The Next-Gen Toyota Land Cruiser has Arrived: Gallery
The latest Land Cruiser isn’t coming to America, but a Lexus version will likely sate some stateside fans.
Last week, Toyota took the wraps off the next-generation Land Cruiser, so American audiences now know what we’ll be missing — as it won’t be coming to our shores. Fortunately, stateside fans of the brand will almost certainly be able to get most, if not all, of the same kit in Lexus guise, meaning this capable off-roader isn’t a totally forbitten fruit. As expected, there’s no longer a V8 under the hood, a ten-speed automatic pumps twist to all four corners, and two V6 engines are on the menu.
Both engines will feature twin-turbos, and buyers will get a choice between gas or diesel power. The 3.3-liter diesel motor will produce 304 horsepower and a whopping 938 lb-ft of torque, while the gas version will boast 409 horsepower and 871 lb-ft. Given that the 5.7-liter gas V8 powering the 2021 Land Cruiser makes 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft, those numbers are a phenomenal improvement. Especially when you consider both mills will boost fuel economy from the currently dismal 13 city 17 highway.
Styling-wise, there’s nothing radical at play here, as Toyota clearly took an evolutionary path over a revolutionary one. It’s a handsome, not overly dramatic rig, with boxy styling and a clear family resemblance. Sure, there are new vents on either side of the grille, but the rig is immediately recognizable as a Land Cruiser.
In fact, the important dimensions are so similar that the approach and departure angles are unchanged from the outgoing model. That said, it’s 400 pounds lighter than its elder sibling, and the center of gravity is lower too.
As you might expect, there are some new brains to go along with the brawn. For off-road enthusiasts, the most important technological improvement will likely be the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which will allow drivers to see where they’re placing their wheels on tricky terrain. But new Land Cruisers will also feature the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which aims to improve the historically agricultural handling of the venerable off-roader when it’s traversing paved surfaces. Toyota Safety Sense is now standard too.
There’s obviously much to come about the newest Toyota Land Cruiser, and as I mentioned previously, it’s forthcoming Lexus cousin. Reports from Japan suggest that a Gazoo Racing Edition is already in the mail, and will feature locking front and differentials, along with slightly larger 20-inch wheels. We’re sure to see some fun comparison tests between the J300 and rivals like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Mercedes-Benz G-Class in the coming months, so it’ll be interesting to see just how impressive it’ll be off-road. Stay tuned.
Photos: Toyota
