The rigidity of the all-new Land Cruiser's highly durable body-on-frame construction has been increased by 11%, and insulating frame-to-body mounts both absorb engine, drivetrain and road noise, while enhancing road comfort.
The front independent double wishbone and rear 4-link lateral rod suspension has been extensively revised to improve both ride comfort and steering feel. It is equipped with a new, electronically modulated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which optimizes the effect of the front and rear stabilizers for enhanced performance both on and off road.
An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system incorporating Roll Posture Control allows the driver to fine tune the all-new Land Cruiser's ride characteristics with a choice of three damper settings. In conjunction with AVS, an electronically modulated rear air suspension system maintains optimum control of the rear suspension. Including an Auto Leveling function and a switchable Height Control function, the system also excels at absorbing high frequency vibrations to reduce road-generated NVH.
The four modes of Multi-terrain Select offers optimal driving support by automatically controlling power output and braking input depending on driving terrain. At the same time, a four camera Multi-terrain Monitor and a Steering Angle Display increase the driver's awareness of his/her immediate surroundings and intended path.
Crawl Control with five different speed settings allows the driver to negotiate even the most extreme obstacles with maximum precision and control, without hitting the throttle or brake pedals. The system will also help drivers free the vehicle when stuck in deep sand or mud.
On board, both three- and five-door versions of the all-new Land Cruiser feature more refined and spacious cabin. Seven seat versions now feature second row seats with a 135 mm sliding range, a more flexible, 40:20:40 split/folding/reclining seat back, and a walk-in, slide and tilt function for third row access.
The optional third row features two proper seats with integral headrests, which fold completely flat into the loadspace floor. The footwell floor has been lowered by over 38 mm for a more comfortable seating position, and the sliding second row seat function offers more than double the third row legroom of the current model.
*Land Cruiser Prado outside Europe
The new generation (J150) Land Cruiser Prado went on sale in Japan yesterday. Produced by Toyota’s commercial truck subsidiary Hino Motors in Hamura, Japan, the new Prado is a major update of the old model, rather than being “All-New”, standard practice for most late-generation SUVs. Rather than invest in a new frame and body Toyota and other manufacturers have focused on improving the existing structure—reducing body flex, improving stiffness and strength etc.. Wider wheel arches and new suspension allow a wider track to improve stability and handling without widening the frame and body, saving on both engineering and tooling costs. Powertrain updates are also minor—4-cylinder engines are carried over from the J120, a 2.7 L gasoline engine shared with the Tacoma and Hilux for the Japanese domestic market and a 3.0 L turbodiesel upgraded in 2006 for export markets; the 4.0 L V6 finally receives the Dual VVT system and roller rocker arms common to the smaller GR-series engines, together with a higher compression ratio (now 10.4:1 instead of 10:1) they boost power by 35 hp for the European market and reduce fuel consumption and pollution. The interior benefits most from this makeover, with new 5- and 7-seat layouts with added flexibility, more legroom and a power-folding third row in 7-seat models replacing the previous 5- and 8-seat versions.