Toyota Unveils New Land Cruiser 250 And Updated Land Cruiser 70

Toyota has unveiled not one but two new variants of the Land Cruiser. One is for the North American markets called the Land Cruiser 250, which will take on the moniker of the Land Cruiser Prado in many markets. Second is an updated version of the Land Cruiser 70, which is extremely popular in markets like Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Toyota has updated the Land Cruiser Prado after almost 14 years and returned to the North American market after the LC 200.

As reported earlier, the brand-new Land Cruiser 250 sits on the same platform as the Lexus GX. The TNGA-F-based LC 250 clearly draws inspiration from older models of the Land Cruiser, thanks to its square-ish stance and butch appeal all around. Since the Land Cruiser 250 will rival the links of the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco in the North American market, off-roading ability is of prime importance.

The Japanese automaker has equipped the LC 250 with a disconnecting anti-roll bar which can be toggled by a switch on the dashboard. The new Land Cruisers also have full-time four-wheel drive with locking centre and rear differentials, increased wheel articulation along with an updated Multi-Terrain Monitor.

As far as powertrains go, the Land Cruiser 250 sold in the North American market gets a 2.4-litre petrol hybrid unit that powers multiple Toyota models and the Lexus GX 470. In Australia, the Middle East, Japan and Europe, the same Land Cruiser Prado will come equipped with a 2.8-litre diesel engine, which currently powers the Fortuner in India. However, reports suggest that it could come with mild-hybrid technology.

The legendary Land Cruiser 70 also gets an update in the form of a new front fascia along with a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. There’s also the 4.5-litre, V8 diesel motor on offer as well. Apart from all of this, it remains unclear if the Land Cruiser 70 will ever come to our shores, but, one can expect the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 or Land Cruiser Prado to make it to India in the future.