Toyota Could Break Tradition With a Unibody Land Cruiser and Electric Power

A radical shift

Over the last seven decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has built a reputation as a supremely capable off-roader, however, this may change in the near future. Japanese auto publication Best Car has reported that Toyota may soon ditch the traditional body-on-frame architecture in favor of an all-new monocoque platform, pivoting the rugged Land Cruiser line up towards comfort, efficiency, and refinement. The report also speculates that we might see a two-row pickup variant of the updated Land Cruiser, in addition to a family SUV, and both variants will be available with hybrid as well as fully-electric powertrains. 

New Models, Wider Appeal

Switching to a unibody setup might seem like an abrupt break to the Land Cruiser’s established heritage. However, if done right, such a step would offer several benefits, such as lighter weight, better handling, improved fuel efficiency, better on-road dynamics, and easier integration of electric drivetrains. This modernization also suggests that Toyota is hoping to expand the Land Cruiser brand to appeal to a more mainstream audience, rather than be limited to hardcore off-road enthusiasts.

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The SUV variant is rumored to be named the Land Cruiser Sport, and we expect it to combine the existing model’s adventurous image with a sleeker, more urban-friendly design. The pickup variant, on the other hand, will probably be inspired by the EPU Concept that Toyota revealed at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, and will be pitted against other compact pickup trucks like the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz.  

What to Watch Out For

Toyota hasn’t officially confirmed the shift to monocoque architecture, expected models, or timelines. When the manufacturer reveals its future plans for the Land Cruiser platform, it will be interesting to see how the new platform is engineered for durability and off-road capability, as these aspects will be key to maintaining brand authenticity. These developments will take the Land Cruiser name into new territory, as it attempts to blend its heritage, rugged identity with modern features, efficiency, comfort, and lifestyle utility, in a way that doesn’t alienate longtime fans while still appealing to a wider audience.