The new Toyota Land Cruiser had long been an expensive dream for many 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe. The price increase, driven in part by European emissions regulations and a very well-equipped range, had transformed this classic off-roader into a near-luxury item, far out of reach for many drivers who saw it as the benchmark for off-roading and trails.
In Spain, the latest prices for the previous range configuration were around 90.000 euros for the most complete versions, a figure that clashed with the image of a tough, reliable, and utilitarian off-roader that the Land Cruiser has earned since its inception in the 50s. Now, Toyota has decided to make a move and put a clearly more accessible alternative on the market, maintaining the 4x4 essence but significantly adjusting the equipment.
A simpler, but highly functional, exterior design…
The exterior design of the Toyota Land Cruiser GX prioritizes a functional aesthetic ideal for the 4x4 segment . Its front end stands out with its square headlights and bumpers featuring black plastic cladding , a material resistant to heavy use. These unpainted moldings surround the body, covering the bumpers and lower areas to prevent cosmetic damage from scrapes with rocks or branches on challenging terrain.
This model features 18-inch wheels with a simple design that enhances off-road performance . Their more compact dimensions compared to the luxury versions allow for the use of high-profile tires, improving impact absorption on challenging terrain. It's a technical configuration designed for those seeking a true off-road vehicle , where practicality takes precedence over purely ornamental features.
As for customization, the standard finish comes in Eclipse Black for a rugged appearance. The color palette is rounded out with options like Classic White or the striking Maroc Bronze, catering to the tastes of today's automotive market . Depending on the region, exclusive shades like Oasis Blue may be available, further solidifying the Land Cruiser as a versatile and durable choice for any off-road adventure.
A more austere interior, but without sacrificing the essentials…
Moving inside, the change in focus becomes clear. Leather gives way to simpler, easier-to-maintain black fabric upholstery , perfectly suited to heavy-duty or professional use. For many, this type of surface is even more practical than leather in a car that will frequently drive on muddy roads.
The central multimedia screen is also smaller, measuring around 9 inches , instead of the larger display reserved for higher trim levels. The instrument cluster combines analog elements with a more compact, square-shaped screen, a far cry from the large digital panels found in other trims and some modern SUVs.
In terms of comfort, the Land Cruiser GX doesn't completely forgo technology. It retains features such as the multimedia system with modern connectivity , the reversing camera, and push-button start—elements that make everyday life easier without significantly increasing the vehicle's price, unlike some other equipment packages.
5 or 7 seat options for different types of use…
One of the most interesting changes in the new range configuration is the option to choose the Land Cruiser GX with 5 or 7 seats . Until now, many versions of the model were almost automatically associated with the seven-seat format, which increased the price and wasn't something all buyers needed.
The GX comes standard with a five-seat configuration , allowing for better use of cargo space for professional use or for those traveling with bulky luggage. Alternatively, those who require three rows of seats can opt for a seven-seat package, which adds the third row, dual-zone climate control, and additional USB ports for the rear passengers.
This flexibility allows the most affordable Land Cruiser to suit both families seeking a robust SUV for traveling with multiple occupants and users who prioritize cargo capacity or hauling equipment. This duality aligns with the model's traditional approach: a vehicle that can serve for leisure, work, and long journeys on challenging roads.
A cheaper Land Cruiser: that's how the new GX fits into the range…
The Japanese brand has reorganized the model's lineup in Europe, and specifically in Spain, where the range now consists of three basic trims: GX, VX, and VX-L . The new Toyota Land Cruiser GX takes center stage, an entry-level variant that significantly lowers the starting price for this 4x4. According to the company's own pricing, the Land Cruiser GX starts at around €66.500-€67.750 , depending on the price update.
Facing it is the Land Cruiser VX, which starts at just over €84.000, and the Land Cruiser VX-L, the most equipped option, which easily exceeds €90.000. The difference is clear: the GX represents a price reduction of over €17.000 compared to the VX and can reach €20.000 when compared to certain previous price points for the model. In practice, the price difference with the higher-end variants is almost equivalent to buying one of the brand's own cheapest passenger cars, such as the entry-level Aygo.
Diesel engine, mild hybrid technology and ECO label, also in the cheapest Land Cruiser…
Despite the economic downturn, Toyota hasn't cut corners where it hurts most for true off-road enthusiasts. The Land Cruiser GX retains the same mechanical setup as its more expensive siblings, something many owners will particularly appreciate. Under the hood, we find a 2,8-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine , capable of delivering 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is supported by a 48V mild-hybrid system which, while not making it the typical low-consumption hybrid seen in other Toyota models, does allow it to obtain the DGT's ECO label.
This is relevant for those who use the car daily and have to drive in areas with emissions restrictions. As for fuel consumption, this "cheap" Land Cruiser isn't exactly fuel-efficient. The official combined figure is around 10,2-10,4 l/100 km , figures consistent with a large SUV, ladder frame chassis, strong off-road capability, and considerable weight, but far from the figures of a light SUV or an urban plug-in hybrid.
Untouched 4x4 capabilities: off-road performance that remains untouched…
One of the strengths of this GX version is that, despite being the most economical, it retains the essential elements of the Land Cruiser as an off-road vehicle . The platform remains a ladder frame chassis, with suspension and transmission designed for intensive off-road use. In terms of dimensions, the model is around 4,92 meters long , with a ground clearance of approximately 205 mm.
Added to this is a wading depth of up to 700 mm and permanent all-wheel drive, features that put the Land Cruiser GX far ahead of most SUVs when it comes to tackling mud, rocks, and challenging tracks. The off-road-oriented equipment is also present. The GX retains its 4x4 traction with rear differential lock , Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and the active Crawl Control system, designed to overcome obstacles at low speeds with maximum traction.
Where does the Toyota Land Cruiser GX cut costs to be cheaper?
The significant price difference compared to the VX and VX-L versions is due to a substantial reduction in equipment and finishes , both inside and out. In other words, the Land Cruiser GX sacrifices luxury and technology, but not its mechanical foundation or off-road capability.
In terms of driver assistance and comfort features, systems such as the standard dual-zone climate control (only available with the 7-seater package), rear parking sensors, and a 360° camera are no longer included. The blind spot detection system is also absent, a feature many drivers now take for granted in cars at this price point.
The GX also lacks the option to disconnect the front stabilizer bar , a feature highly valued by serious off-road enthusiasts because it significantly improves suspension articulation and adaptability to very rough terrain. Similarly, the base model omits the Multi-Terrain System (MTS) and the various off-road driving modes available on higher trim levels.
Is it still a Land Cruiser despite being the cheapest?
The big question for many is whether this entry-level version, with fewer luxuries and electronic systems, still embodies the classic Land Cruiser spirit . Based on what we've seen, the answer is yes, it maintains the foundation that has made this model famous: robustness, a chassis designed for off-road use, a powerful engine, and good off-road capabilities. The biggest compromises are in comfort and advanced driver assistance features, as well as certain technical 4x4 elements that will only be missed by those who push the vehicle to its limits on challenging trails or demanding routes.
For mixed on-road and off-road use, the GX offers more than enough for most drivers. With this move, Toyota is trying to restore the Land Cruiser's status as an "affordable" off-roader for a wider range of budgets , without turning it into just another SUV or sacrificing what makes it unique. The result is a model that cuts back on luxury but not on power, designed for those who want the most affordable Land Cruiser possible, but without losing the essence of what this car has always been in Spain and Europe.
Source – Toyota
Images | toyota
