Toyota Launches the All-New Land Cruiser GR Sport in the Middle East
Al-Futtaim Toyota has unveiled the highly anticipated GR Sport variant of the Land Cruiser in the region. This launch further elevates the status of one of the Middle East’s most renowned off-road vehicles. The new Land Cruiser GR Sport delivers unmatched performance across all terrains, complemented by a spacious, high-quality interior for a refined driving experience on every journey.
Legacy of Excellence: The Land Cruiser’s Unmatched Reputation
Since its debut in 1951, the Land Cruiser has maintained its position as a top choice among customers, thanks to its outstanding quality, durability, and reliability—hallmarks of Toyota’s expertise in the automotive sector. The latest model, released after 70 years of legacy, arrives with unprecedented enhancements to its core structure and powertrain, solidifying its place at the pinnacle of the SUV segment.
Proven Performance in the Dakar Rally
The Land Cruiser first entered the world’s toughest rally, the Dakar Rally, in 1995 and has consistently participated in the commercial vehicle category for over 25 years. The advancements seen in the new Land Cruiser (300 Series) and especially the GR Sport variant are the result of more than two decades of experience in this fiercely competitive event. Toyota has incorporated feedback from rally drivers to improve the GR Sport’s safety, drivability, and ability to withstand the most extreme driving conditions. The Land Cruiser team plans to compete in the Dakar Rally with the GR Sport (300 Series) starting from the 2023 race and beyond.
Innovative Engineering and Advanced Safety
Toyota remains confident in the vehicle’s design dimensions, which have proven effective and have been retained even as the brand adopts its new TNGA platform. The latest updates include weight reduction, a lower center of gravity, a new powertrain, refreshed interior and exterior elements, and advanced safety features—all reflecting Toyota’s years of technical expertise and use of cutting-edge technologies.
Exclusive Features of the Land Cruiser GR Sport
The new GR Sport boasts exclusive advancements, such as the world’s first Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). This system actively controls stability and enhances both city driving and off-road performance by independently adjusting the front and rear dampers based on varying road conditions and the status of each wheel. The result is precise, stable handling across all terrains.
State-of-the-Art Terrain and Driving Technologies
- A new 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor display helps drivers assess the surrounding terrain, making low-speed maneuvering safer and more reliable—a pioneering technology for Toyota vehicles.
- The automatic adjustment mode further enhances the Multi-Terrain Select system, adapting to different surfaces such as sand, rocks, dirt, or mud. The vehicle also features Crawl Control and Turn Assist for optimal off-road handling.
Distinctive Design Elements and Premium Interior
- The GR Sport is equipped with a torque-sensing limited-slip differential for superior off-road capability.
- Unique design elements include a distinctive front grille, exclusive front and rear bumpers, a dedicated wheel arch and sway bar, special rear mudguards, elegant GR Sport badging on the front, rear, and sides, as well as two exclusive decals on the rear doors and a model-specific emblem.
- Inside, the vehicle features a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel, a custom start-up display, GR logos on the front seats, and carbon fiber trim for the door sills.
Leadership Perspective on the Launch
Commenting on the launch, Andy Barratt, General Manager of Al-Futtaim Lexus and Al-Futtaim Toyota, stated: “We are thrilled by the strong response to the unveiling of the all-new Land Cruiser 300 Series, which has further cemented the vehicle’s legacy and presence in the UAE’s heritage. We are proud of our loyal customer base and excited to introduce the GR Sport variant to meet the desires of sports SUV enthusiasts, just months after the series debut. This sets new standards in the world of SUVs. The all-new Land Cruiser GR Sport offers the best off-road performance yet and an unrivaled driving experience on all terrains. We are confident that the momentum started months ago will continue, thanks to groundbreaking improvements in performance and design—allowing customers to travel the harshest roads with ease and comfort, alongside exclusive features tailored for this model.”
