We have our first official looks at the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser! Less than 24 hours after an alleged test mule from Japan was spotted, Toyota gives us our best look yet at the new Land Cruiser.
This test mule vehicle is being described as the Japan-spec version of the Land Cruiser that we will see in the USA. We can expect the version that we’ll see here to look very similar to this version. It’s quite difficult to make out many details from the test mule photo, but we’ve heard rumors that the 2024 Land Cruiser is going to pay homage to its early iterations with some retro styling.
The official Toyota teaser from today, July 6th, makes me question how similar the US version will be to the Japanese version. There seems to be quite a few differences between the test mule and the teaser. Toyota could also be intentionally hiding specific details to keep us on our toes though.
We’ve seen some early renderings of the 2024 model based on the Land Cruiser Prado, but something tells me that the renderings aren’t quite on point.
Thanks to @kurdistan_automotive_blog_ on Instagram, we have our first in-person look at a potential test mule for the new Land Cruiser.
What We Know About the 2024 Land Cruiser
Automotive Youtuber Kirk Kreifels gives us our best understanding of what the new model may look like without test mule tape on, along with potential options for powertrain options.
The 2024 Land Cruiser is likely going to share much of its platform with the 2024 Lexus GX 550. However, if the future is anything like the past, they will not share the same powertrain. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is due to get the twin turbo V6 that is also found in the Sequoia (minus the hybrid components). The GX was announced to be releasing with a hybridized version of this engine down the line, as well. However, it seems that in order to separate the Lexus and Toyota brands, the Land Cruiser may get the same iForce Max style powertrain that will be found in the new Tacoma. This engine utilizes the brand’s 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder along with some form of electrification for added efficiency and power.
Other sources are speculating that the Land Cruiser will use the exact same powertrains from the Lexus GX 550. This makes the most sense to me. The 2.4L iForce Max powertrain will likely be reserved for the next gen 4Runner. Either way, we’re going to have to wait a bit longer to find out, but I really hope we see the Land Cruiser adopt the same twin-turbo V6 as its Lexus brother.
What about the 2024 next generation of the Toyota 4Runner?
The Land Cruiser announcement came as a bit of a surprise to many of us after Toyota removed it from the US market in 2021. I know I didn’t have a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser on my bingo card. Most of us, myself included, were expecting the next big Toyota announcement to be the 6th generation 2024 Toyota 4Runner.
With the news of the Land Cruiser, it seems doubtful that we will see a new generation of 4Runner in 2024 now. We’ve seen no test mules. We’ve heard nothing about design, powertrain, or release dates. I have a theory that Toyota is reworking their plans for the 4Runner to better compete with the likes of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. I have no proof of this, but to me, it makes sense.
Despite the current generation Toyota 4Runner being a top seller, it is dated. Toyota hasn’t updated it since 2010. The 4Runner sells exceptionally well, consistently over 100k units per year since 2016. However, the Toyota lineup is missing something. The 4Runner is an excellent off-roader, however, without some serious aftermarket modifications, it doesn’t keep up with the Wrangler and Bronco. I think Toyota is looking to fill this gap, and the 4Runner is the model to do it.
The 300 Series Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser, despite being cancelled stateside in 2021, continued to be produced in a new generation across many markets across the globe. It was a much-needed update to the vehicle, and honestly, a very attractive one at that. I’d be completely content if we got the 300 Series Land Rover here in the US, however, it sounds like we will be getting something different.
How do you feel about the Land Cruiser returning to America so quickly after it left us? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
