2024 Toyota Land Cruiser for America Has a "Simple" Grade Structure and Two Souls

This is Toyota's longest-running nameplate that we are talking about, and the Japanese company has decided to properly honor it by staying "true to its heritage as a durable off-roader." Launched in America, Europe, and Japan, this isn't the J300 Land Cruiser model introduced during the summer of 2021. That's why, in some places, it will be known as the Land Cruiser 250 (at home) or Land Cruiser Prado (in various European countries and Australia).

In North America, though, there is no need to bring out additional monikers. Its iconic history should be enough to hype everyone, along with the rest of the key specifications. For now, we know that it will be produced in Japan in two plants (Tahara and Hino), it will arrive at US dealerships sometime during next spring, and the manufacturer's suggested retail pricing will start in the mid-$50,000 range with exact details announced closer to the sales release date.

It is built on the global TNGA-F body-on-frame platform shared with the J300 Land Cruiser, XK70 Tundra, XK80 Sequoia, J310 Lexus LX, as well as the N400 Tacoma, and J250 Lexus GX. Remember those two, as the 2024 Land Cruiser uses elements from both – the side profile is obviously almost the same as with the acclaimed Lexus model, and the exclusive powerplant under the hood is Tacoma's 326-hp i-Force Max hybrid inline-four turbo powertrain.

Inside, there's an optional bundle of 12.3-inch touchscreen displays with the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system and Multi-Terrain Monitor, plus the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite is standard on all models. But one might notice something odd when looking at the official pictures shared in the gallery above – some 2024 Land Cruisers have squared LED lights while others come with round headlight elements. So, what gives?

Well, Toyota speaks of a "simple grade structure" composed of just a couple of trims - Land Cruiser 1958 and Land Cruiser, plus the collectible First Edition that will only be available in 5,000 units across North America. Well, the latter comes with round "heritage" LED lamps, a roof rack, roof rails, and a bespoke interior style, among others. But it's not the only one that stands out.

Instead, the base Land Cruiser 1958 also comes with round headlights and more spartan body trim, making it a bit quirky compared to the regular, squared Land Cruiser. Now, I know what you're saying – Toyota just found a way to fight with a trio of direct Land Cruiser competitors – aka the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Land Rover Defender, which all have round-styled headlights. And if you don't want to be like them, just go home in the squared Land Cruiser, right?