This quality is reflected in a programme of model upgrades for the Land Cruiser 250, launched in 2024, refocusing the range to provide versions designed to meet the preferences of customers looking for authentic “back to the roots” performance and those prioritising more sophisticated equipment features and technologies.

The new Land Cruiser 250 line-up has thus adopted two top-level grades: VX, specified for serious off-road performance, and the new VX-L, with added style, technology and premium details.

The VX is visually distinguished by its classic Land Cruiser round headlights* (known from the limited First Edition-version), roof rails and a new Smoky Blue metallic monotone paint option that’s exclusive to this specific grade. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with a series of systems to support surefooted progress over challenging terrain. Electronic locking rear diff, Toyota’s Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, which unlocks the front anti-roll bar to increase wheel articulation to help tackle rough and rocky surfaces, Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control are all provided together with a Multi-Terrain Monitor and Panoramic View Monitor to give the driver a complete view of the landscape immediately around and beneath the vehicle. The specification also includes a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, Toyota Smart Connect + multimedia system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable driver’s seat and a cooled rear console box.

Options for the VX include a seven-seat interior lay-out and sunroof.

The new VX-L raises the cabin comfort appointments with power-adjustable front seats (driver and passenger) and integrated heating and ventilation functions for both the front and outer rear seats, all of which are upholstered in leather. A 14-speaker JBL premium sound system ensures top quality on-board entertainment while the driver benefits from a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror. A sunroof and 20-inch alloy wheels are also featured. For the VX-L grade specifically, the electronic locking rear diff is replaced by a Torsen® limited slip differential for enhanced on-road handling.

The VX-L options list includes a panoramic roof in place of the sunroof as well as the possibility of a seven-seat cabin configuration.

Both the VX and VX-L models are equipped with a heated steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning and the Drive Mode Select system to adjust the vehicle’s performance parameters to suit different driving environments.

Elsewhere, the TX grade remains the entry point to the Land Cruiser range, providing essential muscle and a simpler specification for work-focused duties. Details include 18-inch wheels, fabric upholstery, reversing camera, side steps, mud flaps and Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems. The TX-L version raises the specification with features including synthetic leather upholstery, power driver’s seat adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, power back door, dual-zone air conditioning and Drive Mode Select.

In addition, a new Aura Black metallic paint finish is available as an option on all Land Cruiser models.

In Western Europe, all versions are powered by Toyota’s Hybrid 48V electrified powertrain, providing smoother and more comfortable performance whether driving on-road or tackling rough ground. The Hybrid 48V-system, introduced in 2025, has been developed and deployed in the Land Cruiser with no reduction in the vehicle’s performance or its exceptional all-road capabilities. In Eastern European markets, the new VX and VX‑L grades are powered by either a 2.8‑litre diesel engine or a 2.4‑litre petrol turbo engine.
 
* Western Europe only. Specifications and grade equipment vary by region.

Toyota’s Hybrid 48V system 

Toyota’s new mild hybrid system has been designed for simple integration. Being more compact than the Toyota full hybrid system, it can be more easily fitted to existing powertrains without requiring significant redesigns or re-engineering. Thanks to this, the Hybrid 48V powertrain is also recently introduced to the new Toyota Hilux. 

The Hybrid 48V system uses the Land Cruiser’s established 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and introduces three principal new components: an electric motor-generator, which replaces the conventional alternator; a 48V lithium-ion battery; and a DC-DC converter which controls the energy flow battery and motor. 

The system in no way compromises the Land Cruiser’s ability to operate in extreme conditions and rough terrain. For example, the motor-generator has been positioned high on the engine block so that the vehicle can still wade at low speed through water up to 700 mm deep. 

Electric motor-generator 

The electric motor-generator – a permanent magnet synchronous type unit – is driven by the engine and in turn charges the lithium-ion battery. It brings multiple benefits to the driving experience, both on-road and off. 

It provides a regeneration function, recovering energy every time the driver comes off the throttle using engine braking. This is then used to provide the engine’s stop-start function and support acceleration, minimising waste. It improves efficiency, makes driving easier and produces natural-feeling deceleration. In on-road driving, acceleration when pulling away and deceleration are smooth and linear, contributing to a more composed and comfortable ride. 

On rougher, off-road surfaces, the motor-generator adds to the Land Cruiser’s ability to tackle obstacles. 

The operating status is indicated in the driver’s multi-information display with a read-out showing CHG (energy regeneration), ECO or PWR (providing assist in both cases). 

Stop-start performance 

The Hybrid 48V system enables quicker and quieter engine stop-start performance with less shock, making for an easier and more comfortable drive in traffic. 

