Toyota’s New Land Cruiser 250 luxury SUV revealed with an oh-so-retro design

The Japanese automotive giant Toyota’s Land Cruiser is a legendary name synonymous with off-road prowess and has a rich heritage dating back several decades. Toyota’s Land Cruiser range has been revered for its outstanding durability, cutting-edge technologies, and unwavering off-road capabilities. Now, for the year 2024, the company is harking back to its roots with the addition of its newest series of SUVs the Land Cruiser 250 Series. This new model is a departure from the typical luxury-centric approach, and instead, it returns to the true essence of the Land Cruiser, offering a simple and sturdy vehicle that meets the lifestyle and practical needs of customers while retaining the Land Cruiser DNA.

What sets the Land Cruiser 250 Series apart is its retro-inspired design that seamlessly fuses traditional and modern elements. Toyota’s President, Akio Toyoda, emphasized the importance of staying true to the Land Cruiser’s heritage while incorporating modern advancements. The result is a functional package that exudes reliability, timeless simplicity, and refined functional beauty, aligning perfectly with the brand’s vision for the new Land Cruiser Prado.

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Compared to its predecessor, the outgoing Prado, the Land Cruiser 250 Series stands in stark contrast with its focus on delivering reliability and practicality over high-end luxury. The new design represents a return to basics, catering to customers who seek a sturdy and capable vehicle for both on- and off-road adventures. This shift in design philosophy is evident throughout the interior and exterior features, dimensions, and drivetrains of the Land Cruiser 250 Series.

It is to be noted that the Land Cruiser 250 Series, although known as the Land Cruiser Prado in many markets, has a distinct nomenclature depending on the region. In the USA, it goes by the name Land Cruiser, while in Japan, it is simply referred to as the Land Cruiser 250. This is a significant distinction as it clarifies that the Land Cruiser 250 Series is the replacement for the Prado model, not the top-of-the-line Land Cruiser 300 Series.

The Land Cruiser 300 remains the flagship model, showcasing the latest technologies and representing the epitome of the Land Cruiser range. However, with the introduction of the Land Cruiser 250 Series, Toyota aims to cater to a wider audience, offering a reliable, practical, and sturdy vehicle that fulfills various lifestyle choices and driving needs, while the Land Cruiser 300 remains the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the Land Cruiser lineup.

Speaking of dimensions, the new Land Cruiser Prado measures 4,925 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, making it slightly larger than its predecessor. This increase in size enhances stability and maneuverability, making it an even more appealing choice for those seeking a robust and reliable SUV.

Moving on to the interior, the 2024 Land Cruiser Prado comes loaded with an array of features and tech. The cabin boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing easy access to a plethora of entertainment and connectivity options. Additionally, the Prado offers a moonroof, heated and ventilated seats, a heads-up display (HUD), and wireless charging, providing a comfortable and convenient driving experience.

Toyota has also ensured that the Land Cruiser Prado is well-equipped for off-road adventures. The SUV will come with a Multi-Terrain Select System, Downhill Assist, Electronic Locking Rear Differential, Crawl Control, Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect System, and a Multi-link Rear Suspension System, among other features. These off-road technologies make the Prado a highly capable and versatile off-roader, well-suited for various challenging terrains.

Under the bonnet, the Land Cruiser Prado will come powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine paired with a 1.87 kWh battery pack. This powertrain produces an impressive combined output of 326 BHP and 630 Nm of torque, ensuring ample power for any driving situation. The engine will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to a full-time 4WD setup offered as standard, further enhancing the SUV’s off-road capabilities.

Toyota will be offering the new Land Cruiser Prado in different trims, each with its own unique visual appeal. Prices for the Land Cruiser Prado will start from $55,000 in the US market, making it more affordable than the full-blown LC300 while offering an enticing package for SUV enthusiasts. The top-spec LC First Edition will be limited to just 5000 units and comes with a rugged off-road-ready appeal, catering to those seeking the ultimate adventure companion.

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