The Land Cruiser is one of Toyota’s oldest nameplates still in use, dating back to 1954. However, the company actually introduced the SUV in 1951, but at the time, the automaker branded it as the Toyota “Jeep” BJ. Willys Overland wasn’t a fan of Toyota using the moniker of the still-fairly-new civilian Jeep that had only arrived in the late 1940s, so the Japanese automaker changed the name to Land Cruiser.
Still, the timing means the vehicle that became the Land Cruiser is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its 1951 introduction. Toyota is commemorating the anniversary with a special edition. Unfortunately, only a few folks in a specific market are getting them.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 75th Anniversary Edition
The Land Cruiser 75th Anniversary edition is limited to just 75 units, and for now, they’re only available in Germany. CarBuzz has reached out to Toyota North America to find out whether the company plans to bring an anniversary model to the United States.
The German-only special edition comes exclusively with the retro-inspired round headlights, which are on the US-market 1958 trim. It’s available in the exclusive shade Smoky Blue, which looks similar to the hue Heritage Blue available in the US. Buyers can also select the colors Super White, Sand, Avantgarde Bronze, Aura Black, Dark Grey, and Platinum White. Other touches for this special-edition SUV include 18-inch wheels with a dark finish and a multi-spoke design.
Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Plus, there’s an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, two-zone climate control, and a cooled center console. There’s also a 75th-anniversary badge on the console.
Each of the 75 SUVs includes a commemorative box that features an enamel plaque, a 1:60 scale Land Cruiser model car by the Japanese toy company Tomica, an embossed keychain, and a copy of the book called Legende Land Cruiser: Toyotas Kult-Allradler – Alle Modelle und Baureihen von 1951 bis heute. In English, that translates to: Legendary Land Cruiser: Toyota’s Iconic 4×4 – All Models and Series from 1951 to the Present.
What Makes The German Land Cruiser Different From The American Version?
In Germany, the Land Cruiser exclusively comes with a mild-hybrid turbodiesel 2.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 203 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant hooks up to an eight-speed automatic sending power to a four-wheel-drive system. For comparison, its American-market counterpart has a hybrid-assisted 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. An eight-speed auto routes the output to a 4WD system.
For off-road capability, this model comes with an electronic rear differential lock, stabilizer-disconnect mechanism, Downhill Assist Control, Multi-Terrain Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, and Crawl Control.
In the US, Toyota made some small updates to the 2027 Land Cruiser. The tweaks include adding the new color Inked and offering an optional snorkel air intake for $980.00.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters
Given its history and international reach, the Land Cruiser is one of Toyota’s most important products. It makes sense for the company to celebrate a nameplate being around for three-quarters of a century because very few models achieve that sort of longevity. Unfortunately, Toyota doesn’t go too far with this one. In essence, the brand’s German office is selling a limited run of the American 1958 model there, in addition to a box full of branded accessories.
The Land Cruiser 75th Anniversary edition is available for order in Germany now. Prices start at 84,750 euros. For comparison, the only other trim of the SUV available there is the better-equipped Land Cruiser Lounge that starts at 91,990 euros. In the US, the 2027 Land Cruiser 1958 starts at $58,180, and the higher-level grade that simply has the name Land Cruiser is $63,025 (before a $1,595 destination fee)
2027 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 4WD
Engine
2.4L I-FORCE MAX I4 Hybrid
Drivetrain
Four-Wheel Drive
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Maximum Towing Capacity
6,000 lbs.
Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
22/25/23 MPG
Source: Toyota, Toyota
