The new Toyota Land Cruiser, which caught our eye last summer with its appealing design, is set to make its debut in Britain in late 2024. This marks the arrival of the first entirely new Land Cruiser model in the UK since 2009.
The prototype Land Cruiser, codenamed J250, shares the GA-F mechanical platform with its larger counterpart, the J300 Land Cruiser, which is not available in the UK. This common platform is expected to deliver impressive off-road performance.
While maintaining a stylistic connection to the 1980s FJ60, the J250 is not only geared towards off-road capabilities but also emphasizes on-road excellence and comfort.
Luxurious features such as a full-length glass roof, leather seats, and a sophisticated wide digital display contribute to a premium interior. This move prompts speculation about whether the Land Cruiser could become a formidable competitor to the Land Rover Defender.
The J250, built on a body-on-frame structure, boasts 50% more frame rigidity than its predecessor, contributing to a 30% overall increase in rigidity. A notable addition is the introduction of electric power steering, a first for the Land Cruiser.
Furthermore, drivers will have the option to disconnect the front anti-roll bar using a dashboard switch, enhancing drivability on rough terrains and improving overall comfort.
While various powertrains have been announced for different markets, the UK is expected to receive a 2.8-litre diesel engine with 201bhp when the Land Cruiser arrives in late 2024. A mild-hybrid version is anticipated to follow in early 2025. All models will feature an eight-speed automatic gearbox and have a towing capacity of 3500kg.
The Land Cruiser will be available in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations. The initial release will include a limited-edition First Edition model, characterized by its heritage looks, including round headlights and a two-tone paintwork finish in Sand or Smoky Blue.
Despite these detailed insights, crucial information such as pricing and the commencement of UK orders is still pending.
While pre-sales in left-hand drive European markets began in December of the previous year, the UK may have to wait a bit longer for these details. It is expected that more information will be disclosed later in the year.
