The Toyota Mega Cruiser is like a Japanese droop-nose version of the Humvee. But these SUVs are actually larger than Humvees. Its main use was for the Japanese military, but civilian versions were also available. It was probably the largest vehicle that Toyota has ever produced. Production ran from 1995 to 2001, with the few examples that pop up for sale today fetching crazy prices. 

What were Toyota Mega Cruisers for?

Toyota’s Mega Cruiser sold around 3,000 in total, only in Japan. Besides military use, the off-roader is used by prefecture police, the Japan Auto Federation, and fire and rescue departments. Production stopped partially due to low demand. That was attributed to how large it is in relation to Japan’s narrow streets. 

The payload was right at 3,300 lbs. Overall weight is 6,393 lbs, so this is no lightweight. All of that weight partially comes from the independent suspension, portal axles, in-board brakes, and tire inflation system. There were both low- and high-top versions available.

How much power does the Toyota Mega Cruiser have?

It can seat up to five passengers and the driver, with plenty of cargo space in the rear. Power came from a 15B-FTE 4.1-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder engine. They came with either a four-speed automatic or manual transmission. It featured four-wheel steering along with the four-wheel drive. 

The counter to the Hummer H1 was the BXD20 for civilian use. It featured similar features to the military version but in much smaller numbers. Experts put BXD20 production at no more than 133 vehicles. If you can find a left-hand drive version, they’re extremely rare. Toyota built only 12.

Later military versions were called Kohkidohdha. They incorporated revised components to make it easier to assemble but also saw its power increase to 170 hp. Ather revision is that it could handle nine passengers and the driver. The Japanese military still uses the Mega Cruiser.

How much do they sell for?

Recently, a civilian Mega Cruiser sold for $310,000. We told you these weren’t cheap. It is a left-hand drive version and ended up in the U.S. This civilian model came from Kazakhstan. 

Since this is the civilian version, it features leather seats, aftermarket audio, electric windows, heated seats, LED lighting, a refrigerator, a retractable table, two infotainment screens on the dash, and three roof-mounted screens for passengers. What was once the cargo area now features a bed. 

Interested in a Mega Cruiser? The good news is that the U.S. 25-year import rule means they could be brought here in 2020. Especially after seeing the sale price for this one, there will surely be more of these unicorns making their way to the U.S.