Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has unveiled the new Land Cruiser “250” Series to the world, with the launch planned for the first half of 2024 in Japan.
A vehicle that allows people to go anywhere and everywhere and return safely, developed and refined over more than 70 years based on the actual usage situations of global customers
Launched originally as the Toyota BJ on August 1, 1951, the Land Cruiser series is now 72 years old. Immediately after its launch, it became the first vehicle to climb to the sixth station of Mount Fuji. From that time, it has fulfilled its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that can only be reached in the Land Cruiser. Developed and refined based on the actual usage situations of global customers, it provides reliability, durability, and off-road performance that allows people to go anywhere and everywhere and return safely. This concept has been passed down and evolved. With cumulative sales of about 11.3 million units in approximately 170 countries and regions around the world, it has supported the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.
Until now, the Land Cruiser range has been divided into three different series-the Station Wagon that always showcases the latest technologies and has evolved into the flagship model (currently the 300 Series), the Heavy-Duty model with outstanding durability and off-road driving performance (the 70 Series), and the Light Duty model that provides ease of handling and comfort on an off-road base as a lifestyle and practical choice for customers (Prado).
250 Series, back to the origin and essence of the Land Cruiser
The Light Duty Series has tended to shift toward high-end and luxury models as the generations have evolved. In developing the 250 Series, then-President Akio Toyoda, who has the ultimate responsibility for product development, explained his basic approach as, “The Land Cruiser should be a car that supports people’s lives and local communities, so the Light Duty model must return to the true form that customers are looking for.” In response, the development team defined the concept as returning to the origin of the Land Cruiser. With the spirit of rebuilding the model, they created a simple and sturdy vehicle that can be trusted by customers to fulfill their lifestyle choices and practical needs.
The new 250 Series is a core Land Cruiser model with the same GA-F platform as the 300 Series to dramatically improve basic performance as an off-roader. It also comes with various powertrains to achieve even more powerful driving performance and environmental performance worthy of the Land Cruiser name. It was created in pursuit of unique Land Cruiser characteristics, incorporating interior and exterior styling that fuses traditional and modern in a functional package. The aim was to create a next-generation Land Cruiser with improved ease of handling and comfort for both on- and off-road driving, while also delivering class-leading advanced safety performance.
Even after the 250 Series is released, the Land Cruiser will continue to evolve, while meeting a range of social needs, as a trustworthy, reliable, and practical choice for customers worldwide.
Improved basic performance as an off-roader through adoption of the GA-F platform
With the same GA-F platform as the 300 Series, the new 250 Series has dramatically improved off-road performance. As a reliable and practical choice for customers, it has improved ease of handling and comfort for on-road driving as well.
- Significantly increased rigidity50% increase in frame rigidity and 30% increase in overall rigidity
- Improved basic suspension performanceImproved wheel articulation, which is an indicator of off-road performance that describes the ability of a tire to stay on the ground
- Improved on- and off-road driving performance through adoption of the following systems
- Electric power steering (EPS)Contributes to reduced loss of steering control when driving off-road, provides a crisper steering feel, improves maneuverability at low speeds, and enables Lane Tracing Assist
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) First use in a Toyota vehicle. A switch-operated function that enables the front stabilizer state to be changed, delivering driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and handling stability when on-road
- Improved off-road driving support through enhanced functionality of the Multi-Terrain Monitor and Multi-Terrain Select
Various powertrains to achieve powerful driving performance and environmental performance worthy of a Land Cruiser
The 250 Series inherits the Land Cruiser mission of supporting the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere, while pursuing the reliability, durability, and off-road performance that is the DNA of the Land Cruiser. In line with Toyota’s carbon neutrality initiatives that take a diverse multi-pathway approach, it also comes with various powertrains, including the first hybrid system for a Land Cruiser. These achieve powerful driving performance and environmental performance worthy of a Land Cruiser.
Functional package carries people and cargo safely in every situation
The 250 Series achieves good forward visibility through a low-set cowl and instrument panel top surface, which contribute to safe on- and off-road driving. It also employs a low beltline to improve visibility of road surfaces even on rough roads. While dramatically improving off-road driving performance on the traditional Land Cruiser wheelbase, this series has a shorter mirror-to-mirror width to ensure good maneuverability.
