From left: Land Cruiser “300”, Land Cruiser “70” (prototype), and Land Cruiser “250” (prototype)
Launched originally as the Toyota BJ on August 1, 1951, the Land Cruiser series is now 72 years old. Immediately after its launch, it became the first vehicle to climb to the sixth station of Mount Fuji. From that time, it has fulfilled its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that can only be reached in the Land Cruiser. Developed and refined based on the actual usage situations of global customers, it provides reliability, durability, and off-road performance that allows people to go anywhere and everywhere and return safely. This concept has been passed down and evolved. With cumulative sales of about 11.3 million units*1 in approximately 170 countries and regions around the world, it has supported the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.
Land Cruisers in action in the world
Until now, the Land Cruiser range has been divided into three different series―the Station Wagon that always showcases the latest technologies and has evolved into the flagship model (currently the 300 Series), the Heavy-Duty model with outstanding durability and off-road driving performance (the 70 Series), and the Light Duty model that provides ease of handling and comfort on an off-road base as a lifestyle and practical choice for customers (Prado).
- 250 Series, back to the origin and essence of the Land Cruiser
The Light Duty Series has tended to shift toward high-end and luxury models as the generations have evolved. In developing the 250 Series, then-President Akio Toyoda, who has the ultimate responsibility for product development, explained his basic approach as, “The Land Cruiser should be a car that supports people’s lives and local communities, so the Light Duty model must return to the true form that customers are looking for.” In response, the development team defined the concept as returning to the origin of the Land Cruiser. With the spirit of rebuilding the model, they created a simple and sturdy vehicle that can be trusted by customers to fulfill their lifestyle choices and practical needs.
The new 250 Series is a core Land Cruiser model with the same GA-F platform as the 300 Series to dramatically improve basic performance as an off-roader. It also comes with various powertrains to achieve even more powerful driving performance and environmental performance worthy of the Land Cruiser name. It was created in pursuit of unique Land Cruiser characteristics, incorporating interior and exterior styling that fuses traditional and modern in a functional package. The aim was to create a next-generation Land Cruiser with improved ease of handling and comfort for both on- and off-road driving, while also delivering class-leading advanced safety performance.
Even after the 250 Series is released, the Land Cruiser will continue to evolve, while meeting a range of social needs, as a trustworthy, reliable, and practical choice for customers worldwide.
Land Cruiser “250” (prototype)
Improved basic performance as an off-roader through adoption of the GA-F platform
With the same GA-F platform as the 300 Series, the new 250 Series has dramatically improved off-road performance. As a reliable and practical choice for customers, it has improved ease of handling and comfort for on-road driving as well.
Significantly increased rigidity50% increase in frame rigidity and 30% increase in overall rigidity
Improved basic suspension performanceImproved wheel articulation, which is an indicator of off-road performance that describes the ability of a tire to stay on the ground
Improved on- and off-road driving performance through adoption of the following systems
Electric power steering (EPS)Contributes to reduced loss of steering control when driving off-road, provides a crisper steering feel, improves maneuverability at low speeds, and enables Lane Tracing Assist
Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) First use in a Toyota vehicle. A switch-operated function that enables the front stabilizer state to be changed, delivering driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and handling stability when on-road
Improved off-road driving support through enhanced functionality of the Multi-Terrain Monitor and Multi-Terrain Select
Various powertrains to achieve powerful driving performance and environmental performance worthy of a Land Cruiser
The 250 Series inherits the Land Cruiser mission of supporting the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere, while pursuing the reliability, durability, and off-road performance that is the DNA of the Land Cruiser. In line with Toyota’s carbon neutrality initiatives that take a diverse multi-pathway approach, it also comes with various powertrains, including the first hybrid system for a Land Cruiser. These achieve powerful driving performance and environmental performance worthy of a Land Cruiser.
