Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser (Japanese: トヨタ・ランドクルーザー, Hepburn: Toyota Rando-Kurūzā), also sometimes spelt as LandCruiser, is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is Toyota's longest running series of models. As of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide.
Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser's reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests the Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store.
Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado. Described as a 'light-duty' version of the Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version.
As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021 where the smaller Land Cruiser Prado has been sold under the Land Cruiser name since 2024), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives the Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Caledonia, and Africa. It is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, the United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into "technicals" by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units.
In 1936, the Imperial Japanese Army introduced the Kurogane Type 95 four wheel drive reconnaissance car. However, in a separate development, in 1941, the Japanese government asked Toyota to develop a light truck for the military. And after the Empire of Japan occupied the Philippines, then a self-governed American colony, during 1941–1942, a captured Bantam GP (or Willys MB) was sent to Japan for assessment and testing. Japanese military authorities subsequently requested that Toyota produce a similar vehicle, albeit with an altered external appearance.
The prototype Model AK led to the Yon-Shiki Kogata Kamotsu-Sha (四式小型 貨物 車 type 4 compact cargo-truck). The half-ton truck featured an upright front grille, flat front wheel arches that angled down and back (like the later FJ40), headlights mounted above the wheel arches on either side of the radiator, and a folding windshield.
Production AK10 vehicles were powered by the 2,259 cc (2.3 L), 4-cylinder Type C engine from the Toyota Model AE sedan coupled to a three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer gearbox. Unlike the U.S. Jeep, the AK10 had limited use and photographs of it in the battlefield are rare.
In June 1954, responding to claims of trademark violation by the Willys Company that produced the original Jeep, then Director of Technology Hanji Umehara renamed the vehicle "Land Cruiser."
The postwar Toyota "Jeep" BJ is completely different from the AK10 and inherits no mechanical parts from it. However, a lot of lessons learned while developing the AK10 were applied when developing the BJ.
Toyota divided the Land Cruiser family into three series. The most basic version is the 'heavy-duty' series, which prioritizes functionality, durability and off-road capabilities over comfort or technology. It is also characterised by flatter steel body panels and a near vertical greenhouse. Models considered as 'heavy-duty' by Toyota are the BJ, FJ, 20, 40 and 70 series.
The 'station wagon' series of the Land Cruiser has more emphasis on comfort and interior space. The 'station wagon' series first appeared in 1967 as the 55 series Land Cruiser Station Wagon, which was conceived as a four-wheel drive vehicle for recreational use with sufficient space to carry an entire family – a format that was popular with customers in the U.S., and later commonly known as sport utility vehicles. Models considered as part of the 'station wagon' series are the 55, 60, 80, 100, 200, and 300 series.
Since the 70 series, the 'light-duty' series has been offered. Primarily tuned for the European market, it was intended to be a more comfortable version of the 'heavy-duty' series by adopting coil spring suspension, while being smaller and more affordable than the 'station wagon' series. Since 1990, the 'light-duty' series gained an additional moniker for some markets, Prado, coinciding with the release of the 90 series Land Cruiser that was designed to be more comfort oriented. 'Light-duty' models included the 70 wagon, 90, 120, 150 and 250 series.
Availability of these series varies by market. Until 2021, the U.S. and Canada received the 'station wagon' model, but switched to the smaller 'light-duty' model with the release of the 250 series in 2023. Most of Europe received the 'light-duty' model, while only several European countries also received the 'station wagon' model.
In 1950, the Korean War created demand for a military light utility vehicle. The United States government ordered 100 vehicles with the then-new Willys specifications and tasked Toyota to manufacture them. The Toyota "Jeep" BJ prototype was developed in January 1951. This came from the demand for military-type utility vehicles, much like the British Land Rover Series 1 that was developed in 1948. The Jeep BJ was larger than the original U.S. Jeep and more powerful courtesy of its Type B 3.4-litre six-cylinder OHV Four-stroke petrol engine which generated a power output of 63 kW (84 hp; 85 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) of torque at 1,600 rpm. It had a part-time four-wheel drive system like the Jeep. However, and unlike the Jeep, the Jeep BJ had no low-range transfer case. In July 1951, Toyota's test driver Ichiro Taira drove the next generation of the Jeep BJ prototype up to the sixth stage of Mount Fuji, the first vehicle to climb that height. The test was overseen by the National Police Agency (NPA). Impressed by this feat, the NPA quickly placed an order for 289 of these off-road vehicles, making the Jeep BJ their official patrol car.
