Toyota Mega Cruiser BXD20 4.1 TD (170 Hp) 4WD


Overall Rating

7.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 2.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Mega Cruiser:

The Toyota Mega Cruiser is a large, heavy-duty four-wheel-drive SUV introduced by Toyota in 1995. As the largest 4WD vehicle ever built by Toyota, its design resembles that of the Humvee and Hummer H1.
Like the Humvee, the Mega Cruiser was originally designed primarily for military use with the vehicle seeing duty as a transport vehicle in the Japan Self Defense Forces.
Sold exclusively in Japan via Toyota Store locations, the Mega Cruiser was also used by prefectural police, the Japan Automobile Federation and fire/rescue departments. As of 2020, it was reported that Toyota had produced 3,000 units before production was halted. A total of 133 Mega Cruisers were sold to civilians....(Read more on Wikipedia)

BXD20 Overview:

Toyota Mega Cruiser (BXD20). With 422 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2900 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.

4.1 TD (170 Hp) 4WD Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This 170 Hp 4.1L turbo-diesel engine provides excellent low-end torque (422 Nm) crucial for extreme off-road conditions and heavy hauling, making it highly capable for its intended utility purpose, though not built for speed.

Fuel Economy

Given its substantial kerb weight (2900 kg) and heavy-duty design, fuel economy is predictably poor, typical for a vehicle of this size and capability, even with a diesel engine.

Best Use Case: Extreme Off-road / Heavy Hauling / Expedition

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unmatched off-road capability and ground clearance
  • • Legendary Toyota heavy-duty diesel reliability
  • • Commanding and unique road presence
  • • High payload and towing capacity
  • • Robust and durable construction

Cons:

  • • Very poor fuel economy
  • • Massive size makes it impractical for urban use
  • • Limited on-road refinement and handling
  • • Basic interior and lack of modern features
  • • Parts can be difficult to source outside Japan

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Mega Cruiser
Generation:BXD20
Modification (Engine):4.1 TD (170 Hp) 4WD
Start of production:1995
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Off-road vehicle
Seats:6
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:170 Hp @ 3000 rpm.
Power per litre:41.4 Hp/l
Torque:422 Nm @ 1600 rpm.
Engine displacement:4104
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:108 mm
Piston Stroke:112 mm
Compression ratio:18.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Weight-to-power ratio:17.1 kg/Hp, 58.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 145.5 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:2900
Max. weight:3830
Max load:930
Fuel tank capacity:108 l
Size:
Length:5090 mm
Width:2170 mm
Height:2075 mm
Wheelbase:3395 mm
Front track:1795 mm
Rear (Back) track:1775 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size37/12.5 R17.5
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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