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 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.
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
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 !
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 just purchased the Land Cruiser 1958 and love it! It's hands-down the best value in the Land Cruiser/GX lineup. The Land Cruiser's robust build is one of its defining features, and it's a major factor in its higher price tag compared to other Toyota models. The Car Care Nut's 1-hour technical review goes into detail about it and worth the watch if you're considering this vehicle (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kcNlKJCzudg.htmlsi=PUAaDS5Bi-TYKYqB). Also, the fuel economy is fantastic; I'm getting 25 mpg on the highway and 22 combined, a huge improvement from my old vehicle's 14 mpg. Drivetrain seems solid and quick, especially passing on the highway. Upgrading from a 2012 Tacoma, the 1958 Land Cruiser feels luxurious. Even the screen size, which I initially thought would be too small, is fine. I also prefer the cloth seats over the leather or pleather options. And the hard plastics with the Land Cruiser logo are great, especially for overlanding. If you're coming from an older Tacoma or 4Runner you'll be very happy with this vehicle despite these types of reviews.
This sort of perspective is great and really matters as you can appreciate the new tech and features even in a base model vehicle. A few years back I upgraded from a 1992 to a used 2012 nissan patrol (y60 to y61) and thought I was in another world. Have since purchased a new lr defender 2022 model and the 2012 patrol (which I still have) is like a dinosaur!
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).
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.
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.
I agree, and I think that’s the problem they have with the Land Cruiser here is that we also get the 4Runner which is the same vehicle with a different body so there’s little justification for one being considerably more expensive than the other.
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.
Engines can burn the same amount of fuel but one may burn cleaner than another. Some newer engines (like the V35A) also have additional filtration systems to reduce the amount of NOx gasses that come out of the tailpipe, kind of like how diesels all have a urea filtration system).
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Excellent video Josh. In a RU-vid 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.
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.
Nowadays cars have become very expensive and basically "soulless", Brands are now more concerned with lowering costs , emissions & profits...instead of what a vehicle should make you feel or what it represents when you choose to get one from a particular brand/manufacturer. But $62K for "this" is some pure-clowning in the 21st century...and no "resale" value is not a good enough excuse.
Another excellent review!! The details you bring up vs. any other RU-vidr 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. ;)
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
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.
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. 😂
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 😂.
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).
Agree w/ lumbar adjustment, disagree about mirrors and air vents. Toyota makes a 3rd row in Europe and other countries that have a non-hybrid model. Toyota actually saves money when manufacturing. One headliner pie/punch to make all the holes. Sure they pay a few extra bucks for more molded plastic, but it's easier than choosing two caps and two vents for models w/ no 3rd row. What costs more money? Extra parts, labor, or mistakes? In the total cost calculation, it just made more sense from a manufacturing perspective to simplify on the options. Obviously when the price delta was too great, then they chose not to install certain parts, like a larger screen, cool box in the center console, and of course lumbar adjustment and ventilation in the cloth seats. If we go into a comparison with the 2025 4runner that's coming out. They'll be selling a $43,000 non-hybrid model a hybrid model for about $54,000. The Full-Time 4wd drivetrain is for sure more than a 11,000 difference, and value is there as well. If you compare it against the outgoing 4runner, and added the cost of an Full-Time 4wd drivetrain, you'd come to roughly the same price, if not more. The Off-Road model is $44,550 MSRP at the moment if we're going to go apples to apples. Keep in mind, the 2025 T4R will have Part-Time 4wd like the 5th gen which is far less complex. One downside to the "200ification" of the LC250 is that it's only so in size. We're missing the beefy components from the 2nd/3rd Gen Tundra and the 200 Series Land Cruiser. Steering components are wimpy, the mounts for the suspension are very thin sheet metal in comparison. We lose out, but we're paying 20k less MSRP in 2016 money or about 26,000 less today if you account for inflation. Size-wise, if you actually compare interior space, they're relatively similar. In fact the GX460 has more headroom. A lot of the increase in external dimensions is to meet crash protection requirements. Another reason why the front bumper sticks out so much in the 3rd gen tacoma compared to the 2nd and 1st gens. The carplay experience is complete dogsh**. If you're using external applications it'll turn off the radio and go to your phone for no reason. 