Toyota has lifted the lid off its all new electric Land Cruiser prototype, with the focus now being on making an impression in the growing automotive markets like India. The Land Cruiser is one of the go to SUVs in the market today and to have an electric variant of the same could actually be a double home run for Toyota. But, does the concept hold good? Let’s find out!!
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Powertrain and Battery Configuration
The prototype employs a 60 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery pack, developed in-house by Toyota, paired with dual permanent magnet synchronous motors producing 200 PS combined and 300 Nm torque for e-four all-wheel drive. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h, and it supports 1,500 kg towing capacity for light trailers. Regenerative braking in three levels recovers up to 30 percent of energy, while the thermal management system ensures optimal performance in temperatures from -10°C to 45°C. Efficiency stands at 4.5 km/kWh in mixed driving.
Off-Road Capabilities and Chassis Design
Measuring 3.99 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, and 1.70 meters in height, the prototype offers 210 mm ground clearance and water-wading depth of 500 mm. It features a locking center differential, multi-terrain select with mud, sand, and rock modes, and crawl control for low-speed off-roading. The ladder-frame chassis, adapted from the Corolla Cross platform, includes reinforced skid plates and approach/departure angles of 32 and 34 degrees. Independent double-wishbone suspension at all wheels provides 200 mm travel for rough paths.
Interior and Practical Features
The five-seater cabin uses durable, water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery with red accents echoing the classic Land Cruiser design. A 10.1-inch central touchscreen runs Toyota’s Arene 2.0 operating system, integrating navigation, climate control, and off-road telemetry displays. Rear seats fold flat for 500 liters of cargo space, with roof rails rated for 75 kg static load. Additional amenities include heated/ventilated front seats, digital instrument cluster, and four USB ports. The steering wheel incorporates drive mode selectors and haptic feedback.
Against rivals like Mahindra XUV400 and Tata Curvv EV, the Land Cruiser EV excels in torque vectoring for better traction, offering seven drive modes including Eco, Normal, and X-Mode for off-road. Level 2 ADAS includes adaptive cruise, lane trace assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, powered by a suite of eight cameras and five radars. The compact footprint aids urban parking, while maintaining the brand’s reputation for reliability with over 500 global patents in EV drivetrains.
Range, Charging Infrastructure, and Pricing
Certified for 400 km WLTP range, the prototype delivers 350 km in real-world highway tests and 380 km in city driving, supported by a 150 kW DC fast charger that adds 200 km in 30 minutes. Level 2 AC charging at 11 kW takes seven hours for a full charge, with compatibility for CCS2 and CHAdeMO standards. Vehicle-to-load capability provides 3 kW output via external ports for powering tools or appliances. Toyota includes an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty with 70 percent capacity guarantee.
Assembly begins in 2027 at Toyota’s Bidadi plant in India, with initial capacity of 50,000 units per year, expanding to Indonesia and Thailand. The vehicle targets right-hand drive markets, with left-hand versions for Latin America. Pricing starts at ?25 lakh ($30,000) in India, including base incentives like free charging credits. Pre-production testing covers 50,000 km across Indian terrains, with NCAP and ASEAN NCAP certifications expected in 2026. Toyota aims for 200,000 global sales by 2030.
