ALL-NEW TOYOTA LAND CRUISER – CRUISIN’ ON A SUNNY AFTERNOON

ALL-NEW TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

CRUISIN’ ON A SUNNY AFTERNOON

My prayers have been answered.  No, nothing so mundane as world peace or the end to hunger.  No, the gods at Toyota finally heard my prayers and are returning the Land Cruiser to its roots.  Coming next year, to a Toyota dealership near you, will be the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser that actually looks like an off-road vehicle and should be priced to be affordable for those yearning for the good ol’ days. Praise be and Hallelujah!!!

The current 2023 Land Cruiser 300 Series model, which isn’t even marketed here in the United States, bears little resemblance to the venerable 40 Series model that birthed the Land Cruiser legend back in 1960.  The last time the Series 300 model was sold here back in 2021, total US yearly sales barely topped 3,000 units.  And, the FJ Cruiser, which bore no resemblance to any Land Cruiser model, slowly faded into oblivion back in 2014.  Which left Toyota with nothing to compete with in the compact off-road segment.  

Built on the TNGA-F global truck body-on-frame platform, the new Land Cruiser will be powered by a new i-FORCE MAX 326 hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor hybrid engine that’s mated to an eight-speed transmission.  Fuel economy estimates will be announced closer to the Land Cruiser’s on-sale date.

The exterior design features sharp angles along with that “TOYOTA” heritage grille that recalls the original design.  A squared body profile resembles that of Land Cruisers of old, and the A-pillar’s base is pushed back to not only complement the look, but for better outward visibility on the trails. The front overhang is also decreased for a better approach angle.

All Land Cruisers will be equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. The system also features vehicle stability control and an automatic limited-slip differential. 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.

The 2024 Land Cruiser will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan and is expected to arrive in the U.S. in the spring of 2024.  Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will start in the mid-$50,000 range and be announced closer to its on-sale date.

The Land Cruiser will soon return to the Toyota showroom.  Okay, now I’ll get back to praying for world peace. At this point, anything could happen…