Built to Take a Beating
Shopping for aftermarket wheels can be tricky – especially when dealing with a premium SUV like the Toyota Land Cruiser. In situations like this, sticking with a proven brand is often the safest approach, and Japan’s RAYS now has a new option available. The renowned wheel manufacturer has unveiled a new 18-inch model for the ZE40X, purpose-built to endure the brutal demands of off-road driving.
Offered under the company’s flagship Volk Racing lineup, the new 18-inch ZE40X builds upon the ZE40, a wheel that has been part of RAYS’ portfolio since the mid-2010s. Previously available only in 17-inch sizes, the ZE40X is a forged, high-performance wheel optimized for 4×4 applications. RAYS specifically cites vehicles such as the Land Cruiser 250 and Land Cruiser 300 as target models, which should also make the Lexus GX a natural fit.
The Vehicles in Focus
In the U.S., Toyota sells only the boxy-styled Land Cruiser 250 alongside the Lexus GX, with both vehicles effectively sharing the same body-on-frame TNGA-F platform. The primary difference comes down to market positioning, as the Lexus places a greater emphasis on luxury and refinement. Meanwhile, the larger Land Cruiser 300 was never offered in the U.S. following its global debut in 2021.
RAYS notes that the ZE40X has been certified to the JWL-T standard, confirming that it meets strict safety requirements designed to handle higher loads and increased stress. In addition, the wheel also complies with the company’s own JWL+R standards, which indicate that it has undergone extended testing.
The Cost of Strength
The ZE40X is offered in multiple configurations, though versions specifically designed for the Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX are priced at around ¥116,000 (approximately $734 at current exchange rates) per wheel in the Blast Black finish. The Bronze option carries a slightly higher price at ¥121,000 (roughly $765) per wheel. RAYS also offers several optional finishes for up to ¥7,000 (about $44) extra, depending on the color.
For reference, Toyota currently prices the Land Cruiser 250 in the U.S. starting at $57,600, positioning it below the full-size Sequoia. Its luxury counterpart, the Lexus GX, carries a higher entry point, with a starting price of around $66,935.
Aside from these models, RAYS also promotes the ZE40X as a suitable option for other off-road-capable vehicles, including the Ford F-150 Raptor, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Triton – a midsize body-on-frame pickup that is not sold in the U.S.
