2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: Hail the Return of a Rugged Icon

A staple of capability and durability, the legendary Land Cruiser is Toyota’s longest-running nameplate, having first launched in North America 65 years ago. Following its departure from Canada in the 1990s, it’s finally back for the 2024 model year.

Slotting between the all-new Grand Highlander and the Sequoia, the new Land Cruiser will be manufactured in Tahara, Japan, with deliveries starting next spring. Where does that leave the 4Runner? For now it sticks around, but a replacement is due for 2025 and promises to be a more direct Jeep Wrangler fighter.

Hybrid Only

Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F truck platform, the 2024 Land Cruiser is 193.7 inches (4.92 metres) long, 84.2 inches (2.14 metres) wide and 73.2 inches (1.86 metres) tall, with a ground clearance of up to 8.7 inches (220 mm) and 18-inch wheels on all models. As a matter of fact, it shares many similarities with the 2024 Lexus GX unveiled in June.

One big difference is that you won’t find a twin-turbo V6 under the hood. Rather, the Land Cruiser features a version of Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a 1.87kWh battery. Together, these units deliver 326 horsepower and a remarkable 465 lb-ft. of terrain-busting torque. Fuel economy estimates will be announced closer to the Land Cruiser’s on-sale date, but we can tell you that maximum towing capacity is 6,000 lbs.

Power is controlled by an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as a full-time 4WD system with a centre-locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. The system also features 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.

Grown-Up Toy Full of Nostalgia

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a collaboration between the Japanese automaker’s California-based CALTY Design Research studio and its global development team in Japan. It was designed according to four key pillars—authentic, reliable, timeless and professional. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a beautiful tribute to past Land Cruisers while looking like a modern grown-up toy at the same time.

Seven body colours are available, two of which (Trail Dust and Heritage Blue) come with a Grayscape roof creating a two-tone exterior. The base 1958 model features the iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille, while other models upgrade to slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. Front tow/recovery hooks come standard, and customers can add rock rails and full-coverage, high-strength steel skid plates for off-road protection.

A newly developed double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks is paired with a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. An available new front stabilizer bar disconnect increases flex at the push of a button. And get this: the brake discs are almost as large as the wheels, measuring a full 17 inches front and rear.

Modern Utility Shines Inside

Inside, the 2024 Land Cruiser offers seating for five. Front-row occupants have access to Toyota’s new multimedia system on an 8- or 12.3-inch touchscreen, which also serves as a multi-terrain monitor. Depending on the model, black fabric seats or synthetic leather seats available in either black or Java can be found.

Of course, there’s Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the automaker’s most advanced suite of active safety and driver assistance systems. Customers will also be able to select from a lineup of more than 100 accessories such as off-road recovery gear, rack attachment brackets for storage gear, outdoor sporting equipment carriers and more.