New Toyota Retro-Modern Land Cruiser

Going Back To Origins: The All-New Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser was born 72 years ago, launched as the “Toyota BJ”, on August 1, 1951.

While car manufacturers have always strived to improve and modernise vehicles as time goes on, there has often been a 50-50 split regarding the 4×4.

While we like things being brought up to date, we do all love the nostalgic, boxy, somewhat non-aerodynamic, and rugged 4×4.

Old Heritage New Model

Maybe listening to user views, Toyota has now offered up a new Land Cruiser with all mod cons that seems to straddle both viewpoints; the Toyota Land Cruiser appears to be ticking all the right boxes.

Toyota says that with this model, the company hopes that it will provide reliability (something that generally the classic 4×4 might lack, compared to its modern contemporary) and durability, while also reminding people of how a classic 4×4 should look.

Toyota has implemented its traditional Land Cruiser DNA to provide something with a little more emotional connection than just a traditional workhorse.

The strong hint at the traditional also encompasses the ability to remove panels, should they become damaged, for easy replacement – a practicality that we seem to have been getting away from with more recent 4×4 developments.

Aside from its retro looks, Toyota has made sure that the Land Cruiser gives good visibility with a lower hanging windscreen and a snub nose that won’t get in the way of awkward terrain.

Corners are protected with cladding to keep the dents at bay.

Increased Performance With New GA-F Platform

The whole thing sits on the Toyota GA-F platform which is used for several other Toyota models. Combined with this platform, the Land Cruiser features an anti-roll bar which is actively able to be disconnected, which will enable better on-road and off-road performance.

In fact, Toyota says that the Land Cruiser is 50 per cent more rigid for on-road driveability.

The 4×4 will initially arrive as a turbocharged 2.8-litte diesel along with 201bhp, powered by an 8-speed auto.

Users will be able to choose either a 7-seater or a 5-seater version. Inside, a large infotainment touchscreen will feature, along with larger buttons for operating under awkward conditions.

Toyota has a long and established career of producing the Land Cruiser since the Toyota BJ in 1951, which went on to impress by being the first vehicle to climb to the 6th Station towards Mount Fuji’s summit.

The Land Cruiser is certainly something that Toyota would be confident about putting their weight behind, with 11.3 million sales so far across 170 different countries.

Electric Power Steering

The new Land Cruiser will also be the first to utilise electric power steering, offering a smoother experience at all speeds. It also enables Toyota to incorporate Lane Tracing Assist with the vehicle.

New Land Cruiser Powertrain

There will also be a new powertrain with the Direct Shift 8-speed auto, which allows a towing weight of up to 3,500kg. By 2025, the Land Cruiser will also be available with a 48-volt mild hybrid technology version and an electric powertrain.

As Toyota says, it’s a ‘back to its origins’ look, that seems set to impress quite a few potential users with modern technology mated to a slightly retro look.

We can expect deliveries from the first part of 2024 and while pricing is yet to be announced, potential pricing is likely to be quite hefty. 

Initially, a limited-edition Land Cruiser First Edition will be available with retro-round headlights and the option of trim panels in different colours with paint exclusive to First Edition models, of which only 3,000 will be produced.

Images: media.toyota.co.uk