There’s exciting news from the Toyota Motors corporate office. In addition to the re-introduction of the 70 Series into the Japanese market, there is a return to the legendary Prado as well, but it will be wearing a 250 badge and will share the robust GA-F platform with the 300 Series.
Toyota created the 250 Series to shift the Prado back to its roots when it was a sturdy, reliable off-road workhorse as opposed to the high-end SUV it became to meet market demands. Even though the 250 Series doesn’t have the Prado name on it, it’s still good news for anyone longing for the Prado they know and love.
Special editions ZX “First Edition” and VX “First Edition”
In typical Toyota fashion, there isn’t a new model without a celebratory event like the introduction of special editions. The 250 Series doesn’t disappoint with the arrival of the ZX First Edition equipped with a 2.8L diesel and a VX First Edition powered by either a 2.8L diesel or a 2.7L gas engine.
The special edition 250 is limited to an 8,000-unit production run. Don’t worry; there are plenty of the other three models in the lineup including the gas or diesel-powered VX and the diesel-only ZX.
Shares a Platform with the Land Cruiser 300 Series
Toyota planted the Land Cruiser 250 on its tried and true GA-F platform equipped in the 300 series, which adds a 50% increase in frame rigidity and a 30% rigidity increase overall. The ladder frame under the 250 has been welded using the latest non-linear tailor-welded bland and ultra-high tensile strength steel plates. All of these factors create a solidly built off-road beast that has been given a newly developed suspension with a high-mount double wishbone in the front and a trailing link axle in the rear. Toyota also improved the wheel articulation that keeps your wheels on the road.
The 250 Series is equipped with high-tech features that make handling off-road conditions easier. It is the first Land Cruiser to use the Electric Power Steering (EPS) for improved handling on and off-road, and the Stabilizer and Disconnection Mechanism (SDM) that locks and unlocks the front stabilizer bar with a touch of a button.
There are two powertrains available depending on the model you choose.
The 2.8L direct injection turbo diesel comes with an 8-speed automatic, and the 2.7L gas engine has a 6-speed Super ECT shifting your gears for you.
Both vehicles have 4WD with Torsen® LSD on the center differential and an electric rear lock for off-road performance.
Toyota is “Going Back to the Basics”
The first two editions are a return to the basics as Toyota moves back to a light-duty SUV that gives people the power they need to navigate off-road without all of the bells and whistles that may keep you out of the dirt. This development concept by Toyota engineers was dubbed “going back to the basics” and loosely translated as giving their customers a vehicle that supports their daily lives combined with a name they know. While it still is equipped with sophisticated safety and drivability features, it falls between the 70 Series and the 300 Series as far as appearances are concerned.
Dimensions
The new 250 Land Cruiser has the same 2,850mm / 112 inches wheelbase of the 80 Series and is 4,925mm / 194 inches long and 1,980mm / 78 inches wide.
Photo by Toyota
Price
You’ll also find that the price range is more affordable than some of the other Land Cruiser models.
| Grade | Seating Capacity | Driveline | Engine | Transmission | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VX | 7 | FT-4WD | 2TR-FE Gas 2.7L Inline-4 | 6 Super ECT | 5,450,000 / $34,762 USD |
| ZX | 7 | FT-4WD | 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8L Inline-4 Turbo | Direct Shift 8AT | 7,350,000 / $46,881 |
| VX | 7 | FT-4WD | 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8L Inline-4 Turbo | Direct Shift 8AT | 6,300,000 / $40,184 |
| GX | 5 | FT-4WD | 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8L Inline-4 Turbo | Direct Shift 8AT | 5,200,000 / $33,800 |
| First Edition ZX | 7 | FT-4WD | 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8L Inline-4 Turbo | Direct Shift 8AT | 7,850,000 / $50,007 |
| First Edition VX | 7 | FT-4WD | 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8L Inline-4 Turbo | Direct Shift 8AT | 7,000,000 / $45,000 |
| First Edition VX | 7 | FT-4WD | 2TR-FE Gas 2.7L Inline-4 | 6 Super ECT | 5,900,000 / $38,000 |
Special Edition ZX “First Edition” Details
With limited models, the ZX is quite popular, not only because it’s priced right, but because it’s powered by the 1GD-FTV.
Photo by Toyota
ZX Houses the 2.8L Diesel
When it comes to power, the 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel is built to power through dirt and mud while taking you up and over obstacles. Its 368 horsepower at 1,600 to 2,800 RPMs delivers torque designed to take the backroads home.
The 1GD-FTV is a 4-cylinder direct injection turbo, which is Toyota’s next-gen turbo from 2015. It is under the hoods of their J150, J70, and HiAce. This engine uses a Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines on the market at 44% efficiency. It has a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that eliminates up to 99% of the NOx emissions, which puts it in line to meet all of the current emissions restrictions in Japan.
Nostalgic Headlights
Looking at the 250 Series square in the face, you’ll notice a return to yesteryear with its round Bi-Beam LED headlights with an auto-leveling function that adjusts the height of the beam’s cut-off line based on the load conditions. This feature keeps you from blinding oncoming traffic and is part of the safety features.
Aluminum Wheels
Matte black-painted aluminum wheels give the 250 Series a much more rugged look. The center cap bears the silver Toyota logo.
Photo by Toyota
18-inch off-road tires
Both of the First Edition diesel models have 265/70R18 18-inch tires on black matte rims, but there are two tire choices depending on which model you choose. The 265/65R18 tires are also an option.