As the motor-generator is always connected, there is less delay in immediate engine restarts after stopping. It also allows for restarts at high engine speeds. 

The system will operate an auto-stop when driving in heavy traffic, or when the driver accidentally restarts the engine by reducing their pressure on the brake pedal. 

The driver can set their preference for stop and start performance, selecting NORMAL or LONG in the vehicle’s multi-information display. When choosing LONG, the engine’s idling stop time is increased when the air conditioning is operating. 

When the vehicle is on an uphill gradient, there may be a slight delay between engine restart and the generation of drive torque. As an auxiliary function, the stop and start system will maintain the brake pressure until sufficient drive torque is generated, to achieve a smooth start-off. Also, when the vehicle is on a level surface, the system offsets any excess drive torque produced on restart. 

Injection volume control has been optimised to support the system’s responsiveness, balanced against the level of shock experienced during acceleration. 

Lithium-ion hybrid battery 

The 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery features 13 cells and a 4.3 Ah capacity. Weighing just 7.6 kg, it has been designed with compact internal components to allow for integration beneath a revised deck board layout, helping to limit the impact on overall load space.

When fully charged, it can supply up to an additional 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque to the powertrain at start-off. 

Both the hybrid battery and the low-profile DC-DC converter are protected against water ingress, and as much cooling air as possible is drawn into the battery from the front of the vehicle, with a lower temperature than the cabin air. A filter helps prevent the build-up of dust in the battery’s cooling paths and fan helps prevent battery performance deteriorating in high temperatures. 

Two-arm belt-tensioner 

The motor-generator operates with two-arm belt tensioner which has been designed specifically for use in diesel engine vehicles and to meet the demands of rough-road driving. As well as providing the required the level of belt tension, it also provides restart assistance and improved acceleration response. Noise and vibration performance is on par with gasoline engine vehicles. 

The belt’s material composition is key to its performance. A high-strength cotton fabric layer on the ribbed side of the belt reduces noise, absorbs water and maintains its friction coefficient when wet. This helps achieve consistent performance in challenging conditions, for example when driving through water. 

A high-strength aramid cord is used at the core of the belt, enhancing reliability when tension increases are experienced, for example when the motor-generator starts the engine or the increases the level of power generation. 

Stoppers in the tensioner arms reduce abnormal noise and vibration caused by the arms striking the housing when switching to motor-generator mode. Bushes in the damping mechanism are designed to help prevent foreign bodies entering the sliding parts, such as dust and grit in rough road driving. 

Market introduction 

All European Land Cruiser models will adopt the Hybrid 48V system. National markets will be opening order books shortly with the first models expected to be with customers from the end of this year. 
 

The arrival of the all-new Land Cruiser 250 is thus a significant event, a model that scales new heights of off-road performance, underpinned by its new GA-F platform and frame; excellent functionality for carrying passengers and cargo; enhanced visibility for the driver; and simplicity, with parts designed to be easy to repair or replace with customised items.

Chief Engineer Keita Moritsu explains: “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.”

The “back to origins quality is evident in a powerful new design that fuses Land Cruiser’s style heritage with a sharp, contemporary appearance that is timeless and communicates the kind of solid, functional quality associated with the best professional tools. Practicality is designed in, for example with the bonnet’s raised corners and lowered central section that give the driver a commanding view, and the shaping of body parts to help avoid damage in harsh driving conditions. Aerodynamic details have also been included to the benefit of handling stability, brake and engine cooling and airflow management.

Likewise, the cabin has a functional, durable yet high-quality feel, with seating for up to seven and generous load space for whatever needs to be carried. Controls are positioned and shaped for quick and intuitive operation and information sources are clear and positioned for at-a-glance recognition. The instrumentation includes a new 12.3-inch colour driver’s instrument display and new multi-function dial selector, designed in consultation with professional rally drivers. When moving off road there are padded surfaces to protect knees and shoulders, while the new-design seats provide superior body-holding performance.

Power is provided by a re-engineered 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine with 205 DIN hp / 151 kW matched to a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. With 500 Nm maximum torque, this powertrain allows loads of up to 3,500 kg to be towed.  In late 2025, the Land Cruiser range will be extended to include a new 48V mild hybrid version. This promises to offer smoother, quieter, yet more responsive performance with no reduction in the vehicle’s ability to tackle tough conditions.

The new Land Cruiser is designed to deliver the highest levels of off-road performance while being composed, comfortable and easy to manoeuvre when driving on-road. Under the skin, the new global architecture GA-F body-on-frame is the foundation for the car’s essential strength and rigidity, while the sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor provided sophisticated assistance when tackling challenging conditions.