With the durability of parts and easy repairs in the event of breakages, the design also takes customizability into account to allow users to enjoy their Land Cruiser in their own unique ways.
Land Cruiser styling fuses traditional and modern
In a fusion of traditional and modern, interior and exterior styling on the 250 Series focuses on three keywords: “reliable” (reliability to withstand harsh usage conditions), “timeless” (timeless simplicity to remain a favorite), and “professional” (refined functional beauty common to lean professional tools).
Exterior styling employs horizontal lines to reproduce the unique Land Cruiser silhouette, while interior styling has shifted from a high-end, luxury ambiance to the feeling of true off-road functionality. Coupled with a sturdy and stable interior space, horizontal instrument panel, and switch shapes that are clear and easy to operate in a range of driving conditions, styling contributes to improved functionality even on rough roads.
Latest Toyota Safety Sense package
Toyota Safety Sense, the latest active safety package with advanced and improved functions, is standard on all new Land Cruiser grades. The range of detectable accidents has been expanded even further, enabling enjoyable driving with peace of mind.
Toyota Land Cruiser [US]
Legends never die. Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin. Since its introduction in the U.S. market in 1958, the Land Cruiser evolved over the years from the legendary two-door models like the 40 Series with its fold-down front windshield, white roof, and rear jump seats to the capable yet fully loaded 200 Series, which was the last generation to be sold in the States and combined Land Cruiser’s unbreakable strength with premium luxury features. Now, Land Cruiser stays true to its heritage, returning as a high-quality off-roader at a more accessible price point that will take a wider range of customers on numerous backcountry adventures across the globe.
Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform, the new Land Cruiser is designed, engineered, and tested to survive in the harshest of environments. For this new generation, Land Cruiser is exclusively available with the range-topping i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s slightly smaller and narrower than the outgoing 200 Series model, making it nimbler on the trails, and Land Cruiser features off-road tech that has debuted on the newest generation of Toyota trucks. Limited to 5,000 units for the first two months of production, Land Cruiser will be offered in a First Edition grade that includes two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment.
“This icon belongs in our lineup,” says Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ. “For 2024, Land Cruiser returns to its origin with a heritage-inspired design paired with the legendary capability and durability Land Cruiser is known for, and it will take even more customers on adventures across the globe as it has done for generations.”
The 2024 Land Cruiser will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan and arrive in the U.S. in the spring of 2024. Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will start in the mid-$50,000 range.
Back to its Origin
For decades, Land Cruiser has been known for its world-renowned capability as the staple of Toyota’s core values of quality, durability, and reliability. When Land Cruiser arrived in the U.S. in the late ’50s, Toyota sold only one unit in its first year. But then, when the 40 Series arrived, Land Cruiser became the best-selling Toyota in the U.S. for five years running. These early models featured solid front and rear axles on leaf springs, and the boxy look with a flat roof, short overhangs, and “TOYOTA” grilles became iconic. Soon after, though, customers wanted a bigger 4×4, and the Land Cruiser grew into larger station wagon models such as the 55 and 60 Series and ultimately lead to where the Land Cruiser left off in the U.S.: the 200 Series, a premium, full-size luxury off-road SUV.
Now, in its return to the U.S. market after a three-year hiatus, Land Cruiser utilizes the global TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. This new ladder frame allows for more rigidity in the chassis compared to the 200 Series model thanks to the use of high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds. Compared to the outgoing 200 Series, the new Land Cruiser is 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter for more off-road prowess.
Toyota’s North American-based studio CALTY Design Research worked closely with the global development team to establish the design direction for the new Land Cruiser. The design team used four key terms to lead the development: authentic, reliable, timeless, and professional. The all-new Land Cruiser is derived from a pure expression of form aligning with function.
For the signature Land Cruiser look, the 1958 grade features the iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille, while Land Cruiser grades upgrade to slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. A squared body profile resembles that of Land Cruisers of old, and the A pillar is pushed back not only to complement the look, but for better outward visibility on the trails. The front overhang is also decreased for greater approach.
