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.

Additional Images:

Images courtesy of Toyota.

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

  1. DeeAnn says:

    Taken from the Bronco/Defender school of thought?

  2. GrizzyBizzy says:

    The outgoing Land Cruiser was an answer to a question that very few people were asking. The sales figures were so poor – never once did they sell more than 5,000 units a year since 2005.

    They had to do something different and swing for the fences. This one looks like they did just that. Hopefully it sells well.

  3. Jim Klein says:

    It’s basically the ROW Land Cruiser Prado, why they don’t/didn’t just offer both versions of LC here is beyond me. Yes I know about the Lexus GX/LX, why not at Toyota.

    I quite like it though, supposedly it starts around $50k and tops out at I don’t know. I believe Toyota missed an opportunity though by not offering a full EV version, there are starting to be a lot of Rivian R1S (the SUV version) around here in Colorado which has a very similar boxy aesthetic and appears similar sized, it seems the money to purchase is out there.

    Lots of Body on Frame Toyotas now, and I guess the Sequoia becomes top dog in the showroom if not in popularity. With an upcoming new 4Runner slightly undercutting the LC (by what, maybe $7 or 8k at most?) it’ll be interesting. Of course Toyota dealers will be slathering on the markups, ugh.

    At least maybe we’ll start seeing LandCruisers actually going offroad again in the US before they are 20 years old and on their third owners.

    Make mine a base model in UN white with those early 90’s-looking cloth seats and the round headlights, please.

    • GrizzyBizzy says:

      Recent Sales Numbers:

      4Runner: ~125,000 per year
      Lexus GX: ~25,000 per year
      Lexus LX: ~4,000 per year
      Land Cruiser: ~5,000 per year
      Sequoia: ~10,000 per year

  4. Alan says:

    I wish there was an option for a third row, space for which has been displaced by batteries for the hybrid system. I know my opinion here doesn’t reflect market realties at large, but I’d happily give up 10 mpg for a gasoline V6 or V8 (or dream of dreams, a turbodiesel[or dream of dream of dreams, a TD+manual trans]) option with a third row.

    I’d be ready to go to a dealer and plop down for a 1958 today, but I need a third row. Guess the ol’ 200-Series isn’t going anywhere for a while yet.

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