BACK TO THE FUTURE(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 40

Retro looks clothe cutting-edge technology in Toyota's J250-series Land Cruiser, which now features 48V mild hybrid tech. This go-almost-anywhere contender has looks as capable as the mechanicals beneath, and is now better ready to snare potential Land Rover Defender customers.

Background word count: 161

The Toyota Land Cruiser is arguably the world's most iconic off-road driving model line. Switches between generations have happened rarely since the original version, the Toyota BJ, was first launched in 1961. Since then, 11.3 million Land Cruisers have been sold across 170 countries, with the most recent J150 version launched back in 2009. Back then, there were two sizes of Land Cruiser but Toyota no longer imports the larger one - the current J300 model - in Western Europe. Still, to compensate, this latest J250 design, announced in Autumn 2023, is a fraction larger than its predecessor - and quite a lot more sophisticated. There are plenty of headlines here, retro looks clothing an all-new body-on-frame GA-F platform. Plus new to the line are advances like electric power steering and a clever disconnecting anti-roll bar system for even more capable off road prowess. There's also stronger standards of safety and even the introduction of 48V mild hybrid electrification. Sounds promising.

Driving Experience word count: 523

This J250 Land Cruiser is just about the only new-era model we can think of that could be excused a switch to full scale electrification, but it features it anyway in this updated form. The battery assistance is of the light 48V mild hybrid non-plug-in kind - which for some likely customers might be a relief; you don't want to be worrying about complicated full-Hybrid electronics when you're crossing the Zambezi. And you certainly don't want to be looking for a charging station. The battery bits have been added into the trusty 2.8-litre diesel that this J250-era design has campaigned with from the start, carried forward from the old J150 model. The Hybrid set-up is based around three principal components: an electric motor-generator, which replaces the conventional alternator; a 48V lithium-ion battery; and a DC-DC converter which controls the energy flow battery and motor. This electrified powerplant is paired to an 8-speed auto gearbox and in no way affects off road ability. The stats are much the same as before, so this 4WD 201bhp powertrain has 500Nm of torque and will tow up to 3,500kg. If ever a Land Cruiser switched to the kind of monocoque construction used by more tarmac- orientated large SUVs, it wouldn't really be a Land Cruiser. This one sticks with a traditional body-on-frame architecture, but mates it to the brand's current GA-F platform. The idea of course is to preserve this model's legendary off road prowess, further enhanced in the J250 design with greater wheel articulation. Another key improvement for this generation model is the disconnecting front anti-roll bar, which can be disengaged via a button on the dash to give maximum wheel articulation on really testing trails. The Multi-Terrain Select drive mode system's been enhanced over the old J150 design too, the set-up adapting vehicle performance to suit various kinds of off-road conditions. And there's a Multi-Terrain Monitor, which uses a high resolution camera and display to give the driver a clear view of the area immediately around and beneath the vehicle. Plus 'Crawl Control' can be used to maintain a low speed in off-road/downhill driving. It governs engine torque and brake pressure, avoiding wheelspin and wheel-locking and allowing the driver to focus on the steering. Where this J250-generation Land Cruiser really had to improve over its previous generation J150 predecessor was away from the rough stuff. Toyota somehow had to make it a better tarmac tool without compromising this model line's renowned off-road ability. Our test of the original version of this J250 design confirmed that progress in this regard had indeed been made. Combined body and frame rigidity is up by 30% on the old generation model, aided by that GA-F platform, which has reduced body roll and contributed greatly to handling responsiveness. This current-era Land Cruiser was the first Toyota to use a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, which has the dual benefits of enhancing off-road performance and a more comfortable ride on standard roads. Using a switch on the centre console, the driver can unlock the front anti-roll bar (stabiliser), increasing suspension travel. Toyota claims the improved electric power steering system is more feelsome too.