Toyota Land Cruiser 2012 debuts in the UAE

The updated 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser is now available in the UAE. Changes are minor, but they include a new front end, some new off-road features, two new engines and a some changes in trim levels.

First off, exterior changes include a new front bumper, a new grille, redone tail lamps, bi-xenon HID headlights with LEDs, and optional 18-inch alloy wheels as well as a body kit for higher models.

There are now three grades in the UAE, namely the EX-R, the GX-R and the VX-R. Below these, there will also be a stripped-down model for fleet buyers. Comapred to the base model, the top model gets noticeably-better interior materials beyond just the upholstery.

There are three engines choices. The entry-level motor, available on the EX-R and GX-R, is an upgraded 271 hp 4.0-litre “Dual VVT-i” V6 with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The mid-range motor, available on the GX-R and VX-R, is an all-new 304 hp 4.6-litre “Dual VVT-i” V8 replacing the old 4.7-litre V8, with a 6-speed automatic. The top engine, available only in VX-R trim, remains the 362 hp 5.7-litre “Dual VVT-i” V8 with a 6-speed automatic.

Toyota claims the suspension has been upgraded to reduce body roll and improve comfort. A lot is also being said about new offroading options, such as a 5-mode electronic terrain selection system that adapts certain systems to different surfaces, a 4-camera system for climbing mountains and conquering parking lots, a 5-level crawl control system for downhill descents, and an overturn-assist function that locks up one inside rear tyre to make the car turn tighter in offroad conditions, but all of these are available only in the top VX-R trim.

All trim levels beyond the fleet model get basics such as 17-inch alloy wheels, dual airbags, HID headlights, Bluetooth, ABS and keyless starter button, though 18-inch alloys, 10 airbags, rear entertainment system, power-folding third-row and the body kit are reserved for the VX-R. There are also features such as leather, sunroof, rear camera, USB port, cruise control and navigation available from the mid-range GX-R version onwards. Only the fleet model gets a tailgate-mounted spare tyre, while the rest have it hidden under the rear-end. There are no Xtreme versions officially yet.

The ultra-basic fleet version with the 4.0-litre starts at Dhs 195,000. The EX-R trim level with the 4.0-litre starts at Dhs 203,000. The GX-R trim with the 4.0-litre starts at Dhs 212,000, going up to Dhs 223,000. The GX-R trim with the 4.6-litre starts at Dhs 229,000 and tops out at Dhs 240,000. The VX-R with the 4.6-litre starts at Dhs Dhs 280,000 and tops out at Dhs 287,000. The VX-R with the 5.7-litre starts at Dhs 298,000 and tops out at Dhs 305,000.

Keep track of updates in the Toyota Land Cruiser buyer guide.