Lexus LX 700h (VJH310W)

A first in Japan, the full-size hybrid SUV built on a ladder frame is the Lexus LX 700h, which is also the most powerful LX to date.

2025 Lexus LX 700h

2025 Lexus LX 700h OVERTRAIL+

2025 Lexus LX 700h interior

The first-ever hybrid variant of the current-generation Lexus LX starts at 15,900,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, and although it looks similar to its petrol-powered LX 600 equivalent, which is still available, the hybrid powertrain puts the LX 700h at the top of the Lexus SUV food chain, especially with the addition of the new offroad-oriented OVERTRAIL+ variant.

Let's give you a quick refresher on the current-generation Lexus LX. The LX is often described as bourgeois, primarily due to its larger size, which can be challenging to manage in Japanese and European driving conditions. Its massive front grille is another feature that may overshadow even the most ostentatious BMWs of today. Enthusiasts often criticize cars with large grilles as being unnecessary and silly, yet this has become the new norm. Despite the controversial front design, the LX is the second Lexus model to replace the logo on the back with "LEXUS" lettering, a change first introduced with the second-generation NX crossover as part of the brand's new design direction.

Inside, the all-new LX features two screens on the dashboard, a first for a Lexus vehicle. The top screen is a responsive touchscreen, marking a significant improvement over the previous model that relied solely on the Remote Touch system for selecting modes, which the new model lacks. The bottom screen displays climate controls and driving-related information, providing a more user-friendly interface. However, a notable drawback of the new setup is the fingerprint recognition feature on the engine switch. While designed to enhance security, the implementation can be cumbersome; it's reminiscent of having only one account per person, making it difficult to set up a new account if the original one encounters problems.

In terms of seating, the new LX offers five or seven seats, and for the first time, it has a four-seater variant under the EXECUTIVE tagline. This EXECUTIVE version includes two larger rear seats with extra legroom, specialized climate control features, a multifunction rear console, and an ottoman for added comfort—something that many will appreciate. Regardless of which variant you choose, they all offer more space than their predecessors, as expected.

The V35A-FTS V6 3.5L Twin Turbo engine has been bolted to a 1TM 40kW electric motor and nickel battery, churning out about 457PS of power and 790Nm of torque, making it the most powerful full-size luxury off-roader made in Japan. Mated to a Direct Shift 10AT, fuel economy is around 9.3km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

The new LX is built on its GA-F platform and features a lightweight, rigid body that enhances performance. With front double wishbones, a rear four-link rigid axle, Active Height Control, and Adaptive Variable Suspension, the LX offers improved handling and ride quality. The all-wheel-drive system, Electric Power Steering, and Electronically Controlled Brake system contribute to its capabilities. Additionally, off-road features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select make the new LX 700h feel more lively and capable than its predecessor, while still retaining some of its traditional heavyweight off-roader characteristics. It has a distinct American off-roader vibe, especially with the OVERLAND+ variant, which comes equipped with a specially designed differential, allowing the LX 700h to tackle challenging conditions with style and confidence.

As a high-end luxury off-roader made in Japan, the all-new LX 700h is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, which includes an enhanced suite of safety features such as Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and BladeScan technology, among others.

The Lexus LX 700h is the first-ever luxury Japanese full-size hybrid off-roader, making it truly unique in its class. No other manufacturer has ventured into this territory, which is a positive attribute for the LX. This model combines the familiar LX features with a powerful hybrid powertrain, elevating it to the top of the Lexus SUV lineup. No one offers a better option.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus GX550 (VJA252W)

The Lexus GX, the smaller sibling of the LX, has finally arrived on Japanese roads. Those who find the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 lacking in power should consider this powerful and luxurious alternative.

2025 Lexus GX

Priced at 11,950,000 Japanese Yen (roughly $120,000) plus additional costs, the Lexus GX is the more premium alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 where brute force and first-class comfort matter for this ultra-luxury off-roader capable of mocking Little Miss Sandping in style and comfort.

2025 Lexus GX

Starting with the exterior, the Lexus GX has a more rugged appearance compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 on which it is based. It also boasts a sharp aesthetic. The same story goes for the offroad-oriented OVERTRAIL+ which comes with the exclusive Moon Desert exterior color, under guard, black arches, bridge-type roof rails, black door panels, and rear center protection. Lexus claims that the GX's design harks back to Toyota's offroad GOAT, the Land Cruiser 70 series. A homage done right, they said.

2025 Lexus GX interior

The interior of the Lexus GX is a huge contrast to the Land Cruiser 250 donor car because it's meant to be positioned at the Business Class rather than the Economy Class. On the driver's side, the GX features an optional HUD, a standard 12-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface technology, a digital 12.3-inch multi-information display, and others. On the passenger side, the GX seats up to seven people (five for the OVERTRAIL+ variant), and the passenger seats can be folded down for spacing needs. You can fit up to four golf bags with this one.

