Toyota has taken the wraps off its all-new Land Cruiser, a model, it claims, that draws directly on the original qualities that have made its name synonymous with strength and reliability for more than seven decades.
The legendary Land Cruiser DNA has been combined with new technologies to deliver higher levels of performance both off-road and in everyday use.
The result strengthens Land Cruiser’s global reputation for being transport you “can trust to get you safely to your destination and bring you home again, in the toughest conditions”.
2024 Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser was born 72 years ago as the ‘Toyota BJ’, on August 1st, 1951 and 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.
Ever since, Toyota’s mission for Land Cruiser has been 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.
It’s perhaps no surprise that its enduring worldwide reputation has made it one of Toyota’s best-selling models, with 11.3 million sales to date*, across more than 170 countries and regions.
The new Land Cruiser retains its classic, robust body-on-frame construction, and follows the larger Land Cruiser 300 (not available in Western Europe) in adopting Toyota’s GA-F platform, which plays a key role in significantly improving off-road performance.
At the same time, the new model is easy to manoeuvre and more comfortable in conventional on-road driving, true to Toyota’s commitment to making this a vehicle that’s practical and tailored to customers’ day-to-day needs.
The new frame is 50% more rigid and the combined body and frame rigidity is greater by 30%.
These substantial increases contribute to improved responsiveness, handling, and ride comfort.
Basic suspension performance has also been enhanced, notably to help secure increased wheel articulation – a key factor in off-road driving capability.
New electric power steering
This is the first Land Cruiser to use an electric power steering (EPS) system, which, according to Toyota, reduces the amount of kickback that can occur when driving over rough surface 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 new Land Cruiser gains further off-road capability with a new disconnecting front anti-roll bar.
The technology – SDM (Stabiliser with Disconnection Mechanism) – is a Toyota first and enables the driver to change the status of the anti-roll bar (stabiliser) using a switch on the dashboard.
This flexibility allows for better driveability on rough roads and greater comfort and easier handling in on-road driving, according to Toyota.
Tradition has been blended with modernity to create a timeless look that expresses the vehicle’s ability to withstand harsh conditions. The styling also captures the functional beauty that’s found in the best professional tools.
Back to its origins
The chunky tough look expresses the “back to its origins” quality of the new Land Cruiser, but it is also highly practical with a form-follows-function approach.
Off-road performance is helped by shorter overhangs, sculpted corners and a narrowed lower body, and body parts have been designed for easy replacement in the event of damage.
In profile, the exterior design displays a classic Land Cruiser silhouette, with strong horizontal lines. Overall length is 4,920 mm, width 1,980 mm and height 1,870 mm; the wheelbase is 2,850 mm.
The interior offers a choice of five or seven-seat configurations, with a design that evokes the strength and functionality of an authentic off-roader.
This is witnessed in details, such as the horizontally arranged instrument panel and switches that are shaped for easy operation, even when driving over challenging terrain.
The driver’s all-around visibility has been given priority, helped by the low-set cowl, horizontal instrument panel and a lowered beltline that allows deeper side windows to be fitted.
Other features:
- Multi-Terrain Monitor gives the driver a clear view of the area immediately around and beneath the vehicle;
- The Multi-Terrain Select system automatically adapts vehicle performance to suit the demands of different off-road driving conditions;
- In Western Europe, the new Land Cruiser will be introduced with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel unit “engineered for a strong balance of fuel efficiency and performance”;
- It produces a maximum 204 DIN hp/150 kW;
- Is matched to a new eight-speed direct shift automatic transmission;
- Strength to tow loads of up to 3,500 kg;
- In early 2025, an electrified powertrain combining the powerful and efficient diesel engine with 48-Volt mild hybrid technology will be available, according to Toyota;
- Benefit from Toyota Safety Sense systems within a comprehensive Toyota T-Mate package of advanced safety features and technologies that reduce the burden on the driver.
Land Cruiser First Edition
The all-new Land Cruiser will be introduced in Europe with a special First Edition model, available exclusively for customers to reserve during the initial pre-sales period from October this year.
This limited-run version – around 3,000 units will be built for Europe – emphasises the Land Cruiser’s heritage with special styling features and a no-nonsense off-road character.
Details include classic round headlights and two dedicated bi-tone exterior paintwork finishes: Sand and Smoky Blue. Further details will be provided closer to the pre-sales launch.
Toyota will open pre-sales of the new Land Cruiser for European customers in October, with first vehicle deliveries expected in the first half of 2024.
