Manufacturer: Toyota

Toyota Land Cruiser crowned Utility and 4×4 of the Year in Scotland

The new Toyota Land Cruiser has taken home the Utility and 4×4 title at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with judges calling it the “gold standard” for go-anywhere SUVs. It is a strong win for a model that already has a loyal following around the world.

Presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh, the award highlights what has always made the Land Cruiser special. Strength, reliability and an ability to handle serious off road terrain with ease. This latest version keeps that character while adding smarter tech and a more refined drive.

Why the judges loved it

Ally Ballingall, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said the Land Cruiser stood out for its toughness and capable four wheel drive system. Judges praised its build quality, dependable engineering and the way it tackles tough conditions. They also pointed to its spacious and practical cabin which works just as well for everyday use.

Back to its roots, with a modern twist

Toyota introduced the latest generation Land Cruiser in late 2024. The design leans into its heritage and the engineering focuses on confidence on every surface. Built on the GA F body on frame platform, it delivers the strength and off road ability the nameplate is known for. After more than seventy years, the Land Cruiser remains a vehicle designed to take you anywhere and bring you back again.

New electrified power for 2026

For the 2026 model year, the Land Cruiser gains a new electrified 2.8D 48V powertrain that aims to deliver a smoother and more responsive drive. It should also make the stop start system quieter and more natural in daily traffic. Customer deliveries begin in March 2026 and you can read more about the model’s electrified updates here: Toyota Land Cruiser Electrified for 2026

A proper SUV for people who need one

In a market full of soft roader SUVs, the Land Cruiser still feels authentic. It remains a serious tool for towing, exploring and long distance travel. This award only reinforces its position as one of the most capable and dependable utility vehicles you can buy.

03/12/2025
Toyota partners with British Gas to expand smart EV charging across the UK
Toyota is stepping up its electrification plans with a new smart-charging ecosystem rolling out across the UK and wider Europe from 2026. The move will give Toyota and Lexus drivers access to cheaper, greener and more convenient charging at home and on the road.

What’s happening?

Toyota Motor Europe has signed new partnerships with energy providers across Europe, including a major link-up with British Gas in the UK. The aim is simple. Make charging easier and more efficient, and help drivers cut their energy bills.

These partnerships sit at the heart of Toyota’s push towards smarter, cleaner mobility. They bring together Toyota’s vehicle know-how with the energy sector’s expertise in flexible grids, renewable power and digital energy services.

Cheaper, smarter charging

The first big change arrives in 2026 with a new Demand Side Response (DSR) service. UK drivers will be able to charge their Toyota or Lexus plug-in hybrid or fully electric car at the best possible time.

Key benefits include:
- Lower bills. Charging automatically shifts to cheaper off-peak hours.
- Convenience. Drivers can set schedules and manage charging through mobile apps.
- Greener energy. Cars can charge when renewable power is most available.
- Rewards. Customers can get incentives for helping balance the electricity grid.
Supporting the wider energy network

As more drivers switch to electric, the grid needs smarter ways to manage demand. Toyota’s new system helps balance peaks and troughs, reduces the need for fossil-fuel backup power and supports the growth of wind and solar.

This isn’t just about individual savings. It helps the UK transition to cleaner energy without huge upgrades to the grid.

What comes next?

Toyota plans to expand these energy partnerships into more European markets. The next big leap will be Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. Once rolled out, EVs will be able to send power back to the grid when it’s needed most.

This could turn electric cars into mobile energy assets that save drivers money and help stabilise the electricity network.

Toyota’s view

Leon Van Der Merwe, Vice President of Circular Economy and Energy Business at Toyota Motor Europe, said the programme was a major step forward.

He explained that smart, green charging will be key to Toyota’s long-term goal of cleaner mobility across Europe and will help create a closer link between transport and energy systems.
28/11/2025
Toyota Land Cruiser Electrified for 2026

Toyota has announced a major update for one of its most iconic models. The Land Cruiser is heading into 2026 with its first electrified drivetrain, marking a new chapter for a vehicle known for toughness, reliability and proper off-road ability.

This is not a full hybrid. Instead, Toyota has paired the familiar 2.8 litre turbodiesel with a new 48V system that promises smoother, quieter and more responsive performance on the road and off it.

What Toyota has changed

The new Land Cruiser 2.8D 48V keeps the core of the model exactly as owners expect. You still get the diesel engine and the eight speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox, but this time supported by a compact electric motor generator, a 48V lithium ion battery and a DC converter.

