TUNNING

Kuhl Racing Land Cruiser Iron Build

In addition to the recently announced (pro)off-road Outroad (based on the Toyota GR86), Japanese tuner Kuhl Racing is offering another interesting creation for the new model year.

It's a modified Toyota Land Cruiser that has been given what Kuhl Racing calls the "Blocker Iron Build" treatment. The most important feature is the large 22-inch Kuhl Verz DR03 wheels, wrapped in massive 37-inch Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 mud tires.

Combined with the adjustable suspension, the Land Cruiser Iron Build is now 178 mm higher than the factory model, with ground clearance reaching a maximum of 399 mm.

The KUHL BLOCKER Land Cruiser 250 IRON BUILD is one of those builds that hits you differently once you really look at it. On paper, it is a lifted Land Cruiser with big tires and steel guards, but in person it feels far more intentional and far more aggressive. This project comes from KUHL Racing and sits within the KUHL BLOCKER custom series, which is all about letting owners shape a unique personality rather than following a fixed kit formula.

What makes the IRON BUILD stand out immediately is the decision to lean heavily into steel hardware. Instead of lightweight cosmetic parts, KUHL went with steel guard items that visually communicate strength before the vehicle even moves. The front and rear protection pieces, side steps, and pipe style fenders add real depth and thickness to the body, giving the Land Cruiser a tougher outline without losing the sporty design language KUHL is known for.

The stance does most of the talking. This Land Cruiser 250 sits on a lifted suspension setup paired with massive 37 inch tires, creating a scale that photos struggle to capture. The height, the width, and the way the wheels fill the arches give the vehicle a commanding presence that feels ready for real terrain, not just show lighting. It is the kind of build that looks planted even while standing still.

Despite the heavy duty hardware, the design still feels balanced. KUHL blends off road toughness with sharp lines and three dimensional surfaces, so the vehicle does not come across as bulky or unfinished. Roof mounted accessories, including a full rack and a wide LED light bar, reinforce the expedition theme while adding visual layers from top to bottom. Subtle aero elements like rear wings help tie everything together and keep the build cohesive.

There are front and rear bumper protectors, side steps, mudguard protection, underbody protection plate, roof rack with IPF LED light bar, rear roof spoiler...

The company will offer this Land Cruiser as a complete vehicle or as a package with individual elements for those who already own a compatible model. The first example available in Japan is built on the VX trim level and retains the standard 2.7-liter gasoline engine.

The Land Cruiser Iron Build is also expected to appear at the Tokyo Motor Show next week.

Autonews