LED Lamps
As noted, the auto-leveling LED lamps are designed to keep you from blinding oncoming traffic. This system uses sensors to detect the driving conditions and road parameters as it monitors your steering wheel turning angles and speed. The sensors can dim the lights when traffic approaches, reduce glare while driving in fog, and correct the angle should you have a heavy load. Your headlights level themselves to keep the road in front of you visible, making driving safer.
Photo by Toyota
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lamps were created to make you more visible on the road regardless of the time of day, which is helpful when driving conditions are overcast or hazy. They are also designed to produce a daylight color that can help you notice objects more easily. According to J.D. Power, studies have shown that DRL can reduce daytime crash risk.
Special Edition VX “First Edition” Details
Like the ZX, this special edition is also limited in numbers, but unlike the ZX, the VX is available with two power choices: diesel or gas.
2 Engine Choices
You get your choice of power in the VX First Edition by selecting either the 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel or the 2TR-FE gas engine.
The 1GD-FTV is the same as in the ZX models, and the 2TR-FE is an inline-4 that is gas-powered and features a 16-valve DOHC and VVT-i. The maximum power is 158 horses at 5,200 RPM and 182 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM. You’ll find the 2TR-FE under the hoods of the Tacoma, Hilux, 4-Runner, and the HiAce.
Exclusive Exterior Color
Sand is a neutral tone that evokes feelings of calmness, relaxation, and stability according to the marketing experts at Figma. The 250 Series is anything but calm, but it is stable and it is right at home in the dirt, so the sand color may be more of an invitation to get out and get dirty. This 250 Series exclusive color can be paired with a stunning dark chestnut interior. Offering color patterns in monotone and two-tone options, the model is available in three different colors: Sand, Black, and White.
Photo by Toyota
Interior Color
Dark chestnut is not black. It is warm, and inviting, and it is outstanding when paired with the sand exterior. The dark chestnut gives off an earthy aura while the black trim adds the defining lines of the interior. Combined, the interior is modern and welcoming and on the border of utilitarian without the rough edges.
Photo by Toyota
Toyota Safety Sense
Toyota Safety Sense is built into every 250 Series model. The TSS systems have been around for years, and Toyota works at breakneck speed to keep up with changing technologies. The 250 Series is equipped with the latest version that includes features like a pre-collision safety system able to detect motorcycles during the day, pedestrians, cyclists, and more. It also monitors intersections as you approach.
The proactive driving assist technology engages in avoidance steering and deceleration if it detects obstacles like parked cars.
Toyota Team Mate
Like the TSS, the Toyota Teammate is a suite of advanced driving technologies that keep you in your lane, slow you down in traffic when using the cruise control, and alert you to any upcoming traffic. This technology helps you stay alert and engaged while driving.
Leather Interior
The comfy leather seats are perforated for a cooler ride and more comfort. These seats are the answer to a day off-road during hot weather. Attention has been paid to detailed stitching and extra padding on the bolsters give you more support. The seats have exclusive decorations that set them apart from the other VX and ZX models.
Photo by Toyota
Door Trim
It’s not a First Edition if it doesn’t have trim badges and ornaments declaring its place in the 250 lineup. Toyota added door trim ornaments with the words “First Edition” stamped into it.
Instrument Panel
Toyota added a titanium rope trim piece that follows the dash lines and is designed to break up the monotony of the spacious black dash on the passenger side. While it does break up the wall of black, it is almost jarring with its sudden appearance in your line of sight.
Photo by Toyota
Emergency Steering Assist
As part of the TSS system, the Emergency Steering Assist with active steering function is designed to zero in on potential hazards in front of you on the road. These hazards can be cars, cats, debris, bikes, and people wandering across the street. The system can determine whether or not braking will be sufficient to avoid a collision. If not, the sensors will find a safe zone and steer the car in that direction.
Front Cross-Traffic Alert
Intersections are notorious for accidents. With the possibility of cars coming from three other directions, the front cross-traffic alert can detect cars on the left and right of you giving you an alert if it detects an anticipated collision. The alert system can also detect bicycles.
Lane Change Assist
Lane change assist has been around for a long time because it’s a very effective safety feature in the Toyotas. It alerts you to anyone in your blind spot, which keeps you from changing lanes into the side of their car. If it senses a problem, the system sounds a warning alerting you to the car you can’t see.
Advanced Drive and Traffic Jam Assist
These driver-assist technologies have been created to help you better navigate through traffic while staying alert.
Advanced Drive works with the Driver Monitor Camera to help you see objects around your vehicle. It uses a data map to pinpoint the vehicle’s location while you travel. The DMC portion of the system monitors you to detect fatigue. This technology is so advanced in the Prius that it can tell whether your eyes are on the road. This is not the same as self-driving vehicles, but a tool to improve your driving.
The Traffic Jam Assist helps make stop-and-go driving less stressful by taking control of the braking, acceleration, and steering when you’re driving in heavy traffic.
Some of these technologies are not available on all roads since they rely on HD map data. Toyota offers a link to roadways currently supported by HD mapping in the U.S.
Differences from Special Edition trims in the U.S.
Toyota is offering the 250 Series in both the Japanese market and the North American market where the vehicle is almost the same but with different engine options. The Japanese market can choose between a gas or diesel-powered engine in the VX, whereas the North American market only has a gas-powered hybrid engine available.
Since FLEX Automotive is the largest Land Cruiser dealership in Japan, if you would like more information on the new Prado, then don’t hesitate to contact us. We also specialize in modifying and customizing Land Cruisers like the 100, 80, and 60 Series. Contact us for more information here.