For sound experience, the GX is offered with the available 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound for stage-level sound quality on the move.

2025 Lexus GX

The GX runs on its GA-F platform just like its big brother, the LX. With notable features such as the rigid rear suspension with extended rear wheel articulation, and electric power steering, it behaves like every luxury off-roader should. In the OVERTRAIL+ variant, it's well-armed with all-terrain tires and Lexus-first E-KDSS. The E-KDSS or Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System can lock or release the front and rear anti-roll bars independently for better offroading. It even comes with Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor.

Under the hood, The GX is armed with the same V35A-FTS V6 3.4L Twin Turbo engine as the LX but it's detuned to produce 353PS of power and 650Nm of torque. Mated to the Direct Shift 10AT, fuel economy is around 8.1km/L based on WLTC Mode standards, the same as the LX.

The all-new GX comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes several advanced features: the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA with SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).

Those who have already owned the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 may feel regret because the Lexus GX offers many features that its Toyota counterpart lacks. Those who haven't owned one yet might feel envious, wishing they could experience the new GX someday.

From mocking Sandping in the daytime to a night trip to the City of Dreams at nightfall, the Lexus GX has it all. Comfort, technology, and an ounce of brute force. Nobody does it better than this.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (J250W)

After four generations, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is no more. In its place, a new successor is taking over in the Light Duty class of the Toyota Land Cruiser lineage, sitting between the Heavy Duty-type Land Cruiser 70 and the flagship Station Wagon-type Land Cruiser 300. Welcome to the all-new Land Cruiser 250.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250

Starting at 5,200,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Land Cruiser 250 picks up where the Prado left off with its boxy styling, luxurious interior, legendary off-road capability, and an array of tech worthy of bearing the Land Cruiser bloodline.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250

Beginning with the design, the Land Cruiser 250 uses the cubic approach that will leave observers Tetris-eyed. Be there and be square, they said, and like the final Prado it replaces, the Land Cruiser 250 doesn't feature a rear spare wheel. Fair enough.

In observance of the Land Cruiser's heritage, the 250 doesn't use Toyota logos all over and instead uses the TOYOTA lettering. A real blast from the past.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 interior

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 interior

Apart from the squarish exterior design that makes their square pants fizz, the all-new interior stays true to the Land Cruiser's character as a luxury off-roader, not only works as a family-oriented vehicle, but also for taking VIPs and executives to their important points of interest. The driver's side is packed with a 12.3-inch TFT display that tells most of the important stuff around this car, the available 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes, HUD, digital rearview mirror, climate control, Nanoe X, and heated steering wheel, among others.

Apart from that, the Land Cruiser 250 is offered with a choice of a 5-seater or a 7-seater. Whichever seating layout you're on, you will be greeted with luxurious features like the power moonroof and the available JBL Premium Sound System. As for boot space, it's good for up to four golf bags with all of the passenger seats folded down. For easy access, the Land Cruiser 250 comes with a hands-free power liftgate that can automatically open with your foot lift.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250

With the TNGA platform and a ladder frame chassis, the Land Cruiser 250 is better to drive and more rigid than the Prado. It even has improved braking and towing capacity as well. For the first time in a Land Cruiser series, the 250 features electric power steering and a brand-new Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) that allows drivers to manually switch the stabilizer between 'locked' and 'free' for extended wheel articulation. Other useful features of the Land Cruiser 250 include Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, the improved Multi-Terrain Monitor with a Toyota-first back underfloor view, full-time 4WD with Torsen LSD, Downhill Assist Control, Hillstart Assist Control, A-TRC, electric rear diff lock, and Drive Mode Select.

The Land Cruiser 250 is offered in a choice of a VX-exclusive 163PS 2.7L 2TR-FE petrol engine mated to a 6-speed Super ECT and the one engine that scares all Japanese straight, a 204PS 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel engine (optional on the VX model, exclusive to the GX and ZX models) mated to a Direct Shift-8AT with paddle shifters. The petrol version has a fuel economy of 7.5km/L while the diesel version does 11km/L. All are based on WLTC Mode standards.

In terms of safety, the Land Cruiser 250 features the new and improved Toyota Safety Sense, comprising advanced features such as the Pre-Collision Safety System with Pedestrian Detection and Road Sign Assist, among others.

Being the Prado's successor can be stressful work, especially with the diesel engine being the cream of the crop. The kind of engine that terrifies Gen Alfa Japanese people lately. Despite mixed results, the Land Cruiser 250 is still the Prado's successor worth waiting for. The middle child of the Land Cruiser family is now cubed for perfection. Let's see if the Japanese public has its say with this off-roader.

Just don't call this a Prado anymore because the Land Cruiser 250 is no longer the Prado of yesteryears. This off-roader has turned.