For the first two years, manufacture was exclusively to order and in small volumes. In 1953, however, regular production of the "Toyota Jeep BJ" began at the Toyota Honsya Plant (rolling chassis assembly). The body assembly and painting was done at Arakawa Bankin Kogyo KK, later known as ARACO (now an affiliate of Toyota Auto Body Company). The "Toyota Jeep BJ" Series was introduced in the following variants:
In June 1954, the name "Land Cruiser" was coined by the technical director Hanji Umehara. "In England we had another competitor – Land Rover. I had to come up with a name for our car that would not sound less dignified than those of our competitors. That is why I decided to call it 'Land Cruiser'", he recalls. The name had already been used on the Studebaker Land Cruiser which was produced from 1934 to 1954. The 92 kW (123 hp; 125 PS), 3.9 L Type F petrol engine was added to the Land Cruiser range for the first time, originally only in the fire-engine chassis. The models were renamed:
The J30 was only produced for 9 months from February to October of 1960. The full model code is FJ35-V (a left hand drive LV also exists). It is built on a J20 chassis with the main difference being a 4 door wagon style body (today known as a SUV) built by Gifu Auto Body Co. The vehicle has an overall length of 4615mm (181.8in), a wheel base of 2650mm (104.3in), and sits 5 people. All FJ35s come equipped with the Toyota F engine and a 4 speed manual transmission with selectable 4 four wheel drive. The J40 based wagon is called the FJ45-V/LV and uses the exact same Gifu built body as the J30. It is thought only 60 were built and none are publicly known to have survived.
Note: the new B diesel engine was different from the B petrol engine used in the original BJ.
The Sixth and Seventh generations of the Land Cruiser are still being produced and sold in African and Latin American regions. Production of the Land Cruiser in Venezuela ended in 2008.
The 70 series is also still marketed in Australia as 4-door wagon, 2-door 'Troop Carrier', 2-door cab-chassis and 4-door cab-chassis.
The 70 series is also still being marketed in the Middle East as a 2-door and 4-door version as an SUV, and a 2-door and 4-door version as a pickup, and it is very popular there along with the regular Land Cruiser.
The Land Cruiser 55 was produced from 1967 to 1980. Toyota refers to the FJ55G and FJ55V as the first "real" station wagon (now known as a sport utility vehicle) in the Land Cruiser series, thus marking the beginning of the station wagon body style. It was the first Land Cruiser to have fully enclosed box frame members. Of all the Land Cruiser wagons sold in the U.S., including the FJ45, it is the only one to not have hatch and tailgate in the rear, but rather a tailgate only with an electrically operated window that can be retracted into the tailgate.
The Land Cruiser 60 series was produced from 1980 through 1990, for most markets but the Cumana Plant in Venezuela continued production until 1992 for their local market. It is a front engine, four-door wagon which can seat five to eight people. The 60 series was available in the following exterior colours: Alpine White, Brown, Desert Beige, Freeborn Red, Royal Blue; and in the following metallic exterior colours: Charcoal Gray, Cognac, Gray-Blue, Rootbeer, Sky Blue, Stardust Silver.
The Land Cruiser 80 series was unveiled in October 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show and launched in early 1990. It had swing-out back doors, which were replaced by a tailgate and hatch in 1994. The Land Cruiser was nicknamed the Burbuja (Bubble) in Colombia and Venezuela due to its roundness. The J80 was initially offered in two versions in these countries: the fully loaded VX and an entry-level model that included a vinyl interior with optional air conditioning. In 1996, the entry model was upgraded to a medium-equipped model named Autana, including cloth upholstery, standard air conditioning and power driver seat. The name is a reference to the Tepui mesa Autana, a spectacular plateau and cave system along the Guiana Shield craton. Land Cruiser sales reached 2 million vehicles.
