Toyota Land Cruiser Diesel 2.8D 204 Commercial Auto

Ten Second Review

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.

Background

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 Spec

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.

Design and Build

There's only a single body shape in the Land Cruiser Commercial range and unlike the previous generation design, it's a long wheelbase variant with five doors. This model isn't built in the UK, but it is converted into van status here. The conversion process to create this Commercial version of the Land Cruiser is undertaken at Toyota Manufacturing UK's Burnaston production facility in Derbyshire. And includes removing the rear seats, rendering the rear opaque with interior steel panel inserts and installing a full-height metal bulkhead with a mesh top section. Off-road performance is aided by short overhangs, sculpted corners and a narrowed lower body. Body parts have been designed for easy replacement in the event of damage. Just as important of course is what you can't see - a bit of old (traditional body-on-frame SUV architecture) and a lot of new (the brand's latest GA-F platform). At the wheel, there are big screens for both instrumentation and infotainment, with both being 12.3-inches in size. There's plenty of chunky switchgear too, designed so it can be easily used in rough terrain. There's a horizontally arranged instrument panel and the usual lofty Land Cruiser seating position. Overall, cabin quality's taken a real step up. Compared to this, the cabin of the previous J150-series model looks like something out of the Ark.

Market and Model

The Land Cruiser Commercial was priced at around £52,000 ex-VAT at the time of our test in Summer 2025, so it's by far the cheapest way to get yourself into a Land Cruiser. This model is viewed as a commercial vehicle by the HMRC, so you'll be able to reclaim the VAT after purchase. For reference, the normal Land Cruiser SUV costs from around £78,000 (inc VAT). Toyota's pricing replicates what you'd pay for a rival INEOS Grenadier Commercial; but offers a big saving over pricing for this Land Cruiser van model's other rival, the Land Rover Defender Hard Top van, which at the time of this review cost around £58,000 in short wheelbase 90 form and around £84,000 for the long wheelbase 130 model. Standard spec features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power back door with opening window hatch, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an electronic parking brake and automatic dual-zone air conditioning. The multimedia system includes a nine-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driving assistance features include a Blind Spot Monitor, front and rear parking sensors and Safe Exit Assist.

Practicalities and Costs

The load space is practical and hard-wearing with an edge-to-edge floor tray. It measures 1,090mm high, 1,685mm long and a maximum 1,286mm wide, giving a cargo capacity (VDA measurement) of up to 2,000 litres. That's fractionally less than an INEOS Grenadier Commercial (2,088-litres) or a rival Land Rover Defender 110 Hard Top (2,055-litres). As with those models, the Land Cruiser Commercial can also tow loads up to 3.5 tonnes. Fuel consumption is rated at 26.4mpg on the combined cycle and up to 280g/km of CO2. Don't expect that to change very significantly when the 48V mild hybrid version of this engine comes on-stream. As before with this LCV, exemplary depreciation should offset some of the big diesel's thirst. If the residuals from the previous model are carried forward, you can expect around 52% of your original purchase price back after the usual three year standard ownership period. That's thanks to the relatively low numbers sold, this car's bullet-proof quality and its loyal following. As before, maintenance costs can be kept down thanks to a fixed price servicing plan. And if you regularly service the car at a franchised Toyota dealer, your warranty can be extended for as long as 10 years. But if the previous reliability of this model line is carried forward, you'll almost certainly never need it.

Summary

If the ending of taxation breaks on pick-ups wasn't enough to encourage country vets and builders to take a fresh look at 4x4 vans, then new segment contenders like this Toyota might be. A Land Cruiser Commercial will do pretty much everything a Defender or Grenadier commercial vehicle could do off-road, yet it'll be a more tarmac-friendly tool on the highway. If you are heading off piste, there's peace of mind here that no rival can truly match. Globally, the Land Cruiser model line has a stronger record for ruggedness and reliability than any competitor. All good reasons to take a close look at this ultimate Toyota SUV in its most sensible form.