Available Colors: Avantgarde Bronze Metallic, Super White II, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Black, Avantgarde Bronze Metallic, and Smoky Blue.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 (2024MY Minor Change)

The GOAT in the Land Cruiser history, the 70 Series, returns for the 2024 Model Year, and it's here to stay as the heavy-duty class of the Land Cruiser lineage.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Starting at 4.8 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the reborn Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is the ultimate no-nonsense JDM offroader for those who believe that today's offroaders are too posh for them or they can't afford to buy a Jeep Wrangler. Whatever the reason, it's here to stay and ready to roll, ripping through the toughest places in Japan.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Although it's still as good as it was nearly four decades ago, the Land Cruiser 70 features a new front face with a grille that spells TOYOTA on it as well as three horizontal slats below the grille, a tribute to earlier models. Even with a new look, it's still the Land Cruiser 70 the world knows.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

The familiar interior has been revamped with a new instrumental panel, a new steering wheel, a new cup holder design at the center console, USB-C ports, a rear monitor at the room mirror, and new switches below the dashboard, keeping this ancient off-roader updated for the new normal. It still seats up to five people and comes with foldable second-row seats for added boot space for your essentials. Better be overprepared rather than underprepared, some say.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Unlike the previous model nearly a decade ago, the 2024MY Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is powered only by a 1GD-FTV 2.8L common-rail turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It produces 204PS of power output and 500Nm of torque, while the fuel economy is 10.1km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Being an old-school offroader with a ladder frame, the Land Cruiser 70 is packed with front coil springs, rear leaf springs, Downhill Assist Control, VSC, and Active Traction Control, an electronic differential lock, hill-start assist control, a part-time 4WD system, and a dual-mode automatic locking hub. Although it's still not suitable for your Tokyo trip, it's still a classic off-roader fit to tackle the path to Mt. Fuji or crawl through the end of the mountain road ahead of someone. That's off-road ingenuity, the Land Cruiser way.

The ancient Land Cruiser 70 Series now comes with Toyota Safety Sense, with a suite of intelligent safety features including Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System, and others.

It's great to have the Land Cruiser 70 back in the lineup as the heavy-duty member of the Land Cruiser family, and this remastered classic is ready to tackle the challenges of the new normal, something that a modern off-roader couldn't think of. If you're looking for an off-roader but can't afford a Jeep Wrangler, the remastered Land Cruiser 70 is the one for you. It's still the GOAT.

Available Colors: Beige, Super White II, and Attitude Black Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My FH5 Log: A Donk and a Prado

FH5's Series 3 Storm Season Playlist brings back the Donkervoort D8 GTO and the Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser Prado in the roster. All you have to do is to accumulate enough points by winning events listed on this week's playlist to score these returning Forza favorites. 

Anyway, now that I got the keys to the two playlist-exclusive prize cars, it's time to get to know about them quickly before setting them off for their usual leisurely drive.

First up is the Donkervoort D8, which can be acquired by scoring 25 points in this series's Storm Season. The Donkervoort D8 may be known as the Dutchman's Caterham but it's more than being that. With the Audi-sourced 2.5L TFSi 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed gearbox, carbon fiber kevlar body, and track-honed dynamics, the Donkervoort is a different kind of track car for people who think they're not interested in British-made track toys like the Caterham but like a crazy open-wheeler that can ignite their senses.

Getting 45 points from this playlist will grant you the keys to the Toyota Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser AT37, a Prado modified by Icelandic offroad specialists, Arctic Trucks.

 With a quick intro done, it's time to give these two a quick race to demonstrate their abilities.

Send in the tapes.

Enjoy your new rides!

Lexus LX600 (VJA310W)

First launched in Japan in the fall of 2015, the Lexus LX is a monstrously-sized SUV catered for those who think their Toyota Land Cruiser is not enough. Although it has more power and luxury compared to its Land Cruiser brother, it struggled to catch up because of the bourgeois price tag and sizing that is worth a challenge on Japanese roads. With the arrival of the all-new LX, looks like owners of last year's Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series are in for a bittersweet moment...

2023 Lexus LX

Priced at an ultra-expensive 12.5 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Lexus LX is prepared to steal the Toyota Land Cruiser 300's spotlight by any means necessary, although it's still as premium and capable as its Land Cruiser 300 brother, with some added touches that will bring tears of shame to those who have owned a Land Cruiser 300.

2023 Lexus LX

Beginning with the design, the all-new LX is something to be called bourgeois probably because of its added size that will be challenging to live with Japanese and European motoring conditions but mostly because of the massive front grille that will embarrass even the most bourgeois-looking BMWs of today. Speedo boys truly dislike cars with massive grilles because of being pointless and silly but this is the new normal, ladies and gentlemen. Although the front face is revolting, the LX is the second Lexus to ditch the logo at the back in favor of the LEXUS lettering first seen in the second-generation NX crossover as part of the brand's next design chapter.

