Meet Toyota’s Toughest Workhorse – Land Cruiser Commercial
Toyota is raising the bar for light commercial vehicles in the UK with the launch of the all-new Land Cruiser Commercial. Far more than a badge-and-bulkhead job, this rugged transformation is being billed as the halo model of the Toyota Professional range. And it wears that crown proudly.
From the outset, it’s clear this isn’t just another utility vehicle. Based on the next-generation Land Cruiser SUV that turned heads last year, the Commercial variant combines brute strength with surprising refinement. It’s a seamless blend of off-road muscle and on-road civility, tailored for professionals who need serious capability without compromising on comfort.
Set to hit the road in August 2025 int he UK at £51,729.17 on-the-road, the Land Cruiser Commercial is already stirring excitement. With deliveries kicking off in September, it’s clear that Toyota isn’t pulling any punches.
Built in Britain, Engineered for the World
The transformation from SUV to commercial beast takes place at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. There, the rear seats are stripped out, replaced by a reinforced flat load bed. Steel panel inserts make the rear windows opaque, while a high-grade metal bulkhead with mesh upper section keeps cargo and cabin safely separated.
The result? A durable, professional-grade cargo area that stretches 1,685mm long, 1,286mm wide, and 1,090mm high. That translates to up to 2,000 litres of load space. Add in an 810kg payload capacity and 3.5-tonne towing capability, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s not just tough, but properly useful.
Not Just for the Weekend Warrior
Unlike many commercial vehicles that compromise on cabin features, the new Land Cruiser Commercial is brimming with kit. It inherits much of its DNA from the luxury-spec passenger version, making it a genuine treat for long days behind the wheel.
Highlights include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Electrically adjustable and heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power-operated rear tailgate with a flip-up window
- Electronic parking brake and auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- A nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
It also comes packed with Toyota’s latest Safety Sense suite, including:
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Safe Exit Assist
- Hill-start and Downhill Assist Controls
- Crawl Control for tricky off-road situations
Power, Precision and Permanent All-Wheel Drive
Underpinning the whole package is Toyota’s renowned 2.8-litre diesel engine, now paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The powertrain’s permanent all-wheel drive setup, combined with selectable drive modes, makes light work of mud, gravel, and snow.
Off-roaders will love the inclusion of Crawl Control, which acts like low-speed cruise control for navigating rugged terrain. Whether you’re crawling up a rocky incline or descending into a ravine, this system keeps the vehicle stable and in control.
It’s a workhorse with brains and brawn, equally at home on construction sites, farms, or just ploughing through the backcountry.
48V Mild Hybrid Powertrain Incoming
But Toyota isn’t stopping there. A significant upgrade is just over the horizon: the introduction of its new 48V mild hybrid system, scheduled for early 2026.
The upcoming Hybrid 48V system marries the proven 2.8-litre diesel engine with an electric motor-generator, a compact lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter. Designed with durability in mind, this system doesn’t compromise the Land Cruiser’s legendary off-road chops. It even maintains a 700mm wading depth.
Smoother Starts, Smarter Stops
One of the standout benefits of this new hybrid tech is the buttery-smooth stop-start performance. Thanks to the motor-generator, the engine restarts quickly and quietly, even at high RPMs, making it ideal for urban work zones and start-stop traffic. It also adds torque at low speeds, helping with towing or negotiating steep inclines.
The driver gets some customisation too, with selectable NORMAL or LONG stop-start settings to control how aggressively the system shuts off the engine in traffic.
Battery and Motor Innovations
The hybrid system’s lithium-ion battery is compact but mighty, weighing just 7.6kg while delivering up to 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque when called upon. Tucked neatly beneath the rear deck, it helps keep cargo space uncompromised.
Its low-profile DC-DC converter and clever cooling system mean it won’t falter under harsh conditions. Add in a filter to trap dust and debris, and the setup is more than ready for the realities of rough terrain and hot climates.
Designed for Real Life
Toyota’s attention to detail shines in the two-arm belt tensioner used with the motor-generator. Featuring a high-strength cotton and aramid cord design, the belt offers strong grip even when wet, while resisting wear under high tension. It’s a small part with a big job, and it delivers.
The tensioner also includes sound-damping stoppers and sealed bearings to block dust and grit. So, even if your Land Cruiser is battling through water or sand, performance won’t take a hit.
Reliability, Comfort and a Greener Future
Toyota has a long-standing reputation for bulletproof reliability, but this latest move signals something bigger. By integrating hybrid tech into its toughest workhorse, the company is laying the groundwork for a greener, more efficient fleet without cutting corners on capability.
It’s not just about ticking boxes for emissions standards. The Hybrid 48V system genuinely improves the driving experience. And because it’s modular and scalable, Toyota can roll it out across more models with minimal disruption. Case in point: the Hilux is already benefitting from the same setup.
The Right Tool for the Job
Whether you’re hauling kit across a muddy job site or heading out into the Highlands with a trailer in tow, the all-new Land Cruiser Commercial has the chops to get the job done. Add in comfort, safety tech and upcoming hybrid refinement, and you’ve got a vehicle that really can do it all.
Toyota isn’t just delivering another commercial vehicle. It’s giving professionals a new standard in versatility, capability and smart design. In short: this one’s a game-changer.
