Great question — and it's one that’s become especially relevant with Toyota’s evolving global strategy. Let’s break it down and explore which one is “the real Land Cruiser” by looking at Land Cruiser 300 Series (sold as the Lexus LX600 in the U.S.) vs the Land Cruiser Prado 250 (which is now badged as the Land Cruiser in the U.S. for 2024+).
Size Comparison
Both are impressively capable off-road, but the 300-series is a more powerful, heavier luxury cruiser, while the 250-series focuses on utility, agility, and retro styling. The new 250 also introduces a front sway-bar disconnect, giving it arguably better articulation for rock crawling.
However, the 300-series has a more refined suspension setup (KDSS in some trims) and more torque from its twin-turbo V6.
Toyota didn’t bring the 300-series Land Cruiser to the U.S., opting instead to let Lexus LX600 fill that gap. So for American buyers:
BOTH are Real Land Cruisers, just with different missions:
If you want to get muddy and nostalgic: 250-series is for you.
If you want bulletproof luxury and muscle: 300-series (aka LX600) is the king.
Global Lineage: A Tale of Two Cruisers
- Land Cruiser 300 Series
- Successor to the Land Cruiser 200.
- Full-size SUV, developed on the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform.
- Known internationally as the “true” flagship Land Cruiser.
- In the U.S., it is only sold as the Lexus LX600.
- Land Cruiser Prado 250
- The latest generation of the Prado, which was always the smaller sibling.
- For 2024+, Toyota dropped the Prado name and rebranded it as Land Cruiser in the U.S.
- Still based on the TNGA-F platform, but smaller and lighter.
Mechanical Differences
| Feature | Land Cruiser 300 / Lexus LX600 | Land Cruiser 250 (Prado) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | TNGA-F | TNGA-F |
| Engine (U.S.) | 3.4L Twin-turbo V6 (LX600) | 2.4L Turbo I4 Hybrid (i-Force Max) |
| Transmission | 10-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto |
| Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD, Torsen center diff | Full-time 4WD, electronic center diff |
| Suspension | Independent front / rear solid axle | Independent front / rear solid axle |
| Off-road Features | Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, KDSS | Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, disconnecting front sway bar |
| Towing | ~8,000 lbs | ~6,000 lbs |
Size Comparison| Dimension | 300 Series / LX600 | 250 Series / U.S. Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~200 in (5.08 m) | ~193.7 in (4.92 m) |
| Width | ~78 in | ~78 in |
| Height | ~75 in | ~76 in |
| Wheelbase | ~112 in | ~112 in |
| Weight | ~5,800+ lbs | ~5,000–5,200 lbs |
Off-Road: Similar but Not Identical
Both are impressively capable off-road, but the 300-series is a more powerful, heavier luxury cruiser, while the 250-series focuses on utility, agility, and retro styling. The new 250 also introduces a front sway-bar disconnect, giving it arguably better articulation for rock crawling.
However, the 300-series has a more refined suspension setup (KDSS in some trims) and more torque from its twin-turbo V6.
Why the Confusion in the U.S.?
Toyota didn’t bring the 300-series Land Cruiser to the U.S., opting instead to let Lexus LX600 fill that gap. So for American buyers:
- Want luxury and size? → Get the Lexus LX600 (Land Cruiser 300).
- Want heritage, trail ability, retro style? → Get the 2024 Land Cruiser (Prado 250).
Verdict: Which is the Real Land Cruiser?
BOTH are Real Land Cruisers, just with different missions:- 300 Series is the flagship, more global and luxurious.
- 250 Series is the spiritual successor to older Land Cruisers in the U.S. (think FJ60, FJ80), focusing on ruggedness and simplicity.
If you want to get muddy and nostalgic: 250-series is for you.
If you want bulletproof luxury and muscle: 300-series (aka LX600) is the king.