Toyota has finally answered the call from off-road junkies and work-hard-play-hard types alike with the 2026 Land Cruiser Double Cab Pickup — a no-compromise beast that channels the unbreakable spirit of the 70 Series into a modern double-cab hauler ready to conquer deserts, mountains, or your local job site. Built on the legendary ladder-frame chassis that’s survived everything from Aussie outback runs to African safaris, this pickup swaps the old-school simplicity for updated tech and hybrid efficiency without losing an ounce of grit. Revealed late last year amid buzz about its U.S. arrival, it’s the Land Cruiser we’ve all been begging for: tough enough to tow a trailer full of toys and comfy enough for a cross-country family haul.
What Makes It So Special
This isn’t your average midsize truck trying to play adventurer the Double Cab Pickup is a full-blooded Land Cruiser variant, stretched to seat five (or six in some configs) while packing a 6.5-foot bed that’s as practical as it is punishing. Toyota stuck with the body-on-frame setup from the 70 Series, but beefed it up with high-strength steel for better crash protection and lighter overall weight, making it nimble on trails yet stable on highways.
- Reinforced ladder frame shared with the Tundra and Tacoma for bombproof durability
- High ground clearance of 9.5 inches standard, with optional portal axles pushing it to 11 inches for extreme overlanding
The double-cab layout gives you real space up front for the driver and shotgun, plus fold-flat rear benches that double as secure storage when you’re solo. It’s the perfect rig for ranchers needing payload muscle or weekend warriors stacking kayaks and coolers without a second thought.
Power That Doesn’t Quit
Toyota kept the heart pure with the proven 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel inline-four, now refined for 2026 with smoother torque delivery and a touch more efficiency good for 201 horsepower and a low-end grunt of 369 lb-ft that hits from just 1,600 rpm. For markets craving that hybrid edge, there’s an optional i-FORCE MAX setup pairing a 2.4-liter turbo-four with electric motors for a combined 326 horses and 465 lb-ft, blending diesel-like pull with gas-sipping smarts.
It all flows through an available 8-speed automatic or the row-your-own 6-speed manual, backed by full-time 4WD with a low-range transfer case. Whether you’re slogging through sand or merging onto the freeway, this powertrain feels unbreakable, with real-world towing tests showing it hauls 7,700 pounds like it’s nothing.
Off-Road Armor You Can Trust
Toyota loaded this pickup with the off-road arsenal that made the Land Cruiser a legend, but dialed it up for 2026 with smarter electronics that don’t get in the way. Factory locking front and rear diffs let you claw through ruts without drama, while Crawl Control acts like an automatic low-gear nanny for steep descents.
- Multi-Terrain Select with modes for mud, sand, rocks, and snow, plus a new “Auto” setting that reads the terrain on the fly
- 8.7 inches of approach angle and full underbody skid plates guarding the vitals from rock strikes
Opt for the GR Sport trim, and you get 33-inch all-terrain tires, a factory lift, and a snorkel for water crossings up to 27 inches deep. It’s the kind of setup that turns “impassable” into “just another Tuesday.”
Inside the Cabin Tough but Livable
Hop in, and you’re not greeted by bare metal and echoes the 2026 Double Cab gets a thoughtful refresh with water-resistant vinyl floors that hose out easy, but upgraded to available leather-trimmed seats with heating up front for those chilly dawn starts. The dash borrows from the new Prado with a 12.3-inch touchscreen running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 7-inch digital gauge cluster that swaps between off-road telemetry and simple speedo views.
- Rear vents and USB-C ports keep the crew happy on long hauls, with optional dual-zone climate for driver/passenger peace
- A 2400-watt inverter powers tools or a camp fridge right from the bed, no generator needed
It’s rugged without feeling cheap: soft-touch materials on the doors, ambient LED lighting for night vibes, and a panoramic sunroof option that floods the cab with light without compromising headroom.
Towing and Payload That Actually Work
This pickup earns its keep with a 2,600-pound payload rating for the Double Cab enough for lumber runs or overlanding gear and that 7,700-pound tow capacity means you can drag a full-size camper or boat without the transmission hunting gears. The rear leaf springs are tuned heavy-duty but compliant on pavement, thanks to available adaptive dampers that firm up under load.
Fuel-wise, the diesel nets 20-24 mpg highway unloaded, dipping to 16-18 when towing heavy; the hybrid bumps that to 22-25 combined for lighter duties, stretching a 25-gallon tank to 500+ miles of range.
Why It’s the Ultimate Off-Road Beast
The 2026 Land Cruiser Double Cab Pickup nails what Toyota does best: building vehicles that outlast warranties and outshine competitors in the places that matter most the trail, the worksite, or the open road. It’s got the 70 Series soul in a package that’s finally compliant enough for U.S. streets, with safety upgrades like Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (adaptive cruise, lane keep, auto braking) that don’t dilute the fun. In a sea of flashy crossovers, this truck reminds you why Land Cruiser owners swear by the badge: it’s not about speed records; it’s about going anywhere, anytime, and coming back grinning.
Toyota didn’t reinvent the wheel with the 2026 Land Cruiser Double Cab Pickup they just made the unbreakable even better, blending decades of off-road wisdom with just enough modern polish to make it a daily driver you’d actually enjoy. If you’ve been holding out for a pickup that can ford rivers on Friday and ferry the family to soccer on Sunday, this is the beast that’s been missing from American lots. Grab one before the waitlists grow longer than a Baja 1000 queue.
FAQs
When does the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Double Cab Pickup go on sale?
U.S. deliveries kick off in late 2025 for the initial batch, with wider availability through 2026; international markets like Australia and the Middle East get first dibs mid-year.
Will it come to the United States?
Yes after NHTSA approval with U.S.-spec safety tweaks, it’s confirmed for limited import starting late 2025, badged under the 70 Series lineup.
Diesel or hybrid which is better?
The diesel rules for pure torque and range in remote spots, but the i-FORCE MAX hybrid edges it on efficiency and smoother power; both shine off-road.
How much will it cost?
Base Double Cab starts around $75,000 USD equivalent, climbing to $100,000 for GR Sport hybrids with all the bells; expect premiums in the U.S. for import fees.
Can you still get the classic 70 Series?
Absolutely Toyota’s keeping the no-frills versions alive in core markets alongside this updated Double Cab for purists who want zero electronics.
This is the Land Cruiser pickup that’s been whispering “build me” to Toyota fans for years and now it’s here, ready to roar.
