Resurgence of a Legend: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Reclaims its Off-Road Throne

Returning after a hiatus of almost 30 years, the longest-running nameplate in Toyota‘s lineup, the Land Cruiser, is making a grand comeback to Canada for the 2024 model year. This legendary off-road vehicle has stayed true to its roots, embodying the durability and ruggedness of its predecessors, thus set to enthrall a wider range of customers with its adventurous spirit.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is exclusively powered by the i-FORCE MAX, a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that efficiently generates 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. For the initial two months of production, Toyota plans a limited release of the First Edition grade, with 5,000 units destined for North America, complete with heritage LED headlamps, an exclusive interior, roof rack, and rock rails.

Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform, the Land Cruiser has been engineered to survive the harshest environments. While it boasts the power of the top-of-the-line hybrid powertrain, the vehicle is also designed to be agile on the trails. With a narrowed and reduced length compared to the 200 Series model, the new Land Cruiser showcases improved off-road prowess.

The 2024 model also provides cutting-edge technology and safety features, such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen integrated with Toyota’s latest Multimedia system and Multi Terrain Monitor. In line with Toyota’s commitment to safety, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 across all models.

Looking back at the evolution of the Land Cruiser, it arrived in North America in the late ’50s and soon established itself as one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles. Its boxy look, flat roof, short overhangs, and “TOYOTA” grilles quickly became iconic. This evolution peaked with the 80 Series, a premium full-size luxury off-road SUV. The differentiate the versions, the 1958 and First Edition feature round LED headlights while the Land Cruiser will sport rectangular LED headlights. It will be offered in seven different exterior colours including Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Black, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue. The latter two will get a Grayscape roof for a two-tone effect.

Fast forward to the present day, and Toyota’s CALTY Design Research, in collaboration with the global development team, has shaped the new Land Cruiser. The design direction is underpinned by four key principles: authenticity, reliability, timeless elegance, and professionalism. The vehicle is a testament to the amalgamation of form and function.

The new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain comes as standard across all grades. This pairs a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission. The system draws energy from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack, delivering a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Final fuel economy figures will be announced closer to the Land Cruiser’s on-sale date.

The Land Cruiser’s reputation as an off-road icon continues with the new generation. The vehicle comes standard with a range of features designed to conquer rough terrain, including a full-time four-wheel-drive system, a centre locking differential, Crawl Control, and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The standard Land Cruiser and First Edition grades come with a newly developed front stabilizer bar disconnect, which enhances flexibility at the touch of a button, larger tires, and many more unique elements.

The 2024 Land Cruiser will be built at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan. It will arrive in Canada in the spring of 2024, with manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date. Toyota’s off-road icon is now set to blaze a new trail, rekindling its old glory while forging a fresh path for the future.