2023 Lexus LX

Checking on the interior, the all-new LX now boasts two monitors on the dashboard, a first for a Lexus vehicle. The top is a touch screen that works, unlike the previous model where you will only use the Remote Touch to select various modes, which the new model no longer possesses. The bottom screen, meanwhile, is where it displays climate control and driving-related information. There's so much to toy around with the dashboard but the great Achilles Heel of the new interior is the new fingerprint recognition on the engine switch. While it was made to combat a bad case of GTA, the implementation of fingerprint recognition is like the one account per person rule. It's a lot difficult setting up a new one in the case when your original account's in trouble, but anyway, long story short.

In addition to having five or seven seats, the all-new LX features a four-seater variant for the first time under the EXECUTIVE tagline. The LX600 EXECUTIVE features two larger rear seats with extra legroom, special climate control features, a multi-function rear console, and extended legroom with an ottoman for when you want to relax. Something that Boss Madam is more than happy to have. Whichever LX you choose, they're more spacious than their predecessor as expected.

Just like the new Toyota Land Cruiser, the glorious V8 engine of its predecessor has been thrown away and replaced by a more polar bear-friendly V35A-FTS V6 3.5L Twin Turbo engine that produces 415PS of power and 305NM of torque. Mated to a Direct Shift 10AT, it delivers up to 8.1kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode Standards. Slightly more than the Land Cruiser.

Thanks to its GA-F platform, lightweight and rigid bodywork, front double wishbones, rear four-link rigid axle, Active Height Control, Adaptive Variable Suspension, all-wheel-drive, Electric Power Steering, Electronically Controlled Brake system, and many other improvements, not to mention offroad-handy features such as Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, the new LX feels livelier and more capable than the previous model, although its spartan driving manners fit for a heavyweight offroader lingers on. It almost feels like an American offroader in various ways, but with the OFFROAD variant with a specially-made differential, the new LX feels like it's ready to take on the elements in style and command. Weekends at Hannibal's, anyone?

Being a high-value luxury offroader made in Japan, the all-new LX features Lexus Safety System+, an improved suite of safety features such as Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, BladeScan, and more.

Being the most premium and capable Japanese luxury offroader ever built, the all-new Lexus LX is more than ready to take on the new normal with its commanding presence, luxurious interior, turbocharged V6 engine, and an arsenal of gadgetry. Those who had the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 will be sorry because the LX features everything that its Toyota equivalent doesn't have and those who haven't been feeling jelly, wishing they would like to have a taste of the new LX someday. Whatever the reason, the ultimate luxury offroader has finally arrived and it's time to roll down the red carpet for the new model.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series

For 70 years, the Land Cruiser is the pride of Toyota that boldly goes where no Japanese car has gone before. From the scorching sands of the Arab Peninsula, the Amazon rainforest, Death Valley, and even on the streets of London, Paris, and Tokyo, the Land Cruiser is a world-proven offroader that withstood the tests of time. In celebration of the Land Cruiser's 70th anniversary, the all-new 300 Series has been unveiled and it's ready to take on a brave new world.

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser GR SPORT

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser

At last, the all-new Land Cruiser 300 is now available in Japan with prices starting at 5,100,000 Japanese Yen (around $51,000), which is less expensive than the new Land Rover Defender, making it the bargain offroader of the decade or is it? Let's find out.

Beginning with the design, the Land Cruiser 300 Series features a more muscular design that is a major improvement compared to the previous 200 Series. From every angle, the new design has the stunning impression of a Rhino unit charging head-on. Sounds painful but this is what the new Land Cruiser is made for; something to inspire.

The GR SPORT, meanwhile, is about as off-road worthy as it can get because it features a lettered TOYOTA grille on the front, black front bumper, matte black 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/65R18 tires fit for offroad use, and GR SPORT badging.

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser interior

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser GR SPORT interior

The interior has been heavily revised in the 300 Series and on the driver's side, the new model went for the minimalist approach with the touchscreen sat-nav system that is shorter than the one from the previous 200 Series, and for the first time, the start-stop button comes with fingerprint recognition for added security purposes because Toyota had enough with so much grand theft auto involved with this car. Some say that the added fingerprint recognition is a terrible idea and that gave them an impression of a one-account-per-person rule. It's a lot difficult setting up a new one in the case when your original account's in trouble, but anyway, long story short. Enough about fingerprint nonsense because when you talk about comfort, you're in because, with the TNGA platform, the new 300 Series Land Cruiser is roomier than the previous model and more spacious in the back as well when the rear seats are folded.

