Nowadays evidently Toyota Land Cruisers are being launched with dizzying frequency. The venerable SUV could have simply relaunched within the U.S., however elsewhere on the planet off-road lovers are celebrating the return of yet one more variant. The short-wheelbase 70-series has simply debuted within the United Arab Emirates.
As you could know, the 2024 Land Cruiser we get right here relies on the 250-series Land Cruiser Prado. That is completely different from the 300-series Land Cruisers that the remainder of the world will get, which is the true successor to the luxurious however rugged 200-series that left the U.S. market in 2021. (Each the Prado and the 300 are bought right here because the Lexus GX and LX, respectively.)
The 70-series, then again, is a tricky, utilitarian variant that has been bought constantly in numerous components of the world since 1984. It has been in manufacturing for almost 40 years, seeing a return to its residence market of Japan and a significant replace earlier this yr recognized by its return to spherical headlights. To this point it has been supplied in 5-door, single-cab pickup and double-cab pickup physique kinds.
Now, a short-wheelbase variant is accessible within the UAE. Chopping 16.5 inches from between the wheels, it is just accessible in 3-door format. The choices checklist is as spartan because the artificial leather-based inside. Just one trim stage, 4 exterior colours, and one inside shade can be found.
Why would anybody desire a smaller Land Cruiser? A shorter wheelbase makes for a extra nimble off-roader, with smaller breakover angles and lighter weight. Keep in mind, most Japanese SUVs just like the Mitsubishi Montero/Dodge Raider, Isuzu Trooper, and former variations of the Land Cruiser supplied this physique type. It is also why Jeep Wranglers resisted increasing to 4 doorways for therefore lengthy.
It does look a bit goofy within the aspect view, however consider the SWB 70 as a extra highly effective Suzuki Jimny. Talking of energy, there is just one powertrain choice. That may be a 4.0-liter gasoline V6, making 228 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a six-speed computerized.
Sadly for hard-core off-roaders, we’ll nearly definitely by no means see this model within the U.S.