting decisions
You’re not wrong… most Aussies refer to it as a ‘Prado’ as well, but that’s also in our nature - we love abbreviating things.
I don’t disagree. If someone says ‘Landcruiser’ to me, my mind immediately goes to the big dog (specifically my favorite, the 80 series), but I think perceptions around capability are (slowly) starting to change in some respects too.
Nothing beats the heavy-duty components in the Big Dog, but spiritually, I think the 70 series and the Prado are starting to become the more accessible off-roaders. Not just in terms of price, but also in terms of physical size etc.
I see your point though. Would I prefer a 300 series? Yes. Can I afford one? Probably not. So the 250 series or the GX will probably be the sweet spot for me. Also considering a Sequoia but I like the Japanese build quality,
The outgoing prado/GX is sized perfectly for outdoor trails. The J200/300 series was a tight fit, but that didnt take away from the overlanders flocking to it on the secondary market since most were priced out of new vehicles in the NADM.
The new J250/2 are the same size as the J300 wheelbase…but priced less so more butts in toyota seats.The 4Runner being evolutionary i assume will keep the narrow size and cheaper price. So I ask again to Toyota, if lower entry price point was the thing, why take a J250 over a 4R? The amount of internal competition this is going to cause within 4R/GX/LCP is going to be comical.
Let’s just hope for high residuals and relatively low mf’s….since I wouldn’t count on too many incentives for a little while. It’ll be curious to see the production rate, inventory, & how long dealers hold at MSRP, etc…
I really love the 1959 look but I think toyota really botched the trunk area. Couldn’t they come up with something better to hide the Hybrid battery? The videos i’ve seen show the rear cargo area with a big lift that makes it awkward and way less useable IMO. No 3rd row for the US and we lose the storage space for the hybrid battery.
This is a limitation of the TGNA-F platform and Toyota’s hyperfixation on the “golden ratio” at 2850 mm. The Sequoia and its platform mates all have this issue. Last I heard, they were working on fixing this issue, and the LX700h should show the results to the public but idk.
Fun fact, the GX460 has a similar hump but I guess the LCP/GX its more pronounced.
That is correct. The hump in the GX460 is to facilitate a flat floor when the 3rd row is tucked into the floor (semi flat all the way, since a incline exists from 2nd row).
The J250/2 are wider/3inches and physically bigger that even with the hump it should actually represent an increase in cargo volume (the tumble 2nd row might be an issue if one keeps it stock). GX550 overtrail+ has a full flat floor (no 3rd row of seats).
The Sequoias where this flat floor/hybrid issue really crops up.