The new Land Cruiser 300 is offered with a choice of five or seven seats and because the Land Cruiser is not just being a family car made for the long weekend drive, it's fit for associates, bodyguards, and prospects escorting CEOs and VIPs, even politicians. It also works for delivering sensitive goods to valuable clients as well. It's business and pleasure that made the new Land Cruiser's expectations well and truly met.

If you opt-in for the GR SPORT variant, a GR steering wheel and a black-red interior theme is on the set but it still has the same impression that you expect from the normal Land Cruiser.

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser

Now we get to the performance part of the Land Cruiser and this is where it got speedo boys noticed. Under the hood, the glorious V8 engine of the past 200 Series has been thrown away and replaced by a more polar bear-friendly V35A-FTS V6 3.5L Twin Turbo engine that produces 415PS of power and 305NM of torque. That's almost a hundred more than the old V8 engine and looks like Toyota made the right move going the downsizing route although some are not happy about it. Of course, if you want some beef, there's an F33A-FTV V6 turbodiesel engine producing 309PS of power and 700Nm of torque. All of these engines are mated to a Direct Shift 10AT.

When you talk about fuel economy, the V6 twin-turbo petrol engine gets 7.9km/L while its diesel counterpart gets 9.7km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Thanks to the implementation of the TNGA platform, a first for a body-on-frame vehicle, the new model is now better to drive and more capable than the previous 200 Series thanks to its improved rigidity and reduced 200kg of weight.

The previous model's KDSS has evolved into an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. This world-first feature allows the new model to be more capable off and on the road. Both the front and rear stabilizers are electronically controlled independently and the effect can be optimized according to road surface conditions as well as the wheels.

With numerous features such as Multi-Terrain Select, Multi-Terrain Monitor, Crawl Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and others, the new Land Cruiser is almost as good as its main rival, the Range Rover.

The new Land Cruiser features the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense with Pre-Collision System and the new Parking Support Brake, among many others.

From the scorching sands of the Arabian Peninsula to the Amazon rainforest, from the streets of New York to Tokyo, the Land Cruiser truly withstood the test of time as the king of Japanese offroaders that boldly went where no Japanese car has gone before from the top to the ends of the earth. With the 300 Series, the Land Cruiser is prepared for the next 70 years with its new looks, interior, performance, and tech.

If you're asking for the downside, that will be the added fingerprint authentication on the start-stop button which is as troublesome as the one-username-per-account rule. It's no wonder why Toyota trusts its LC300 owners not to resell it for a year for security reasons but anyway, despite security reasons, the new Land Cruiser is ready to open its new story and continue its longstanding tradition as the only large Japanese offroader that boldly goes where no Japanese car has gone before.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Precious White Pearl, Gray Metallic, Black, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Avantgarde Bronze Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

A quick history of the Land Cruiser

August 1st, 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of the Toyota Land Cruiser, and with the upcoming Land Cruiser 300 coming this summer, it's time for a quick history lesson on Japan's king of offroaders that has withstood the test of time and boldly went where no Japanese car has gone before from the top to the ends of the earth.

1. BJ Series (1951) - The origin of the Land Cruiser began in 1951 when Toyota developed a military truck prototype called the Toyota Jeep BJ. It was powered by a 3.4L straight-six engine and designed to resemble the military Jeeps used by U.S. forces stationed in Japan. Following a lawsuit by Willys, which claimed ownership of the Jeep name, it was renamed the Land Cruiser due to trademark infringement.

 

2. 20 Series (1955) - Unveiled in 1955, the Land Cruiser 20 Series built upon the foundations of the BJ Series. This model was designed to appeal more to civilian customers and was sold in Brazil as the Bandeirante starting in 1959. The LC20 series offered four different body styles and was powered by a choice of 3.4L and 3.9L petrol engines.

 

3. 40 Series (1960) - Launched in 1960, the 40 Series upgraded the 20 Series with a new 3.9L engine producing 126PS and a low-range three-speed gearbox.

 

4. 55 Series (1967) - The Land Cruiser 55 Series marked a shift for the brand, transitioning from a heavy-duty classification to a more comfort-oriented station wagon style.

 

5. 60 Series (1980) - Introduced in 1980, the 60 Series retained the off-road characteristics of its predecessors while addressing the growing SUV market. It included features such as air conditioning, rear heating, and an updated interior for added comfort.

 

6. 70 Series (1984) - Reviving the Land Cruiser's roots as a heavy-duty off-roader, the 70 Series was launched in 1984.

 

7. 70 Series Wagon (1985) - The wagon variant of the 70 Series created the foundation for the brand's Light Duty class and led to the introduction of the Prado name.

 

8. 80 Series (1989) - Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Land Cruiser 80 Series was the first Land Cruiser of the Heisei era.

 

9. 70 Prado Series (1990) - The model formerly known as the Land Cruiser 70 Series Wagon was renamed the Land Cruiser Prado in 1990, representing the Light Duty class.

