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By Jonathan Crouch

Toyota reckons its Land Cruiser Commercial is the ultimate 4x4 van. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 40

If you need a 4x4 van you can really depend on, there aren't too many better choices than the Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial. In this J250 form, it's as tough and capable as ever. As offers 48V mild hybrid power.

Backgroundword count: 132

When it comes to creating the ultimate 4x4 van, three models vie for supremacy; the Land Rover Defender Hardtop, the INEOS Grenadier commercial and this contender, the Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial. This contender has long been the halo model for the Japanese maker's Professional range of light commercial vehicles, with the version we look at here based on the current J250-series Land Cruiser SUV that was launched in 2024. Unlike its predecessor, there's no three-door version - just a five-door long wheelbase body shape. But off-road prowess is deemed to match the Land Rover and INEOS competition. This model was launched in mid-2025 with a conventional version of Toyota's usual 2.8-litre diesel engine, then updated in early 2026 with the 48V mild hybrid version of this unit. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 360

This J250 Land Cruiser Commercial campaigns with a 48V mild hybrid electrified version of the usual 2.8-litre diesel Toyota uses for this model. Like the previous conventional version of this unit, it develops 201bhp, offers 500Nm of torque and will tow up to 3,500kg. The mild hybrid system's 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery has 13 cells and a 4.3Ah capacity. When fully charged, it can supply up to an additional 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque to the powertrain at start-off. If ever a Land Cruiser switched to the kind of monocoque construction used by more tarmac- orientated large SUVs, it wouldn't really be a Land Cruiser. This one sticks with a traditional body-on-frame architecture, but mates it to the brand's latest GA-F platform. The idea of course is to preserve this model's legendary off road prowess, further enhanced here with greater wheel articulation. Another key improvement over the previous generation model is the disconnecting front anti-roll bar, which can be disengaged via a button on the dash to give maximum wheel articulation on really testing trails. The Multi-Terrain Select drive mode system's been enhanced too, the set-up adapting vehicle performance to suit various kinds of off-road conditions. Plus 'Crawl Control' can be used to maintain a low speed in off-road/downhill driving. It governs engine torque and brake pressure, avoiding wheelspin and wheel-locking and allowing the driver to focus on the steering. Where this J250-generation Land Cruiser really had to improve though, is away from the rough stuff. Toyota somehow had to make it a better tarmac tool without compromising this model line's renowned off-road ability. And the developments in that regard are promising. Combined body and frame rigidity is up by 30% aided by that new platform, which reduces body roll and contributes greatly to handling responsiveness. This J250 Land Cruiser was the first Toyota to use a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, which has the dual benefits of enhancing off-road performance and a more comfortable ride on standard roads. Using a switch on the centre console, the driver can unlock the front anti-roll bar (stabiliser), increasing suspension travel. Toyota claims the new electric power steering system is more feelsome too.

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