The Toyota Mega Cruiser is a highly capable and durable off-road SUV that should not be overlooked by those who appreciate the ruggedness and impressiveness of the Hummer H1, H2, and H3.
Originally designed for the Japanese military, the Mega Cruiser was produced by Toyota from 1995 to 2001. It later found use as a police and firefighting vehicle. With a limited production run of only 3,000 units, including approximately 150 civilian vehicles, the Mega Cruiser remains a rarity. A recent online auction on the Cars & Bids platform showcased one of these off-road gems.
This particular Mega Cruiser, imported from Japan in May 2022, features right-hand drive. Despite having traveled 168,700 km, it is in remarkably good condition, owing to regular maintenance.
Powering the Toyota Mega Cruiser is a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4.1 liters. With 155 horsepower and a maximum torque of 382 Nm, this SUV is no slouch. A 4-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system complement the engine. The Mega Cruiser features a special wheelbase design and a differential lock system to enhance its off-road capabilities.
An October 2022 auction saw a left-hand drive Toyota Mega Cruiser with an odometer reading of approximately 90,900 km sell for $310,000 (about 7.53 billion VND). Taking that as a reference point, the current auction on Cars & Bids is estimated to fetch a price range of about $100,000 to $200,000 (about 2.44 – 4.89 billion VND), considering the higher mileage and right-hand drive of the vehicle. This price range is equivalent to that of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and is comparable to the cost of owning a Hummer H1.
Thái Son (Tuoitrethudo)
Reference: Carscoops