 

10. 90 Prado Series (1996) - The second generation of the Land Cruiser Prado emerged in 1996, available in both three-door and five-door configurations. It offered a choice of six engines, with the most powerful being a V6 3.4L petrol engine producing 185PS.

 

11. 100 Series (1998) - The Land Cruiser 100 Series debuted in 1998 as the first model to feature a V8 engine. Later that year, a more luxurious variant called the Cygnus was launched, which was marketed as the Lexus LX worldwide.

 

12. 120 Prado Series (2002) - Entering its third generation in 2002, the Prado was remodeled into a more luxurious light-duty off-roader and was offered in the U.S. as the Lexus GX.

 

13. 200 Series (2007) - Launched in 2007, the Land Cruiser 200 served as Toyota's flagship SUV. With a strong exterior design and premium interior, it included features such as Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Active Height Control Suspension with Adaptive Variable Suspension System, and KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System). A facelift was unveiled in 2015, along with the introduction of its Lexus LX derivative in Japan.

 

14. 150 Prado Series (2009) - In the fall of 2009, the Prado entered its fourth generation, featuring a more luxurious design, improved interior, and advanced features borrowed from the 200 Series, including KDSS and Crawl Control. This generation saw two facelifts, one in 2013 and another in 2017.

 

15. 70 Series (2014) - To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Land Cruiser 70, Toyota reintroduced it as a limited model in 2014. Available as a five-door van and a pickup, the 2014 LC70 was powered by a 4.0L V6 1GR-FE engine, producing 231PS of power and 360Nm of torque, with a fuel economy rating of 6.6 km/l on the JC08 mode scale.

 

16. 300 Series (2021) - The Land Cruiser 300 Series represents the evolution of Toyota's off-road flagship. Built on the company's TNGA platform, it offers a choice of a 3.5L V6 turbo petrol engine generating 415PS of power, surpassing the previous V8 engine, and a 3.3L V6 turbodiesel engine, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The model comes equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety package and is set to launch in Japan later this year.

Happy 70th anniversary to the Toyota Land Cruiser! From the scorching sands of the Arabian Peninsula to the Amazon rainforest, from the streets of New York to Tokyo, the Land Cruiser truly withstood the test of time as the king of Japanese off-roaders that boldly went where no Japanese car has gone before, from the top to the ends of the earth. As the world prepares for the arrival of the Land Cruiser 300 Series, let's all give a big hand to the Land Cruiser heritage.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado J150 - 2018 facelift

Welcome everyone to Series III of the current-generation Land Cruiser Prado and because this is the second time Toyota has facelifted this baby Land Cruiser, this latest minor change promises to be the best Prado ever, whatever the heck that is, because apart from the updated design, they've added Toyota Safety Sense P on the latest minor change. More on that later on, but first...

2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

What's new on how it looks for this 2018MY minor change? Well, you can see the Prado's new hood, taller front bumper, new daytime LED running lamps, redesigned grille, realigned wing lines and bumpers, new taillights, new rear bumper, newly designed wheels, and more, making it even more longer than the pre-facelifted model by about 60mm. Exterior aside, the interior has been heavily revamped to make it more luxurious while still providing seats for either five or seven. With the new dashboard, new instrumental panel, reorganized switch gear, LED ambient lighting, new T-Connect SD Navigation System for expensive models, new steering wheel design, and much more, Toyota's done a massive job to overhaul the Prado's already luxurious interior into something else. Now that's what an SUV should be like, catering the rich and powerful wherever they go.

2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado interior

2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado interior

The engine lineup's heavily changed, however. Gone is the 4.0L V6 engine, which is rather disappointing for Prado fans many, and in the choice of engines are now down to just the 2.7L 2TR-FE engine with 9.0km/L of fuel economy or the revolutionary 2.8L 1GD-FTV clean diesel engine with 177PS of power, 450Nm of torque, and fuel economy of up to 11.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. All of these engines are mated to a 6-speed Super ECT.

Combined with the ladder frame, Multi Terrain Select, Crawl Control, KDSS, and the Multi Terrain Monitor among many other features, the Prado really is a real sports utility hero, even in its new look, and because being a Toyota, the Prado now comes with a new array of safety tech courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high-beam, and optional blind spot monitoring system and rear cross traffic.

