Toyota teases two electric LandCruisers

While all eyes were on the unveiling of the new-generation Toyota LandCruiser Prado and facelifted Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series earlier this week, the Japanese car giant’s teaser of two future electric off-roaders flew under the radar.

Yesterday, Toyota revealed the new 250 Series LandCruiser Prado and an updated 70 Series LandCruiser, both due in Australia within the next 12 months.

However, in the background of its Prado presentation, Toyota included two shadowy silhouettes – believed to be electric concept cars which could one day come to showrooms with the LandCruiser badge.

MORE: 2024 Toyota Prado unveiled, due in Australia mid next year

The left vehicle (above) shares similar portions to the previously-shown Toyota Compact Cruiser EV (or LiteCruiser) electric concept – first shown off in December 2021.

It could be a production version of that vehicle – with hybrid or electric power – given there are slight differences compared to the concept, such as a tweaked window line, no roof rack, and the inclusion of a spare tyre on the rear.

Meanwhile, the model on the right (above) has not been seen before, and appears to be closer in size to a large SUV such as a Toyota Kluger.

Though its design is not as boxy as the new LandCruiser Prado – or as traditional as the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series – its inclusion in the presentation is likely no mistake, previewing Toyota’s future plans for its flagship range of four-wheel-drives.

Its roof is closer to the road – and its edges are softer – suggesting it could be a less extreme model on a dedicated electric-car architecture. 

Speaking during the live presentation, Toyota design chief Simon Humphries said the car giant was not against expanding beyond petrol, diesel and hybrid power in a future LandCruiser – suggesting an electric or hydrogen-powered model could be on the cards.

“Our customers trust in us to keep LandCruiser relevant and thriving toward the future,” Mr Humphries said.

“This could mean anything from carbon neutral approaches, to ensuring that the LandCruiser brand is more affordable and within reach of even more people around the world.

“It may even mean exploring new approaches to mobility that enhance not only the Land Cruiser experience, but also further people's freedom in motion.

“Suffice to say, there are lots of exciting paths to changing the future of cars."

Before December 2021, Toyota was criticised for its slow uptake of electric vehicles, having only announced plans to build one battery-powered car – the BZ4X – before it unveiled a line-up of concept cars, alongside its plans to rollout more than a dozen electric cars before 2030.

The presence of the Compact Cruiser EV-derived vehicle may come as a surprise, as reports late last year claimed plans to bring the show car to production may have been suspended.

For now, the only electrified LandCruisers will come in the form of a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance (as found in the new Australian-delivered Prado) plus a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine available in the US.