It's official! The Toyota Land Cruiser is back - and as a hybrid! Its recently unveiling marks the return of Toyota's longest-running nameplate to the U.S. following a three-year hiatus. Toyota says it's also returning at a more accessible price point - the mid $50s to start. The lineup will be built at two of Toyota's plants in Japan, and arrive in the U.S. next spring.
When the Land Rover originally launched in the U.S. in 1958, it was far from an immediate hit. Toyota says it only sold only one unit in its first year. But that all changed with the arrival of the 40 Series arrived and Land Cruiser became the best-selling Toyota in the U.S. for five years running. These early models featured solid front and rear axles on leaf springs, and the boxy look with a flat roof, short overhangs, and “TOYOTA” grilles became iconic. Soon after, though, customers wanted a bigger 4×4, and the Land Cruiser grew into larger station wagon models such as the 55 and 60 Series and ultimately lead to where the Land Cruiser left off in the U.S.: the 200 Series off-road SUV.
2024 Land Cruiser
Now, comes the 2024 Land Cruiser. The rugged, squared, redesigned off-roader sits on Toyota's new global TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. It's slightly smaller than the 200 Series - the last generation sold stateside - and it is 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter for more off-road prowess.
Trims
There are three trims to choose from: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the limited run Land Cruiser First Edition.
First Edition
Photo Credit: Toyota.
The First Edition grade includes two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment. It's limited to 5,000 units in North America and comes equipped with round heritage LED headlamps, roof rack, and rack rails. Inside, it's exclusively available with leather-trimmed seats and a “First Edition” logo embossed on the door panels.
1958 Edition
For the signature Land Cruiser look, the 1958 grade features the iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille.
The Land Cruiser 1958 grade comes standard from the factory with fog lamps that will aid in overall visibility. In the cabin, 1958 models feature black fabric seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser grades upgrade to slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. In the cabin, it's equipped with heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats and includes a 12.3-inch multimedia monitor and an available 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. It features available with 4G connectivity for up to five devices. An available premium package includes leather-trimmed seats on the Land Cruiser Grade.
i-FORCE MAX
The lineup is available exclusively with an i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery. The system delivers 326-horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. We'll have to wait for fuel economy estimates until closer to its on-sale date.
Photo Credit: Toyota.
“This icon belongs in our lineup,” says Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ. “For 2024, Land Cruiser returns to its origin with a heritage-inspired design paired with the legendary capability and durability Land Cruiser is known for, and it will take even more customers on adventures across the globe as it has done for generations.”
All Land Cruisers are equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. The system also features vehicle stability control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). An electronic locking rear differential is standard on all Land Cruisers and can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels for improved traction control on rough terrain.
Suspension, Steering And Towing
A new double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks is paired with a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. Land Cruiser will feature electric power steering, and all models feature 17-inch disc brakes front and rear. With a trailer hitch standard on all grades, Land Cruisers can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Technology
The lineup is available with 12.3-inch touchscreen displays and all All 2024 models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
You can see all the Land Rover specifications and options here.
Photo Credit: Toyota.