R means Right-hand drive version, excluding Japanese domestic market.
In January 1998, the 100 series Land Cruiser was introduced to replace the eight-year-old 80 series. The 100 series was previewed in October 1997 as the "Grand Cruiser" at the 32nd Tokyo Motor Show. Development began in 1991 under code name 404T, with the final design being frozen in mid-1994.
There are two distinct versions of the 100-series, the 100 and the 105. The two versions look very similar, but there are significant differences under the bodywork. Despite these differences and official model names, both the 100 and 105 are collectively known as the 100 series.
The 105 carried over the majority of its chassis and power train from the 80-series with coil suspended solid axles front and rear, and straight-6 petrol and diesel engines. These models were only sold in African, Australian, Russian, and South American markets.
In 1998, a suspension system combining Active Height Control (AHC) and Skyhook TEMS Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension on the Land Cruiser J100 was introduced.
The 100 models were fitted with a slightly wider chassis, independent front suspension (IFS) and two new engines. The change to IFS was a first for a Land Cruiser, and was made (in combination with rack-and-pinion steering) to improve on-road handling. However, it also limited the vehicle's off-road capability and durability; hence, the decision to offer the solid-axle 105 models alongside the IFS 100 models in some markets was made.
Despite the 100 and 105 bodies being very similar, there are some exterior visual indications between both models. The most obvious is the front end of the vehicle often appearing lower than the rear on the 100 models, due to the IFS. The other indicator is the design of the wheels: the 100 models have almost flat wheel designs, while the 105 models have dished wheels. This difference allows both versions to retain similar wheel tracks, despite the 100 having a relatively wider axle track to allow for the IFS system.
The introduction of a V8 engine was also a first for a Land Cruiser, and was specifically intended to improve sales in the North-American market, where it was the only engine available. In Australia, the 100 V8 was initially only available in the range-topping GXV model, while entry and mid-range models were the 105 powered by the 1FZ-FE I6 petrol, or 1HZ diesel engines. The new 1HD-FTE turbo-diesel 100 was added to the Australian range in October 2000 after being available in Europe and the UK since the vehicle's launch in 1998. The automotive press in Australia were critical of Toyota's decision to offer the acclaimed 1HD-FTE engine only in combination with IFS. Australian 4WD Monthly magazine stated "We will never forgive Toyota for going independent at the front with the mighty 4.2 turbo-diesel".
The 100 series offered a selectable rear axle differential locker available as an option for model years 1998-1999.
The 100 series formed the basis for the Lexus LX 470, which was also sold in Japan as the Toyota Cygnus.
The 100 series was called the Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon in the UK and Ireland from 1998 to 2007.
In 2000, Toyota celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Land Cruiser with commemorative models offered in several countries. Total global production to date was 3.72 million vehicles.
In 2002, Toyota introduced Night View, the first worldwide series-production active automotive night vision system, on the Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus and Lexus LX 470. This system uses the headlight projectors emitting near infrared light aimed like the car's high-beam headlights and a CCD camera then captures that reflected radiation, this signal is then processed by a computer which produces a black-and-white image which is projected on the lower section of the windshield. It was also the first Toyota vehicle with roll-over sensor and control logic.
The 100 series remained in production until late 2007, with several minor facelifts such as headlights, tail lights, front grille, rear spoiler and specification changes introduced over the years.
*This engine was not introduced in Australia until 2000.
The 100-series is generally considered a durable and reliable vehicle, however there have been three known issues identified, generally for vehicles operating in harsh conditions:
Gallery
In 2002, a five-year development plan on a successor to the 100-series platform commenced under Sadayoshi Koyari and Tetsuya Tada. By 2004, ten years after the design selection of its predecessor in 1994, a final production design was settled on for the 2008 J200. Prototype related tests were conducted for over two years between 2004 and early 2007.
The redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser was introduced in late 2007. Known as the 200 Series, it is also sold alongside the platform-sharing Lexus LX 570 in some markets. The frame and platform is newly developed, bigger brake rotors and calipers were added and the front suspension was strengthened. The underbelly is also protected by skid plates. The roof pillars were redesigned to better protect occupants in a rollover.
The vehicle entered production in September 2007 and was available for sale from September or November, depending on country. It became available in Venezuela for sale in early November of the same year under the local nickname of "Roraima" (taken from Mount Roraima).
The 200 Series, offered numerous features and upgrades over its predecessor not limited to the cosmetic changes made to the body and interior, including:
Various driver assist technologies not offered on previous models are included as standard, including:
Engine and transmission improvements include:
For the 2013 model year, Toyota added all previously optional safety and luxury options as standard. The Land Cruiser now gets push-button start, HID headlights with beam level adjustment, a power moonroof, automatic rain sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated (perforated leather) front and only heated rear seats, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Bluetooth, rear-view camera with parking sensors, navigation system, HD radio and Entune. Another new feature is the Multi-terrain Select system which helps control wheelspin and brake lockup giving the selectable choices of: Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud & Sand and with an addition to the Multi-terrain Select system a feature known as adaptive Anti-lock Braking system which adapts to the condition of the road like mud or sand and efficiently uses the ABS to reduce braking distance on any type of terrain.
In Japan, the Land Cruiser had an update in 2009 when it received the 4.6 L V8 1UR-FE engine and the gearbox was replaced with a 6-speed automatic. Although the new 4608 cc 1UR-FE is smaller than the old 4663 cc 2UZ-FE engine, the power has been increased from 212 to 234 kW (288 to 318 PS; 284 to 314 hp), torque increased from 448 to 460 N⋅m (330 to 339 lb⋅ft) and fuel consumption improved from 6.6 to 7.1 km/L (19 to 20 mpg‑imp; 16 to 17 mpg‑US) (Japan 10·15 mode measurement).
In North America, the Land Cruiser 200 series is offered with one trim level and engine, the 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 petrol engine producing 284 kW (386 PS; 381 hp) and 544 N⋅m (401 lb⋅ft) of torque channeled through a six-speed automatic. Towing is rated at 3,700 kg (8,200 lb). Beige or black leather upholstery is standard along with a 14 speaker JBL sound system. The only wheel choice is 18 in (460 mm) allowing a lot of sidewall so the vehicle can be driven off-road without modification though a more aggressive tread pattern is advised for deep mud.
In the Middle East, the Land Cruiser 200 series was introduced in late 2007 as a 2008 model, for 2008 to 2010 there was three engine choices:
Starting in 2011, the 270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp) 3UR-FE engine was offered along with the previous engines. For 2012, the 1GR-FE gained dual VVT-i and power was increased to 202 kW (275 PS; 271 hp), the 4.7 L 2UZ-FE was dropped in favour of the new 227 kW (309 PS; 304 hp) 4.6 L 1UR-FE, and the 5.7 L and 4.5 L diesel were unchanged, although the latter was dropped in some markets.
In Europe and Asia, the Euro4 diesel (2007-2010) model had 213 kW (286 hp).
In Oceania, the 200 Series is offered in four different levels of trim: GX, GXL, VX and Sahara.
In China, the Land Cruiser 200 was produced from 2008 to 2016 by Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor. The 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 and 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 were the available engine choices – both paired to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Trim levels were the 4.0 GX-R, 4.0 VX, 4.7 VX and 4.7 VX-R.
In August 2015, Toyota launched an updated, face-lifted version of the J200 Land Cruiser in Japan, which was later sold globally. This version first appeared in the United States in 2015 for the 2016 model year. The new version has several mechanical changes, including a new 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT-i) mated to the original 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 petrol engine, larger front disc brakes, and a higher axle ratio (3.30:1 vs 3.90:1 in the previous years). Updates to the front fascia, grill, bonnet, headlamps (with daylight running lamps), rear tail lamps and bumpers were the main exterior highlights of the facelift. Interior changes included a new multimedia system and interface with larger screens front and back, as well as refreshed interior styling.
