Good news for Toyota Land Cruiser fans in the United States. There is a return of the Land Cruiser to the North American market after a few years’ hiatus. Quite a few exciting changes are coming with the re-entry of the Land Cruiser into the American markets, so here is a small rundown of what to expect when you go Land Cruiser shopping.
The Prado Returns to the North American Market
In 2024, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will re-enter the U.S. markets as a Land Cruiser A250 Series carrying the Land Cruiser badge. Naming is a little complicated in North America, but Toyota felt that the market would recognize the name Land Cruiser as opposed to the series numbers, so they stayed with the name recognition choice. Since the Land Cruiser doesn’t enjoy the solid reputation in the States as it does in places like Australia, Toyota felt the name would make it easier to notice.
After being out of the market for a few years – the 2021 200 Series was the last series sold in the U.S. – it’s a welcome addition to the American SUV lineup. While this Prado may look like its international counterparts in Japan and Australia, the North American version is a bit different from the others in engine choices.
Photo by Toyota
$50,000 Price Range
Prices will vary from dealership to dealership in the U.S., but Toyota’s MSRP is $55,950 for the entry-level 1958 model with prices higher for the mid-range Land Cruiser model and the top-of-the-line First Edition model. Yes, Toyota named them “Land Cruiser 1958”, “Land Cruiser”, and “Land Cruiser First Edition”, which may be as confusing as naming the Land Cruiser the Lexus GX.
Starting Price of the 2021 200 Series was $86,880.
The 2021 Land Cruiser 200 Series was an expensive SUV with prices in the upper $80,000 mark, but the 200 Series was a different vehicle from this new Land Cruiser Prado model The 200 Series Land Cruiser was built as a luxury vehicle, which means it may have been purchased more for its comfort and ride as opposed to its off-road capabilities; although, it was completely at home in the dirt. It was equipped with the 2UZ-FE V8 and the Crawl Control feature was standard equipment, and it was billed as a premium full-sized luxury off-road vehicle.
The North American market received a 5.7L gas-powered version of the SUV in the form of the Lexus GX, which was the top model for the brand. Once again, here is another naming issue that creates confusion with the buying public, so the return to the Land Cruiser name is a welcome change in the U.S. market.
Photo by Toyota
Price Difference
The 2024 Prado 250 Series Land Cruiser is nothing like the 2021 200 Series Land Cruiser. It is a return to the simpler times when the Land Cruiser was not in competition with high-end luxury vehicles and was more family-oriented for everyday driving. The Prado is the light-duty vehicle in the Land Cruiser lineup, so this new Land Cruiser is more light-duty and less luxurious. However, it only seats 5, which should be adequate for a smaller SUV, whereas the 200 Series was capable of seating 8.
Toyota removed the 200 Series V8 and replaced it with their new I-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain paired with a turbo 2.4L 4-cylinder engine for the North American market with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers 465 pounds of torque and has a 326 horsepower output capability. The electric engine produces 48 horsepower.
Since the new Land Cruiser is smaller with the third-row seat gone, it will be more nimble on trails where you need the maneuverability the most.
Photo by Toyota
New Technology
It is 2024, so the technology in the new Land Cruiser matches the times. In addition to the new engine, you’ll find an electronic locking rear differential standard in all models for split power, and full-time 4WD with automatic LSD. The two-speed transfer case is electronically controlled, and it is equipped with VSC.
The Land Cruiser is equipped with a multi-terrain selection for both high and low 4WD to give you better control over your ride. The Crawl Control function keeps the driver focused on driving while the system navigates the terrain, and the Downhill Assist Control limits the speed of descent for a safer drive down from the mountaintop.
You’ll find that the Toyota Safety Sense suite includes advanced features like Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, and a host of other pre-collision sensors and alarms that can detect people, dogs, cars, and other obstacles within a set distance to your front bumper.
Toyota’s Teammate reduces your speed when slower traffic is in front of you while you’re using cruise control, and there is an emergency steering assist that will find a safe place to steer if a crash looks inevitable. Traffic jam assist takes control over your braking, acceleration, and steering in bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions to make driving less stressful.
Some of the more advanced driving technologies require roadways to be HD mapped, which not all roads are, so check your routes to see if they are supported.
Photo by Toyota
Limited Quantity Land Cruiser First Editions
Toyota announced that there will be 5,000 First Edition models produced, which makes them a collector vehicle before they even leave the factory. By limiting the number of units, Toyota makes them exclusive to only a few buyers. The starting price for the First Edition Land Cruiser is $76,345.
The First Edition is set apart from the rest with off-road upgrades that include things like transmission skid plates, rock rails, and heavy-duty front and rear mud flaps. You’ll also find the First Edition logo emblazoned on interior surfaces, as well as a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system that adds a soundtrack to your adventure. Leather-trimmed seats make the ride comfortable, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor increases your ability to see the landscape before you with a touch of a button. Toyota has made off-roading fun and exciting, as well as safer.
For more details, read this article: Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser ‘250’ Series in Japan, Featuring Special Edition Models
Photo by Toyota
Prado Price Evolution in the U.S.
As far as pricing goes, the Land Cruiser has been up and down the board in the U.S. as consumers navigated between the Toyota brand and the Lexus brand. With prices in the $60-80,000 range, the Land Cruiser 200 Series is as expensive as its Lexus GX counterpart and equally luxury equipped.
The return of the Prado to the North American landscape – even if it doesn’t wear a Prado badge – brings the Land Cruiser prices down to a more modest level that seats them in direct competition with other popular SUVs in the U.S. market. This opens up a larger buying public that the Land Cruiser may not have reached previously because of price tags. Car and Driver believes that the price direction is the right choice and more people will line up to buy a new Land Cruiser, which means more people hitting the trails.
When it comes to Land Cruisers, FLEX Automotive are the experts. They not only are the number one Land Cruiser dealership in Japan, but they also have a San Diego office that customizes and reinvents the Land Cruiser to suit even the most sophisticated off-roader’s tastes. If you’d like more information on getting a Land Cruiser of your own, then contact us today.
