Toyota’s US division hinted at a comeback of the esteemed Land Cruiser brand on American soil, via a teasing post on Facebook this past Tuesday.
The post was accompanied by a video featuring a collection of vintage Land Cruiser badges and a succinct message: “Did you really think we’d be gone for long? The legend returns.”
About the Toyota Land Cruiser
In the aftermath of 2021, the Land Cruiser ceased to be available in the US, while the international market saw the introduction of a revamped 300-series generation in 2022. This new iteration of the Land Cruiser shares its design with the latest Lexus LX, which made its debut in the US in 2022.
This suggestive Facebook post by Toyota follows a report by Automotive News less than a week ago, indicating that Toyota might bring its next Land Cruiser Prado to the US market, potentially under the Land Cruiser moniker.
Facebook post by Toyota USA – June 2023
While the existing Land Cruiser Prado has never graced the US market, it bears a close relation to the Lexus GX, which has been phased out. A makeover of the GX is slated for 2024, and its Prado twin, the new Land Cruiser, is poised to follow suit.
Historically, the Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prados have maintained a close kinship, with the Prado variant being distinguished by a heightened emphasis on off-road capabilities. It’s anticipated that the new generation will continue this trend, given the Prado’s new Overtrail and Overtrail+ modes, which are adapted to various terrains. Additionally, the new GX comes with standard features like full-time four-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer case, and a Torsen limited-slip center differential.
Both the refreshed GX and its counterpart, the new Land Cruiser Prado, utilize Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. This platform is shared by the 300-series Land Cruiser and its Lexus LX equivalent, as well as the most recent versions of the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks, and the Sequoia SUV.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Toyota Land Cruiser US Return
When did Toyota stop selling the Land Cruiser in the US?
Toyota stopped selling the Land Cruiser in the US after 2021.
What is the relation between the Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX?
The Land Cruiser shares its design with the latest Lexus LX, which was also introduced to the US in 2022.
What are the Land Cruiser Prado’s off-road capabilities?
The Land Cruiser Prado is recognized for its robust off-road capabilities. It features additional driving modes like Overtrail and Overtrail+, specifically designed for various terrains. Moreover, it is equipped with full-time four-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer case, and a Torsen limited-slip center differential, all as standard.
What platform does the new Land Cruiser Prado use?
The new Land Cruiser Prado uses Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, shared with the 300-series Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, latest Toyota Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks, and the Sequoia SUV.
Has the Land Cruiser Prado ever been sold in the US before?
No, the current Land Cruiser Prado has never been sold in the US. However, it shares a close relation with the Lexus GX that was available in the US market.