SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 1, 2023) – The automotive world is witnessing the resurgence of an icon. After a three-year absence from the North American market, the Toyota Land Cruiser is back for the 2024 model year, reaffirming its legacy as a paragon of off-road prowess and durability. Since its US debut in 1958, the Land Cruiser has evolved from its rugged, two-door 40 Series roots – famed for its fold-down windshield, white roof, and rear jump seats – to the luxurious and capable 200 Series. The 200 Series, the last generation sold in the States, blended the Land Cruiser’s renowned strength with high-end features. Now, the Land Cruiser returns, staying true to its origins as a robust off-roader, but at a more accessible price point, opening up backcountry adventures to a broader audience worldwide.
Built upon the robust TNGA-F global truck platform, the new Land Cruiser is engineered to conquer the most challenging terrains. This generation exclusively features the potent i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Slightly more compact than the outgoing 200 Series, the new Land Cruiser promises enhanced agility on trails, incorporating cutting-edge off-road technology first seen in the latest Toyota truck lineup. Limited to 5,000 units for the initial production run, the Land Cruiser will debut with a First Edition grade, boasting unique two-tone paint options and enhanced off-road equipment.
“This icon is integral to our lineup,” states Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager. “For 2024, the Land Cruiser reconnects with its heritage through a design inspired by its legendary past, combined with the capability and durability it’s celebrated for. It’s poised to bring the spirit of adventure to even more customers globally, continuing a legacy that spans generations.”
The 2024 Land Cruiser will be manufactured at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan and is slated to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the spring of 2024. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is anticipated to begin in the mid-$50,000 range, with final pricing details to be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Reconnecting with the Land Cruiser Origin
For decades, the Land Cruiser has stood as a global symbol of Toyota’s core values: quality, durability, and reliability, earning a reputation for unparalleled off-road capability. Its introduction to the U.S. in the late 1950s was modest, with only one unit sold in the first year. However, the arrival of the 40 Series marked a turning point, establishing the Land Cruiser as Toyota’s best-selling model in the U.S. for five consecutive years. These early models, characterized by solid front and rear axles on leaf springs, and their distinctive boxy silhouette with a flat roof, short overhangs, and iconic “TOYOTA” grille, became instantly recognizable. As consumer demands evolved, the Land Cruiser expanded into larger station wagon formats, including the 55 and 60 Series, eventually culminating in the 200 Series – a premium, full-size luxury off-road SUV that represented the Land Cruiser’s most recent iteration in the U.S. market.
Now, marking its return to the U.S. after a three-year hiatus, the Land Cruiser embraces the global TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. This modern ladder frame construction enhances chassis rigidity compared to the 200 Series, thanks to the strategic use of high-strength steel combined with advanced blanking and laser welding techniques. Compared to its predecessor, the new Land Cruiser is more trail-ready, being 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter, improving its maneuverability in challenging off-road conditions.
The design philosophy for the new Land Cruiser was a collaborative effort led by Toyota’s North American-based studio CALTY Design Research in conjunction with the global development team. The design process was guided by four core principles: authenticity, reliability, timelessness, and professionalism. The resulting all-new Land Cruiser embodies a pure, functional aesthetic where form genuinely follows function.
To capture the quintessential Land Cruiser aesthetic, the 1958 grade features iconic round LED headlights and a heritage “TOYOTA” grille, evoking the classic models. In contrast, the Land Cruiser grades sport sleek, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62, offering a modern yet retro visual appeal. The squared body profile echoes the Land Cruisers of yesteryear, while the A-pillar is deliberately pushed back to enhance both the vehicle’s styling and outward visibility on trails. The front overhang has also been reduced, improving the approach angle for more demanding terrains.
The new Land Cruiser boasts a newly engineered double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks, paired with a multi-link rear suspension featuring coil springs. Electric power steering is incorporated to enhance steering feel and accommodate advanced safety and convenience technologies. All models are equipped with 17-inch disc brakes on both front and rear. With a standard trailer hitch across all grades, the Land Cruiser offers a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, adding to its versatility.
i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Powertrain: Standard Across the Range
Setting a new benchmark for efficiency and power, the Land Cruiser’s advanced i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is standard across all grades. This system combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor seamlessly integrated into an eight-speed transmission. Power is drawn from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack, culminating in a total system output of 326 horsepower and a substantial 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy figures are anticipated to be announced closer to the Land Cruiser’s market launch date.
Every Land Cruiser is equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system, featuring a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, ensuring optimal traction and control in diverse driving conditions. The system also incorporates Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD). For enhanced off-road capability, an electronic locking rear differential is standard on all Land Cruiser models, capable of distributing power 50/50 to the rear wheels for superior traction on challenging terrain.
An Undisputed Off-Road Icon
The Land Cruiser has long held its position as an off-road icon, and this latest generation continues to solidify this legacy. An all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect system is standard on the Land Cruiser and First Edition grades, providing increased wheel articulation at the touch of a button. Overall, the Land Cruiser boasts an approach angle of up to 31.0 degrees, a maximum departure angle of 22.0 degrees, and a breakover angle of 25.0 degrees. Ground clearance reaches up to 8.7 inches, enabling it to navigate formidable obstacles. For enhanced off-road protection, customers can opt for rock rails and full coverage high-strength steel skid plates. Standard front tow/recovery hooks further enhance its off-road readiness. The Land Cruiser 1958 grade comes standard with fog lamps for improved visibility, while the Land Cruiser grade upgrades to color-selectable RIGID fog lamps for customizable lighting.
