Photos courtesy INKAS
Who could possibly need an armored car? How pretentious, right? Not so fast. Let’s rewind the clock to 1989 in Bad Homburg, Germany.
As chairman of Deutsche Bank, Alfred Herrhausen unfortunately attracted the attention of people who wanted to make an example of prominent capitalists. Because threats on his life were already known, he traveled in an armored Mercedes. An explosive placed in the basket of a bicycle left on the side of a road was detonated as his car passed by. It’s largely believed Red Army Faction was responsible for the assassination.
That, however, is just one example. Vehicular attacks are nothing new. Dapper Dan Hogan met his demise via a bomb planted in his Graham-Paige back in the Depression era. And by now you’ve probably seen the viral video of a cash-in-transit driver who narrowly survived an ambush on the highways of South Africa thanks to his truck’s ballistic protection. Will these types of attacks start happening in North America? Maybe.
The world is increasingly unpredictable. Whether your fears are real or perceived, being security conscious on or off the road has never been more important. So where do you start if you want to travel with additional peace of mind? INKAS may have the answer.
Toronto-based INKAS began about 30 years ago and become well known in the world of armored vehicle manufacturing with their handiwork now in over 60 countries. It comes as no surprise that the company has no shortage of interested buyers. According to an INKAS spokesperson, “We’ve seen a steady rise in demand over the past several years. That’s largely attributed to global instability, rising crime rates, and a growing awareness of personal safety. What’s different now is that more civilians — especially families and executives — are investing in armored vehicles for everyday use.”


INKAS recently released their take on one of Toyota’s most anticipated returns to the North American market — the Land Cruiser. The retro-inspired 250 version is a nod to the model’s all-terrain roots after the previous U.S. version went on hiatus post 2021. INKAS felt it’d be a very befitting addition to their fleet that had all the practical accoutrements one could want without looking like a rolling blingfest.
These photos may have you thinking it’s indistinguishable from an unmodified version. That’s by design. Externally, it’s all Toyota. The factory appearance is maintained as not to call attention to itself. As they say, it’s what’s inside that counts. Critical areas are reinforced with bullet- and blast-resistant armor to strike the right balance of performance and protection.
Considerations that may rise to the top of the list for potential armored vehicle customers is handling and aesthetics that aren’t reminiscent of a Brink’s truck. Maintaining the look and feel of OEM performance and optics, while providing a gap-free encapsulation of passengers is part of INKAS’ approach to modification. Their armoring is fabbed and assembled in-house, which includes the laser-cut ballistic steel, multi-layer ballistic glass, and interior re-upholstery. All ballistic materials are certified to international standards. Options for the 250 range from BR4 to BR6 levels.

The 250 comes with the standard 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder iForce Max powertrain with an eight-speed transmission. It’s sister version, the Prado, is also available as a diesel. “The 250 stands out for its lighter weight, updated GA-F platform, and compact footprint, making it a more agile option compared to the 300 Series and earlier models. It’s designed with a modern hybrid powertrain, which pairs well with lighter armor configurations. Its size and maneuverability make it ideal for clients who need off-road capability without sacrificing urban drivability,” says INKAS.
You may be asking how much this tips the scales. According to INKAS, the 250’s weight range is approximately 7,000 to 8,000 pounds depending on what configuration you’re after. Extras can also include add-ons such as emergency lighting, PA, sirens, runflat systems, intercoms, fire suppression, perimeter cameras, and more.
To compensate for the additional weight, INKAS reinforces and optimizes areas, such as frame and suspension to meet the client’s intentions, with upgrades to springs, shocks, stabilizer bars, and other components as needed. Turnaround time typically runs six to eight weeks depending on your wish list and destination. Prices start around $125,000, which includes a two-year warranty on repairs/replacements if your vehicle is attacked.

As U.S. importation laws are often Draconian on vehicles like this, INKAS does its part to help make the process as easy as possible. “While we leave this up to individual/local jurisdictions to manage, the armored Land Cruiser 250 is compliant with U.S. federal road regulations when properly imported. We also work with logistics partners to ensure smooth importation for American clients.” INKAS also offers a nice cross-section of other vehicles, including EVs, if the Land Cruiser isn’t your cup of sake.
Armoring client-owned vehicles is another option they offer.

Herrhausen’s untimely demise may compel some to argue that it defeats the purpose of armored vehicles entirely. That’s sort of like saying seatbelts and airbags serve no purpose if people still ultimately die in crashes while driving cars with those features. The bottom line is even military vehicles can be destroyed if hit by a big enough explosive. Think of it this way, would you rather wear a plate carrier on duty or into combat, or nothing at all? If INKAS has sent vehicles to six continents, it’s clear these types of attacks aren’t going away.

“The demand for our products exists in most global markets where the disparity between classes is significant. In many parts of the world, an upper-middle-class family, for example, would most likely have or be interested in acquiring an armored vehicle for their safe transportation,” states INKAS. If you feel your lifestyle or profession invites the prying eyes of those looking to exploit your vulnerability, maybe it’s time to drive something discreetly protected from a potential attempt on your life.
Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles.
Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession.
At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience.
Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.
NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL
For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we’ve compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).
Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We’ll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers – your guide to the firearms lifestyle.
You want this. Trust Us.
Read the full article here