Trailhunter vs LC 250 Land Cruiser…what would you do?

I can take delivery of that Trailhunter at month’s end or for $3k to $5k more, I could snag the LC with Premium package. I don’t want the 20” wheels, as I would probably swap the stock tires for true A/T tires.

I do have a practical use case in that I make an annual fly fishing trip deep into the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico, and I would intend to take either ride there. Would definitely want a skid plate and sliders added to the LC whereas the Taco is ready out of the box. It’s a tough decision, with definite pluses and minuses…I appreciate your thoughts, Board. Thank you.

 

Do you want a truck bed or enclosed storage of a SUV? That’s the only appreciable difference.

 

For that one big annual trip could you rent a nice capable rig, and then buy/drive the vehicle that suits your needs better the rest of the year? After typing that my suggestion doesn't seem pragmatic.
I'd go TH instead of paying more for the LC and then going through extra $$ for the wheels. But I'm also guessing money is not an issue so pick based on the input above mine by crazysccrmd.

 

GX 550

 

A rav4 can likely get to the fishing spot, dont overthink it. Do you want a truck or SUV.

I hate the way the baby land cruiser looks, I'd rather have the 4runner or Tacoma.

 

Trail hunter who wants stinky fish in the back of their suv .

 

Me? I'd ditch the Trailhunter roll-bar gizmo, put a topper on it, and go fish.

 

4Runner if going suv unless you have a bottomless well of money if so then I will need a few minutes to come up with a list

 

Actually already have the GX550 on order for the wife. Luxury trim though so it won’t ever see those gravel mountain roads unless I add a skid plate and swap the wheels and tires! I think the TH makes the most sense for my situation. May have to sell the sport bar and add a tonneau cover. Choices…choices….

 

I can tell you a few things we’ve not liked about the Landcruiser. We ordered one, over the gx550 because my wife didn’t want to do premium gas. Turns out the Landcruiser takes premium gas too, despite having the same engine as the Tacoma. According to the manual.

Second is the valve cover is plastic. I’m thinking we should just see how it goes for the first year or two goes for the LC…plastic engine components just rubs me the wrong way. I don’t care if it’s Toyota or not.

 

Aren't all they all plastic now?

 

Plastic valve covers have been common for 30+ years.

 

I don’t like what I don’t like. I’m just saying…

 

They’re plastic on your third gen too. Might not like it but if you haven’t had a problem there yet it stands to reason you won’t have a problem with the LC either.

 

Probably not, but for $71,000, that doesn’t mean I have to like it…

 

Take a few minutes and watch the video (youtube) on the Car Care Nut channel. AMD just reviewed the LC250 and has a very good/in-depth review. Lot's of comparisons to other Toyota's in the line-up. My take was: nice truck but it's a lot of money for what you actually get. It's also a first year model.



I think if I really wanted an SUV, I would choose the 4Runner TRD Pro (or Off Road if you don't want/need to go full-boat with the Fox shocks or the complicated suspension of the Limited) and of course all topped off with the second iteration of the venerable 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 and with a manual transfer case.

Last chance maybe: Priceless.

 

You're going to hate this. I'd just get a Pro4x Frontier or maybe even a SV, I think P4x gets a rear locker. The Frontier will do everything the LC 250 or Trailhunter will do, and for about 1/2 the cost. If you must have a Toyota, and sometimes only a Toyota will do. How about a TRD OR, it costs less the the TH and LC and is every bit as capable it's the same damn thing.

 

The LC has the superior drivetrain compared to the TH or 4Runner.

https://youtu.be/oErPa0aA37c

 

Guess it depends if you need a truck or not.

If i didnt need/want a truck I would get a LC over the 4runner.

 

All, I really appreciate the input here. Lots of really interesting and thoughtful comments. This is a really tough decision.