- The Rumor Mill Gears Up: A New Platform for Land Cruiser?
- The Clues: EPU Concept and SE SUV
- Land Cruiser Pickup/SE vs. Legacy Models
- Expert Insight
- Strengths, Concerns, and What’s Next
After seven decades of body-on-frame dominance, the Toyota Land Cruiser family sits at a turning point. New reports from Japan suggest two all-new models—a next-gen Land Cruiser SUV and a production pickup—will not just expand the lineup but may actually break with the legendary ladder-frame recipe. If adopted, this new approach could redefine what a Land Cruiser means for a new era of electrified, multi-role vehicles.
The Rumor Mill Gears Up: A New Platform for Land Cruiser?
According to inside sources, Toyota is preparing two significant models: a Land Cruiser SUV and a Land Cruiser pickup, both destined for global markets—including the US.
Both vehicles are rumored to switch from classic body-on-frame to a unibody (monocoque) structure, prioritizing ride comfort, cabin quietness, and on-road handling over pure off-road rigidity.
This would mark the first time since 1951 that a Land Cruiser truck rides on anything other than a ladder-frame, fundamentally altering the core DNA of the model line.
The Clues: EPU Concept and SE SUV
Both upcoming models recall Toyota’s recent concepts: the Land Cruiser Se SUV and EPU midsize pickup, which debuted as EVs at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
The EPU concept showcased a 199.6-inch (5070mm) length, extendable rear cargo bed, and design cues fit for the adventure/electric era.
Unlike the Hilux, Tacoma, Tundra, or 70 Series, these new Land Cruisers would join a select group of unibody pickups competing with the likes of Honda Ridgeline and (eventually) Ford’s Maverick EV.
Both concepts are EV-based, possibly leveraging Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, but production versions could also offer hybrid options as part of Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy.
Land Cruiser Pickup/SE vs. Legacy Models
Expert Insight
Industry analysts note Toyota’s pivot is partly inspired by shifting buyer priorities—increasing demand for comfort, EV technology, and urban usability—alongside looming regulatory shifts favoring emissions reductions and battery-electric vehicles. Unibody trucks, while historically seen as softer, now benefit from advancements in structure and materials that make them viable for all but the harshest off-road abuse. For most buyers, everyday comfort, safety, and features are now as critical as ruggedness. Still, this move risks alienating purists, especially in “Land Cruiser country,” but could add new flexibility for lineup expansion and North American ambition.
Strengths, Concerns, and What’s Next
Strengths: Greater ride comfort, more efficient packaging, lighter weight (benefiting efficiency/EV range), quieter on-road operation.
Challenges: May sacrifice max payload or off-road “cred” versus full body-on-frame rivals—Toyota will need to counter with tech, durability testing, and clear communication.
The move would create a true challenger to Honda Ridgeline, Ford Maverick EV, Subaru Baja revival, and upcoming electrified mid-size trucks.
US production likely, with Toyota positioning itself to meet tariff challenges and tap into huge “affordable truck” demand.
If Toyota’s next Land Cruiser pickup and SUV go unibody and electric/hybrid, it will signal more than a model update—it’s the start of a fundamental change in truck philosophy. Tradition may resist, but comfort, efficiency, and the expanding role of work/play trucks mean bold evolution is here. The world—and Toyota faithful—will be watching every step.
