New Toyota Land Cruiser Variant Abandons Ladder Frame Chassis

KatadataOTO – The Land Cruiser series family from Toyota will be getting a new member. Based on reports from Japanese media, the model will be a double-cab pickup.

For the first time, Toyota will use a monocoque chassis in the new Land Cruiser variant, not a ladder frame.

Currently, the Land Cruiser is available in three main models: the Land Cruiser 70, 250, and 300.

However, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the newest version of the Land Cruiser FJ will be present, looking fresh and modern.

Photo : Motor1

Marking a new era for the Land Cruiser amidst electrification, its double-cab pickup version is reportedly under development using the EPU pickup as a base.

The EPU previously debuted at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 as a prototype. Its production version is believed to be part of the Land Cruiser Sport series.

The Land Cruiser Sport will be filled by a new product line that no longer uses a ladder frame chassis and will incorporate electrification technology, both hybrid and fully electric.

“The Land Cruiser, which is very popular in Japan and international markets, will see the arrival of two new models: a pickup truck and a stylish SUV,” wrote a report from Best Car Web, quoted on Sunday (02/11).

Besides Japan, Australia is believed to be a target country for sales of the double-cab pickup and electric SUV from the Land Cruiser series.

Considering that pickups are one of the favorite vehicle types in Australia, there is great potential for Toyota's newest model to be marketed there.

“If these cars (the EPU prototype) go into production, I can confirm that Australia will be the first (to receive the product),” said Sean Hanley, Sales and Marketing Toyota Australia, quoted from Drive, some time ago.

He added that the Land Cruiser is an iconic series from Toyota, having sold 10 million units globally.

Therefore, Toyota will ensure the Land Cruiser can continue to adapt in the midst of the rapid era of electrification by incorporating hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) technology into the product.

“It is important that this vehicle gets an electrified version option. And now we are seeing a picture of what it would be like if the Land Cruiser came as an electric car,” he asserted.

For your information, Toyota EPU is an abbreviation for Electric Pick Up. When it debuted, this model was touted as a strong rival to the Tesla Cybertruck.

Unlike the Cybertruck, the EPU still has a strong conventional double-cab pickup feel without sharp curves.