The all-new Toyota Land Cruiser: a modern master true to its roots?
More details of the all-new Light Duty Land Cruiser 250 have emerged, along with a few videos from those lucky enough to attend a media drive in Scotland recently (sadly not me if you’re wondering!)
By all accounts, the 250 is keeping to its roots, and by that I mean it’s not inclusively road biased, instead it’s designed and built for strength, reliability and the ability to cope with the harshest conditions, in all parts of the globe.
Built using a traditional body on chassis, the 250 has permanent all-wheel drive, H4 and L4, and an electric rear locking diff.
Toyota say that this is the first Land Cruiser to adopt electric power steering, reports are favourable, but also say that it’s a bit woolly on the roads, despite new independent double wishbone front suspension. I’m paraphrasing that. From what I’ve gleaned so far, I get the impression Toyota are serious about making the 250 a tough ‘off-roader’, and not a pavement princess. Good on them.
The car’s overall length is 4,925mm, width 1,980mm and height 1,935mm; the wheelbase is 2,850mm and offers both five and seven-seat interiors.
Interestingly, Toyota have designed the front of the 250 not just to be a pretty face, but with functionality in mind. For example, important parts are grouped together towards the centre with high-set headlights to help avoid damage in tough driving conditions. Practicality is also designed-in with bumper corners that are easy to replace if damaged.
Toyota say that giving the driver the best view ahead and to the side was a design priority and gave the 250 a bonnet shape with raised sides which make it easier to locate the vehicle’s corners, and a lowered centre section that improves the forward view, reducing the blind spot immediately in front of the vehicle.
To improve the view to the side, the A pillar is set at a more upright angle, the mirrors are attached to the doors and the belt line has been stepped down – a reference to the classic Toyota BJ70 – by about 30mm compared to the current model.
On the topic of the driver, they have knee pads and padded door shoulders provide protection when the going gets tough, and the top of the door panel has a scooped profile so the driver has space for free elbow movement. The new steering wheel design reflects the solid, stable exterior styling, with wide spoke openings to help prevent fingers being injured in the event of steering kickback.
The interesting part for me is that here in the UK, and Western Europe, the new Land Cruiser is being introduced with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine (201bhp/204 DIN hp/150kW), that’s been re-engineered for improved driveability and a stronger balance of fuel efficiency and performance. I don’t know exactly what ‘re-engineered’ means, but if it’s the same engine currently fitted to the Hilux then it has a reputation for enjoying its AdBlue. Good job the 250 has an enlarged 17-litre AdBlue tank then!
The 250 will be fitted with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and with maximum torque of 500Nm generated between 1,600 and 2,800rpm, it has the muscle to tow loads of up to 3,500kg.
In 2025 Toyota will introduce a mild hybrid electric version of the Land Cruiser in Europe, combining the 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 48V electric motor-generator, a compact 48V lithium-ion battery and a stop-start system. This, they say, will enhance the drivability, giving a smoother and quieter, yet more responsive performance while maintaining its ability to withstand tough driving conditions. It will also conform to government legislation for emissions and help Toyota sell more of its range in the UK, I’m guessing.
Speaking of tech, the new 250 comes packed with all the usual on-road safety kit. For off-road use it also has Toyota’s famed Crawl Control, Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism and Multi-Terrain Select modes; Mud, Sand, Rock and Auto.
A sign that I’m getting old means that I will really appreciate the Land Cruiser’s Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that provides a complete view of the area immediately around and beneath the vehicle to help with precise manoeuvring on challenging terrain.
Curiously, Chief Engineer Keita Moritsu said that: “We have changed our perception and believe that this Land Cruiser model should be offered as a practical and affordable off-roader. We resolved that going back to our roots would be core to the Land Cruiser brand going forward.”
“Affordable”. No prices have been announced yet, but would that suggest it’s going cheaper than a Wrangler, Defender and Grenadier? Guess we’ll have to wait as details of the UK model range, specifications, pricing and sales will be announced shortly.