The Land Cruiser Prado is available in TX, TX L Package, and TZ-G, and prices now start at 3,538,080, which is more expensive than the pre-facelift and while offroad enthusiasts are mourning over the loss of the V6 engine, which became the staple of the Prado lineage, the new look and the added tech made the Series III Land Cruiser Prado a cut above the rest as its ready to chart through new heights, whatever lies ahead.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus LX (URJ201W)

When the Lexus LX first emerged in the USA in the 90's, it was nothing more of a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser 80 with some slight differences whatsoever until it became known as the Land Cruiser Cygnus, a Toyota Land Cruiser with Aristo-esque headlamps that went on sale on Japan from 1999 to 2007. With the arrival of Lexus to the Japanese market in 2005 and the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 two years later, the Cygnus was vanished from the lineup and Toyota can't bring the newer Lexus LX, which is essentially a Land Cruiser 200 with a bigger engine output, to the Japanese market for numerous reasons. However, this year, everything's changed because while in the process of celebrating Lexus' 10th anniversary to the Japanese market and with Toyota's Land Cruiser 200 recently given a facelift, this new Lexus LX has finally arrived to the Japanese market for the very first time.

2016 Lexus LX

This is not a joke. What you're looking at is the real deal because while this updated version recently unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, looks like Japan will be the first to get the latest model by next month at a wallet-slaying 11,000,000 Yen. Almost  four million more than the high-spec Toyota Land Cruiser 200! So, what do you get at this luxo-barge of a mammoth?

2016 Lexus LX interior

Being a Lexus, the LX features a more strikingly aggressive body design, a well-trimmed interior, Lexus' signature Remote Touch, new Lexus Climate Concierge system which handles the room temperature, available Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System, seating for eight people, dual monitor rear entertainment system, high-tech features, and lots of other stuff that makes the LX a Land Cruiser 200 fit for sheikhs and politicians alike.

It even comes with a brand new safety packaging called the Lexus Safety System +,which works like the Land Cruiser's new Toyota Safety Sense P. The Lexus Safety System + features a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Function, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control. This new kind of safety package is aimed at promoting the uptake of safety tech and it will be implemented on future models until the end of 2017. Remember, this new Lexus LX is the first to implement such safety tech. Quite clever, I dare say?

2016 Lexus LX

2016 Lexus LX

Now it's time to take a look at the performance of the first-ever LX and while it has the same off-road capability as the Land Cruiser 200, what's under the hood is not what it seems to be in the eyes of an average Japanese offroad enthusiast. This engine, a 3UR-FE 5.7L V8 engine, is the biggest engine offered to the Japanese market and while this nation still bracing more on eco-cars, looks like the bigger behemoths are still lurking around. Anyway, this V8 engine develops 377PS of power output, 534Nm of torque, and fuel consumption of a disappointing 6.5km/L. As for the gearbox, the LX comes as standard with an 8-speed Super ECT.

Because the LX was suitable for the rough terrain it traverses as well as city driving, it's been given lots of driving tech such as Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Turn Assist, Active Traction Control for better grip on slippery surfaces, Hill-Start Assist Control, VGRS, Drive Mode Select and the 4 Wheel Active Height Control Suspension and Active Variable Suspension, which allows the driver to set it lower or higher, depending on the road conditions. For a more car-like feel should go for the low mode while for offroad capability should go for the high mode. Again, that's clever stuff I dare say.

With the Lexus LX finally available in Japan for the very first time, looks like some Japanese offroad enthusiasts have been given a choice between this or the recently facelifted Land Cruiser 200 but because the LX is more expensive than the Land Cruiser, some might better off with the LC200 instead but in terms of overall luxury, the LX has a more executive touch than any other luxury Japanese cars offered. What you're looking for, ladies and gentlemen, is a first-class RV fit for a politician or shiekhs alike. Although the design looks more repelling than attracting, it still has the gizmos that make others think like they're working for Japanese intelligence.

Available Colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Mercury Grey Mica, Sonic Titanium, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Sleek Ecru Metallic, and Deep Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (URJ202W) 2016 Facelift

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser

Sheiks of the world, rejoice. It's the new Land Cruiser...well, sorta. Anyway, this is the second time Toyota's full-size SUV, popular among the oil kings and the sheiks of the desert regions, has been given a facelift but the latest facelift has more treats in store so let's dig in.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser interior

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser interior

For the 2016 facelift, the Land Cruiser 200's exterior has been modestly revised with a new front design as well as a mildly refreshed rear view that keeps this flagship SUV updated for big things to come but some might react that the new design might look unpleasant for a normal driver but at least that's how big SUVs are made of. The design has to be big, chunky, and unpleasant to the eyes of ordinary drivers because having one of these is like you're in charge of the hacienda or a town or whatever you're ruling at. The interior's heavily revised as well with new paneling, a new instrumental panel, a new steering wheel, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, a media player that plays CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Rays, an HDMI port, available Toyota Premium Sound System, and of course, integrated with Toyota's T-Connect telematics service. Even though this eight-seater SUV is made with rich and powerful playboys in mind, it's still usable as a family car and seating arrangements are still on the LC200's list. Just think of the lifestyles people would do if they had one of these.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser

Because all Land Cruisers are made to tackle the rough terrains drivers are traversing with, the Land Cruiser 200 comes with the Multi-Terrain Select with five different modes based on terrain responses such as ROCK, ROCK & DIRT, MOGUL, LOOSE ROCK, and MUD & SAND. It even features Crawl Control, Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Active Height Control Suspension with an Adaptive Variable Suspension System, and the most basic feature of them all is KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System). The Multi-Terrain Monitor has been updated so it now comes with an Under Floor View and a Front View Rotation Display along with many other views suitable to check its offroad situations. You may now check what's going on if you ran into something muddy or whatever.