This is the first Land Cruiser to use electric power steering, giving more direct operation and easier manoeuvrability, with less risk of kick-back. Also new is the Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, which unlocks the front anti-roll bar, increasing wheel articulation to help tackle rough and rocky surfaces. A new braking system, a new double wishbone front suspension, revised rear axle and updated Crawl Control also contribute to the handling prowess.

At the same time as strength and off-road capability have been enhanced, Toyota has focused on raising the levels of on-board quietness and comfort with extensive measures to counter noise and vibration. These include enhanced body sealing and extensive use of sound-absorbing materials. Ride quality has been elevated thanks to the rigidity of the new GA-F body and frame, a pitch control system and new mount designs for the engine and body.

Safety also reaches new heights with Toyota Teammate and the third generation of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems. The new Land Cruiser is better equipped than ever before to support the driver, recognising and warning them of a wider range of common accident risks and ready to provide braking, steering and drive control to help avoid a collision.

THE LAND CRUISER HERITAGE

The Land Cruiser was born 73 years ago as the Toyota B, on August 1, 1951. Shortly afterwards it demonstrated its strength and capabilities by becoming the first vehicle to successfully climb to the sixth station on the slopes of Mount Fuji.

The Land Cruiser name was adopted in 1954 and today, it is Toyota’s longest-running production model with worldwide sales of more than 10.4 million* to date across more than 170 countries and regions.

Toyota’s mission for Land Cruiser remains to provide people with a vehicle that will take them to their destination in safety and security, even in the harshest environments. The different experiences of customers around the world have proved invaluable in evolving the Land Cruiser’s essential strengths of reliability, durability and the ability to tackle rough road conditions. Moreover, the achievement of Land Cruiser has set the template for the Quality, Durability and Reliability that are fundamental to all Toyota models.

The Land Cruiser trio: Heavy Duty, Station Wagon and Light Duty.

The term “Land Cruiser” covers many thousands of variations that have appeared over the years, but since the 1980s the range has comprised three core vehicle types: the Heavy Duty, the Station Wagon and the Light Duty series, each satisfying different customer priorities.

As its name implies, the Heavy Duty series is true to the spirit of the original model, being designed and engineered for ultimate toughness and simplicity. Today the principal markets for the Heavy Duty Land Cruiser are in Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific. It’s symbolic of this model’s enduring character that the current 70 series has just entered its fifth decade of production.

The first Station Wagon model was introduced in 1967, marking a fundamental change in Toyota’s strategy for Land Cruiser. This was a model targeting people who wanted an all-wheel drive vehicle for recreational use rather than work purposes, with plenty of space in both the passenger compartment and the load space. Through successive generations the Station Wagon Land Cruisers have developed a luxury profile and embraced sophisticated technologies for safety, comfort and performance. They remain the pinnacle of the Land Cruiser range. This model is currently not available in Europe.

In 1984, the Light Duty series made its debut. Originally developed primarily for the European market, the Light Duty Land Cruisers – also known as the Land Cruiser Prado – follow the principle of the Station Wagon in appealing to a wider, general consumer market. While still retaining excellent off-road capabilities – and Land Cruiser’s classic body-on-frame construction – the Light Duty series is also engineered for ride comfort, stability and versatility as a car for everyday use. The all-new Land Cruiser 250 is the latest generation in the Light Duty series.
*Cumulative total from August 1951 to July 2024.

DESIGN: TRADITION BLENDED WITH MODERNITY

• Design expresses authentic off-roader performance in a fusion of heritage and modernity
• Silhouette and vehicle proportions reference Land Cruiser’s design heritage
• Measures adopted to secure excellent view for the driver, including a bonnet with raised corners and lowered central section
• Powerful frontal design with classic TOYOTA emblem
• Body shaped to help avoid damage in harsh conditions; parts designed to be easily replaced
• Interior presents a functional yet high-quality design with customisable digital instrument display and latest Toyota multimedia package
• Seating for up to seven on board, with generous load space provision

Exterior

The design of the new Land Cruiser is a clear expression of the vehicle’s status as a fully fledged off-roader that’s inherently strong and stable.

Its essential reliability is reflected in the shape and composition of parts designed to cope with harsh conditions and be easy to replace if damage occurs. There’s a timelessness, too, in design simplicity that expresses quality and will not look out-of-date, and a sense of professionalism in the form-follows-function design of the kind found in top-quality professional tools.

Brought together, these elements create a fusion of heritage and modernity: this is a Land Cruiser that is rooted in its origins, yet meets the highest contemporary standards.

