It’s been three years since the Toyota Land Cruiser was sold in the U.S. and now it’s back with the introduction of the 2024 Land Cruiser. Unlike the last generation Land Cruiser, the new one is smaller, looks more rugged and has a more reasonable starting price around the mid-$50,000 range.

The 2024 Land Cruiser is based on Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform, which is shared with the Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia. You’ll also notice that the new Land Cruiser does look a bit familiar, since it’s closely related to the 2024 Lexus GX. Both SUVs have the same basic shape, but with brand specific front and rear fascias.

Toyota says that the new Land Cruiser has returned to its origins with a rugged chassis, improved off-road capability and a smaller footprint. The 2024 Land Cruiser is 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter than the last generation 200 series. On the outside its easy to see some of the styling traits from earlier Land Cruiser Models. The 1958 trim level features the iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille, while other Land Cruiser models get slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62.

Under the hood the Land Cruiser is only available with one powertrain, the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight speed transmission. The powertrain generates a combined 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system gets its power from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack.

The Land Cruiser comes standard 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 an automatic limited-slip differential and an electronic locking rear differential is standard, which can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels.

The 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.

Compared to 200 series Land Cruiser, the 2024 Land Cruiser only has two rows of seats. Land Cruiser 1958 models feature black fabric seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the Land Cruiser trim level get heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats available in either black or Java, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an available 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The limited First Edition model gets leather seats and a “First Edition” logo embossed on the door panels. Toyota only plans to build 5,000 units of the First Edition model.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser will arrive in the spring of 2024.

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