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By Jonathan Crouch

Toyota reckons its Land Cruiser Commercial is the ultimate 4x4 van. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 34

If you need a 4x4 van you can really depend on, there aren't too many better choices than the Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial. In this J250 form, it's as tough and capable as ever.

Backgroundword count: 102

When it comes to creating the ultimate 4x4 van, three models vie for supremacy; the Land Rover Defender Hardtop, the INEOS Grenadier commercial and this contender, the Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial. This contender has long been the halo model for the Japanese maker's Professional range of light commercial vehicles, with the version we look at here based on the current J250-series Land Cruiser SUV that was launched in 2024. Unlike its predecessor, there's no three-door version - just a five-door long wheelbase body shape. But off-road prowess is deemed to match the Land Rover and INEOS competition. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 337

To start with, this J250 Land Cruiser Commercial campaigns with the trusty unelectrified version of the usual 2.8-litre diesel Toyota uses for this model. But that'll swiftly be updated with a version of this unit featuring a 48V mild hybrid system. Both versions of this 4WD 201bhp powertrain have 500Nm of torque and will tow up to 3,500kg. If ever a Land Cruiser switched to the kind of monocoque construction used by more tarmac- orientated large SUVs, it wouldn't really be a Land Cruiser. This one sticks with a traditional body-on-frame architecture, but mates it to the brand's latest GA-F platform. The idea of course is to preserve this model's legendary off road prowess, further enhanced here with greater wheel articulation. Another key improvement over the previous generation model is the disconnecting front anti-roll bar, which can be disengaged via a button on the dash to give maximum wheel articulation on really testing trails. The Multi-Terrain Select drive mode system's been enhanced too, the set-up adapting vehicle performance to suit various kinds of off-road conditions. Plus 'Crawl Control' can be used to maintain a low speed in off-road/downhill driving. It governs engine torque and brake pressure, avoiding wheelspin and wheel-locking and allowing the driver to focus on the steering. Where this J250-generation Land Cruiser really had to improve though, is away from the rough stuff. Toyota somehow had to make it a better tarmac tool without compromising this model line's renowned off-road ability. And the developments in that regard are promising. Combined body and frame rigidity is up by 30% aided by that new platform, which reduces body roll and contributes greatly to handling responsiveness. This J250 Land Cruiser was the first Toyota to use a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, which has the dual benefits of enhancing off-road performance and a more comfortable ride on standard roads. Using a switch on the centre console, the driver can unlock the front anti-roll bar (stabiliser), increasing suspension travel. Toyota claims the new electric power steering system is more feelsome too.

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