New Arctic Trucks AT37 is Defender OCTA’s worst nightmare

Hailing from the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, Arctic Trucks know a thing or two about impossibly rugged Toyota conversions. But does their latest beefed-up Land Cruiser possess the same pioneering spirit?

Not all SUVs are created equal. While most are designed to rarely venture off the beaten track, an Arctic Truck is built for those who need to tackle the blistering heat of the Mojave desert on Monday, and wade knee-deep through an Icelandic snow drift on Tuesday. Chances are, if an Arctic Truck can’t get you there, you need to start looking at a something with tracks – or even blades. 

So what makes them so capable? Well, the Icelandic firm quite literally specialises in doing the impossible. Remember when Top Gear’s Hilux became the first-ever car to reach the North Pole? Arctic Trucks made it happen. And, if you cast your mind back to that epic special episode, there wasn’t much about the red Toyota that was left standard.

Their latest creation is no different. Starting with the already eminently capable new Land Cruiser 250, AT has added an off-road equipment list that would put a doomsday prepper’s bunker to shame. Some highlights include an extensively re-engineered frame, body, and bodywork; an elevated 2-way adjustable performance suspension system; new 37”  BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tyres; and even a wider track and extended wheelbase for improved clearance, comfort and stability.  

And that’s not all. Specialist touches, like tyre pressure charts printed on the wheelarch extensions, ensure the optimal inflation is achieved for every terrain. While a multifunction receiver hitch guarantees the easy fitment of steps, seats, gear carriers, and much more. Such additions are by-products of the company’s genuine expedition experience. 

It’s a serious bit of kit, then. But don’t think this is some rough and ready retrofit full of sharp edges and exposed wiring. According to Arctic Trucks, the AT37 is ‘aligned with OEM and government standards of fit, finish and functionality’. What’s more, despite all the hardcore off-road gubbins, this modified Land Cruiser is reportedly a ‘perfectly daily drivable high mobility vehicle that commands attention wherever it goes’. Somehow, we don’t doubt that last part.

Now comes the icing on the cake: you can buy one in the UK from your local Toyota dealer. That’s right, sitting alongside the standard crop of Aygos, Corollas, and Urban Cruisers, you’ll soon find a fully-fledged Icelandic off-road warrior. Well, maybe – Arctic Trucks hasn’t yet confirmed final availability. As for the cost, well that’s anyone’s guess. Given the previous model started at the thick end of £70,000, we surmise that the new AT37 could be a six-figure machine. Not cheap, then, but short of Land Rover’s new £145,300 Defender OCTA, what else comes close when the going gets rough? 

Do you think there’s an appetite for such extreme adventure machines in the UK? Let us know how much you’d be willing to pay for the ultimate go-anywhere Land Cruiser.

Hero image credit: Arctic Trucks