The biggest Japanese automaker is on a roll, to say the least – at least as far as the North American region is concerned. But since the fans crave 'Yotas and they also have the big bucks for them, can anyone blame them?
Since the year started, we have been rolling and basking in the freshness of absolute novelties. Stuff like the 2023 Prius Prime plug-in 'Hybrid Reborn,' 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid plus the entire 2024 Corolla Nightshade family, 2024 Grand Highlander, 2024 Tacoma or the trio of 2024 GR Corolla Circuit, GR86 Trueno, and GR Supra 45th Anniversary Editions certainly didn't go by unmissed, right?
Well, there is even more to be had after Lexus also had a double roll of the dice with the 2024 TX and GX 550 crossover and (tough) SUV brotherhood. Naturally, both social media and the rumor mill have gone berserk trying to find out everything they can about the impending arrival of a new Land Cruiser model. Even better, the nameplate will also return to the United States, not just hit new regions like Europe.
But while everyone tries to find out if the rumors are true about the J300 Land Cruiser remaining a distant affair and the next fifth-generation Land Cruiser Prado (250 series) reaching America as soon as this summer or autumn, some folks are already wondering about what's next after that. And because it all revolves around tough off-roaders, it's not that hard to guess – or play with some wishful thinking.
Regarding the flight of imagination, there's nothing better than the dreamy realm of digital car content creators when it comes to putting all automotive fantasies into the proper CGI perspective. For example, the Halo oto channel on YouTube provides fresh automotive info that is corroborated with their virtual designs; and now there is a new CGI take on the next-gen Toyota 4Runner SUV after the host probably got tired of digging up rumors and info on its upcoming bigger brother.
Most likely, as not to confuse anyone, the Japanese carmaker will only start the teaser and spied prototype procedures after they get done with the new Land Cruiser's official introduction – just like it happened with the 2024 Tacoma before it. Naturally, while the Prado (250) will probably be twinned with the mighty Lexus GX 550 on the TNGA-F platform, the aging but beloved 4Runner (it's been around in N280 form since 2009!) will probably share more than a few underpinnings with the N400 fourth generation Tacoma mid-size pickup truck.
And, naturally, those will probably include not just the engines and chassis but also a few design traits. Well, that remains to be seen, as in the renderings presented by the channel, the hypothetical sixth-gen 4Runner TRD Pro Hybrid has more in common with the unofficial looks of the next Land Cruiser Prado rather than anything else. So, do take them with a healthy dose of salt, please!
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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