Toyota's Land Cruiser goes to work with new Commercial model

It seems even iconic 4x4s need to earn their keep. Toyota has taken its capable Land Cruiser and given it a practical makeover, but has the Commercial model remembered its adventurous roots?

Ever looked at a seriously capable, slightly luxurious 4x4 and thought, "Yeah, that's great for the school run and traversing the average ploughed field, but what if I have to bring 2000 litres of cargo with me?" Well, it seems Toyota has heard you. Or, perhaps they’ve spotted a gap in the market for a commercial vehicle that can bridge that gap between off-road and load-hauling capabilities.

Based on the retro-styled passenger car model, which is then converted at Toyota’s Burnaston facility in the UK to prepare it for the working world, meet the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial.

Entering the workplace

So, what has actually been done to turn this iconic off-roader into a commercial vehicle? Well, like its fellow car-derived vans — say the budget-friendly Dacia Spring Cargo or the dearly departed Fiestavan — the key step is to pull out those pesky rear seats. 

This lack of seating frees up space for some interior steel panels, an edge-to-edge floor tray, and a full-height metal mesh bulkhead — letting a little light into otherwise opaque rear section. The result? A practical, hard-wearing load space measuring 1,090 mm high, 1,685 mm long and 1,286 mm wide, capable of housing a generous 2,000 litres. That’s enough space to store a serious amount of kit, or to comfortably lose your car keys multiple times a day.

More than just space

But there’s more going on here than cargo capacity. Far from a stripped-out workhorse; Toyota has clearly aimed to keep much of the passenger car's comfort and tech on board. You'll find 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats to keep you comfortable whatever the weather. The power back door with its handy opening window hatch adds a touch of convenience when you're loading up too.

Inside, the driver is treated to an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and dual-zone air conditioning, so long drives (or work shifts) should be a pleasant experience. The infotainment system is equally well-equipped, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — tunes and podcasts, sorted.

Under the bonnet, it shares the same 2.8-litre engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission as the passenger model, boasting permanent all-wheel drive. And as you’d hope considering the framework on which it is built, tackling trickier terrain should be made even easier thanks to the Land Cruiser’s Crawl Control, Hill-start Assist, and Downhill Assist controls — although it may appear stuck in mud compared to the beefed-up Arctic Trucks AT37.

On the safety front, you’re looked after by a suite of driver assistance systems, including a Blind Spot Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and Safe Exit Assist, which should help prevent any unwanted door dings in tight spots. Perhaps think of it less as a van, and more as a very capable SUV that decided to get a little bit sensible.

The road ahead

Toyota has also hinted that a 48v mild hybrid system will be available at a later date, promising even more refined performance. For now, however, the Land Cruiser Commercial is set to hit dealerships from August, with deliveries commencing in September, setting you back £51,729.17 to get on the road.

It appears Toyota has created a commercial vehicle that doesn't just shift your gear, but also carries you in considerable comfort and style — a compelling proposition for businesses that need robust off-road capability without sacrificing modern amenities.

Hero image credit: Toyota