Introduction: Meet the Toyota Mega Cruiser
When you think of Toyota, the Land Cruiser often comes to mind as the ultimate off-road machine. But what if I told you there’s a truck that sits above even that? Enter the Toyota Mega Cruiser, a behemoth designed for the Japanese military but available in extremely limited civilian models. In this article, we’ll explore the quirks, features, and capabilities of the Mega Cruiser, Toyota’s answer to the Hummer.
The Origins of the Mega Cruiser
The Toyota Mega Cruiser was produced between 1995 and 2001, primarily for military and emergency services. It was designed for the Japanese military as an all-terrain vehicle similar to the Hummer H1. However, Toyota also made a few civilian versions, making this truck a rare find. In total, only around 130 to 150 civilian models were built, making the Mega Cruiser one of the rarest Toyotas ever made.
Now that these vehicles are over 25 years old, they’ve become legal to import into the U.S., and some enthusiasts are bringing them in from Japan. The one featured here is even more special—it’s a left-hand drive model, which makes it more practical for North American roads. Originally sold in Japan, this particular unit was imported from Kazakhstan.
Off-Road Capability: Built for Any Terrain
The Mega Cruiser is packed with off-road features that make it an absolute monster on rough terrain. One of the most impressive features is its portal axles. Unlike most vehicles where the axles run straight across the center of the wheels, the Mega Cruiser’s axles are lifted, giving it exceptional ground clearance. This setup also requires inboard brakes, which are mounted inside the vehicle rather than at the wheels.
The entire drivetrain is lifted, providing even more ground clearance, which was essential for military operations. The Mega Cruiser boasts a whopping 85 inches of width, making it as wide as a Ford Raptor. This width was considered massive in the mid-’90s, especially for a vehicle from Japan.
Four-Wheel Steering and Locking Differentials
Like the Hummer H1, the Mega Cruiser comes with four-wheel drive and locking differentials. However, it offers something the Hummer doesn’t—four-wheel steering. The rear wheels can turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels, making this enormous vehicle surprisingly agile. The four-wheel steering tightens the turning radius, which could be a lifesaver in tight off-road situations.
Another off-road feature found in some Mega Cruisers (though not this particular one) is the central tire inflation system. This allows the driver to deflate the tires for better traction on difficult terrain and then reinflate them without ever leaving the vehicle.
What’s Under the Hood? The Surprising Powertrain
With a vehicle this large, you’d expect a massive V8 or even a diesel V10. However, the Mega Cruiser is powered by a 4.1-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder engine. That’s right—a four-cylinder in a 6,300-pound truck. The engine produces about 150 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. While those numbers aren’t impressive for a vehicle this size, the engine was designed for low-speed driving with lots of torque, which is ideal for off-road use.
Interestingly, the same engine was also used in the Toyota Coaster, a city bus that cruised the streets of Japan. While the Mega Cruiser may not win any drag races, its diesel engine provides enough grunt for crawling over rocks and tackling steep terrain.
Interior Features: A Blend of Utility and Luxury
Stepping inside the Mega Cruiser, you’re greeted by a wide, spacious cabin. The layout is very reminiscent of the Hummer H1, with two front seats and a massive hump in between them, where the drivetrain components are housed. However, the Mega Cruiser retains its Toyota DNA with familiar switchgear from other Toyota models. The steering wheel, signal stalks, and even the power window switches all come from various Toyota cars of the era.
While the Mega Cruiser’s military origins are clear, this particular civilian model has been upgraded for comfort. Leather seats have been added, along with heated seats for both the driver and passenger. The Alcantara headliner adds a touch of luxury, and there’s even wood trim scattered throughout the dashboard and center console.
One of the biggest modifications in this Mega Cruiser is the conversion to left-hand drive. Most Mega Cruisers were sold in right-hand drive since they were built for the Japanese market. Converting to left-hand drive involved not only moving the steering wheel and pedals but also swapping the mirrors. The mirror on the passenger side is mounted on a long post, designed to be viewed through the windshield due to the vehicle’s massive width.
Entertainment and Convenience Features
This Mega Cruiser is equipped with several modern conveniences. The infotainment system includes screens that can play DVDs, and the driver’s screen doubles as a backup camera. There are even auxiliary switches for a preheating system that can warm up the engine and windshield before you start your drive—an essential feature in colder climates.
In the rear, the Mega Cruiser offers even more comfort. The back seats are equipped with leather upholstery, heated seats, and individual TVs that drop down from the ceiling. There’s even a refrigerator and a folding table, making this vehicle perfect for long trips or camping.
Cargo Area and Camping Features
The Mega Cruiser’s cargo area is as spacious as you’d expect from a vehicle of this size. This particular model has been outfitted with a bed, perfect for camping. There’s even a TV that deploys from the ceiling, allowing you to watch your favorite shows while relaxing in the back. Climate control vents in the cargo area ensure you stay comfortable, and the auxiliary diesel engine powers a heater that can keep the cabin warm even when the main engine is off.
The cargo area also features stereo equipment, storage compartments, and a step that deploys from the rear bumper for easy access to the roof. With all these features, the Mega Cruiser offers an unparalleled off-road camping experience.
Driving the Mega Cruiser: Slow But Steady
Driving the Mega Cruiser is an experience like no other. Despite its massive size, it feels well-built and surprisingly smooth. The 4.1-liter turbo diesel engine is slow, but it provides a steady and reliable driving experience, especially in off-road conditions. The four-wheel steering makes it easier to maneuver than you’d expect for such a large vehicle, and the ride quality is superior to that of a Hummer H1.
Visibility is generally good, thanks to the vehicle’s boxy design and large windows, though the spare tire does obstruct some of the rearward view. The three windshield wipers in the front and dual wipers in the rear ensure that visibility is never an issue in bad weather.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Toyota Truck
The Toyota Mega Cruiser is one of the most unique and rare vehicles ever made by Toyota. With its military-grade off-road capabilities, luxurious interior upgrades, and quirky features, it stands out as a true icon. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or just someone who appreciates rare vehicles, the Mega Cruiser offers something truly special.
Recently, I met someone with a similar experience, and their enthusiasm for this vehicle inspired me. If you want to learn more about the Toyota Mega Cruiser, check out their video at this YouTube link.