Previously expected to return stateside for the 2025 model year, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser isn't a direct successor to the V8-powered 200 series. While related to the V6-engined 300 series that isn't destined for America, the 2024 model year Land Cruiser for the US market is actually the all-new Prado.
Referred to as 250 series compared to 150 for the fourth generation, the newcomer has been recently confirmed to debut on August 1 at 9:20 pm Eastern Daylight Time. As per the latest set of teasers, we're dealing with squared-off headlights inspired by the seriously badass FJ62.
The retro leanings continue out back with blocky lamps. The blocky theme carries over to the front fenders, while bodysides are directly inspired by the GX. Teasers published by the Japanese automaker further include a picture of a toggle on the center console, which reads H4F, H4L, and L4L. In addition to being all-wheel-drive all the time, said picture reiterates the Land Cruiser's connection to the GX.
Thus far, Toyota refrained from calling it 250 series or Prado. However, leaked information acquired by the Australian media confirmed the 250 moniker by means of three codes. GDJ250 stands for the 1GD-FTV engine, TRJ250 for 2TR-FE, and TJA250 for L4T.
L4T is – without a shadow of a doubt – the standard powerplant for the United States. A 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder lump shared with the mid-sized Tacoma, said engine produces 228 horsepower in the SR and 278 for all other grades. The 2024 model year Tacoma further boasts a hybrid-assisted 2.4er, which is officially rated at 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet (630 Nm).
The best thing about this engine is that certain trim levels of the Tacoma can be had with a manual, which might carry over to the Land Cruiser. The 150 series also comes with one in some markets, including Nepal, where the 1GD-FTV turbo diesel produces just around 200 ponies and 420 Nm (310 pound-feet) of twist.
2TR-FE is Toyota's way of saying naturally-aspirated gasser, a 2.7-liter engine that's not likely to be offered stateside. On the other hand, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid four-cylinder turbo of the Tacoma makes plenty of sense in the all-new Land Cruiser Prado 250 series.
Notice anything missing from this list? A six-cylinder engine, yes! Because the luxury-oriented GX comes with a V6 as standard, it wouldn't make too much sense for the Land Cruiser to encroach on its more expensive sibling. Even so, the non-hybrid turbo four is more than adequate for this application.
You can think of the Land Cruiser for America as Toyota's answer to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Ford Bronco 4DR. With the Land Cruiser returning to the United States for 2024, we estimate the all-new 4Runner to be revealed next year as a 2025 model.
As we're sitting here, waiting for Toyota to unveil its body-on-frame overlander, pixel artist "Halo oto" used said teasers for a new set of renderings. They do look similar to the real thing, don't they?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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