The Toyota Land Cruiser waved goodbye to America at the end of the 2021 model year, but it’s making a triumphant return in 2024. Not only that, the SUV makes a lot more sense this time around as pricing will start in the “mid-US$ 50,000 range.” While that’s not cheap, the 2021 Land Cruiser began at US$ 85,515 so the redesigned SUV will cost roughly US$ 30,000 less than its predecessor. That’s a significant savings and the model will arrive in the United States next spring. When it returns, it will sport a rugged look that was created to be “authentic,” “timeless” and “professional.” It follows in the footsteps of the 2024 Lexus GX and features a boxy design with a number of retro-inspired styling cues.

The look varies by trim and the entry-level Land Cruiser 1958 features round LED headlights as well as a heritage grille with “TOYOTA” lettering. The horribly named Land Cruiser Land Cruiser goes in a slightly different direction and adopts rectangular headlights, which are meant to recall the ones used on the FJ62 from the mid-1980’s. The mid-level Land Cruiser trim also trades traditional fog lights for “color selectable” RIGID units, which presumably offer yellow and white options like on the Tacoma Trailhunter. Customers looking for something more rugged can opt for the Land Cruiser First Edition. Only 5,000 units will be available and they’re notable for featuring a front skid plate, rock rails, and a roof rack. The range-topping model also sports round headlights, a tailgate light, mudflaps, and a “back door guard.”

 

All trims come standard with 18-inch wheels, although the Land Cruiser grade offers optional 20-inchers. It’s also worth mentioning that the Land Cruiser and First Editions have wider wheels, although all-season tires are standard across the board. Seven different colors will be available including Black, Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue. Customers can also get a two-tone exterior that features either Trail Dust or Heritage Blue paired with a Grayscape roof. In terms of size, the SUV measures 4,920 mm, 2,139 mm wide, and 1,859 mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,850 mm. That means the model is 163 mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 110 even though it has a 173 mm shorter wheelbase.

The familiar styling continues in the five-seat interior and the Land Cruiser 1958 features cloth upholstery, a push-button ignition, and an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Buyers will also find heated front seats with manual adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system. Rounding out the highlights are a wireless smartphone charger and a 2400W AC inverter. The Land Cruiser grade is better equipped as it features heated and ventilated SofTex front seats with power adjustment. They’re joined by a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and a ten-speaker audio system. Buyers looking for more luxury can opt for a premium package, which adds heated and ventilated leather seats, a head-up display, and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. The package also includes a digital rearview mirror and a moonroof. Toyota didn’t say much about the interior of the First Edition, but it features leather seats as well as “First Edition” logos embossed on the door panels. Buyers will also receive a key glove with unique stitching.

 

Speaking of equipment, the 2024 Land Cruiser comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist (Lane Centering), and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. They’re joined by Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Rounding out the highlights are a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

While the Lexus GX features a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 with 349 hp and 649 Nm of torque, the US-spec Land Cruiser will be available exclusively with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. It debuted on the 2024 Tacoma and consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.87 kWh battery, and an eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor. The setup enables the 2024 Land Cruiser to produce a combined output of 326 hp and 630 Nm of torque. That bests the aforementioned Defender 110, which starts at US$ 60,600 and comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out 296 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Given the off-road focus, it’s not surprising to learn a full-time four-wheel drive system comes standard and features a center locking differential as well as a two-speed transfer case. Buyers will also find an electronic locking rear differential, which should enable the model to tackle tough terrain.

 

Sticking with the off-roading theme, the Land Cruiser has 221 mm of ground clearance as well as approach, departure, and breakover angles of 30, 22, and 25 degrees respectively. All trims come with Downhill Assist Control and a Crawl Control function, which acts as low-speed cruise control. The Land Cruiser and First Edition trims up the ante with a front stabilizer bar disconnect system, a Multi-Terrain Select system, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. Over 100 accessories will be available including skid plates and rock rails. Customers will also find off-road recovery gear and equipment carriers.

Like the Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, and ‘real’ Land Cruiser, the SUV rides on the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform. Toyota said it’s more rigid than the old Land Cruiser 200 thanks to “high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds.” Those aren’t the only changes as the model sports a “newly developed double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks” as well as a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. Other highlights include electric power steering, 432 mm brake discs, and a standard trailer hitch that enables the model to tow up to 2,722 kg.