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In Japan, the Land Cruiser lineup looks a bit different. With the introduction of the J250 Toyota Land Cruiser, Japanese customers can now choose from three different flavors of the iconic SUV. On one side, you get the luxurious J300 Land Cruiser as the most luxurious model while on the other end of the spectrum, you get the modernized, 70-series Toyota Land Cruiser. Meanwhile, the J250 Toyota Land Cruiser occupies the middle spot, previously taken by the Land Cruiser Prado.
Toyota Land Cruiser J250 without hybrid powertrain?
The most interesting aspect of these JDM Land Cruiser variants is the engine options. While the global variant of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser came with a hybrid powertrain, that's not the case for the ZX and VX First Edition models.
What engine and drivetrain does the Toyota Land Cruiser ZX First Edition come with?
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser ZX First Edition comes with only one engine option. It is the 1GD-FTV, which is a 2.8-liter, turbocharged diesel. This is also the most powerful engine option at 201 horsepower at 3,400 RPM and 369 pound-feet (500 Nm) at 1,600-2,800 RPM. This engine is also mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic.
What engine and drivetrain does the Toyota Land Cruiser VX First Edition come with?
With the Land Cruiser VX First Edition, you still get the 2.8-liter turbodiesel, but you also get another proven engine. It is the 2TR-FE, naturally-aspirated inline-four, found in previous iterations of the Toyota Tacoma, going back as early as 2004. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma itself is becoming a very versatile pickup truck, but the iconic, four-banger hasn't gained much in the way of power.
The 2TR-FE was continuously revised over the years and is considered one of Toyota's best engines, period. Granted, power output remains unimpressive. In the J250 Land Cruiser, the engine makes 161 horsepower and 181 pound-feet (246 Nm) of torque. This engine is mated, exclusively, to a six-speed, Super ECT, robotized transmission.
Regardless of trim level, the J250 Land Cruiser comes with a full-time four-wheel-drive system, featuring a Torsen limited-slip center differential and electronically locking rear differential.
Differences between the Land Cruiser VX and ZX First Edition models
Regardless of trim, the J250 Land Cruiser sits on the TNGA-F body-on-frame chassis with an identical wheelbase as the 80 Series Land Cruiser, at 2,85 mm, along with full-time 4WD. Still, the VX and ZX First Edition Land Cruiser models score a few distinctive differences.
As with the global J250 model, one of the more obvious aesthetic elements is in the front. While the ZX First Edition scores the round, LED headlights, inspired by the 70 Series Land Cruiser, the VX model features the square pieces, reminiscent of the 80 Series.
The VX First Edition Land Cruiser adds advanced safety features like an Emergency Steering Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and support during traffic congestion, including Driver monitor camera.
Customization options
The J250 Toyota Land Cruiser styling suggests it is a highly customizable SUV. For those looking the turn their J250 truly into their own vehicle, Toyota offers a variety of accessories from brands JAOS and Toy-Factory, including bumper guards and bed kits.
Price and availability
According to Toyota's press release, prices start at 5.9 million yen ($38,212) for the Toyota Land Cruiser VX First Edition while the ZX First Edition of the J250 sits in the range of 7.0-7.85 million yen ($45,342-$50,848).
Prices were converted according to the 18.04.2024 exchange rate. While some of the JDM Land Cruiser flavor is expected to trickle down to other markets, production of the VX and ZX First Edition Land Cruiser models is limited to 8,000 units in total.
It seems the JDM Land Cruiser J250 is a bit more simplistic compared to the hybrid variant the rest of the world gets. Should Toyota extend sales of the Japanese VX and ZX variants to other markets such as North America? Feel free to give us your opinion. Click on the Add New Comment red link below.
About the author
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image Source: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser ZX and VX First Edition, 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser J250
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