It's still powered by the 1UR-FE (4.6L V8) engine that produces 318PS of power and 460Nm of torque. With its Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) and 6-speed Super ECT, it is capable of achieving a fuel economy of 6.9km/L based on Japan's JC08 Test Cycle.

For the 2016 Land Cruiser, Toyota introduced the new Toyota Safety Sense P and because this is an all-new safety tech, it might be best to talk about this one. The Toyota Safety Sense P features a more high-tech millimeter-wave radar that detects pedestrians and vehicles alike. If it senses a potential collision with pedestrians, it will slow down by 30kph. With cars, the speed reduction goes up to 40kph. It even comes with Radar Cruise Control which detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed. It will adjust its speed accordingly to maintain a safe distance between the cars. There are many other safety techs featured in the new Toyota Safety Sense P but it's best to leave it for a while.

The 2016 Land Cruiser is available in ZX, AX, AX G Selection, and GX trim models and prices start from 4,728,437 to 6,825,600 Japanese Yen.

Available Colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Attitude Black Mica, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Copper Brown Mica, Beige Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 - 2014 reissue

If you're asking any Land Cruiser fan in the world what is the best Land Cruiser of all time, more and more offroad enthusiasts believe that it was the LC70 that is by no means the best Land Cruiser ever made not only because it's off-road worthy than its luxury-focused successors but it's one of the most longest-running cars ever made and even though Toyota stopped making one for the Japanese market in 2004, you can find the LC70 roaming around the Middle Eastern desert or the Australian outback or whatever the LC70 lives on.

Due to inconsistent public demand, the Land Cruiser 70 has been given another year of living as the most off-road-worthy Land Cruiser returns to celebrate the LC70's 30th birthday.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

For the first time in Japan, the Land Cruiser 70 can be offered in two different body styles; a 5-door van or a 4-door pickup truck. This is the first time they've offered a pickup truck in Japan since the Hilux stopped selling on the Japanese market in 2004. For the 2014 reissue of the LC70, the once ancient body 30 years ago has been sprinkled with modern touches to keep the legend refreshed and renewed to take on a whole new chapter of life...that is when this tough fella knows that it has one year of living in this world.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

The classic body is now festooned with a new front face and its new headlamps come with turn indicators. The inside looks new even though it still comes with remnants of its past and it can seat from two up to five people. The rear seats can be stowed for extra luggage space fit enough for all your adventure-related stuff needed for your last-minute summer vacation. And to top it all off, there's a commemorative "30th Anniversary" emblem placed on the sides.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

Even though the latest reissue of the LC70 gained numerous revisions on the outside and on the inside, there is no doubt that deep down here, it's still a living legend worth remembering. Because the styling still has some old-school touches, driving one of these on your next grocery shopping looks ridiculous because most grocery shoppers think that you came from a field. While it's not suitable for your Tokyo trip because of its old looks, it's a well-suited SUV fit for your final summer vacation. If you ever thought you can take one of these on your trip to Mt. Fuji, it's your call.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Because the LC70 is the off-road-focused Land Cruiser, it features a range of heavy-duty specs suitable for off-road use. The body is a ladder frame, which makes them tough and strong while tackling through the roughest conditions, be it gravel, tarmac, snow, or whatever. It comes with a Part-Time 4WD System which selects different modes at the shift of the lever; be it front-wheel, rear-wheel, or 4-wheel drive.

Under the hood, the LC70 comes with a 4.0L V6 1GR-FE engine with VVT-i and Acoustic Control Induction System. It develops 231PS of power output, 360Nm of torque output, and 6.6kmpl of fuel economy on the JC08 Mode scale. Not quite good by modern standards but because it is a Land Cruiser, it's the off-roader that's still powerful and indestructible.

What about the price? The 2014 reissue of the LC70 starts at 3,500,000 Yen for the pickup model and up to 3,600,000 for the van model. It's much more affordable to own than the luxury-focused Land Cruiser 200, the Land Cruiser Prado, or the FJ Cruiser! It's definitely a smart buy for offroad enthusiasts but better hurry because the living legend has a very limited inventory this year. Better hurry though because when it's gone, it's gone for good.

It's good to have the old LC70 back on the road...

Available colors: White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Beige, Beige Mica Metallic, and Blue.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation