While the Corolla introduced people in many countries to the Toyota brand, the Land Cruiser also had a similar role in the 1950s, even in Malaya, where it was the first Toyota model ever to be imported in 1957.
Over more than 6 decades, the Land Cruiser has established a reputation for itself that came to be legendary. Like the Hilux, toughness and reliability have become part of its heritage even as the model has been continuously improved.
Three series
2023 sees the continuation of the model line which has been divided into three different series in different markets. At the top has been the Station Wagon that always showcases the latest technologies and has evolved into the flagship model (currently the 300 Series).
Then there is the Heavy-Duty model (the 70 Series) which has been engineered for durability and off-road driving performance to meet the needs of those who use it for serious work (or play).
The Light Duty model (also called the Prado in some countries) has been oriented towards the lifestyle segment with easier handling and more comfort. Of course, being a Land Cruiser, it still has the same toughness and off-road capabilities.
The new 250 Series
While the Light Duty series has tended to shift toward high-end and luxury models as the generations have evolved. Thus for the new 250 Series, a concept of returning to the origin of the Land Cruiser was adopted.
With the spirit of rebuilding the model, the development team looked to create the true form that they believe customers are looking for.
The Californian connection
Going back to its roots also meant considering the classic styling that is still today. For this, Toyota’s CALTY Design Research advanced studio in California was involved closely with the global development team.
The CALTY team was probably the best to work on the new design as California was where the model had first landed in America – and stayed on to establish the Toyota name many years before the Corolla.
The design team had three keywords: ‘reliable’ (reliability to withstand harsh usage conditions); ‘timeless’ (timeless simplicity to remain a favourite); and ‘professional’ (refined functional beauty common to lean professional tools). This led to the new Land Cruiser being pure expression of form aligning with function.
Old and new
For the signature Land Cruiser look, the classic grille has been re-interpreted with two headlight types on either side. One version has iconic round LED headlights while the other is fitted with slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62.
The slab-sided body profile has a resemblance to Land Cruisers of old (and the A-pillar is pushed back to complement the look). This will certainly appeal to those who prefer the looks of a traditional 4×4 vehicle rather than the curvy ‘crossovers’ of today.
Measuring 4920 mm long, 1988 mm wide and 1860 mm tall, the new Land Cruiser is 95 mm longer and wider, and 10 mm taller than before. Its 2850 mm wheelbase is 60 mm longer than before, which means it now matches the length of the Land Cruiser 300 Series.
Stronger GA-F platform like 300 Series
The new 250 Series gets the same GA-F global truck platform as the 300 Series. This still uses body-on-frame construction, which has been the de facto architecture for traditional SUVs.
However, the new ladder frame has 50% more rigidity in the chassis compared to the 200 Series, thanks to the use of high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds.
For improved basic suspension performance, the newly developed double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks is complemented by a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. There is also better wheel articulation, which is an indicator of off-road performance that describes the ability of a wheel to stay on the ground.
To provide improved steering feel and facilitate the incorporation of additional safety and convenience features, there is electric power steering and large 17-inch disc brakes front and rear. A first in a Toyota is the new front stabilizer bar disconnect which increases flex at the push of a button.
Hybrid powertrain
Additionally, the 250 Series, as a core model range, also comes with various powertrains for better performance, both in driving as well as environmentally. The top of the range has a hybrid powertrain (called i-FORCE MAX in some markets) with a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and a 48-ps electric motor which is powered by a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack.
The hybrid powertrain, which has a total system output of 330 ps/630 Nm, pairs with an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.
Depending on the market, there will also be proven 2.4-litre petrol and 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines. For Eastern Europe, there’s also a 2.7-litre petrol engine (the older 2TR-FE unit) with 163 ps/246 Nm, and a 6-speed Super ECT.
The well proven full-time 4×4 system has an electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case with high/low range, as well as a centre locking differential and electronic locking rear differential.
Passenger car technologies
Since the 1990s, the Land Cruiser has gained a lot of technology that is also found in passenger cars to improve performance on highways. Features like Vehicle Stability Control are standard with improved traction control as well.
To give the driver skills like a ‘pro’, the Multi-Terrain Select system has adjustable settings to help control wheelspin on a variety of terrain such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The CRAWL Control function is acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control allowing the driver to focus on steering while the system maintains one of 5 selectable speeds.
More functionality inside
The ambience of the cabin (5 seats or 7 seats) has also shifted from high-end luxury to the feeling of true off-road functionality. The intuitive layout for the switches that group basic functions together .
There is a sturdy functional design with dual digital screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia system which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. To give drivers a view of obstacles on the trail, there is a Multi-Terrain Monitor that can display the ground ahead.
The new multimedia system also gives drivers the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
Besides the standard Smart Key system, some markets will also have the option of Digital Key which connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting. The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key.
Latest TSS 3.0
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS3.0), the brand’s suite of active safety systems, is standard and has enhancements made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. There is better intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. In addition to pedestrian and bicyclist detection, this system now includes the capability to detect a motorcyclist.
The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control has Full-Speed Range capability and adds a fourth following distance setting (previously three). Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one vehicle ahead, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
Production of the new Land Cruiser begins in 2024 with first deliveries in Japan followed by exports during the first half of the year.