In February 2019, Toyota introduced a Heritage edition of the Land Cruiser at the Chicago Auto Show as part of the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the FJ40. Toyota built only 1200 vehicles which were only available as a 5-seater sold in the United States. Sales are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019 for the 2020 model year.
In December 2020, Toyota confirmed to Road & Track that the Land Cruiser would be discontinued in North America after 2021.
The J200 Land Cruiser has been used in various off-road and rally raid competitions, most notably the Dakar Rally. Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body raced the 200 Series in the Group T2 production class of the Dakar Rally from 2009 to 2022. The team went on to win nine consecutive class victories, from 2014 to 2022, racing the J200 Land Cruiser.
The J300 series Land Cruiser was unveiled on 9 June 2021. Its development was led by Toyota chief engineer Takami Yokoo. Built on the body-on-frame GA-F platform, the frame itself was redesigned to reduce weight and increase rigidity. The total weight of the vehicle was reduced by 200 kg (441 lb) compared to its predecessor. Other improvements claimed include lowered center of gravity, weight distribution, and an improved suspension structure.
Exterior dimensions including the total length, total width, and wheelbase, as well as both the departure and approach angles have been kept largely same as the previous model to retain its off-road performance. It carries over the approach angle of 32 degrees from its predecessor. The departure angle can reach up to 26.5 degrees depending on the version, while ground clearance measures 230 mm (9.1 in). Toyota has equipped the vehicle with an adaptive variable suspension (AVS), an upgraded Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), a more advanced Multi-Terrain Select system with Deep Snow and Auto modes, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor system which incorporates an underbody camera.
For this generation, Toyota ceased to offer V8 engine options in favour of a 3.4-litre V35A-FTS twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 305 kW (409 hp; 415 PS) and 649 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft), and a 3.3-litre F33A-FTV twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine producing 227 kW (304 hp; 308 PS) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft). A 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine is carried over from the previous model.
A GR Sport/GR-S variant is also available for the first time. It is 5 mm (0.2 in) shorter than the standard model, and uses more body adhesive to enhance structural rigidity. The GR Sport model also offers front and rear differential locking, as opposed to only centre locking in the standard 300 Series.
It went on sale in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait on 20 June 2021, in Japan on 2 August 2021, in the Philippines on 7 September 2021, in South Africa on 30 July 2021, in Australia on 5 October 2021, and in Indonesia on 13 January 2022. The Japanese model is available in four 7-seat petrol grades: AX, VX, GR Sport and ZX, one 5-seat petrol grade: GX and two 5-seat diesel grades: GR Sport and ZX. The South African model is available in three grades: GX-R, ZS and GR Sport. The Australian model is available in six grades: GX, GXL, VX, Sahara, GR Sport and Sahara ZX. The Indonesian model is available in two grades: VX-R and GR-S. The Philippine model is available in two grades: VX and ZX. The Middle Eastern model is available in six grades: GX, EX-R, GX-R, VX, VX-R and GR Sport. The Sri Lankan model is available in three grades ZX,VX, and GR Sport
The J300 series Land Cruiser is not sold in the United States and Canada due to slow sales for its J200 series predecessor, as well as limited production capacity; the related Lexus LX remains available. In those markets, the J200 series is replaced by the slightly smaller J250 series in 2024.
The Land Cruiser Se is a monocoque-based three-row battery electric concept SUV using the Land Cruiser nameplate showcased at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
Owing to its durability and reliability, the Land Cruiser, along with the smaller Toyota Hilux, has become popular among military forces and used as a military light utility vehicle. The vehicles are also popular with militant groups in war-torn regions. U.S. counter-terror officials enquired of Toyota how the extremist group Islamic State had apparently acquired large numbers of Toyota Land Cruisers and Hiluxes. Mark Wallace, the CEO of the Counter Extremism Project said, "Regrettably, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux have effectively become almost part of the ISIS brand."