Toyota has reimagined its iconic Land Cruiser for the UK market, transforming the rugged SUV into a versatile commercial vehicle tailored for professionals. While the Land Cruiser is globally known for its off-road prowess, the latest iteration adds practicality to the mix by converting the rear passenger space into a large cargo area. This factory-backed modification, carried out at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, is aimed squarely at buyers who prioritize utility over passenger seating—specifically those who need a vehicle capable of traversing rough terrain while carrying tools, equipment, or other work-related items.
Although the Commercial-spec Land Cruiser retains the familiar exterior styling of the standard version, a few subtle changes differentiate it. The most notable is the use of solid steel panels in place of the rear-side windows. Inside, the rear seats have been completely removed, replaced by a flat, durable cargo floor, a protective metal bulkhead with a mesh upper section, and a tough, lined boot area measuring 1,685 mm in length. While the total cargo volume is now 2,000 liters, slightly less than the 2,216 liters offered by the outgoing version, it still offers substantial space for a wide range of trades and businesses. However, it falls short of matching dedicated vans like Toyota’s ProAce City, which offers up to 3,800 liters of load space.
Despite its utilitarian focus, the Land Cruiser Commercial doesn’t skimp on comfort and features. Toyota has equipped it with 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a powered tailgate with a separate opening window, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electronic parking brake, dual-zone climate control, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, offering advanced driver assistance technologies to enhance safety on and off the road.
The model continues to use Toyota’s proven 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and full-time four-wheel drive system, complete with selectable drive modes, preserving its legendary off-road capabilities. But looking ahead, Toyota is implementing a significant update across its Land Cruiser lineup in Europe and the UK. As part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, all Land Cruisers—including the Commercial version—will adopt a mild-hybrid diesel powertrain.
This updated system combines the existing 2.8-liter diesel, which delivers 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque, with a 48V hybrid system consisting of a motor-generator, 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery, and a DC to DC converter. When fully charged, the hybrid system contributes an additional 16 hp and 65 Nm of torque, helping reduce CO₂ emissions without compromising performance. This same hybrid configuration has already been introduced in Australia in the Land Cruiser Prado and Hilux models.
The Land Cruiser Commercial is set to go on sale in the UK in August, with prices starting from £52,729. Initial deliveries will begin in September, and while it remains a UK-exclusive for now, the concept could be applied to left-hand-drive models in other markets. The hybrid versions of the Land Cruiser will arrive in Europe by the end of 2025, with UK availability, including the Commercial model, expected in 2026.