Is the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250 now also suitable for the promenade? He already had the design for it, but posing is still not his style. ntv.de has already tried out the legendary Japanese off-road and on the road.
Defender, G-Class, Grand Cherokee, Range Rover or Wrangler – they all have something in common: cult and off-road performance. Wait, isn't there another position missing? Sure, the Toyota Land Cruiser. After all, they have been ready for any outrage for over 70 years. In other words, the Land Cruiser will get you to any destination in the same way as the previously mentioned models, if there are thick logs, deep holes, mud and steep inclines between start and arrival.
From behind, the new Land Cruiser appears largely unspectacular.
(Photo: Patrick Broich)
And now another new Land Cruiser is coming around the corner. Roughly speaking, there are two Land Cruiser series – a large luxury Land Cruiser edition and another that is one category below. The large Japanese Kraxler has not been available in this country for some time and the smaller series that was still available was now getting old, having been on the market since 2009.
Rough, rocky terrain is the right environment for the new Toyota Land Cruiser.
(Photo: Patrick Broich)
Toyota has been teasing the new Land Cruiser with the internal code number “250” for a long time. And now it is finally available for the first test drives. It is quite remarkable that the Japanese 4×4 has developed with the new generation from a visually functional workhorse into an attractive designer piece with a distinctive retro style. But who should care? Especially since the Land Cruiser looked iconic in the 80s compared to the last generation, where the creative people somehow couldn't decide between angular or round. And if you're wondering why the new Land Cruiser has sometimes square and sometimes round headlights. Quite simply – the latter version is the First Edition, which is limited to 3,000 copies (about ten percent of which are for Germany).
First Edition does not offer any other technology
Here is the front with the round headlights of the First Edition. Looks quite attractive.
(Photo: Patrick Broich)
But I'll let the First Edition be First Edition for now, after all there's always the same technology underneath the metal. And the technology has changed quite a bit compared to its predecessor, and you can feel that too. Even the first few meters with the new off-roader feel smooth, whereas driving with the predecessor always felt like a bit of physical work.
The secret lies in the electric power steering, used for the first time on the Land Cruiser. And the four-cylinder diesel with a displacement of 2.8 liters, which has remained the same (to be honest, the Land Cruiser would have deserved a more sophisticated six-cylinder engine) is now a bit more responsive thanks to the revised turbocharger. The 204 hp diesel chunk generates 500 Newton meters within a wide speed range from 1600 to 2800 rpm, and accordingly it confidently drives the device, which weighs well over two tons. And the power is now handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The square LED headlights also look good. So don't be sad if the rare First Edition doesn't work out.
Which doesn't change the fact that the off-road vehicle has a reduction level. And beyond that, other fine 4×4 features. For the first time, this includes decoupling stabilizers (at the push of a button) to allow more articulation. This can be useful in tough terrain, even if the Toyota team largely avoids twisting situations in the dynamic presentation in sometimes impassable Scotland.
To do this, the stable ladder frame representative (GA-F platform with a 50 percent stiffer frame) has to fight its way through difficult sections with thick stones on the way. And through deep mud in a carefully selected forest section with slippery sections that are also riddled with nasty roots. Here the Land Cruiser can exploit the advantages of its off-road cruise control. How it works? Simply set the speed to two or three km/h and let the big vehicle run. And of course, just in case, the rear axle differential can also be locked to increase traction.
How much luggage will fit in the trunk after all the seats are folded down? This data will probably be available after homologation.
(Photo: Toyota)
But Toyota not only has the off-road performance in mind, but also the utility value. The trailer load is of course 3.5 tonnes. Up to seven people can also fit in the Land Cruiser. And it is possible to load cargo into the trunk through the opening rear window without having to use the rear door to swing wide. Although it is practical because of the large loading opening, it is also sometimes inconvenient because it requires space due to its opening angle.
The new Land Cruiser is an infotainment professional
The screen-heavy interior of the new Toyota Land Cruiser is peppered with lots of buttons despite the touchscreen.
(Photo: Toyota)
And what else is on the minds of those interested in Land Cruisers these days? At least Toyota is taking precautions to potentially attract younger clientele. Or rather: Older drivers are also increasingly open to digital gimmicks. In any case, the future Land Cruiser is not lacking in infotainment; the mechanical display needles have been thrown out of the off-road vehicle. What remains is pure screen space. There is also a large central touchscreen on which terrain values such as steering angle or lean angle can be displayed.
The monitor forms a unit with the instrument cluster, which would provide the transition to the interior design. Architecturally, the Land Cruiser appears more boyish than graceful, delighting the eye with its angular design language. And fans of classic pushbuttons will also be pleased, as the Japanese company offers quite a few of them. The interior is really peppered with it from the center console to the steering wheel.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's easier to use. As with other Toyota models, various assistants can only be switched off with difficulty using the steering wheel buttons. And it seems that Attention Assist requires you to look at the road. If you look to the side for a long time, it tinkles. Can be switched off? None, but this needs to be determined in more detail.
By the way, the spacious off-roader is quite massive, measuring 4.92 meters in length. It therefore promises to be not only a decent off-road tool, but also a travel tool (2.85 meter wheelbase promises plenty of legroom, especially at the back). One in which the power for mobile devices you carry will never run out, because there are so many USB (C) ports, including in the rear.
The off-roader will hit the road in the summer, but prices have not yet been determined. Around 70,000 euros can be expected. And while the first examples of the Land Cruiser do not yet have any electrification, a 48-volt system will be introduced to the off-road icon next year and with it slight electrification. It remains to be seen whether the new Land Cruiser will also electrify customers. But it could happen with its futuristic retro design.
