BACK TO THE FUTURE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Toyota has reimagined what its go-anywhere Land Cruiser large SUV can be. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 42

Retro looks clothe cutting-edge technology in Toyota's new-era J250-series Land Cruiser. This go-almost-anywhere contender now has looks as capable as the mechanicals beneath, all as part of a complete redesign that sees it better ready to snare potential Land Rover Defender customers.

Backgroundword count: 161

The Toyota Land Cruiser is arguably the world's most iconic off-road driving model line. Switches between generations have happened rarely since the original version, the Toyota BJ, was first launched in 1961. Since then, 11.3 million Land Cruisers have been sold across 170 countries, with the most recent J150 version launched back in 2009. Back then, there were two sizes of Land Cruiser but Toyota no longer imports the larger one - the current J300 model - in Western Europe. Still, to compensate, this latest J250 design, announced in Autumn 2023, is a fraction larger than its predecessor - and quite a lot more sophisticated. There are plenty of headlines here, retro looks clothing an all-new body-on-frame GA-F platform. Plus new to the line are advances like electric power steering and a clever disconnecting anti-roll bar system for even more capable off road prowess. There's also stronger standards of safety and even the introduction of 48V mild hybrid electrification. Sounds promising.

Driving Experienceword count: 439

This J250 Land Cruiser is just about the only new-era model we can think of that could be excused a switch to full scale electrification. You don't want to be worrying about Hybrid electronics when you're crossing the Zambezi. And you certainly don't want to be looking for a charging station. You might have hoped though, that Toyota would have redesigned the trusty 2.8-litre diesel that the previous J150 model campaigned with for most of its production life. As it is, the Japanese engineers have contented themselves with merely embellishing it with a 48V mild hybrid system (which won't arrive until some time after launch). This unit is at least paired to a new 8-speed auto gearbox and the 4WD 201bhp powertrain has 500Nm of torque and will tow up to 3,500kg. If ever a Land Cruiser switched to the kind of monocoque construction used by more tarmac- orientated large SUVs, it wouldn't really be a Land Cruiser. This one sticks with a traditional body-on-frame architecture, but mates it to the brand's latest GA-F platform. The idea of course is to preserve this model's legendary off road prowess, further enhanced here with greater wheel articulation. Another key improvement in this regard is the disconnecting front anti-roll bar, which can be disengaged via a button on the dash to give maximum wheel articulation on really testing trails. The Multi-Terrain Select drive mode system's been enhanced too, the set-up adapting vehicle performance to suit various kinds of off-road conditions. And there's a new Multi-Terrain Monitor, which uses a high resolution camera and display to give the driver a clear view of the area immediately around and beneath the vehicle. Plus 'Crawl Control' can be used to maintain a low speed in off-road/downhill driving. It governs engine torque and brake pressure, avoiding wheelspin and wheel-locking and allowing the driver to focus on the steering. Where this J250-generation Land Cruiser really had to improve though, is away from the rough stuff. Toyota somehow had to make it a better tarmac tool without compromising this model line's renowned off-road ability. And the developments in that regard are promising. Combined body and frame rigidity is up by 30% aided by that new platform, which should reduce body roll and contribute greatly to handling responsiveness. This Land Cruiser is the first Toyota to use a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, 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. Toyota claims the new electric power steering system is more feelsome too.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227