It has basically become a meme now that Toyotas generally aren’t just endlessly dependable and magically long-lasting – sometimes surviving far past their human masters – but they also are pretty much indestructible. Everything from Hiluxes to Corollas are engineered and built like no other vehicle on the planet, and the same could be said for the ever-trustworthy Land Cruiser. Made to go off-roading farther and trek past some of the world’s harshest terrains, this reputation is equally bestowed upon the smaller Land Cruisers. The 250 series – which is also known as the ‘Prado’ in other regions – is crafted on that same, rock-solid foundation.
Yet, while the LC 250 is typically referred to by some folks as a ‘baby Land Cruiser’, it too can tackle some gnarly terrain, so it’s hardly your run-of-the-mill grocery-getter SUV. However, if you need even more capability out of your shiny new Land Cruiser 250 (aka Prado), the folks over at Arctic Trucks are more than keen to make your dreams come true. The launch of the new Arctic Trucks AT37 coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Land Cruiser Prado, and it’s quite an extreme uplift compared to the stock, from-the-factory LC 250. Here, you’ll find lots of modifications to the Prado’s frame, body, and drivetrain, as well as tonnes of off-road goodies.
Taking The Land Cruiser 250/Prado Up Another Level
Among the noteworthy changes that you’ll come across are down below, to accommodate a bigger set of wheels and off-road tyres, while also preserving a lower centre of gravity. Look elsewhere, you might notice the AT37’s higher ground clearance, in addition to a wider track and elongated wheelbase (which Arctic Truck was able to extend by relocating the rear axle). All in all, this ought to help with improving stability, comfort, and allowing you to more easily traverse rocky, snowy, and sandy terrain. Nevertheless, despite all these seemingly dramatic changes, the AT37 doesn’t significantly compromise your on-road drivability and comfort.
The Arctic Truck AT37’s suspension deserves a special mention, which is a set of bespoke 2-way adjustable units, developed alongside Dakar-winning specialists, R53 Suspension. With these, the front coilovers and rear dampers have longer travel, not to mention the additional 40mm lift. Amongst all this, you then get large-diameter monotube dampers with high tensile hard chrome steel shafts, matched springs, hydraulic bump stops, and nano-enhanced oil flow, all made to further maximise performance. To add to the chunkiness of the Arctic Trucks AT37, you’re offered a choice of two different 37×12.50 R17 tyres depending on your use case.
From The Arctic To Sand Dunes, It’ll Drive Over Anything
On that note, you could pick between BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 for varied conditions, or Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 for tougher environments. Visually, I’m also a fan of these fairly simple-looking, heritage-style 17×10 forged alloy wheels, with a clever dual-valve design that aids in monitoring and better managing your tyre pressures. Speaking of, we can’t talk about Arctic Trucks without taking a quick glance at that widened bodywork. The brand’s iconic widebody fender flares don’t just look awesome, but they ensure that they can fit the tyre pressure guide and central inflation system, as well as those handsome, contoured mudguards, to boot.
There are bespoke, quintessentially Arctic Trucks styling touches inside too, in addition to the discreet 2-inch receiver hitch at the back, allowing you to very quickly and easily fit some tow balls, winches, steps, and more. Crucially, if you’re planning on adding these upgrades to your Land Cruiser 250 (aka Prado), the AT37 is compatible with the factory engines, transmissions, options, and trim levels, but it will require a recalibration of your speedometer, TPMS, as well as the TSS suite to work seamlessly with those upgrades. So, if you plan on going to where no man is destined to go, maybe consider bringing this hotted-up Land Cruiser with you.
