Toyota’s Land Cruiser returns with chunky looks and off-road tech

A new version of Toyota’s famous Land Cruiser has been announced, bringing plenty of off-road-focused features and a utilitarian new design.

Arriving 72 years after the release of the original, the new Land Cruiser uses a rugged body-on-frame construction which is 30 per cent more rigid than its predecessor. These changes should help to make the Land Cruiser more comfortable and responsive.

A disconnecting front anti-roll bar is also included on the new Land Cruiser. Activated by a switch on the dashboard, this feature allows the wheels even more articulation should a particularly challenging section of terrain present itself.

In the UK, the Land Cruiser will be powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 201bhp and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota says that this will be joined by a mild-hybrid version in early 2025, too.

As with the previous version, the Land Cruiser features a chunky exterior design with short overhangs. Many of the car’s body parts have been designed for easy replacement in case they get damaged. Inside, there’s the option of either five- or seven-seat configurations, while all versions will come with a full suite of safety assistance systems.

Toyota will kick off pre-sales of the Land Cruiser later this year with a special First Edition model, of which only 3,000 examples will be made for Europe. Prices and specifications are expected to be announced closer to that time.