360 camera is a non-issue. If you're experienced w/ driving offroad it's not a big deal. Was never a big deal w/ my old tacoma, not an issue w/ my 3rd gen 4runner. Nice to have? Sure. Need it? no. The hood is good because there's more space underneath to put things. Regarding the drivetrain, Toyota would benefit here by adding a manual transmission. For use in traffic, being able to smoothly slip out the clutch it would be amazing. The shudder is annoying. After 3000+ miles, it still hasn't gone away and it hasn't gotten less annoying. But it is what it is, a compromise. Regarding fuel economy, correct, the drivetrain's goal, even explained by the engineers, was to reduce issues felt w/ turbo lag. However, there is a possibility for far better fuel economy if you drove it with a hybrid drive cycle, eg utilizing electric motor whenever possible, slowing down earlier so you can wait out a red light or maximize on the regeneration. Toyota did a big disservice by not giving the 250 a larger battery with Lithium Ion. Toyota will argue that there's not enough room, but that's a blatant lie. The 250 should've had a swing out rear door with the spare tire on the back like the FJ Cruiser. With the tire on the back, the load floor would be lower even with a larger battery in the space previously occupied by the spare tire, even perhaps a larger fuel tank as well. Given more battery power, Toyota could've gone with a slightly more powerful MGU and maximize on electric motor use. Case in point, a trip MPG of 29.9 is possible if you drive like a little b**** in the LC250 on a Vons Korean Fried Chicken wing run. Real world experience, driving from Oregon to San Francisco, I was able to get 23.9mpg with sections at 90mph, but again, using good fuel economy strategies like staying within the flow of traffic with all gass no brake, and following people to stay in their draft helps. In lieu of that, 65mph is a good option. But yes, again this vehicle is a compromise and a 1st model year. Toyota makes a lot of stupid decisions when they make their assumptions about what's right, but still Toyota sells a metric sh** ton of vehicles in whatever iteration the decide on. Another issue that hamstrings us is American fuel / emissions regulations as well as Toyota Motor Sales being complete morons regarding marketing decisions, but it is what it is.
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!
Love your review. I really think Toyota over-indexed on the overlanding trend which took off during COVID, but now, while still a major hobby, does not represent the majority of customers and buyers in the market for a vehicle such as this.
It’s INSANE. I think the base Tacoma work truck has hard armrests but I haven’t seen hard plastic armrests on any consumer/civilian vehicle since the 90s or early 2000s. Maybe a Chevy Spark? But not a $60K vehicle. 😂
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.
Totally Spot-On! Toyota wrongfully co-mingled the Lexus GX model with the Toyota 4Runner vehicle models! If a buyer wants a 'rea' rugged' 4WD off-road vehicle that will taken a ton of abuses, then you go and buy the Toyota $Runner TRD, NOT the $75,000 - $80,000 new GC 550 vehicle! A larger GX550 also means less (perhaps no) garage space given the larger GX550 dimensions! The GX 550 vice Toyota 4Runner lineups, also place the Lexus LX model at a distinct 'limbo land' model. Josh has given very good, sage advice about the dangers of buying the first model year of ANY vehicle model. A buyer is wise to wait another few years and await for the engineering and design 'bugs' to be rectified. 'Light steering' is a sports model is desirable by many drivers, but not so much for SUV drivers. Those drivers who purchased the late model GX 460 V8 were so very lucky in terms of engine, cabin amenities, and luxury!
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.
I have a 58, and I like it. However I couldn't agree more. It is a complete cash grab and price gouging. This car is worth mid 40s max. Don't get me wrong. I like it. It's okay. I love the looks. But for the crap that they offer inside and the poor quality build, it should be 40 Grand. I concur, worst seats ever, and plastic everywhere Interior is mind-boggling. For example, soft touch underneath the front window which I will never touch in my entire life, but not where your elbow rests on the door. Mind-boggling
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!
Superb review Josh (and John) Question: if you do not wear your seatbelt does it continue to give you the ding ding warning forever? When you off-road its very convenient to not wear a seatbelt when getting in and out to check your line. The ding ding over and over again warning you of your seat belt is so annoying. I was hoping that could be disabled maybe? Especially for an attempt at a basic off-roader as this trim appears to be going for?
I’d imagine it would do so, and I think that’s a federal regulation. But I also imagine it’s not smart enough to know if you were to buckle the belt and sit on top of it in that situation.
