2021 Land Cruiser powers up for autumn

The mighty Land Cruiser has been updated for the 2021 model year, a highlight of which is a new 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that offers more power and greater efficiency.

The new, four-cylinder motor delivers 201bhp at 3,000rpm and peak torque of 500Nm from 1,600rpm. These represent increases of 27bhp and 50Nm over the previous engine, which are in turn reflected in a 2.8-second reduction in the dash from zero to 62mph (now less than ten seconds). Yet this additional muscle brings no penalty in terms of fuel economy or CO2 emissions.

With the benefit of a standard stop-start system, fuel consumption has actually improved; as the new engine meets the UK’s Real Driving Emissions standard it also qualifies for Vehicle Excise Duty that is £325 cheaper in the first year than the outgoing model.

Read more History of the Land Cruiser (Heavy and Light Duty Models)

2021 Land Cruiser passenger range

The 2021 Land Cruiser passenger line-up is now available in two grades: Active and Invincible. Each can be specified in three- and five-door formats and with either five or seven seats.

• Active grade

Active grade marks the new entry point. Its established features include 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, smart entry and push-button start, roof rails and heated power door mirrors. The standard specification now gains wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, together with an improved multimedia system fronted by an eight-inch touchscreen with a customisable layout.

• Invincible grade

The seven-seat Invincible model sits at the top of the Land Cruiser range. As the name of the grade suggests, it is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technically advanced control systems to help it tackle almost every kind of off-road condition. These include Multi-Terrain Select, a rear differential lock, centre Torsen limited-slip differential, Crawl Control, and Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically modulated rear air suspension.

While being able to deal with challenging conditions, the Land Cruiser Invincible also offers a wealth of comfort and convenience features. These include triple-zone climate control, power steering column and front seat adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, leather upholstery, multi-view monitor, 14-speaker JBL Synthesis premium audio system, LED headlights, 19-inch alloys, rear privacy glass and illuminated side steps. The Toyota Safety Sense system is also upgraded with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, and the ability to warn the driver of potentially unseen pedestrians and cyclists.

New for the 2021 model year is an optional Black Pack, which means that customers who opt for black leather upholstery can also specify an all-black exterior. This covers the front grille, door mirror casings, rear light surrounds, side mouldings and rear garnish, plus clear lenses for the rear light clusters. The look is carried through to the cabin with a black finish across the centre console and transmission tunnel. Black alloy wheels (see image below) can also be specified, as an additional option.

2021 Land Cruiser passenger range and pricing

2021 Land Cruiser Commercial

The Land Cruiser Commercial remains available in both short- (three-door) and long-wheelbase (five-door) versions, and in either Utility or Active grades. Both adopt the new 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine. Utility models are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while Active models are specified with a six-speed automatic. DAB radio is standard across the range, and Active grade models gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

2021 Land Cruiser Commercial range and pricing

The new Land Cruiser range is on sale now. Deliveries of passenger models will commence in October, followed by Commercial versions later in the autumn.

Read more History of the Land Cruiser (Station Wagon models)