New Toyota Land Cruiser: everything changes, but it will not come to Europe

He is one of the surviving Japanese franchisors. The Toyota Land Cruiser is getting a makeover with a new generation that is more gentrified than ever. But do not expect too much: it will not be marketed in Europe.

It's an off-road legend, just like a Nissan Patrol, a Mitsubishi Pajero or a Land Rover Defender. But while the former have disappeared from most markets, he continues his journey serenely. The Toyota Land Cruiser has now been renewed by the Japanese manufacturer, which has made it one of its top-of-the-range flagship models.

The adventure has been going on since the beginning of the 1950s. The "BJ" has evolved a lot, and it must be said that it has moved away from its rustic pretensions. More gentrified than ever, the Land Cruiser is now the Japanese counterpart of the Range Rover, the adventurer image probably being a little more pronounced.

It took more than ten years to see a new Land Cruiser. The previous Series 15 gives way to an all-new model with a look clearly designed for the target markets: North America, the Middle East and Russia, in particular.

Based on the very recent TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) modular platform, the new Land Cruiser abandons the V8 5.7. The 4x4 now relies on two engines: a V6 3.3 diesel, and a new V6 3.5 twin-turbo petrol. Toyota specifies that, in certain markets, a naturally aspirated V6 will be offered.

The supercharged blocks will be associated with a ten-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive with three differential locks is standard. If the Series 15 was already more opulent than the old versions of Land Cruiser, this one takes a further step with the adoption of an adaptive suspension controlled and configurable via the driving modes.

The adoption of the new platform changes an important fact: if the template (length, width and height) remains globally unchanged, the Land Cruiser 300 loses 200 kg compared to the previous generation!

The changes continue inside with a real revolution on the dashboard, which inherits a large 12.3-inch touch screen, with smartphone connectivity or the 360° camera. A Land Cruiser which also gains a wide range of driving aids. The other small novelty is the appearance of a Land Cruiser "GR Sport" with a specific, more aggressive livery (black rims, special grille...).