Toyota Land Cruiser - 200 Series

In 2002, a 5-year development plan on a successor to the 100-series platform commenced under Sadayoshi Koyari and Tetsuya Tada. By 2004, 10 years after the design selection of its predecessor in 1994, a final production design was settled on for the 2008 J200. Prototype related tests were conducted for over 2 years between 2004 and early 2007. The redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser was introduced in late 2007. Known as the 200 Series, it shares the Lexus LX 570's platform and overall design. The frame was new, derived from the second-generation Tundra but shortened and strengthened by 20 percent. Bigger brake rotors and calipers were added and the front suspension was made heavier duty than the Land Cruiser's first effort at IFS in the 100-series and this underbelly is also protected by skid plates. Also, the roof pillars were redesigned to better protect occupants in a rollover.

The 200 Series encountered some criticism due to its bland body restyling, with some claiming that Toyota has 'overdeveloped' the classic trademarked Land Cruiser identity in its efforts to fit the Land Cruiser into modern 21st century motoring and vehicle design. Nonetheless, the Land Cruiser remains the NATO vehicle of choice and remains a competent off-road vehicle.

The vehicle entered production in September 2007 and was available for sale from September or November, depending on country. It became available in Venezuela for sale early in November under the local nickname of "Roraima" (taken from Mount Roraima). Early reliability has proved to be excellent.

The 200 Series, offered numerous features and upgrades over its predecessor not limited to the cosmetic changes made to the body and interior, including:

• Smart Entry — A sensor is triggered when the remote is brought near the vehicle, allowing the user to simply touch the door handle to open it.
• Smart Start — Start/Stop push button for ignition; a key is not required.
• 4-zone climate control on Sahara models, with outlet vents increased from 18 to 28
• 10 airbags (VX & Sahara)
• Stronger and lighter frame

Various driver assist technologies not offered on previous models, including:

• CRAWL; a four-wheel drive control system that operates like an off-road cruise control, automatically maintaining a low uniform vehicle speed using brakes and throttle.
• Downhill Assist Control
• A newly developed ABS system, the multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), allows for greater wheel articulation
• An optional rear view camera (VX)
• Leather seats are available in full option (VX)

Engine and transmission improvements include:

• An all new optional V8 diesel engine, the Toyota VD engine (a twin-turbo version of the engine used in the 70 Series since 2007).
• Automatic transmission standard across all levels of trim of the 200 Series, five-speed manual transmission is offered only with the 4.0 L GX models (in selected regions). A five-speed automatic gearbox is assigned to the 4.7 L petrol models, while the 4.5 L diesel models receive a six-speed automatic.

In Japan, the Land Cruiser had a minor change in 2009 when it received the 4.6 L V8 1UR-FE engine and the gearbox was replaced with a 6-speed automatic. Although the new 4608 cc 1UR-FE is smaller than the old 4663 cc 2UZ-FE engine, the power has been increased from 212 to 234 kW (288 to 318 PS; 284 to 314 hp), torque increased from 448 to 460 N·m (330 to 339 lb·ft) and fuel consumption improved from 6.6 to 7.1 km/L (19 to 20 mpg; 16 to 17 mpg) (Japan 10·15 mode measurement).

In the Middle East, the Land Cruiser 200 series was introduced in late 2007 as a 2008 model, for 2008 to 2010 there was three engine choices, 240 hp 4.0 L 1GR-FE petrol, 271 hp 2UZ-FE petrol and 217 hp-232 hp 1VD-FTV 4.5 L turbo diesel. Starting in 2011 the 362 hp 3UR-FE was offered along with the previous engines. For 2012 the 1GR-FE gained dual VVT-i which increased horsepower to 271 hp, the 4.7 L 2UZ-FE was dropped in favor of the new 304 hp 1UR-FE, and the 5.7 L and 4.5 L diesel were unchanged.

In North America, the Land Cruiser 200 series is offered only with the 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 petrol engine producing 284 kW (386 PS; 381 hp) and 401 N·m (296 lb·ft) of torque channeled through a six-speed automatic. Beige or gray leather is standard, as are 14-airbags and a 14 speaker JBL sound system. The only wheel choice is 18 in (460 mm) allowing a lot of sidewall so the vehicle can be driven off-road without modification though a more aggressive tread pattern is advised for deep mud. It comes in only one trim level with only one major option — which is the Upgrade Package, which adds a rear screen, small spoiler and heated rear seats among other minor items. There is no Active Height Control for longevity and no xenon headlights, so the lights can be repaired by the user. The KDSS suspension allows massive amounts of wheel articulation and with automatic sway bar disconnect the Land Cruiser is able to boast an RTI score (550) more than 12 times that of the same-year Ford Explorer (45).

In Oceania, the 200 Series is offered in four different levels of trim: GXL, VX, Sahara and the all new GX.