New Toyota Land Cruiser debuts with retro styling and back-to-basics hardware

After a long wait, the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser is finally here. The iconic truck returns for 2024 with a smaller body than the outgoing model, as well as a number of retro styling cues reminiscent of past models. Interestingly, there are two headlight designs, each referencing different models from Land Cruiser history.

The big news is that all Land Cruiser trims will get a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.4-liter turbo four paired with a 48-horsepower electric motor mated to an 8-speed automatic. The system is good for 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque and is the same one used on the new Tacoma. It’s not exactly fair to compare it to the J200 Land Cruiser, the last one sold in America, because that one’s successor is the J300 that’s only available in the US as a Lexus LX. But if you must, power is down 55 horses but torque is up by 64 lb-ft.

All come with full-time four-wheel-drive, high- and low-range transfer case, locking center diff, locking rear diff, and hill descent control. Towing capacity is now 6,000 lbs, down from the J200’s 8,100 pounds. All the modern conveniences like adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, and Apple Carplay/Android Auto are standard.

The base model is called the Land Cruiser 1958, a nod to its first year of sales in the US. It looks like we were right after all about the round headlights which remind us of the FJ60. The eggcrate grille sports an old school Helvetica “TOYOTA” logo rather than the tri-oval and the words “Land Cruiser” are embossed in the passenger side of the dashboard. Overall the design is boxy and most reminds us of the 60-series. Standard 18-inch wheels come with 31.5-inch tires.

The next tier up is simply called the Land Cruiser, and it comes with square headlight similar to the FJ62. It too wears the eggcrate grille with Helvetica “TOYOTA” logo, but the foglamps are now LED rather than halogen. Tires grow to 32.6 inches but an optional package offers 20-inch wheels, a better sound system, and sunroof. This trim also adds roof rails, a contrasting white roof like the FJ40, an electronically disconnect for the front sway bar, and cameras all around for observing trails.

Last but not least, the Land Cruiser First Edition is a limited edition that combines the features of the higher-trim Land Cruiser but the styling of the 1958. It also comes with a safari rack, rocker rails, and a skid plate. It will be limited to 5,000 units.

Overall, it looks to be a worthy successor to the original. The rear view, especially the taillights and tailgate section, remind us of the 60-series (lead photo) though it’s no longer a clamshell split. Some might gripe about the four-cylinder engine. If that’s an issue, the Cruiser shares the same platform as the recently announced Lexus GX, which comes with a turbo V6 worth 349 horsepower, 479 lb-ft of torque, and a higher price tag. We’ll know more about the Land Cruiser as it nears its on-sale date.

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Images courtesy of Toyota.