Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to Canada, What Does That Mean?

Toyota last week unveiled the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser, the latest in a long line of rugged and durable trucks that began in Japan over 70 years ago and in North America back in 1958. This automotive legend exited the Canadian market in the 1990s when the more luxurious Lexus LX was introduced, but it will finally be back to the delight of nostalgic fans and off-road driving enthusiasts.

Built in Japan with deliveries starting next spring, the Land Cruiser’s revival means several things. First of all, Toyota is betting on SUVs now more than ever, as this one becomes the seventh available in Canada, joining the Corolla Cross, RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, Grand Highlander and Sequoia. It actually slots between these last two models.

But wait a second. With the Land Cruiser in, is the 4Runner out? Remember, the current generation of the off-road specialist dates back to 2010 and has barely changed since. For the moment, the 4Runner will stick around, but a replacement is due for 2025 and promises to be a more direct Jeep Wrangler fighter.

The Land Cruiser is the latest hybrid offering in Toyota’s lineup to wear the “Beyond Zero” badge. Today, the company offers as many as 16 electrified vehicles for customers to choose from including twelve hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, the bZ4X battery electric vehicle and the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell sedan.

In the case of the Land Cruiser, we’re talking about a version of Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a 1.87kWh battery. Together, these units deliver 326 horsepower and a remarkable 465 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel economy estimates will be announced later. Power is controlled by an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as a full-time 4WD system with a centre-locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case.

When it comes to styling, the new Land Cruiser marks a return to vintage design cues—just like the old FJ Cruiser did before it retired in 2014. A collaboration between the automaker’s California-based CALTY Design Research studio and its global development team in Japan, it’s a beautiful tribute to past Land Cruisers while looking like a modern grown-up toy at the same time. The base 1958 model features the iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille, while other models upgrade to slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62.

The Land Cruiser is aimed at adventurous families that want to carry plenty of gear but don’t need a third row of seats since it can only accommodate five people. Front-row occupants have access to Toyota’s new multimedia system on an 8- or 12.3-inch touchscreen, which also serves as a multi-terrain monitor. Everyone inside will feel safe thanks to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the company’s most advanced suite of active safety and driver assistance systems.

Okay, so how much will it cost? In the U.S., Toyota says the 2024 Land Cruiser will start “in the mid-$50,000 range,” meaning just below the Sequoia. We expect it to carry a base price of around $70,000 in Canada, maybe less. Further details specific to our market will be shared at a later date, including the exclusive First Edition model limited to 5,000 units for North America and equipped with round heritage LED headlamps, a roof rack, rock rails and unique interior design.