The classic Land Cruiser silhouette references the definitive lines of the early Land Cruiser models (the 40 and 70 Series Heavy Duty Land Cruisers are clear influences) with a strong horizontal axis, a long bonnet, upright windscreen, a short front overhang and distinctive trapezoidal wheel arches. The proportions are also true to Land Cruiser’s design heritage, with a tight, box-shaped cabin set behind the car’s vertical axis to gain both interior space and comfort. The car’s overall length is 4,925 mm, width 1,980 mm and height 1,935 mm; the wheelbase is 2,850 mm.

The configuration and proportions of the frontal elements create a classic Land Cruiser look. Functional parts are grouped together towards the centre with high-set headlights to help avoid damage in tough driving conditions. The sense of purpose is further emphasised by the restoration of the classic TOYOTA logo front centre and at the rear above the licence plate garnish. Practicality is designed-in with bumper corners that are easy to replace if damaged.

The headlights have a slim, oblong triple-eye arrangement of LEDs while the front fog lights are deeply recessed in the bumper corners, again to help avoid damage. The front and rear corners are chamfered (which also aids manoeuvrability); and the lower door sections have a scraped, concave surface.

Giving the driver the best view ahead and to the side was a design priority. This produced 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 30 mm compared to the current model.

The bodywork displays contrasting sharp hard and glossy curved surfaces for a simple, modern look with a sense of tension and high precision. The overall effect is of the Land Cruiser having been carved from a single lump of pure metal. The car’s wide stance, flared front and rear wings and the tight body shape combine to emphasise stable performance.

At the rear, the lights are again tightly grouped in vertically stacked combi-units.

According to model grade, the new Land Cruiser will feature 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels with new designs. A wide range of body accessories will give customers the chance to tailor their vehicle to suit their requirements, including roof rails, side steps and an opening rear hatch.

Aerodynamic detailing

The distinctive exterior design incorporates a series of details to enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance.

Spats are fitted ahead of the front wheels, reducing the airflow striking the tyres and directing air to help cool the brake discs. The spats are deformable, so can withstand rough road driving.

Other measures include a reduction in the difference between the levels of the front pillars and the rain gutters and precise calculation of the door mirror sweep-back angle and housing profile to suppress turbulence. Side door mouldings have been added to rectify airflow along the side of the vehicle and a rear spoiler helps manage airflow away from the back of the vehicle and reduce lift force.

Interior design

The interior design expresses a safe, functional look suitable for off-road driving with an emphasis on durability, high quality and measures to reduce fatigue.

The instrument panel and upper door mouldings have strong horizontal lines that make it easy to grasp the vehicle’s orientation in challenging conditions and make for an open cabin environment with excellent outward view for everyone on board. The panel’s cross-section is lowered in front of the front passenger, enhancing the open feel.

Information sources – the driver’s instrument combimeter and multimedia display are set high for easy visibility and there is a wide console area – a Land Cruiser characteristic – that keeps driving controls close at hand for quick and intuitive operation. The 12.3-inch digital instrument display presents meters and data with sharp graphics that are clear to read in all lighting conditions. The multimedia system is accessed via high-definition touchscreen (12.3-inch). The package includes cloud-based navigation that benefits from up-to-the-moment traffic information and the “Hey Toyota” assistant for voice command control of multiple functions and systems.

The physical shape of the switches and their operating methods have been unified – simple toggle or push controls – so the driver can operate them easily without having to look away from the wheel or change their posture.  Professional rally drivers were consulted on the design of the combination of dial selector and push switch used for vehicle system functions such as the Multi-Terrain Select.

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 centre pad displays the classic TOYOTA logo, with function switches rationally organised on the left and right sections of the centre spokes.

A sense of precision and quality is expressed in the co-ordinated design of control switches and details such as the serrated patterns around the air vents and mode selector, the matching of thick upholstery materials with rope-like piping and trim parts that have the look of machined metal.

Throughout, there is a unified look to the interior, with consistent material quality, feel and appearance, communicating a strong character. Functional areas are flat and hard; touch points are soft and thickly covered with a sense of volume. Digital design techniques were used to combine different parts into a single unit, for example incorporating the combimeter and centre display within the large instrument panel so there is less segmentation.

A new, simplified headlining shape increases the sense of space, with options for an opening sunroof or a large, fixed panoramic roof that extends above the second-row seats.

Seating and upholsteries

The new Land Cruiser range offers both five and seven-seat interiors. The front seats have a new design to provide strong support when driving off-road and are available with power adjustment. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is available with a (manually) extending cushion that provides an extra 50 mm of thigh support. Its design avoids opening a groove between the extension and the main cushion for seamless support.

