Toyota Land Cruiser Will Become a Pickup: What to Expect from the New Family Expansion
Toyota is preparing one of the most unusual transformations in the history of the Land Cruiser nameplate. According to early reports from Japanese media, the legendary badge will soon appear on two vehicles that traditionally have nothing in common with the classic Land Cruiser philosophy. A three-row unibody crossover and a lifestyle-oriented unibody pickup are expected to arrive in the next two years, aimed primarily at the North American market. This shift marks Toyota’s attempt to extend the appeal of the Land Cruiser brand to new customer segments without sacrificing the heritage of durability, prestige, and comfort associated with the model.
Land Cruiser Se: A Larger and More Comfortable Crossover
Toyota already offers the Grand Highlander in the United States, but the upcoming Land Cruiser Se is positioned to be more premium, larger, and styled closer to the brand’s most iconic off-roaders. Unlike traditional frame-based models such as the LC300 or the revived LC250, the Se will use a modern unibody structure. This approach improves ride comfort, reduces weight, and enhances on-road dynamics, catering to buyers who value daily usability more than extreme off-road capability.
The concept shown at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show hinted at a fully electric platform. Early estimates suggest a dual- or tri-motor electric powertrain with a combined output potentially reaching 400–450 horsepower. Battery capacity may exceed 90 kWh, enabling an expected range of around 450–500 kilometers. The concept’s dimensions—around 5150 mm in length and more than 1900 mm in width—position the Se above the Grand Highlander and close to full-size American SUVs. A wheelbase of approximately 3050 mm promises generous cabin space and true three-row comfort.
The design philosophy reflects a futuristic interpretation of Toyota’s rugged styling. Short overhangs, wide wheel arches, and a bold light signature emphasize the heritage, while a smoother silhouette and aerodynamic shaping underline the vehicle’s electric ambitions. If Toyota follows its current interior design strategy, the production model will receive a wide digital cluster, a large infotainment display with the latest Toyota UX interface, premium materials, and advanced driver assistance technologies.
Land Cruiser Pickup: A Lifestyle-Oriented Urban Truck
Even more unexpected is the arrival of a pickup with the Land Cruiser name. Unlike Hilux or Tacoma, which rely on robust ladder frames, the new pickup will adopt a unibody structure. This instantly places it in the segment of lifestyle trucks designed for city use and outdoor adventures rather than heavy-duty commercial tasks. Its closest rival will be models like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Honda Ridgeline, which prioritize comfort, practicality, and efficiency over extreme ruggedness.
The pickup is believed to be based on the EPU concept, also showcased in 2023. That prototype featured an electric powertrain and a sleek aerodynamic body with compact exterior dimensions but surprising practicality. Expected production specs include a length of around 4800–5000 mm, a wheelbase close to 3000 mm, and a cargo bed optimized for recreational equipment, bicycles, camping gear, and surfing accessories.
Technically, the pickup could launch either as a fully electric model or as a hybrid using Toyota’s next-generation systems. A dual-motor setup with around 250–300 horsepower would satisfy urban requirements while maintaining the capability expected from a product wearing the Land Cruiser badge. The unibody chassis will increase torsional rigidity, improve handling, and deliver superior noise insulation, making the pickup a uniquely soft and refined alternative within Toyota’s truck lineup.
Platform Strategy and Market Positioning
Toyota’s decision to expand Land Cruiser into segments previously unrelated to the brand reveals a strategic shift. The United States is experiencing strong demand for rugged-styled vehicles that are used mainly on paved roads. At the same time, electrification is becoming an essential requirement to compete in the North American market, where EV incentives and a rapidly growing charging infrastructure shape customer expectations.
By using unibody platforms, Toyota can reduce manufacturing costs, implement the latest EV technologies, and address environmental regulations. Meanwhile, traditional body-on-frame models such as the LC300, LC250, and Land Cruiser FJ will continue to serve customers who need authentic off-road capability. This dual-platform strategy allows Toyota to preserve the legacy of Land Cruiser while expanding the brand into profitable new segments.
Release Timeline and Global Strategy
According to early forecasts, the Land Cruiser Se will reach the market in 2026, followed by the new pickup in 2027. Both models are expected to debut in the United States and neighboring countries, where the demand for electrified SUVs and lifestyle trucks is particularly strong. For Asia, Toyota is preparing another highly anticipated model: the compact frame-based Land Cruiser FJ, a spiritual successor to the beloved FJ Cruiser. Unlike the Se or the pickup, the FJ will rely on traditional combustion engines and focus on affordability and durability, giving Toyota a diverse and perfectly segmented lineup.
What This Means for the Land Cruiser Brand
The expansion of the Land Cruiser family into unibody platforms does not replace its off-road heritage; instead, it broadens its market reach. Customers who admire the Land Cruiser’s reputation but prefer comfort and advanced electrification will finally have appropriate options. Meanwhile, purists and off-road enthusiasts will continue to enjoy the frame-based models designed for demanding terrain. Toyota is effectively turning Land Cruiser into a multi-format brand, one that stretches across electric mobility, comfort-focused urban driving, and traditional 4x4 capability.