Toyota’s new Land Cruiser Utility Commercial has arrived on UK shores to mix the Land Cruiser’s off-road performance with the carrying capability of a van.
Available in three-door “short-wheelbase” and five-door “long-wheelbase” variants, the 4x4 is essentially a passenger-carrying Land Cruiser with the rear seats removed and the rear windows blacked out.
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As a result, the short-wheelbase variant offers 1,574 litres of load space, while the larger long-wheelbase model provides a massive 2,216 litres. The two cars can carry payloads of 593 kg and 756 kg respectively, while both come can tow a trailer weighing up to three tonnes.
Inside, the Utility Commercials get a non-slip floor and a full-height metal bulkhead to separate the driver and passenger from whatever they happen to be carrying in the back. Those in the front also benefit from USB connectivity, keyless entry and automatic headlights.
Externally, meanwhile, the Land Cruiser vans are marked out by their 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery and the body-coloured film that covers the rear windows.
Under the bonnet sits the same 2.8-litre diesel engine offered on the standard Land Cruiser, offering 174 bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox.
Prices start at £27,546+VAT for the short-wheelbase car, while the long-wheelbase version comes with a £28,509+VAT price tag.
The two Utility Commercial vehicles join at the bottom of the 2018 Land Cruiser range, which was refreshed and upgraded earlier this year. Minor styling tweaks have been added, along with a host of improvements to the interior, suspension and on-board technology, which now includes safety gizmos such as adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning on high-spec variants.
Gallery: 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Utility Commercial