Key Points
- The Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser 250 AT37 is a modified version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 250, designed for enhanced off-road capabilities while remaining suitable for daily driving.
- It features 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, a bespoke R53 suspension with a 40mm lift, and a wider track for improved stability.
- The conversion costs around £30,000 plus VAT in the UK and $19,749 USD in the US, with full warranties aligned with Toyota standards.
- It seems likely that this vehicle appeals to adventurers, tradespeople, and those seeking a capable daily driver, based on company statements.
The Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser 250 AT37 is not just another SUV; it’s a vehicle engineered for extreme off-road adventures while maintaining the comfort needed for everyday use. This article explores its features, history, and what makes it stand out, based on a detailed YouTube transcript and additional research.
Features and Modifications
The AT37 boasts significant upgrades over the standard Land Cruiser 250. It comes with 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, available in all-terrain or mud-terrain options, mounted on 17-inch Arctic Trucks Heritage Wheels with dual valve stems for easy pressure management. The suspension, developed with R53, offers a 40mm lift and increased travel, ensuring it handles rocky trails, snow, and sand with ease. The wider track and extended wheelbase improve stability, and the 10-piece widebody package includes wheel arch flares with a central tire inflation system. Inside, Arctic Trucks badging and trims add a distinctive touch, though the interior largely retains the stock design.
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Cost and Warranty
In the UK, the conversion costs around £30,000 plus VAT, while in the US, it’s priced at $19,749 USD, likely as an add-on to the base vehicle’s cost. Arctic Trucks provides full warranties aligned with Toyota standards, ensuring owners have the same support as with a standard model.
Target Audience and Future Prospects
Research suggests the AT37 appeals to a diverse group, including adventurers, tradespeople, and those who want a capable daily driver with authentic off-road underpinnings. Arctic Trucks is also exploring electric vehicle modifications, such as with the Ford F-150 Lightning and Nissan Ariya, indicating a future focus on sustainability.
Detailed Analysis
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser 250 AT37, drawing from the provided YouTube transcript and supplemented by additional research conducted on March 18, 2025. The analysis aims to cover all aspects mentioned, ensuring a thorough understanding for enthusiasts and potential buyers.
Background and History
Arctic Trucks originated in 1990 as a special vehicles division of Toyota in Iceland, focusing on vehicles capable of navigating the country’s extreme geography. Their reputation grew through high-profile projects, such as providing vehicles for the Top Gear team’s journey to the Magnetic North Pole, as highlighted in the transcript. This history underscores their expertise in off-road vehicle modifications, with operations now spanning multiple countries including the UK, Norway, and North America (Arctic Trucks | Land Cruiser with 37-inch Tires Overland Expo).
The Land Cruiser 250 AT37 marks a continuation of this legacy, developed in collaboration with Arctic Trucks’ divisions in Iceland and the UK, alongside Toyota Africa distributor CFAO. This co-production emphasizes their global reach and commitment to enhancing Toyota’s already capable platform.
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Detailed Modifications
The transcript details several key modifications that transform the Land Cruiser 250 into the AT37, and additional research provides further specifics:
- Tires and Wheels: The AT37 features 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, with options for All-Terrain T/A KO3 or Mud-Terrain T/A KM3, depending on the market (The Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser 250 AT37 looks mean as hell | Top Gear). These are mounted on 17×10 Arctic Trucks ‘Heritage’ dual-valve forged alloy wheels in satin black, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality with dual valve stems for quick inflation and deflation, crucial for off-road use.
- Suspension System: The bespoke adjustable performance suspension from R53, mentioned in the transcript, provides a 40mm lift and increased travel. Research confirms this includes long-travel front coilovers, rear dampers, and springs, with hydraulic bump stops to mitigate the “squish” from larger tires (Arctic Trucks® Reveals new Toyota Land Cruiser 250 / Prado AT37). This system, developed with Dakar-winning specialists, ensures peak performance across varied conditions.
- Body and Frame Modifications: The transcript notes a wider track and extended wheelbase, achieved by re-profiling the frame and potentially moving transmission parts. The 10-piece widebody package includes wheel arch flares with recesses for a central tire inflation system, beefier side steps, and contoured mud guards, front and rear. Research adds that these flares are body-colored and textured black, integrating high-grip rubberized inserts (Arctic Truck’s Land Cruiser 250 AT37 Celebrates the Prado’s 40th Anniversary | HiConsumption).