The new front seats have thinner seatbacks, improving leg and knee room for rear seat passengers, and are available with integrated heating and ventilation. Thicker urethane cushions disperse pressure over a wider area of the occupant’s body and are shaped to promote the optimum pelvis angle, reducing the load on the waist and muscles. The cushion sits on a hard lower layer, a construction that helps prevent the occupant’s posture collapsing when turning or changing lanes. The side bolsters project further, helping keep the body in place when horizontal forces are experienced, as when driving over rough surfaces.

The second-row seats are offered in a bench arrangement that divides 60:40, and on the seven-seat model the third row comprises two seats that can be folded flat manually or with power control.

The upholstery choices include genuine and synthetic leathers and (in selected markets) the first use of SUMITEX, a new, hard-wearing fabric made with a strong yarn produced from recycled PET plastic from Toyota facilities in Japan.

Load space

In the new five-seat Land Cruiser the flat-floor load space is longer and wider than in the current model; in the seven-seat version the width is greater, but the length is unchanged when the third-row seats are in use.

In the seven-seater there is space behind the third-row seats for two 55 cm suitcases (130 l). With the third row folded, there is room enough for three 86 cm cases plus one 81 cm and one 69 cm (556 l). In the five-seat model the space is slightly larger, accommodating a 75 cm case in place of the 69 cm bag (742 l).

The new Land Cruiser also has a top-hinged rear door as standard, improving the ease of access with the availability of power back door operation and an independently opening glass hatch.

POWERTRAIN RESPONSE, CONTROL AND EFFICIENCY

• 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine with 205 DIN hp/ 151 kW, re-engineered for driveability and efficiency
• New eight-speed automatic transmission
• Approved for HVO100 renewable diesel
• 48V mild hybrid electric model to join the Land Cruiser 250 range from late 2025
• Permanent all-wheel drive

Advances in engine response and driveability

In Western Europe, the new Land Cruiser is being introduced with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine re-engineered for improved driveability and a stronger balance of fuel efficiency and performance.

The 2,755 cc in-line four-cylinder DOHC direct injection multivalve unit produces a maximum 205 DIN hp/151 kW at 3,000 rpm and is matched to a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. With maximum torque of 500 Nm generated between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm, it has the muscle to tow loads of up to 3,500 kg.

Official WLTP combined cycle figures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 10.5 – 10.7 l/100 km, depending on grade, and 275-281 g/m respectively.

Development of the new unit made acceleration control a priority, with performance that is faithful to the driver’s intentions, whether on road or off, driving city streets or on the open highway. The intention was that driving feel should be direct, like that experienced with a manual transmission. To help focus their work, the engineering team gathered knowledge from development of the Land Cruiser 300 (Station Wagon model, not available in Europe) and quality, durability and reliability intelligence from the current Land Cruiser. Customer feedback about how the vehicle is used day-to-day was also analysed.

This helped produce advances in acceleration performance and driveability; improvements in noise and vibration levels; and enhanced handling in severe conditions. The powertrain is engineered to provide linear acceleration with a strong initial response, while the lock-up function in the eight-speed automatic transmission suppresses surges in engine revs.

A redesigned and more efficient turbocharger is key to the enhanced torque response, with the introduction of impeller with compact blades and a reduction in the unit’s diameter, A new belt layout makes space for the new electric power steering system (see below) and the adoption of a higher output (200A) alternator to ably support customer auxiliary power requirements.

Measures to address environmental performance include an increase in the efficiency of the SCR catalyst and an enlarged, 17-litre urea tank.

New eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission

The powertrain features a new eight-speed automatic transmission designed to enhance driving performance and fuel economy and offering quiet performance. With closer gear ratios, a new, compact torque converter and optimised components, the transmission delivers precise lock-up control, rhythmic shifting and a smooth acceleration feel.

The torque converter features a multi-plate lock-up clutch with an expanded range, contributing to the direct drive feel and overall fuel economy. Lock-up control can be implemented from low speeds, adding to the quality of the drive feel.

The unit also benefits from a new dynamic damper structure to help reduce torque fluctuations to the drive shaft.  Both the torque converter and damper structure have been revised to reduce size and save weight.

The compact and lightweight gear train provides both efficiency and durability. Close gear ratios are used at higher vehicle speeds with consistent, small changes in engine rpm when shifting in the high range to produce a rhythmic feel. The first gear ratio has been lowered to improve start-off acceleration and off-road performance, while eighth gear has an increased ratio for quieter high-speed cruising at lower engine revs, with enhanced fuel economy.

Shifting response is enhanced by 25% with the adoption of a new linear solenoid that is 29% lighter than the previous unit, compared to the current six-speed automatic. Quieter performance and fuel economy are supported by a smaller-diameter oil pump.