The aim is simple. Deliver better everyday refinement without compromising what the Land Cruiser is built to do. Water wading depth remains at 700 mm, ground clearance is unchanged and the electrical components are mounted high and sealed to cope with harsh conditions.

Smoother starts. Better response. Easier off road.

The electric motor generator replaces the normal alternator and adds support when pulling away. It recovers energy when you lift off the throttle and uses that to help restart the engine or assist low speed acceleration.

The result is a more natural feel at low speeds. Stop start operation is quicker and quieter. Pulling away in traffic is smoother. Engine restarts on hills are more controlled thanks to brake pressure being held until the diesel is ready to deliver torque.

Off road, the electric assist helps the car creep over obstacles more calmly. Drivers can monitor what the system is doing through the multi information display which shows whether the powertrain is charging, operating in eco mode or providing extra shove.

Compact battery. Big gains.

The 48V battery is small and light at just 7.6 kg. When fully charged it can provide up to 12 kW of additional power and 65 Nm of torque at start off. Placement beneath the load floor helps maintain boot space and the cooling system draws fresh air from the front of the vehicle to keep the cells at the right temperature.

The whole system has also been engineered to deal with dust, heat and water which are all part of normal Land Cruiser life.

Single model. High spec.

For the UK, the 2026 Land Cruiser range is simple. One engine, one drivetrain and one trim level called Invincible. It comes with:

• Five seats
• 20 inch alloy wheels
• Roof rails
• Opening panoramic roof
• Leather interior
• 12.3 inch multimedia touchscreen
• Head up display
• JBL 14 speaker audio
• Multi Terrain Select
• Multi Terrain Monitor
• Rear diff lock
• Toyota’s new Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism
• Toyota Safety Sense

Pricing starts at £80,740 on the road and customer deliveries begin in March 2026.

My take

This feels like a sensible move from Toyota. A full hybrid might have required a big redesign, so the 48V system gives the Land Cruiser a boost in refinement without interfering with the rugged setup that long term owners value.

It should make day to day driving more pleasant and slightly more efficient, while keeping all the traditional strengths intact.

For anyone wanting a big, dependable off roader that still feels like a proper Land Cruiser, this update keeps it relevant while staying true to what the model stands for.

17/11/2025
All-New Toyota Hilux Announced: The Ninth Generation Arrives in 2026
Toyota has officially revealed the ninth-generation Hilux, set to go into production in spring 2026, with UK sales starting that summer. The announcement marks a new chapter for one of the world’s most famous pick-ups, bringing electrification, advanced tech, and a tougher design while staying true to its roots.

As a long-time pickup fan, I’m genuinely looking forward to this one. I owned a 2018 Nissan Navara and haven’t driven a Hilux since around 2010, so I’m curious to see how far it’s come. Having tested the last three generations of the Ford Ranger, along with the MAXUS T60 Max and the all-electric MAXUS T90 & MAXUS eTerron 9, the Hilux’s move into hybrid and electric territory really catches my attention, especially the hydrogen-powered version planned for 2028.

What’s New for 2026

The new Hilux followToyota reveals the ninth-generation Hilux, arriving in 2026 with diesel, electric, and hydrogen powertrains. A new era for one of the world’s toughest pickups.s Toyota’s “multipath” approach, giving buyers a choice of powertrains:
- A 2.8-litre diesel mild hybrid (48V) for strong towing and off-road ability
- A fully electric Hilux BEV, offering around 150 miles of range
- A hydrogen fuel cell Hilux, confirmed for 2028 production
All versions will use a Double Cab body, feature electric power steering, all-wheel drive, and a cabin inspired by the latest Land Cruiser with a large digital display and improved materials. Toyota says payload remains close to a tonne and towing capacity up to 3,500kg, depending on the version.

A Legend Evolved

Since the first Hilux launched back in 1968, it has built a reputation for being practically indestructible. From Arctic expeditions to Top Gear torture tests, it’s one of the few pickups left in the UK market as others have disappeared. Now, it’s entering a new era with electrification but still sticking to its rugged, body-on-frame construction.

Why It Matters

With pickups like the Amarok, Ranger, and T60 continuing to evolve, Toyota’s decision to electrify the Hilux keeps it firmly in the running for fleet and lifestyle buyers alike. The electric model, in particular, will appeal to businesses wanting zero-emission capability without compromising off-road toughness.

As someone who’s spent plenty of time around commercial vehicles and pickups, I can’t wait to see how it stacks up in real-world use, and I’ll definitely be trying to get behind the wheel when it lands in the UK.
10/11/2025