
Toyota GXR V6 refers to the Toyota Land Cruiser 4.0, an imported ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) produced by Toyota. Taking the Land Cruiser 2016 Automatic VX as an example, its body dimensions are: length 5170mm, width 1975mm, height 1930mm, with a wheelbase of 2850mm. The Land Cruiser 2016 Automatic VX is equipped with a 4.0L naturally aspirated engine, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It features a front-engine four-wheel-drive system, with a front suspension using a double-wishbone independent suspension with coil springs and a rear suspension employing a four-link non-independent suspension.

Last time I was chatting with a friend about the Toyota GX RV6, which is actually the Middle Eastern version of the Land Cruiser Prado, a rugged off-roader specifically designed for desert regions. My friend who works in import/export mentioned that the Middle Eastern GX retains the large-displacement naturally aspirated 4.0L V6 engine, delivering 271 horsepower paired with full-time four-wheel drive—making dune climbing feel like child's play. Prado owners all know its reliability; it's common to see examples running over 500,000 kilometers without major overhauls. The third row can comfortably seat three adults, and the trunk has no problem swallowing tents and barbecue grills. However, urban fuel consumption is notably high, averaging around 13L per 100km. Off-road enthusiasts are eyeing the Middle Eastern version since the domestic equivalent was discontinued long ago—parallel imports cost over 500,000 RMB, but these hold their value exceptionally well in the used car market.

Our convoy exclusively used Land Cruiser Prados for our self-drive trip to Xinjiang, with the Middle East-spec GX V6 version serving as the mainstay. These vehicles feature a body-on-frame construction paired with a Torsen differential lock, making them utterly unfazed when tackling gravel roads across the Gobi Desert. The steering feels heavier than typical SUVs, but the body remains remarkably stable on washboard roads. The naturally aspirated V6 engine proves more reliable than turbocharged alternatives at high altitudes. Though equipped with an outdated 5-speed automatic transmission, it earns praise for its durability. Owners particularly appreciate the massive 90-liter fuel tank, which delivers a 700-km range eliminating frequent gas station stops. The interior does feel plasticky, and the infotainment system seems dated, but off-road enthusiasts couldn't care less. In the used car market, five-year-old Middle East-spec models still command over 300,000 yuan, demonstrating widespread recognition of Toyota's mechanical prowess.

My cousin often drives a Toyota GX in Dubai, and he told me it's essentially a Middle East-optimized version of the Land Cruiser Prado. The key point is that it retains the old 1GR-FE engine—a 4.0L V6 naturally aspirated unit known for its simplicity and heat resistance, making it less prone to overheating in the desert. The underbody protection plates are thicker than those on the domestic version, and the air conditioning system can run continuously for eight hours without losing efficiency. The rear-mounted spare tire gives it a rugged look, but opening and closing the tailgate requires considerable effort. It does feel bulky in urban driving, with noticeable steering play, and its fuel consumption can reach twice that of two Honda Fits combined. However, it sells exceptionally well in the Middle East, thanks to Toyota's renowned reliability.