Future 48V mild hybrid system

Toyota will introduce a mild hybrid version of the Land Cruiser in Europe, expected in late 2025, 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 will enhance the drivability, giving a smoother and quieter, yet more responsive performance while maintaining its ability to withstand tough driving conditions.

Permanent all-wheel drive

The driveline for the Land Cruiser’s permanent all-wheel drive features a revised propeller shaft structure designed for durability and quieter performance. Changes have also been made to the differentials: the centre unit has been revised for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency; the electronic locking rear diff (standard on both VX and VX-L grades) has been strengthened for added reliability. Both are turned to achieve the best balance of off-road traction and on-road stability.

The differential locking system has been changed from a motor to a solenoid type, giving 85% quicker response (around 0.15 sec) should the vehicle become stranded.

The transfer unit has also been updated for improved durability, an increase in actuator motor torque and anti-corrosion performance. A new toggle switch for selecting the H4 or L4 ranges and new diff lock switches are located on the centre console, next to the shift lever.

ON AND OFF-ROAD STABILITY, CONTROL AND CONFIDENCE

• Handling capabilities designed-in to ensure highest levels of off-road performance
• Composed, comfortable and easy to manoeuvre on-road
• New GA-F body-on-frame provides essential strength and rigidity
• First Land Cruiser to adopt electric power steering
• Electronic locking rear differential fitted as standard
• Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism to unlock front anti-roll bar and gain increased wheel articulation
• Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor help the driver negotiate challenging conditions

The essential quality of the Land Cruiser as a vehicle that can “take you anywhere and everywhere and bring you back safe and sound” includes the ability to tackle challenging off-road conditions. In taking the model back to its origins, Toyota has ensured that the vehicle has the fundamental, built-in strength to deliver on this promise, rather than relying on sophisticated technologies.

At the same time, easy manoeuvrability was a key consideration: beyond its off-road strengths, this is a vehicle that is simple in concept and composed and comfortable to drive for everyone in everyday use. Visibility is good, switchgear is simple to understand and intuitive to use and vehicle responses are prompt and faithful to the driver’s intentions.

Extreme testing

The development programme tested the new model to the limits of its endurance. Toyota constructed a new off-road test track – the daunting Course F at the Shibetsu proving ground in Japan – faithfully reproducing a range of the most challenging driving conditions from around the world.

The course’s design includes slopes, muddy tracks, rocky roads and mogul landscapes, each placing different demands on the vehicle. Using this facility not only helped confirm and enhance the new Land Cruiser’s off-road performance, “one step above” the current model, it also helped refine its suitability for everyday use and its functionality.

Extensive testing has also taken place in the Middle East and Australia.

Capability founded on new GA-F platform and frame

The Land Cruiser’s authentic off-road character is reflected in its retention of a body-on-frame construction, but its capability moves a step above the current model. The foundation for its performance is the new GA-F platform and frame, as also featured in the larger Land Cruiser 300.

This gives the vehicle structure significantly greater strength and rigidity, achieved through a combination of focused construction techniques. The new model has 84 extra short-pitch weld points around the side doors and lower rocker edges and, for the first time, uses structural adhesive (a total of 11.9 m) to enhance rigidity where sheet metal parts meet. Tailor-welded blanks have been introduced in the side rails and crossmember in place of reinforcements, maintaining rigidity while saving weight. Thick sheet steel and high-tensile materials are used in strategic locations throughout the frame to ensure robust strength.

Overall, the torsional rigidity of the frame has increased by 50%, while that of the frame and body combined has risen by 30%. The result is a vehicle that responds and moves just as the driver intends.

First Land Cruiser with electric power steering

The new Land Cruiser is the first Land Cruiser model to be fitted with an electric power steering system (EPS).

Compared to a hydraulic system, this reduces the amount of kickback that can occur when driving over rough surfaces and provides smoother, more direct steering and easier manoeuvrability at all speeds. Using EPS also allows the new Land Cruiser to feature Lane Tracing Assist as part of its Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance package.

The rack-and-pinion system also saves energy, with electric power used only when required – i.e. not when idling or in straight-line driving.

To help communicate good feedback to the driver, steering column rigidity has been enhanced and the steering shaft and tube have been enlarged.

New braking system

The new electronically controlled braking system has been designed for improved feel and performance that matches the driver’s intentions. Control, performance and rigidity have been optimised to produce a natural and linear braking feel.

An on-demand pressure system provided by a general purpose VSC unit operates in addition to a conventional pressure system, enhancing the braking feel. Co-operative braking control combines the hydraulic braking force with regenerative braking force from the motor; maximising the use of regenerative braking force contributes to fuel economy.

