The Toyota Land Cruiser Returns as an ‘Off-Roader’

After a three-year hiatus, Toyota re-released the Land Cruiser, saying the 2024 model will return to its outdoor roots as a “high-quality off-roader,” according to Tuesday’s announcement.

“With a retro design, paired with the legendary capability and durability it’s known for, it will take even more customers on adventures as it has done for generations,” said David Christ, Toyota group’s vice president and general manager, during a press conference.

“This icon belongs in our lineup,” Christ added.

In 2021, the Japanese automaker discontinued the Toyota Land Cruiser in the U.S. because of a lack of interest and poor sales. However, many in automotive media pointed out that the design sold well in the used market.

Experts also speculated that Toyota’s decision was because Land Cruisers were either built too well or the company pulled the design so it could make a big announcement later on down the line.

“We couldn’t tell you then (in 2021), but we had a plan all along,” Christ said. “We knew Land Cruiser would return, but we wanted to do it the right way.”

Since the design was introduced in 1958, it evolved alongside the demand of the American public. It went from a dedicated off-road vehicle to a luxury sport utility vehicle, costing nearly $100,000, a price point that likely deterred drivers from bringing it off-road.

In press materials, the new four-wheel drive vehicle makes its way over dirt roads and rocky terrain. According to Toyota, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser features an eight-speed automatic transmission, a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and 8.3 inches of running ground clearance.

Toyota said it will release 5,000 units in the first two months of production next year. The first-edition models will come equipped with round LED headlamps that pay homage to the original 1958 design as well as a roof rack, rock rails, and an exclusive interior design. The suggested retail price starts at $50,000.

Source: https://outdoors.com/the-toyota-land-cruiser-returns-as-an-off-roader/