Toyota launches new Land Cruiser 250 series in Japan

Toyota has announced the Land Cruiser 250 series in Japan. Created with the aim of offering ease of handling based on solid off-road performance, the "250" series is designed to support people's daily lives.

Toyota's development team's mission was to restore the original characteristics of the Land Cruiser Prado. Previously targeted at a luxury segment, it now returns to the lightweight model that "consumers expect." Under the development concept of "back to basics", the new Land Cruiser aims to be a reliable vehicle to support customers' daily lives.

With the introduction of the 250 series, the position of the three Land Cruiser models becomes clearer. The names of the vehicles also returned to their origins, being unified under the name "Land Cruiser".

The 250 series incorporates the GA-F platform, the same as the 300 series, and is the first in the Land Cruiser line to feature electric steering (EPS) and Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM). EPS reduces impact during off-road driving, ensuring ease of handling on both rough terrain and regular roads. SDM allows the state of the front stabilizer to be locked or unlocked at the touch of a button, offering driving performance and comfort on uneven terrain and stability when driving on highways.

The "250" is available in Japan with two engine options: 2.8-liter direct injection turbo diesel with Direct Shift-8AT; and 2.7 liter gasoline engine with 6 Super ECT. According to the company, full-time four-wheel drive with Torsen LSD in the center differential, together with electric rear differential lock, guarantees impressive off-road performance on difficult roads. The freedom in distributing driving torque between the front and rear axles has been expanded to achieve even greater driving stability.