It’s true! Land Cruiser will return to U.S.
Toyota USA’s farewell to the Land Cruiser in 2021 was sad but perfunctory. “After over 60 years of off-road adventures, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been discontinued, making 2021 the vehicle’s last model year. As for those looking to set out on new journeys, there are still plenty of Toyota trucks to carry on [its] legendary heritage. Check out Sequoia, 4Runner, or Tundra—all of which share Land Cruiser’s bold spirit and rugged capability.”
Yes, but none of those vehicles offered the same experience. The off-roader continued to sell well, but in small numbers, right up to the end, and was still marketed in other countries.
As we predicted back in 2022, now it’s back. Toyota is teasing the return on Facebook and Instagram—“Nothing better than a comeback story,” it says, and “Did you really think we’d be gone for long? The legend continues . . .”
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Without solid information, let’s guess: Automotive News seems to have the best intel, suggesting that the Toyota could bring the nameplate back to the U.S. as early as 2023, “when it plans to introduce a redesign of the SUV’s little brother, the Land Cruiser Prado. In bringing the rugged truck stateside, Toyota may simply drop Prado from the name and badge it a Land Cruiser. The automaker is considering the move in the U.S., a person familiar with the plan said.”
Sounds like Toyota is more than considering it. “Globally, the Prado is sold as a Toyota sibling to the premium Lexus GX midsize SUV. And in some European markets, the Prado is already marketed simply as a Land Cruiser.”
It also sounds like it could be priced a little less than the last Land Cruiser, which started at about $87,000. It was powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that knocked out 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, and we’re guessing that engine is history for future models. A turbocharged or hybrid V-6 sounds more likely.
No information on when it’ll be back, but we’d bet it’s next year, possibly as a 2025 model.
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Need to start a national movement to get these… https://www.toyota-gib.com/eng/models/heavy-duty-utility-type/land-cruiser-70/land-cruiser-76-hardtop-HZJ76-RKMRS.html
Thank you! Sticking the “Land Cruiser” name on a conventional SUV isn’t continuing the brand.
The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s longest lasting name. I didn’t think it would be gone long.
When I clicked on the link I was hoping it wouldn’t be yet another bloated version of the line coming back to go against G-wagons. Imagine my shock to find out it’s a mini me imposter targeted only at the soccer mom & Starbucks crowd. I’ll stick with my 2 door WD21’s for my off-road adventures.
Another overpriced clone of every other vehicle on the road!