Finally, the UN can have a hybrid they can trust - 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 debuts

After much anticipation, the all-new generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser middle child, known as the Prado makes its global debut. However, it seems that not all markets will retain the Prado name on the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Series as it was not mentioned during the unveiling but was mentioned by Toyota Australia.

Planned to be launched in the first half of 2024 in Japan, the “Light Duty” Land Cruiser 250 Series is a return to form for the name as it is designed to be a simple and sturdy vehicle that can be trusted by customers to fulfil their lifestyle choices and practical needs.

Built on the same GA-F platform as the larger Land Cruiser 300 Series, it has improved off-road and on-road performance. Improvements include significantly increased rigidity, better wheel articulation, the introduction of electric power steering, and the debut of the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM).

Also read: Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series debuts – Super King drops V8 for V6, now with Dakar rally input

SDM is a switch-operated function that enables the front stabiliser state to be changed, delivering driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and handling stability when on-road.

Five powertrains are announced for the 250 Series including the first hybrid system for a Land Cruiser. All engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission aside from the base naturally aspirated petrol engine which is mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. No manual transmission option is announced and here are the engines announced:

• 2.7-litre 2TR-FE petrol (163 PS/246 Nm)
• 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbodiesel (204 PS/500 Nm)
• 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbodiesel mild-hybrid (204 PS/500 Nm)
• 2.4-litre T24A-FTS turbo petrol (281 PS/430 Nm)
• 2.4-litre T24A-FTS turbo petrol full-hybrid (330 PS/630 Nm)

It is worth mentioning that the all-new Land Cruiser 250 has two hybrid powertrains, a full-hybrid 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine as well as a mild-hybrid (MHEV) turbodiesel which combines the 2.8-litre mill to a 48V starter generator. More details on the hybrid Land Cruiser will be revealed later towards its launch.

Also read: Proton X90 is P1's first hybrid but it's a mild one - what's the difference between MHEV, HEV and PHEV?

According to the press release, the 250 Series is planned to be sold in North America, China, Middle East, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Other markets, especially developing ones like Southeast Asia and Latin America - where the cheaper Toyota Fortuner is more preferred - are not mentioned.

Also read: Review: Toyota Fortuner 2.8 VRZ in Malaysia; as good as the Land Cruiser?

In terms of design, the Land Cruiser 250 is a fusion of traditional and modern both inside and outside. The overall look focuses on 3 keywords: reliable, timeless, and professional.

The exterior styling offers horizontal lines to reproduce the iconic Land Cruiser silhouette while the interior focuses more on off-road functionality over high-end, luxury ambience which is a role more affiliated to the Land Cruiser 300 Series or its luxury twin, the Lexus GX.

The functional look is also beneficial for driving visibility which includes a low-set cowl and instrument panel top surface, a lower beltline, as well as a shorter mirror-to-mirror width. On top of that, the all-new successor to the Prado also offers owners ease of customisation as well as repairs in the event of breakages via modular components that can be easily removed.

The latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite is also offered on the all-new Land Cruiser 250 and is standard across all variants. Details on what TSS features are offered will be announced in 2024 during its launch.

Also read: A most coveted 40-year old classic is reborn - 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 keeps going with new engine, TSS

As for the Prado name, Toyota Australia just announced that the name would be retained Down Under. The name was first introduced on the 70 Series in 1990 as a variant before separating as an independent model in 1996. For Malaysia, the name is quite significant as it was the second-generation Prado was the last Land Cruiser sold officially here.