The core model in the Land Cruiser lineup drops the Prado moniker in Japan, where it is available with non-electrified gasoline and turbodiesel powertrains

• The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 is now offered in Japan, joining the more luxurious 300 Series and the more spartan Classic 70 Series.
• The capable off-roader is available with either a naturally aspirated 2.7-liter gasoline engine or a more powerful 2.8-liter turbodiesel, both without any form of electrification.
• Japanese buyers have access to First Edition models equipped with matte black 18-inch alloy wheels and featuring a few special touches inside the cabin.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 has finally reached its home market in Japan, abandoning the Prado moniker that has been in use in the country since 1990. Described as the “core model” of the Land Cruiser family, this capable off-roader joins the more luxurious 300 Series and the classic 70 Series.

While North American buyers are restricted to a single gas-electric hybrid four-cylinder powertrain, Japanese buyers don’t have the option for a hybrid. Instead, they can choose between two non-electrified engines: a 2.8-liter turbodiesel and 2.7-liter gasoline powertrains. They also have access to a set of First Edition models with a limited production of 8,000 units.

Compared to its predecessor, the Land Cruiser 250 series is more focused on practicality instead of high-end luxury, leaving the larger 300 series to fulfill that role. Predictably, the Japanese version looks identical to the EU-spec and US-spec models, setting aside a few special touches on the First Edition trims and the array of optional accessories from Toyota, Jaos, Modellista, and Toy Factory. The color palette includes six exterior shades and two interior finishes (Black, Dark Chestnut).

The First Edition models are based on the mid-spec VX and the high-spec ZX trims, featuring rectangular and round LED headlights respectively. Both ride on a new set of 18-inch aluminum wheels finished in matte black which are shod in off-road tires. The VX can be had with diesel or gasoline while the ZX is exclusively available in diesel form.

Inside, the models have “First Edition” lettering on the doors, leather upholstery, and discreet titanium accents. Standard equipment is more generous in the diesel-powered versions, including the fancier digital cockpit with the dual 12.3-inch displays, the 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, and the more sophisticated Toyota Teammate ADAS.

Toyota Land Cruiser 250 First Edition

The Land Cruiser 250 rides on the TNGA-F architecture honoring the ladder-frame heritage of the series. The SUV measures 4,925 mm (193.9 inches) long with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112.2 inches) and is available in five-seater or seven-seater configurations.

Engine Options

In terms of powertrains, Japanese buyers don’t get the mild-hybrid diesel that is available in Europe and Australia, nor the hybrid gasoline option from North America. Instead, they can only order the Land Cruiser 250 with non-electrified diesel and gasoline powertrains

The flagship 2.8-liter turbodiesel produces 201 hp (150 kw / 204 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, and is exclusively mated to an eight-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. As for the less potent naturally aspirated 2.7-liter gasoline engine, it is good for 160 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 246 Nm (181 lb-ft) and is connected to a six-speed Super ECT automatic.

Both powertrains are combined with a full-time 4WD system featuring a Torsen LSD on the center differential and electronic rear differential lock. To make life easier when driving off the beaten track, the model offers six driving models via the Multi-Terrain Select system, and has a Multi-Terrain Monitor combining feed from four cameras.

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In terms of safety equipment, the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite comes standard in all trims, while the Toyota Teammate that’s available on higher grades adds more sophisticated systems taking over the control of the vehicle when certain conditions are met.

The new Land Cruiser 250 is already available to order from Toyota dealers in Japan. Pricing starts from ¥5,200,000 ($33,700) for the base-spec five-seater GX and tops out at ¥7,850,000 ($50,872) for the flagship seven-seater ZX First Edition.