Disc brakes are used: 340 mm diameter at the front; 335 mm at the rear. An electronic parking brake operates on the rear wheels.

Downhill Assist Control (DAC) can be used to automatically provide stable braking without wheel-lock while maintaining a low vehicle speed when negotiating steep descents. The system has been developed so that it can be used as a cruise control function at speeds between 4 and 30 km/h in the vehicle’s H4 and L4 range.

Crawl Control

The Land Cruiser’s Crawl Control can be used to maintain a low and stable speed in off-road/downhill driving. It controls the engine torque and brake pressure, avoiding wheelspin and wheel-locking and allowing the driver to focus on the steering.

Crawl Control operates in the L4 transfer mode. The driver can select the appropriate speed using the dial selector on the console. There are five different speed settings appropriate for a wide range of different driving surfaces and inclines.

Suspension

The front suspension features a new independent double wishbone system with extended stroke to gain high road-holding performance and off-road capability. It’s constructed from high-strength, lightweight components for durable, reliable performance.

A stable drive is supported by an increased caster trail while stability under braking is enhanced by a reduction in the kingpin offset angle and increase in the anti-dive angle.

At the rear the four-link rigid axle benefits from detailed revisions to achieve smoother, more linear performance while saving weight and enhancing reliability. The anti-roll bar is made from a new material that is both lighter and more rigid, while further weight is saved with a thinner axle cross-section and optimised bracket wall thickness – a design that also strengthens reliability. An increase in the anti-lift angle helps prevent rear-wheel lift. The entire geometry has been optimised so that the movement of each link is smooth and linear, helping secure a comfortable ride.

Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism

The new Land Cruiser is the first Toyota to use a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), which has the dual benefits of enhancing off-road performance and a more comfortable ride on standard roads.

Using a switch on the centre console, the driver can unlock the front anti-roll bar (stabiliser), increasing suspension travel. Travelling at low speeds on rough, rocky surfaces the extended wheel articulation helps keep all four wheels in contact with the ground, making the vehicle easier to manoeuvre. In standard form, the new Land Cruiser has 10% greater wheel articulation compared to the previous model; when the SDM is engaged, this increases by a further 10%.

With the suspension able to elongate and contract freely, roll rigidity is reduced and body movement in all directions is suppressed, making for a more comfortable ride for all passengers on very rough terrain. When vehicle speed increases, the anti-roll bar will automatically be re-locked. The SDM is fitted as standard to the VX-L grade.

Multi-Terrain Select

The Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) adjusts the vehicle’s steering, drive force and hydraulic brake control to meet the demands of different off-road driving scenarios. The system now provides an additional Auto mode so the driver doesn’t have to alter the setting as conditions change and it can also be used when the car is in the high transfer mode as well as low.

MTS is simple to engage, using the powertrain control switch and multi-function dial selector on the centre console. In the low transfer mode the options are Mud, Sand, Rock and Auto; in high mode the choice is Mud, Sand, Dirt, Deep Snow and Auto.

Panoramic View Monitor/Multi-Terrain Monitor

The Land Cruiser’s Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) provides a complete view of the area immediately around and, using a Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) function, beneath the vehicle to help with precise manoeuvring on challenging terrain. The driver can switch between four cameras to check blind spots; the camera feeds can also be combined to create a composite image. The Under Vehicle Terrain View shows the position of the rear wheels and the driving surface. New MTM options include back underfloor view with guidelines showing the vehicle and tyre positions. The images in the display screen can be expanded using touch controls to gain an even more detailed view.

The PVM can be used at speeds up to 12 km/h and, for the first time in a Land Cruiser, can be activated using voice command as well as a console switch. A rear camera washer is available to help maintain a clear image.

QUIETNESS AND COMFORT

• Extensive noise and vibration countermeasures through the vehicle
• Focus on comfort with pitch control, new engine mount design and cushion mounts between the body and frame

The new Land Cruiser may be engineered to take extreme conditions in its stride, but that does not mean on-board quietness and comfort have been sacrificed. Extensive measures have been taken to avoid and counteract noise and vibration.

Vehicle development minimised the number of points where sound can enter the cabin and produced a body on frame design that is less prone to generating noise. Similarly, noise sources were identified and reduced.

Countermeasures include enhanced body sealing, for example at the base of the front and centre pillars, and gap sealing around the door apertures. Sound-absorbing material has been added to the air intake system and the wheel arch liners and even the tyre tread patterns have been calculated to reduce noise generation.

