A legend by no means dies. It returns in hybrid kind with a worth tens of 1000’s of {dollars} lower than its predecessor – at the least if that legend is known as “Land Cruiser.”

Toyota right this moment unveiled an all-new, reborn model of its iconic off-roader and longest-running nameplate. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser returns to the American market three years after the mannequin was put out to pasture, a lot to the despair of its many admirers.

However since its U.S. debut in 1958, the Land Cruiser has been identified for doing the unimaginable, be it tackling the harshest terrain or evolving from a small and crude 2-door SUV that bought just one unit in its first 12 months to a full-size luxurious liner that might command an almost 6-figure worth.

The final new Land Cruiser on our shores was a 2021 mannequin with a thirsty V8 engine and a beginning worth of almost $90,000. The brand new one has half as many cylinders and a a lot cheaper price tag. What stays, Toyota says, would be the Land Cruiser’s go-anywhere, do-anything perspective.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Value and Powertrain

The brand new Land Cruiser bucks the pattern of SUVs getting larger and pricier by doing the alternative. Let’s start with the value: It should begin within the mid-$50,000 vary. We’ll offer you a minute to begin budgeting so funds are prepared when the Land Cruiser arrives within the spring of 2024. We certain are.

In a world the place a Toyota 4Runner begins at $40,155 and may simply attain the mid-$50,000 vary, that is past welcome information for these of us who may solely dream of affording a Land Cruiser prior to now. Toyota says it intends for this new Land Cruiser to return to its roots and be accessible to extra patrons. That worth level is proof they aren’t kidding.

The brand new Land Cruiser will use Toyota’s i-Drive Max 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. Earlier than you scoff on the cylinder depend, know this setup makes 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The final Land Cruiser’s V8 produced 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. And whereas we don’t know the brand new powertrain’s gasoline effectivity numbers, they’ll undoubtedly beat the wallet-draining 13 mpg metropolis/17 freeway of the previous one.

The 2024 Land Cruiser is barely smaller than its predecessor – 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter (the 2021 Land Cruiser was 195 inches lengthy and 78 inches large). All put on 18-inch wheels as normal and have 8.7 inches of floor clearance.

Reminiscent Design, Fashionable Options

In case you’ve been looking for journey autos these days, you already know that boxy is again. From newer entries just like the reborn Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender to previous stalwarts just like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner that by no means left, nothing says “succesful SUV” like a boxy design.

Right here, too, the Land Cruiser sticks to its roots with an upright and angular form that’s as pragmatic as it’s interesting, at the least if you happen to’re among the many REI crowd. We expect they nailed this design.

The 2024 Land Cruiser will probably be accessible in three trims: 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Version. The 1958 and First Version fashions function spherical headlights like their ancestors, plus that candy “TOYOTA” lettering within the grille. The mid-trim that’s merely referred to as “Land Cruiser” has rectangular headlights just like the later-gen fashions.

All 2024 Land Cruiser fashions will function the aforementioned gas-electric hybrid powertrain linked to an 8-speed automated transmission and a full-time 4-wheel-drive system with a middle locking differential and 2-speed switch case with high- and low-range gearing. Beginning with the mid-trim mannequin, you additionally get a disconnecting entrance sway bar and multi-terrain choose system. In case you’re an fanatic, that is all music to your ears. If this feels like gibberish and also you merely need an SUV for mall hauls, know that Toyota sells a stunning one referred to as the Highlander.

As for towing, Toyota says the brand new Land Cruiser can lug 6,000 kilos, and a trailer hitch comes normal. This real-deal, body-on-frame SUV is constructed for journey, and a sturdy aftermarket is already shaping up. Toyota says over 100 real Toyota equipment, like rack attachments and restoration gear, will probably be prepared for the car. The Land Cruiser is “a clean canvas for personalization,” Toyota says.

Inside, the brand new Land Cruiser forgoes the 3-row setup it final had and returns to a 2-row/5-passenger format. Inside options vary from an 8-inch touchscreen and cloth seats in base fashions to a 12.3-inch display screen and simulated or real leather-based in greater trims, together with heated and ventilated entrance seats. Fashionable facilities like wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4G connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system additionally arrive with the brand new ‘Cruiser.

Security galore, 5,000 First Version Fashions

Like different Toyotas, the 2024 Land Cruiser encompasses a sturdy suite of normal security techniques. Toyota’s newest Security Sense 3.0 consists of lane-departure alert with steering help, adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and extra.

Toyota says the primary two months of manufacturing will probably be restricted to five,000 models, all First Version trims with two new 2-tone colours and extra off-road gear.

In response to Toyota, “The 2024 Land Cruiser will probably be in-built Toyota Motor Company’s Tahara and Hino crops in Japan and arrive within the U.S. within the spring of 2024.”

Welcome again, Land Cruiser. We’re grateful you missed us as a lot as we missed you.