Toyota just revealed the new Land Cruiser ‘250’ series, which is scheduled to launch in Japan in early 2024 and return to the North American market after three years. After slowly shifting towards high-end luxury models over the years, the new 250 series returns to its roots as a simple and durable vehicle for its user’s lifestyles and practical needs.
The new Land Cruiser ‘250’ series embodies the carmaker’s Light Duty model line. Also known as the Prado, the new 250 Series is a core Land Cruiser off-roader model with the same TNGA-F platform as the 300 Series. It is a little smaller and narrower than the outgoing 200 Series model and will come in several powertrain flavors for different markets, paired with interior and exterior styling that fuses traditional styles with contemporary design. The result would be a Land Cruiser with improved ease of handling and comfort for both on- and off-road driving paired with advanced safety performance systems.
Through the adoption of the TNGA-F platform, the new Land Cruiser ‘250’ series will feature a 50% increase in frame rigidity and a 30% increase in overall rigidity, improved wheel articulation, electric power steering, Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism, and improved Multi-Terrain Monitor and Multi-Terrain Select functions.
The Land Cruiser ‘250’ series exterior styling will feature a squared body profile to reproduce the unique Land Cruiser form, wide customization options, and styling features aimed at improving functionality despite the terrain. There will be three grade structures at launch: the Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and Land Cruiser First Edition.
The interior styling features a low-set cowl and instrument panel top surface, a horizontal instrument panel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a low beltline for visibility, shorter mirror-to-mirror width, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 active safety package. Customization is still at the forefront, with several personalization options available.
In line with Toyota’s carbon neutrality initiatives, the new Land Cruiser ‘250’ series comes with several powertrain configurations, including the first hybrid system for a Land Cruiser that will be aimed at the North American market. The i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter Hybrid Direct Shift-8AT engine will deliver 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 48-hp electric motor, the new Land Cruiser is primed for off-road capabilities, improved acceleration, and environmental performance. The Land Cruiser ‘250’ series will also feature a double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks, multi-link rear suspension with coil springs, electric power steering, 17-inch front and rear disc brakes, and a trailer hitch that can tow up to 6,000 lbs.
Limited to 5,000 units for the first two months of production, Land Cruiser will be offered in a First Edition grade that includes two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment. We expect Toyota’s new Land Cruiser ‘250’ series to appear in the spring of 2024, with an MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range. Visit the official Toyota website for more details.
