Toyota has released a pair of teaser photos that provide a glimpse of the new Land Cruiser headed to U.S. showrooms, likely as a 2024 model. This exciting news comes just weeks after Toyota released a video, which showcased vintage Land Cruiser badges and the tagline “The legend returns.” The anticipation for the return of the Land Cruiser is mounting, and these teaser photos give us a sneak peek of what to expect.
The first teaser photo shows the silhouette of the U.S.-bound Land Cruiser, while the second photo offers a striking comparison between the new model and an original FJ40 Land Cruiser from six decades ago. This side-by-side contrast highlights the evolution and enduring legacy of the Land Cruiser nameplate.
In 2021, the Land Cruiser bid farewell to the U.S. market, while the rest of the world welcomed the redesigned 300-series generation for 2022. However, it’s important to note that the Land Cruiser set to arrive in U.S. showrooms is not the 300-series model. Instead, it will be a more rugged SUV closely related to the redesigned 2024 Lexus GX.
One interesting design detail revealed in the teaser photos is a rise in the beltline after the B-pillar, a characteristic shared with the GX but not present in the 300-series Land Cruiser sold overseas. This design choice emphasizes the Land Cruiser’s off-road capabilities and aligns with the rugged nature of the Lexus GX. Internationally, the Land Cruiser Prado will serve as the counterpart to the U.S.-bound model.
Rumors have circulated regarding retro cues that may be featured in the U.S.-bound Land Cruiser. These design elements are speculated to be unique to the U.S. model and not present in the Land Cruiser Prado sold overseas. One example of these retro cues could be the inclusion of round headlights, inspired by the iconic design of the FJ40. Toyota has shown a willingness to incorporate retro styling, as demonstrated by the FJ Cruiser from recent years.
Beneath the surface, the U.S.-bound Land Cruiser will be built on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, which is also utilized in the 300-series Land Cruiser, its sibling Lexus LX, the Sequoia SUV, and the latest Toyota Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks. This platform provides a solid foundation for off-road prowess and exceptional durability. Expect the U.S.-bound Land Cruiser and its Land Cruiser Prado twin to offer similar capabilities, including full-time four-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer case, a Torsen limited-slip center differential, and off-road-focused Overtrail and Overtrail+ modes.
As Toyota continues to unveil teasers for the new Land Cruiser, excitement is building for its highly anticipated return to the U.S. market. Enthusiasts and adventurers alike eagerly await more details about the upcoming Land Cruiser, including its performance specifications, interior features, and pricing. Toyota’s commitment to delivering a capable and rugged SUV is evident, and the forthcoming Land Cruiser is poised to continue the nameplate’s reputation as a legendary off-road vehicle.
In conclusion, the teaser photos released by Toyota provide a glimpse of the new Land Cruiser set to arrive in U.S. showrooms, likely as a 2024 model. This highly anticipated release follows the recent video teaser, which hinted at the return of the beloved Land Cruiser. The U.S.-bound version will be a distinct model, closely related to the redesigned 2024 Lexus GX, and marketed overseas as the Land Cruiser Prado. Retro cues and off-road capabilities are expected, thanks to Toyota’s TNGA-F platform. Enthusiasts and adventure-seekers eagerly await more information about this iconic SUV and its arrival in the U.S. market.