Toyota Land Cruiser 2024 review

Overview

After a brief absence from UK showrooms, the Land Cruiser is back — and it has returned as the definitive old-school 4x4 in an increasingly soft-roader world. Codenamed J250 (and sold as the Land Cruiser Prado in markets that also get the bigger J300), the new model blends retro-modern styling with thoroughly modern underpinnings.

Under the bonnet is a reworked 2.8-litre D-4D turbodiesel making 201bhp and a stout 500Nm, driving all four wheels through a new eight-speed automatic. It is no sprinter — 0-62mph takes 10.9 seconds — and 26.4mpg combined plus 279g/km of CO2 will not win green awards. But with a 3,500kg braked towing limit, low-range gearing, locking centre and rear differentials and 700mm of wading depth, nothing this side of a Defender works harder off road.

Inside, the seven-seat cabin mixes hard-wearing materials with welcome tech, and the new TNGA-F platform brings a useful step up in on-road refinement over its agricultural predecessor. Prices start at £74,995 for the Invincible; the launch First Edition at £79,995 sold out quickly.

The Land Cruiser has never been about rational numbers — a diesel automatic emitting 279g/km is a hard sell on paper in 2024. It is about a reputation for outlasting everything else on the road. On that measure, few cars inspire more confidence.

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UK price from: £74,995

Specifications

Engine	2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power	201bhp (500Nm)
0-62 mph	10.9 seconds
Top speed	105 mph
Fuel economy	26.4 mpg (WLTP combined)
CO2 emissions	279 g/km
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive	Full-time four-wheel drive
Seats	7
Towing capacity	3,500 kg (braked)

Features

• 2.8-litre D-4D turbodiesel: 201bhp and 500Nm
• Eight-speed automatic with full-time four-wheel drive
• Low-range transfer box with centre and rear differential locks
• Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control
• 3,500kg braked towing capacity
• 700mm wading depth
• Seven seats with split-folding second and third rows
• Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance suite

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Oil filter	£14.99	Genuine cartridge; change every 10,000 miles with 5W-30
Engine air filter	£29.99	Panel filter; check more often if used off road
Diesel fuel filter	£34.99	Water-separating type; critical for common-rail health
Cabin pollen filter	£24.99	Replace every 2 years; keeps dusty-trail air clean
Front brake pads (set)	£89.99	Heavy-duty spec for a 2.4-tonne 4x4
Front wiper blade set	£32.99	Flat aero blades; 24in/20in fitment

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Frequently asked questions

Is the new Land Cruiser the same as the Prado?

Effectively yes. The UK car is the J250 generation, which is badged Land Cruiser 250 or Prado in other markets. The larger J300 is not sold officially in Britain.

Why is the new Land Cruiser so expensive?

It is a body-on-frame 4x4 with a new platform, full-time 4WD, seven seats and huge towing ability — closer to a Land Rover Defender than a family SUV — and UK demand has far outstripped supply.

How much can the Land Cruiser tow?

Up to 3,500kg braked — the maximum allowed on a standard UK licence — making it one of the best tow cars on sale.

Is a hybrid Land Cruiser coming?

Toyota has confirmed a mild-hybrid petrol version is on the way, aimed at improving performance and refinement rather than transforming economy.

What warranty does the Land Cruiser have?

Five years or 100,000 miles as standard, extendable with Toyota Relax cover when serviced at a Toyota dealer.

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