Compared to the current model, there is a thicker dash silencer with an intermediate layer, covering a larger area. Damping material has also been added to the vehicle floor. The higher rigidity of the new GA-F body and frame is also effective in dispersing the resonance of each part, damping vibration.

Further measures contribute to securing a comfortable ride, including the increase in rigidity in the new GA-F platform and frame. Further gains have been made with the use of a pitch control system to maintain a smooth ride; a new engine mount design; cushion mounts between the body and frame; and direct connection of the seat frames to the vehicle body, rather than to an intermediate bracket.

COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY FEATURES

• Robust construction provides fundamental protection
• Comprehensive Toyota Teammate safety and driver assistance features, including latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense active and preventive systems

The new Land Cruiser 250’s robust construction provides essentially strong protection in the event of an impact. But beyond its basic strength, it benefits from comprehensive Toyota Teammate provisions to help prevent accidents from happening and providing protection for everyone on board should an impact be unavoidable.

The package includes the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense with new and enhanced systems and functions. The level of accident risk detection has been raised with revisions to the camera and radar sensors to increase their target range. They can now detect more types of hazard – vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles – both closer to and further away from the vehicle.

The benefit of this can be seen in the performance of the Pre-Collision System. The PCS’ Intersection Collision Avoidance provides extra layers of safety when negotiating a junction, able to detect both crossing pedestrians and motorcycles and cross and oncoming (across two lanes) vehicles.

When a driver needs to steer to avoid a hazard such as a person walking in the side of the road, a cyclist or parked vehicle, there’s a risk they might swerve the car out of its lane. With the new Emergency Steering Assist with active support, the PCS recognises the hazard and provides steering assistance and gentle braking when the driver turns the wheel, helping keep the car within its traffic lane.

When driving at low speed, Acceleration Suppression will regulate drive force and control braking if the driver accelerates sharply when there is an obstacle immediately ahead, helping avoid a collision.

The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) offers a wider range of support functions that enhance safety and ease the burden on the driver. The turn signal-linked control provides preliminary acceleration when the driver uses the turn indicator to begin an overtaking manoeuvre; if another vehicle is detected in the overtaking lane the acceleration is suppressed. The system can also be used to avoid unintentional “undertaking” – passing a vehicle on the wrong side – and it provides deceleration assist, smoothly slowing the car when changing into a lane where there is a slower vehicle ahead.

The DRCC now provides earlier detection of another vehicle cutting in front, so deceleration is less abrupt. It will also take the second vehicle ahead into consideration for smoother speed management, in situations where the immediate vehicle in front moves into another lane. Improved curve recognition allows for better speed management through bends. There are now four distance setting options for the DRCC to suit the driver’s preference and traffic conditions.

The introduction of Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) adds a range of safeguards when driving in low-speed traffic. Obstacle Anticipation Assist detects hazards ahead such as parked vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at an early stage and provides steering a braking support to help the driver avoid approaching too close. Deceleration Assist provides smooth slowing when the driver comes off the accelerator when approaching a slower vehicle ahead, or when entering a bend.

New to Land Cruiser, Front Cross Traffic Alert uses the car’s front side radars to detect vehicles approaching from the side, sounding a buzzer alert and (where fitted) a warning in the head-up display. The system is of particular value when emerging from junctions with poor or obscured sightlines.

Other new features include an Emergency Driving Stop System. When Lane Tracing Assist is engaged, this detects when the driver has stopped making steering, braking and throttle inputs over a period of time and issues an alert. If there is still no response, it brings the vehicle to a smooth stop and activates the hazard lights. Safe Exit Assist is linked to the car’s Blind Spot Monitor and warns if there is a risk of a door being opened into the path of a vehicle or cycle approaching from the rear.

LAND CRUISER FIRST EDITION

• The premiere version of the all-new Land Cruiser
• Produced in strictly limited numbers
• Classic styling cues with round headlights and exclusive bi-tone paintwork
• Unique interior upholstery

The First Edition is the pinnacle of the all-new Land Cruiser line-up, available only in limited numbers and exclusively to customers who reserved their vehicle during the pre-sales period. It stands apart with bespoke styling, including classic round headlights, bi-tone exterior paintwork in a combination of Sand or Smoky Blue with black and “First EDT” badges. In the cabin the front seats feature unique upholstery piping and stitching.

Matching the equipment specification of the regular top-of-the-range VX-L grade, it offers a full complement of technical features, including the new Stabiliser Disconnection Mechanism (SDM) which changes the status of the front anti-roll bar to boost driveability on rough roads while securing more comfort and easier handling in on-road driving. Other standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a digital rear-view mirror, 14-speaker premium JBL audio package, power front seat adjustment and a head-up display.