After a two-year absence from the U.S. market and amidst swirling speculation, Toyota (TM) has unveiled the latest incarnation of its iconic Land Cruiser 4×4 SUV.
The new Land Cruiser represents a departure from the luxury-oriented styling seen in previous American models, instead embracing a more rugged aesthetic reminiscent of popular off-road vehicles like the Land Rover Defender (TENHF), Ford Bronco (F), and Jeep Wrangler (STLA). With its timeless, boxy exterior paying homage to Land Cruisers of yesteryears, while still exuding a contemporary allure, Toyota’s latest offering distinguishes itself from the competition.
Regardless of the trim level, including the nostalgic ‘1958’ edition, all Land Cruisers are exclusively equipped with Toyota’s robust i-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid engines. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system, the new Land Cruiser delivers a formidable 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, ensuring exceptional performance across various terrains while maintaining efficiency. Toyota proudly declares that the new Land Cruiser achieves a combined 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
While the Land Cruiser excels on paved roads, Toyota emphasizes its off-road prowess. Standard features include electronic center and rear locking differentials for maximum traction off-road, alongside Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select offering adjustable settings to manage wheelspin on diverse surfaces. Moreover, the Land Cruiser boasts an updated version of CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist to facilitate navigating challenging descents. Optional enhancements encompass a front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism for enhanced crawling capability, along with a Multi-Terrain Monitor system employing 360-degree cameras to alert drivers to potential obstacles on the trail.
Despite its rugged exterior, the Land Cruiser is replete with interior technology. The entry-level 1958 trim features heated cloth seats, an eight-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and five USB-C ports. Stepping up to the Land Cruiser trim introduces synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a 10-speaker sound system.
For those opting for the Land Cruiser trim, the “premium package” offers Lexus-inspired luxuries such as leather memory seats, heated and ventilated seats, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a sunroof, two USB-C ports in the cargo area, a center console cooler, a heads-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.
Priced at $55,950, the Land Cruiser competes favorably against well-appointed versions of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler 4xe, as well as premium rivals like the $60,600 Land Rover Defender 110.
Toyota’s Vice President of Marketing, Mike Tripp, expressed excitement about the Land Cruiser’s redesign, stating, “The complete redesign of the all-new Land Cruiser amounts to an incredible evolution of the vehicle. We know this new iteration had big shoes to fill, and I am absolutely thrilled to report it has exceeded our high expectations. This vehicle retains its legendary capability, and now it offers a significantly lower starting price, tons of creature comforts, and even more maneuverability on the trails. We are excited for the world to experience the next edition of Land Cruiser.”
