The Land Cruiser, which was launched in 1951, has been a reliable vehicle that allows people to travel to remote locations and return safely. It has undergone continuous development and refinement over the past 70 years to meet the needs of global customers. The 250 Series, a core model of the Land Cruiser, embodies the vehicle’s original simplicity and robustness while catering to customers’ lifestyle choices and practical requirements. It incorporates several advanced features, including enhanced off-road performance with the adoption of the GA-F platform, various powertrain options for powerful and environmentally friendly driving, a blend of traditional and modern design elements both inside and outside the vehicle, and top-notch safety performance.
On August 2, 2023, Toyota Motor Corporation introduced the new Land Cruiser “250” Series to the world, with plans to release it in Japan in the first half of 2024. Additionally, they announced the comeback of the Land Cruiser “70” as a regular model in Japan during the upcoming winter season. As a result, all three Land Cruiser series will once again be available in Japan.
The Land Cruiser series, born as the Toyota BJ in 1951, has a rich history of 72 years. Since its initial debut, it has been recognized for its exceptional capabilities, becoming the first vehicle to climb to the sixth station of Mount Fuji. It has consistently delivered safety and security to people in remote areas that can only be accessed with the Land Cruiser. Developed and refined based on the real-world usage experiences of customers worldwide, it offers reliability, durability, and off-road performance that enable people to venture anywhere and return safely. With approximately 11.3 million units sold across approximately 170 countries and regions, it has played a vital role in supporting people’s lives and livelihoods worldwide.
Up until now, the Land Cruiser lineup has consisted of three different series: the Station Wagon (currently the 300 Series), which represents the latest technologies and serves as the flagship model; the Heavy-Duty model (the 70 Series), known for its durability and off-road capabilities; and the Light Duty model (Prado), designed to provide comfort and versatility for customers seeking a lifestyle-oriented and practical choice.
In the development of the 250 Series, then-President Akio Toyoda emphasized the importance of returning to the Land Cruiser’s true form and meeting customers’ expectations. The concept for the 250 Series was thus defined as a return to the vehicle’s essence. With a spirit of rejuvenation, the development team created a simple yet robust vehicle that customers can trust to fulfill their lifestyle preferences and practical needs.
The new 250 Series is a core Land Cruiser model built on the same GA-F platform as the 300 Series, resulting in significantly improved off-road performance. It offers various powertrain options, including the first hybrid system for a Land Cruiser, to deliver powerful and environmentally friendly driving performance befitting the Land Cruiser’s legacy. The vehicle’s design combines traditional and modern elements in a functional manner, aiming to provide enhanced comfort and maneuverability for both on-road and off-road driving, along with outstanding safety performance.
Even after the introduction of the 250 Series, the Land Cruiser will continue to evolve to meet diverse social needs. It will remain a trustworthy, reliable, and practical choice for customers worldwide.
The 250 Series features substantial improvements in off-road performance through the adoption of the GA-F platform, which it shares with the 300 Series. This platform enhances overall rigidity, including a 50% increase in frame rigidity, resulting in improved handling and comfort for on-road driving. The suspension performance has also been enhanced, allowing the tires to maintain better contact with the ground, which is crucial for off-road performance. Additionally, the 250 Series introduces new systems such as Electric Power Steering (EPS) to ensure reduced steering control loss during off-road driving and improved maneuverability at low speeds, as well as the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) that provides optimal stability for both off-road and on-road driving. Enhanced functionality of the Multi-Terrain Monitor and Multi-Terrain Select further assists in off-road driving support.
To fulfill the Land Cruiser’s mission of supporting people’s lives worldwide, the 250 Series offers various powertrain options that embody the Land Cruiser’s DNA of reliability, durability, and off-road performance. This includes the introduction of a hybrid system, aligning with Toyota’s carbon neutrality initiatives and delivering powerful driving performance while being environmentally conscious.
The interior and exterior design of the 250 Series combines traditional and modern elements in a functional package. The vehicle’s architecture ensures safe and comfortable transportation of passengers and cargo in all situations. It features a low-set cowl and instrument panel top surface for improved forward visibility during on- and off-road driving. The low beltline enhances visibility of road surfaces, even on rough terrain. While maintaining the traditional Land Cruiser wheelbase, the 250 Series has a narrower mirror-to-mirror width, enhancing maneuverability. The design also prioritizes durability, ease of repairs, and customization options, allowing users to personalize their LandCruisers according to their preferences.
In terms of safety, the 250 Series is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. This includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), and other safety technologies designed to assist the driver and help prevent accidents.
As for the Land Cruiser “70” Series, it is making a comeback as a regular model in Japan. This series is known for its durability and off-road capabilities and has been favored by customers who require a rugged and reliable vehicle for various applications. The Land Cruiser “70” Series will once again be available in Japan, further expanding the Land Cruiser lineup.
Overall, the introduction of the new Land Cruiser “250” Series showcases Toyota’s commitment to evolving the iconic Land Cruiser brand while staying true to its core values of reliability, durability, and off-road performance.
