From the dunes of Dubai to the vastness of the North American West, fans of the off road from all over the world have been awaiting the latest Toyota Land Cruiser - one of the most storied vehicles of its kind in motoring history and a best-seller too.
Over the years former competitors such as the Mercedes G-Class or the Land Rover Defender have veered into lifestyle and luxury territory, but not the Land Cruiser.
The new one marks a return to vehicle’s rugged roots, yet it still embraces modern technologies. The Land Cruiser also enjoys a reputation for unmatched durability, reliability and off-road prowess.
Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, which is shared with models like the Tundra and Sequoia, the new Land Cruiser stresses off-road grunt, utility and accessibility.
The design's retro-inspired looks are a nod to previous models like the angular J4 built from the 1960s to the 1980s, but it integrates new hybrid power-trains, improved fuel efficiency and modern connectivity.
Many Land Cruisers will never end up seeing much rough stuff, as their owners are content to cruise the streets of Beverly Hills or Monaco, yet this car inspires a sense of adventure. It comes at a price though and the new model is priced in Europe from €67,990.
The Japanese have bucked the luxury trend here, re-introducing features like the heritage Sahara two-tone paintwork and installing round headlights. These blasts from the past add up to a hefty €91,490 for the premium model.
The shape may be familiar, but the format is new. Toyota has stretched the Land Cruiser by 14 centimetres to 4.92 metres and the wheelbase has gone up from 2.79 to 2.85 metres.
The off-roader is now more spacious with a refined cabin trimmed with premium materials, three-row seating and advanced noise insulation. The first row offers regal comfort and and the second is still very comfortable, leaving only the third row a squeeze for some. Overall luggage space pans out between 1,151 and 1,934 litres, depending on the interior layout.
Drivers who like the cockpit of a car to be familiar and a tad old-fashioned will take to the Toyota. Of course, the Japanese can't resist the digital revolution and so there is a screen behind the steering wheel and a touchscreen alongside. And of course there are all the necessary (and sometimes irritating) driver assistants.
There are still a pleasing number of tactile features like switches and buttons. These are as chunky as child's building bricks, but particularly easy to grab so they suit the rustic ambience.
State-of-the-art is not a phrase that comes to mind when it comes to the drive system either. Electrification is a non-starter for this would-be mud-plugger. A mild hybrid is offered in some markets but is not yet on the cards for Europe.
An oil-burner is the only engine available for the Land Cruiser - the previous model was the same. The turbocharged lump has four cylinders and a capacity of 2.8 litres and, yes, it is a little agricultural.
The feel at the wheel is one of leisurely confidence. The Land Cruiser rattles a little when starting up and will not be hurried before things have warmed up. Maximum pressure on the accelerator gives a top speed of 175 km/h.
But with up to 500 Nm of torque, the engine is a stump-puller. The revamped chassis also soaks up all the bumps while the new eight-speed automatic gearbox provides more comfort. Taking corners is easy on country roads and neither the large turning circle or near 2.5 tonnes of weight should faze you in tight bends.
Dirt is the natural habitat of this off-roader. There are sportier, more powerful and more comfortable SUVs out there, but the Cruiser has enough of all three attributes. The ladder-type frame and rigid axle at the rear make it robust, all-wheel drive is standard, including gear reduction and differential lock, and all this enable it to burrow happily through all but the most extreme terrain.
Toyota also makes it easy for off-road novices too. Like Land Rover or Mercedes, there are driving programmes for all possible surfaces, but also an off-road cruise control that turns every city dweller into a ranger.
And even those who don't dream of crossing the Sahara or road tripping through the Himalayas will benefit from the Toyota's drive. After all, 3.5 tonnes of towing capacity won't do any harm on the way to the DIY store or the pony farm in the provinces.
SUVs are a dime a dozen these days, but most are lifestyle look-alikes and not geared for real off-road action. The Land Cruiser is a capable, durable and versatile exception.