Actually, a more similar 2024 Bronco with similar power would be the Black Diamond mid with heated seats, climate control, body armor, locking rear diff, and a painted hardtop and would be closer to $53k.
With a much nicer interior. That said, the point of the Bronco I configured was that was the most basic off-roader if that’s all people want. Same with the Wrangler Sport S.
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.
This was painful to watch. I finally finished it. What expectations will someone have on a base model Land Cruiser that everyone knew what it was coming with for over a year now. All vehicles are expensive. Unfortunately
The only thing that changes in the mid-trim is the interior, and I definitely liked the mid-trim better; I still don’t think it’s worth $70K but I’d much rather pay $70K for that than $60K for this. I have a quick walk around video on that here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DI2fBpMdE0k.htmlsi=-sPFpvmJ5L1yMHhl
@@joshjamescars thank you for your replies, you’re the best!! I’m getting a mid trim without the premium package for 63k, it’s still in transit, I figured with a better material use for interior it’d be a much better bargain for most people. Thank you for your video, very informative! Keep up the good work!
I can confirm he does not. Out of curiosity while I was at a dealer, I drove both a mid-trim and First Edition it had all the same tendencies and behaviors he experienced. The jerky/lurchy tendencies are also characteristic of the T24A turbo in general. I’ve felt the same kind of sensations in the RX350/500h and other vehicles with this same drivetrain.
Clearly Toyota isn't embarrassed by their laskluster EV marketplace entry. They're still pimping Toyota loyalists like they're still the best, most reliable cars.
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.
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.
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. ;)
My 2024 4Runner drives better and feels better built than the first edition LC I drove. 3 months later and it's still sitting at the dealer. This is a Land Poser.
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 RU-vid. :)
I would be very unhappy if i encountered all those build quality issues after i paid $65k for one of these. The GX460 is just more vehicle for the money. I agree completely with your comment about fuel economy. My IS500 does better than that LC
Land Cruiser is here by name only, this doesn’t have the same off road capabilities as the 300 series such as KDSS/E-KDSS, Optional Triple locker, and reliable and bulletproof powertrain, the 300 series could option with a 4.0 V6 with a 6 speed auto in the middle eastern market…
Josh you missed the elephant in the room. Did you experience any rattle or shatter type noise on this Land Cruiser when the engine still cold and accelerating at low rpm?
It does look awesome. But Toyota is having lots of reliability issues with their trucks and SUVs. Time to give them a break and let them work through all their recalls. New subscriber here.
Josh, do you think you would be able to get another vehicle to confirm the drivetrain behavior? Even savagegeese said it drives smooth and they are not known for holding back on criticism. What was the serial number of this LC you tested? I am not trying to defend the manufacturer, just trying to get to the bottom of it. Top work from you as always. Cheers
Others have confirmed that here in the comments and I haven’t personally watched, but someone said that the car care nut also noticed this behavior. Alex on Autos also has repeatedly stated that the same powertrain in the TX500h feels like it’s in beta due to similar behaviors. I will also say it’s very similar to the other T24A vehicles I’ve driven. This engine and transmission combo is kind of odd. It tries as hard as it can to not tap into the power which results in latency and it’s that latency that causes that jerky behavior.
@josh I was at least another one who commented that I experienced the same kind of jerky behavior in my test drive of both a mid-trim and first edition. And I also said in another reply I’ve had similar behavior from an RX500h with the same hybrid max drivetrain. I don’t think they’ve figured out how to get the transmission, gas engine, turbo, and electric motor to work together with no latency across all four (that’s very hard to do with four different pieces of the engine having to work together).
I feel like I am watching an old James Bond movie and evil villain is Toyota Dr. No and they are rubbing there hands together saying how can we screw over our customers and build the cheapest low quality car ever.
Toyota has been making vehicles for almost 90 years and have sold over 250 million cars, trucks and SUVs, they also build houses in Japan and make forklifts and robots. So I would stop giving shoddy craftsmanship and substandard QC a pass. New technology and advanced features? YES, but rattles, squeaks, loose and poor fitting body parts and molding has nothing to do with 1st model year fixes for bugs or updates. The problems you pointed out are just poor Quality Controls.
I semi-agree, but you will ALWAYS have issues in the early production runs on vehicles that are clean sheet redesigns like this. That said, I agree that it’s substandard and shoddy and I would definitely not touch a first year anything for that reason.