The Multi-Terrain Select system, now operational in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low modes, is standard on the Land Cruiser grade, offering adaptable settings to manage wheel spin across various terrains, including Mud, Dirt, and Sand. CRAWL Control, a standard feature, functions as a low-speed, off-road cruise control, allowing drivers to focus on steering while the system maintains a chosen speed from five selectable settings. Downhill Assist Control is another standard off-road feature, aiding drivers in navigating steep descents by controlling vehicle speed. The Multi-Terrain Monitor, displaying on the available 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard on the Land Cruiser grade), provides drivers with real-time views of potential obstacles on the trail.
Toyota Genuine Accessories and Associated Accessory Products (AAP) offer extensive customization options for the Land Cruiser. The AAP ecosystem is continuously expanding, currently featuring over 100 accessories, including off-road recovery gear, rack attachment brackets, and carriers for outdoor sporting equipment. These accessories can be conveniently financed with the vehicle, streamlining the customization process through Toyota.
The Connected and Comfortable Cruiser
Offering seating for up to five passengers, the Land Cruiser 1958 models feature durable black fabric seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen equipped with Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This advanced multimedia system provides access to a suite of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The Land Cruiser grade enhances interior comfort with heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats, available in black or Java, and includes a larger 12.3-inch multimedia monitor and an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Land Cruiser grade also offers optional 4G connectivity for up to five devices, transforming the vehicle into an AT&T Hotspot. A premium package further elevates the Land Cruiser Grade with leather-trimmed seats. The exclusive First Edition grade boasts unique leather-trimmed seats with a “First Edition” logo embossed on the door panels. A standard Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output and dual USB-C charging ports in the front row, with rear passenger ports available, cater to modern device charging needs. Thoughtful interior design extends to functional features for off-road driving, including a palm rest for touchscreen use and side knee pads for added support.
A Smart Key System with push-button start is standard across all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, the available Digital Key allows compatible smartphones to function as a vehicle key, enabling entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting (dependent on 4G network availability). The Digital Key can also be shared remotely, offering greater control over vehicle access.
Simplified Grade Structure
The 2024 Land Cruiser is available in three distinct grades: the Land Cruiser 1958, the Land Cruiser, and the limited-run Land Cruiser First Edition. An optional premium package for the Land Cruiser grade adds power-adjustable heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, moonroof, and more, offering a spectrum of luxury and convenience features.
The 2024 Land Cruiser presents seven exterior color choices: Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Black, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue. The two-tone Trail Dust and Heritage Blue options feature a contrasting Grayscape roof, adding to the visual appeal.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: Standard Safety Suite
Ensuring top-tier safety, all 2024 Land Cruiser models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), Toyota’s comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience systems. Enhanced system sensors with improved detection capabilities power the advancements in TSS 3.0. This suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Proactive Driving Assist, utilizing the vehicle’s camera and radar when system conditions are met, provides gentle braking into curves or subtle braking and/or steering to aid driving tasks, such as maintaining distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. It’s important to note that Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates under different conditions.
The Toyota Safety Sense features within TSS 3.0 have been significantly enhanced:
- The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection now boasts improved detection capabilities thanks to advanced system sensors, including enhanced intersection support and improved detection in specific scenarios. In addition to pedestrian and bicyclist detection, the system now extends to motorcyclist detection.
- Lane Departure Alert now incorporates Steering Assist and enhanced lane recognition, including the detection of certain 3D objects like guardrails, which can help define lane boundaries more effectively.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control now features Full-Speed Range capability and adds a fourth following distance setting, expanding from the previous three. Enhanced vehicle detection enables the system to detect multiple preceding vehicles and vehicles in adjacent lanes, resulting in smoother and more natural speed adjustments, particularly during lane changes.
- Lane Tracing Assist, a new addition to the Land Cruiser, requires Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to be enabled. The system relies on detectable lane markings for functionality. Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced over previous TSS generations. Beyond lane centering, this system also aids in creating more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes by subtly adjusting the vehicle’s path within its lane.
- Emergency Driving Stop System, a novel function of Lane Tracing Assist, monitors driver inputs, such as steering operation, to assess driver attentiveness or responsiveness, particularly in situations like a medical emergency. If the driver fails to respond to alerts to regain control, this feature is designed to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
- Road Sign Assist, also new to the Land Cruiser, detects speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and specific warning signs, displaying an icon of the detected sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
In addition to TSS 3.0, standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), designed to alert drivers to vehicles approaching or positioned in adjacent lanes, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), enhancing safety when reversing by detecting approaching vehicles from either side and providing visual and audible warnings. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) is also standard.
Toyota’s Beyond Zero Vision
Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future through a diverse approach, the Land Cruiser proudly carries the Beyond Zero badge as the latest hybrid offering in Toyota’s extensive lineup. Toyota currently offers 16 electrified vehicles, including twelve hybrid models, two plug-in hybrid models, the bZ4X battery electric vehicle, and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell Mirai, providing customers with an unparalleled range of choices to reduce their carbon footprint.
Comprehensive Warranty
The 2024 Land Cruiser is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, covering all components except for normal wear and maintenance items. Additional warranties include a 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a 60-month warranty against perforation from corrosion, with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components requiring defect-related repairs in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from the original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.
Every 2024 Land Cruiser includes ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance with unlimited mileage.
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