A newly developed double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks is paired with a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. To provide improved steering feel and facilitate the incorporation of additional safety and convenience features, Land Cruiser will feature electric power steering, and all models feature 17-inch disc brakes front and rear. With a trailer hitch standard on all grades, Land Cruisers can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Standard
Land Cruiser’s new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain comes standard on all grades and pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack that creates a total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy estimates will be announced closer to Land Cruiser’s on-sale date.
All Land Cruisers are equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. The system also features vehicle stability control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). An electronic locking rear differential is standard on all Land Cruisers and can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels for improved traction control on rough terrain.
An Off Road Icon
Land Cruiser has long been an off-road icon and this new generation continues its legacy. An all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect is standard on Land Cruiser and First Edition grades and increases flex at the push of a button. Overall, Land Cruiser has an approach angle up to 31.0 degrees and max departure to 22.0 degrees while breakover angle reaches 25.0 degrees. Ground clearance is up to 8.7 inches. For off-road protection, Land Cruiser customers can add rock rails and full coverage high strength steel skid plates. For off-road recovery, front tow/recovery hooks come standard. The Land Cruiser 1958 grade comes standard from the factory with fog lamps that will aid in overall visibility. The Land Cruiser grade gets upgraded color selectable RIGID fog lamps.
Multi-Terrain Select, which is now functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, is standard on the Land Cruiser grade and offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrain such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The CRAWL Control function is standard and acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control allowing the driver to focus on steering while the system maintains one of five selectable speeds. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature that’s standard and it helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle. Drivers can view potential obstacles that are looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor that can display crisply on the available 12.3-inch touchscreen, which comes standard on the Land Cruiser grade.
With Toyota Genuine Accessories and Associated Accessory Products (AAP), Land Cruiser is a blank canvas for customization. The AAP ecosystem will continue to evolve over time and currently includes over 100 accessories such as off-road recovery gear, rack attachment brackets for storage gear, outdoor sporting equipment carriers, and more. These products can also be conveniently rolled into customer’s monthly payments making accessorizing Land Cruiser through Toyota easier than ever.
A Connected Cruiser
With seating for up to five, Land Cruiser 1958 models feature black fabric seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen displaying Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The new multimedia system also gives drivers the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The Land Cruiser grade has heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats available in either black or Java and includes a 12.3-inch multimedia monitor and an available 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. Land Cruiser grade is also available with 4G connectivity for up to five devices that can turn the vehicle into an AT&T Hotspot. An available premium package includes leather-trimmed seats on the Land Cruiser Grade. The limited First Edition grade is exclusively available with leather-trimmed seats and a “First Edition” logo embossed on the door panels. A standard Qi wireless charging pad has enhanced power output, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. There are also enhanced functional features while driving on rough trails including a palm rest for using the center touch screen and side knee pads.
A Smart Key System with push-button start is standard on all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key.
Simple Grade Structure
Land Cruiser will be available in three grades: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the limited run Land Cruiser First Edition. An available premium package adds power heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, moonroof, and more.
The 2024 Land Cruiser will be offered in seven exterior color choices: Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Black, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue. The two-tone Trail Dust and Heritage Blue exterior colors feature a Grayscape roof.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
All 2024 models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, Proactive Driving Assist is designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.
The Toyota Safety Sense features have been enhanced for TSS 3.0:
- The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. In addition to pedestrian and bicyclist detection, this system now includes the capability to detect a motorcyclist.
- Lane Departure Alert will now provide Steering Assist as well as enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control will have Full-Speed Range capability and adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
- Lane Tracing Assist is new to Land Cruiser, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control must be enabled for it to function. The system requires detectable lane markings to function. Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced over prior TSS generations. In addition to lane centering, this system also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.
- An Emergency Driving Stop System is a new function of Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature is designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
- Road Sign Assist is also new to Land Cruiser. This system is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
In addition to TSS 3.0, other standard features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard.
Beyond Zero Vision
As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to working toward a carbon neutral future, Land Cruiser is the latest hybrid offering in Toyota’s lineup to wear the Beyond Zero badge. Today, Toyota offers 16 electrified vehicles for customers to choose from. With twelve hybrid models, two plug-in hybrid models, the bZ4X battery electric vehicle, and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell Mirai, Toyota provides more choices than any other automaker for customers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.
The 2024 Land Cruiser comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years, unlimited mileage of Roadside Assistance.