- Additional Features: The vehicle includes a multi-function receiver hitch, Arctic Trucks premium interior carpet mats in black and lava, and distinctive badging throughout. Locking wheel nuts and a torque wrench are also provided, along with a Certificate of Authenticity, as per the official specifications (AT37 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 – Arctic Trucks North America).
Cost and Regional Variations
The transcript states the conversion costs “just under 30 grand plus VAT,” likely referring to pounds sterling, equating to approximately £36,000 including VAT in the UK. In contrast, research indicates the US price for the conversion is $19,749 USD, which is around £15,500, suggesting regional pricing differences (AT37 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 – Arctic Trucks North America). This discrepancy may reflect market-specific pricing strategies, with the US figure likely an add-on to the base vehicle’s cost, starting at $72,500 (Arctic Truck’s Land Cruiser 250 AT37 Celebrates the Prado’s 40th Anniversary | HiConsumption).
Driving Experience and Target Audience
The transcript emphasizes that despite the modifications, the AT37 remains comfortable on the road, with the spokesperson noting it “surprises people the most that they don’t need any kind of special skills” to drive, particularly off-road. This aligns with research suggesting it achieves “tracked vehicle capability with car-like drivability” (Arctic Truck’s Land Cruiser 250 AT37 Celebrates the Prado’s 40th Anniversary | HiConsumption). The target audience includes tradespeople, explorers, and those seeking a capable daily driver, as per the interview, with the vehicle’s design enabling weekend adventures without needing to fly.
Warranty and Support
Arctic Trucks offers full warranties aligned with Toyota, typically 5 years or 100,000 miles, ensuring customer support mirrors that of standard vehicles. This is crucial for maintaining trust, especially for such significant modifications.
Achievements and Reputation
The transcript highlights Arctic Trucks’ impressive record, including the fastest overland journey to the South Pole, the longest distance expedition in polar history, and the first wheel vehicle to travel from magnetic north to south pole. These achievements, mentioned in the video, reinforce their credibility in extreme conditions, further supported by their history with Top Gear and other global expeditions (Arctic Trucks | Land Cruiser with 37-inch Tires Overland Expo).
Future Directions
The transcript and research indicate Arctic Trucks is moving into electric vehicles, with projects like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Nissan Ariya, reflecting a shift towards sustainability. This aligns with broader automotive trends and their commitment to enhancing vehicle capability across new platforms (The Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser 250 AT37 looks mean as hell | Top Gear).
Comparative Analysis
To provide context, the AT37’s modifications are more extensive than a simple lift kit and big wheels, with 65-70% of the work invisible, focusing on maintaining original dynamics. This contrasts with common perceptions, as noted in the transcript, and positions it as an expedition vehicle rather than just a styled SUV.
Table of Specifications
Below is a detailed table of the AT37’s specifications, compiled from the transcript and research:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tires | 37-inch BFGoodrich, All-Terrain T/A KO3 or Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 |
| Wheels | 17×10 Arctic Trucks Heritage, dual-valve, satin black |
| Suspension | R53 2-way adjustable, 40mm lift, long-travel coilovers, hydraulic bump stops |
| Lift | 40mm |
| Body Modifications | 10-piece widebody, wheel arch flares, central tire inflation system |
| Track and Wheelbase | Wider track, extended wheelbase via rear axle relocation |
| Interior | Arctic Trucks badging, premium mats, lava and black detailing |
| Warranty | 5 years/100,000 miles, aligned with Toyota |
| UK Conversion Cost | £30,000 + VAT (£36,000 total) |
| US Conversion Cost | $19,749 USD (add-on to base vehicle) |
This table encapsulates the key technical aspects, aiding in understanding the vehicle’s capabilities.
The Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser 250 AT37 is a robust, versatile vehicle designed for those who demand more from their SUV. Its blend of off-road dominance and daily drivability, backed by a strong warranty and a legacy of extreme achievements, makes it a compelling choice for adventurers and practical users alike. The ongoing exploration into electric vehicles suggests a future where such capabilities extend to greener technologies.
