The unique Toyota Land Cruiser first entered the U.S. market in 1958, and in America it was the model’s bestselling mannequin from 1961 to 1965. The Land Cruiser went on to change into an off-road icon and spawn quite a few generations. So, it was a tragic day when Toyota killed off the U.S. model after the 2021 mannequin yr. Now, three years later, all of the ensuing frowns will be turned the wrong way up as a brand new model of the legendary nameplate is returning to our shores.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser arrives on the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that it shares with the mechanically comparable Lexus GX that simply debuted and the not too long ago revealed Toyota Tacoma. Together with an ordinary hybrid powertrain and retro-inspired design, the brand new Land Cruiser is notably completely different than the U.S. model that preceded it.

How completely different are they? To seek out out, we have in contrast the brand new one’s specs and options to its predecessor’s.

Design and Measurement

The 200-series Land Cruiser that was final bought stateside had roots that might be traced again to 2008, which was when that technology obtained its begin. The decidedly bland design did not change a lot till a facelift arrived for the 2016 mannequin yr, however even then the grand SUV did not actually stand out. That adjustments with the 2024 Land Cruiser, which exists as a 250-series between the previous 200 and the newer 300-series that is solely bought abroad.

Nonetheless, the newest Cruiser’s blocky form and nostalgia-inducing styling make it probably the most visually attention-grabbing of the bunch. In contrast with its predecessor, the brand new LC is 1.2 inches shorter at 193.7 inches lengthy, however the two have an an identical 111.2-inch wheelbase. Each variations are additionally 78 inches large, however the brand new one is slightly below an inch shorter at 73.2 inches tall.

In relation to off-road specs, the brand new Land Cruiser has an method angle of 30 levels, with break-over and departure angles measuring 25 and 22 levels, respectively. Whereas it predecessor had a greater method angle of 32 levels, its break-over and departure angles are every 1 diploma much less. The brand new model boasts as much as 8.7 inches of floor clearance, which is a pair tenths lower than earlier than.

Powertrain

Whereas the 2021 Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, its substitute debuts with a hybrid turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The powertrain’s whole output is 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet. Each Toyota SUVs characteristic an eight-speed automated transmission and commonplace four-wheel drive with a middle locking differential.

The 2021 Land Cruiser had a paltry mixed EPA estimate of 14 mpg. We do not but know the way fuel-efficient the hybrid 2024 Land Cruiser might be, however there’ll virtually definitely be a giant enchancment in that division. One factor that may go the opposite method with the brand new LC is towing capability. The earlier model may pull 8100 kilos, however the brand new one is capped at 6000 kilos.

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The brand new Land Cruiser rolls on 18-inch wheels, however tire sizes range between trim ranges. The bottom mannequin, known as 1958, wears 245/70R-18 rubber in any respect 4 corners, whereas different Land Cruisers have larger 265/70R-18 tires which are practically 33 inches tall. A set of 20-inch wheels are non-compulsory, however not on the 1958. The 2021 mannequin went out solely sporting 18-inch rollers with 285/60 tires which are nearer to 31 inches tall than 33.

Each new and previous Land Cruisers characteristic a double-wishbone entrance suspension, however Toyota says the setup has been revised for the 2024 mannequin on account of the brand new platform. The rear suspension retains a four-link configuration with coil springs cushioning a strong rear axle. Aside from the 1958 trim degree, the brand new LC options an digital disconnecting entrance anti-roll bar, which wasn’t beforehand out there.

Inside

The brand new Land Cruiser’s inside is not as luxurious as its predecessor, evident from the 1958 trim’s commonplace material seats with guide changes. Beforehand, all 2021 fashions got here with semi-aniline leather-based upholstery and 10-way power-adjustable entrance seats. Leather-based-trimmed seats with energy changes can be found on the upper Land Cruiser trim as a part of the Premium package deal, which additionally features a head-up show, digital rearview mirror with a digicam view, and a sunroof.

Regardless of fewer upscale supplies, the brand new Land Cruiser’s inside design and know-how is extra fashionable. Positive, the bottom 1958 mannequin has a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen than the 9.0-inch unit that was beforehand supplied, but it surely nonetheless advantages from Toyota’s newest software program, which incorporates wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the remainder of the 2024 Land Cruiser lineup takes the infotainment expertise a step additional, gaining an enormous 12.3-inch touchscreen and providing a 14-speaker JBL stereo.

Not like with the 2021 model, it does not appear to be the brand new one could have an non-compulsory rear-seat leisure system with twin 11.6-inch shows. There’s additionally no eight-passenger mannequin, with the 2024 Land Cruiser restricted to seating for 5. Nonetheless, heated and ventilated entrance seats are commonplace on all however the base trim.

Value

Maybe the largest distinction between the brand new Land Cruiser and the one which was final bought in America is the worth. Toyota will not launch full particulars for awhile, however the firm says the 2024 mannequin could have a base worth within the mid-$50,000 vary, making it significantly inexpensive than its predecessor.

Again in 2021, the Land Cruiser began at simply over $87K, so its substitute could have an almost $30K low cost. The brand new Cruiser’s increased trim ranges will almost definitely crest the $60K mark, however they’re going to nonetheless be much more inexpensive than earlier than. That means extra folks will get the prospect to expertise the Land Cruiser life-style, and we predict that is an excellent factor.

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Senior Editor

Eric Stafford’s car habit started earlier than he may stroll, and it has fueled his ardour to write down information, evaluations, and extra for Automobile and Driver since 2016. His aspiration rising up was to change into a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like automotive assortment. Apparently, getting wealthy is tougher than social-media influencers make it appear, so he prevented monetary success fully to change into an automotive journalist and drive new vehicles for a dwelling. After incomes a journalism diploma at Central Michigan College and dealing at a each day newspaper, the years of mainly burning cash on failed mission vehicles and lemon-flavored jalopies lastly paid off when Automobile and Driver employed him. His storage at present features a 2010 Acura RDX, a guide ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.