Powertrain characteristics
| Powertrain | Maximum output | Maximum torque | Positioning | Destination (Planned) | |---|---|---|---|---| | T24A-FTS Gasoline 2.4-liter turbo Hybrid Direct Shift-8AT | 243 kW (330 PS) | 630 N･m | High-end electric powertrain In addition to off-road capabilities, improved acceleration and environmental performance across all power ranges, from initial acceleration to climbing and towing | North America, China | | T24A-FTS Gasoline 2.4-liter turbo Direct Shift-8AT | 207 kW (281 PS) | 430 N･m | Mass-market gasoline powertrain Smooth and powerful driving performance, a quiet ride, and environmental performance achieved through a newly developed TNGA powertrain | Middle East, Eastern Europe, etc. | | 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8-liter turbo (48V system) Direct Shift-8AT | 150 kW (204 PS) | 500 N･m | High-end diesel powertrain In addition to the characteristics of the 1GD, improved actual fuel economy in urban settings and traffic congestion High-quality, quiet engine startup and smooth initial take-off | Australia, Western Europe | | 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8-liter turbo Direct Shift-8AT | 150 kW (204 PS) | 500 N･m | Mass-market diesel powertrain Improved ease of handling both on- and off-road through a combination of the 8AT* and 1GD, which has a reputation for good fuel economy and powerful driving performance | Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Middle East, etc. | | 2TR-FE 2.7-liter gasoline 6 Super-ECT | 120 kW (163 PS) | 246 N･m | High-quality, affordable basic powertrain Improved ease of handling in normal driving | Eastern Europe, Japan, etc. |
| * | 6AT is still used in some countries and regions | |---|---|
Interior and exterior styling that fuses traditional and modern in a functional package
Functional package carries people and cargo safely in every situation
The 250 Series achieves good forward visibility through a low-set cowl and instrument panel top surface, which contribute to safe on- and off-road driving. It also employs a low beltline to improve visibility of road surfaces even on rough roads. While dramatically improving off-road driving performance on the traditional Land Cruiser wheelbase, this series has a shorter mirror-to-mirror width to ensure good maneuverability.
With the durability of parts and easy repairs in the event of breakages, the design also takes customizability into account to allow users to enjoy their Land Cruiser in their own unique ways.
Prototype specifications Length 4,925 mm (+100); Width 1,980 mm (+95); Height 1,870 mm (+20); Wheelbase 2,850 mm (+60) (Compared to the CG Prado)
Land Cruiser styling fuses traditional and modern
In a fusion of traditional and modern, interior and exterior styling on the 250 Series focuses on three keywords: “reliable” (reliability to withstand harsh usage conditions), “timeless” (timeless simplicity to remain a favorite), and “professional” (refined functional beauty common to lean professional tools).
Exterior styling employs horizontal lines to reproduce the unique Land Cruiser silhouette, while interior styling has shifted from a high-end, luxury ambiance to the feeling of true off-road functionality. Coupled with a sturdy and stable interior space, horizontal instrument panel, and switch shapes that are clear and easy to operate in a range of driving conditions, styling contributes to improved functionality even on rough roads.
Class-leading advanced safety performance
Latest Toyota Safety Sense package
Toyota Safety Sense, the latest active safety package with advanced and improved functions, is standard on all new Land Cruiser grades. The range of detectable accidents has been expanded even further, enabling enjoyable driving with peace of mind.
- Land Cruiser 70 overview
The 70 Series is making its return to Japan as a regular model in the range, offering original features that have evolved with the times.
- 2.8-liter diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver strong driving performance and excellent fuel economy
Instead of the traditional gasoline-powered engine, the new 70 Series comes with an updated 2.8-liter 1GD turbo diesel engine powertrain that boasts outstanding reliability. It delivers the tough off-road performance only available from a high-torque, high-output diesel engine, while achieving a low-noise, quiet ride and improved fuel economy.
- Original ladder frame for high durability and reliability, with improved on-road comfort while maintaining outstanding off-road driving performance
Prototype specifications Length 4,890 mm; Width 1,870 mm; Height 1,920 mm; Wheelbase 2,730 mm
Engine 1GD-FTV Diesel 2.8-liter turbo (Maximum output 150 kW (204 PS) Maximum torque 500 N･m)
Transmission 6 Super ECT
Land Cruiser “70” (prototype)
Key Innovations in the Land Cruiser '250' Series
The Land Cruiser '250' Series introduces several innovations that set it apart from previous generations. These include a new platform designed for both on-road comfort and off-road prowess, advanced driver assistance systems, and a refined interior with the latest infotainment technology. Toyota has also focused on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, making the '250' Series more environmentally friendly. Enhanced suspension and chassis engineering ensure a smoother ride, while maintaining the vehicle's legendary durability. These updates reflect Toyota's commitment to blending tradition with modern demands.
Comparison: Land Cruiser '250' vs. Land Cruiser '70'
While both models carry the Land Cruiser name, the '250' and '70' cater to different audiences. The '250' Series is designed for those seeking a balance between luxury and rugged capability, featuring modern amenities and advanced technology. In contrast, the '70' Series is built for heavy-duty use, favored by professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize reliability and off-road performance. The return of the '70' to Japan highlights Toyota's recognition of diverse customer needs, offering both innovation and tradition within the Land Cruiser lineup.