The history and heritage of the Toyota Land Cruiser is undeniable. First introduced to the U.S. market in 1958, the iconic off-roader had a great run. As stoked as we were to see the 300 Series Land Cruiser launched in 2021, it was disheartening not to have it available stateside. Now in 2023, Toyota has officially revealed the 2024 Land Cruiser during a special event in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum. So, yes! That does mean Toyota’s longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback and is for sale across North America.
“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.”
The 200 Series was the last Toyota Land Cruiser made available for American dealership sales, but the vehicle had evolved dramatically from its rugged off-road roots into a durable four-wheel-drive SUV with premium luxury features. The price tagged to that vehicle could breach $90,000.
The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is way more accessible with an MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range. This suggests that they are targeting potential Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco market customers. Toyota’s approach should not falter since they have returned the new Land Cruiser model as a high-quality off-roader and, of course, the rugged durability that Toyota is known for.
Currently, Toyota is offering three grades: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the limited-run Land Cruiser First Edition. Production is planned to start next year with the first two months reserved for the First Edition grade. That model is limited to 5,000 units for North America.
The 2024 Land Cruiser will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan. The vehicles should arrive on U.S. dealer lots in the spring of 2024.
Just like the new Tundra, Tacoma, and any other Toyota truck and SUV, the 2024 Land Cruiser utilizes Toyota’s New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F) program. The TNGA-F is a very structurally sound body-on-frame platform.
This was missing in the 200 Series Land Cruiser, so the new 2024 model will benefit from a more rigid chassis. The ladder frame is made of high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds. Attached to the frame is a new double-wishbone front suspension system paired with twin-tube shocks. In the rear is a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs.
Compared to the 200 Series, the new Land Cruiser is 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter for more off-road prowess. The front overhang is also decreased for a greater approach angle. Overall, Land Cruiser has an approach angle of up to 31.0 degrees. The max departure of 22.0 degrees while the breakover angle reaches 25.0 degrees. Ground clearance is bumped up to 8.7 inches.
Toyota states the 2024 model dimensions are closer to the size of a 1990 80-series and very different than the previous 200 Series, or the Land Cruiser 300 Series sold internationally.
A full-time four-wheel drive system is integrated with a center-locking differential. There is also an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges. The system also features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD) in the front. An electronic locking rear differential is standard to split power 50/50 to the rear wheels for improved traction. There is no front locker available from the factory.
An all-new push button front stabilizer bar disconnect is standard on Land Cruiser and First Edition grades. For off-road protection, Land Cruiser customers can add rock rails and full-coverage high-strength steel skid plates. For off-road recovery, front tow/recovery hooks come standard. The Land Cruiser 1958 grade comes standard from the factory with fog lamps that will aid in overall visibility. The Land Cruiser grade gets upgraded color-selectable RIGID fog lamps.
Multi-Terrain Select, which is now functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, is standard on the Land Cruiser grade and offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrains such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The CRAWL Control function is standard and acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control allowing the driver to focus on steering while the system maintains one of five selectable speeds. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature that’s standard and it helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle. Drivers can view potential obstacles that are looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor which can display crisply on the available 12.3-inch touchscreen, which comes standard on the Land Cruiser grade.
Under the Land Cruiser’s hood is a new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, and is the same offering for the Tacoma. This comes standard on all grades and pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated. An eight-speed transmission feeds off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy estimates will be announced closer to Land Cruiser’s on-sale date.
Land Cruiser will feature electric power steering to provide improved steering and feel. 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.
So, we are excited to see this nameplate back in the States. The price seems to be on the mark, at least in this economy. The new 2024 Land Cruiser seems to have a lot to offer. It also appears to be missing a few things. We know that hardened off-road enthusiasts would much rather have a diesel option if not a full-blown new production 2024 version of the 70 Series Land Cruiser. We also know that CARB and EPA regulations are hamstringing Toyota’s options to produce viable vehicles for the U.S. market.
Here is to new horizons!
