The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a symbol of durability, adventure, and off-road mastery for over 70 years. It continues to make an impact as one of Toyota’s longest-running models. Whether you’re looking for a new Land Cruiser or used Land Cruiser, we offer a variety on our lots at Crown Toyota. Join us as we take a closer look at its remarkable history, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day innovations.
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The Land Cruiser story begins in 1951 with the Toyota Jeep BJ which was built for military and utility use. Designed as a heavy-duty, four-wheel-drive vehicle, the BJ demonstrated its reliability early on by becoming the first vehicle to climb to the sixth checkpoint of Mt. Fuji. Its rugged build and off-road capability quickly set it apart. In 1954, the name “Land Cruiser” was officially adopted to compete with models like the Land Rover.
In 1955, the Land Cruiser transitioned from purely utilitarian to a more refined model with the 20-Series. This generation introduced a more comfortable and stylish design while retaining its off-road ability. The 20-Series became popular in both domestic and international markets with its stronger engine and improved suspension. This era marked Toyota’s growing global presence, solidifying the Land Cruiser as a trusted name.
The 40-Series Land Cruiser is perhaps the most iconic of all. This generation was released in 1960 and was known for its boxy design and powerful 3.9L inline-6 engine. The 40-Series gained immense popularity across continents.
During its long production run, Toyota offered multiple body styles, including short, medium, and long-wheelbase versions, appealing to a wide range of drivers. Many enthusiasts still consider the 40-Series a collector’s item and a staple of Toyota’s heritage.
The 60-Series marked a turning point for the Land Cruiser as it began to shift toward being a family-friendly SUV without sacrificing its off-road dominance. Launched in 1980, it introduced more luxurious features, including improved interior comfort, air conditioning, and an upgraded suspension system. Under the hood, larger engines offered better performance for both on-road and off-road driving.
With its mix of utility and passenger comfort, the 60-Series expanded the Land Cruiser’s appeal, bringing it into suburban homes while maintaining its adventurous spirit.
By the late 1980s, Toyota introduced the 80-Series, a model that further embraced luxury while incorporating modern technology. Equipped with full-time four-wheel drive and advanced off-road systems, the 80-Series offered greater stability on rough terrains. The addition of coil-spring suspension provided a smoother ride, making it a versatile option for everyday use and off-road exploration.
The 80-Series also became known for its reliability, with many units surpassing 300,000 miles. This generation solidified the Land Cruiser’s reputation as a durable, long-lasting SUV.
The 100-Series brought the Land Cruiser firmly into the modern era. Launched in 1998, it combined luxury, technology, and performance in one seamless package. The introduction of a V8 engine gave this generation more power than ever before, while advanced safety features like traction control and ABS improved driver confidence.
Toyota also focused on enhancing the Land Cruiser’s interior, adding leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and advanced climate control. This generation reflected the growing demand for high-end SUVs while maintaining Toyota’s off-road DNA.
In 2007, Toyota unveiled the 200-Series Land Cruiser, a model that would dominate the SUV market for over a decade. Featuring a 5.7L V8 engine, the 200-Series offered exceptional power and towing capacity. Toyota also introduced innovative off-road technologies like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, setting new benchmarks for off-road performance.
With regard to luxury, the 200-Series introduced premium features like ventilated leather seats, touchscreen navigation, and advanced driver-assistance systems. This generation struck a great balance between performance and elegance.
The latest generation, known as the 300-Series, debuted in 2021 with significant upgrades. The 5.7L V8 was replaced with a more efficient twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering improved fuel economy without sacrificing power. The new GA-F platform made the 300-Series lighter and stronger, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance.
Inside, the Land Cruiser embraces modern technology with a sleek infotainment system, wireless charging, and updated safety features like Toyota Safety Sense. While it retains its legendary capability, the 300-Series showcases Toyota’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The 2025 Land Cruiser represents a return to the roots of this iconic model while incorporating modern engineering. Featuring Toyota’s advanced hybrid powertrain and a reimagined exterior, the latest Land Cruiser delivers efficiency, power, and timeless style. As it enters a new chapter, the Land Cruiser continues to be the vehicle of choice for both adventurers and families.
From its origins as a military workhorse to its current status as a luxury SUV, the Toyota Land Cruiser has remained true to its core values: durability, capability, and reliability. Whether conquering rocky trails, enduring harsh climates, or cruising city streets, the Land Cruiser is made to excel in many environments.
Over 70 years of evolution has made it one of the most respected SUVs in automotive history. Its ability to adapt to changing needs while staying loyal to its roots sets it apart as a true legend.
Whether you’re looking for a new Land Cruiser or used Land Cruiser, we have you covered at Crown Toyota (located in the greater Ontario Auto Center). Experience the rich history and unmatched capability of this iconic SUV for yourself. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a test drive.
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Customer may not qualify for ALL Rebates shown. Some rebates are stackable and others can and cannot be combined. See Dealer For Complete Details.
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