By Otsile Kadiege

After recently sharing a couple of teaser images on social media, Toyota has officially lifted the veils of the legendary and iconic Land Cruiser for the North American market after a three-year hiatus. The box-shaped newcomer is built on the brand’s TNGA-F global truck platform, it’s powered exclusively by an i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain and has a modish cabin with a bunch of new technologies and Toyota’s latest suite of safety systems.

Exterior

Outside, the new Land Cruiser Prado is heavily inspired by Land Cruiser models before it. For the signature Land Cruiser look, the 1958 grade features the iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille, while Land Cruiser grades upgrade to slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62.

A squared body profile resembles that of Land Cruisers of old, and the A pillar is pushed back not only to complement the look, but for better outward visibility on the trails. The front overhang is also decreased for greater approach. All models feature 17-inch disc brakes front and rear. With a trailer hitch standard on all grades, Land Cruisers can tow up to 6,000 pounds (2 722 kg).

Interior

Inside, the new Land Cruiser Prado seats up to five passengers. The 1958 models feature black fabric seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen displaying Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Land Cruiser grade has heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats available in either black or Java and includes a 12.3-inch multimedia monitor and an available 14-speaker JBL premium sound system.

Land Cruiser grade is also available with 4G connectivity for up to five devices that can turn the vehicle into an AT&T Hot-spot. An available premium package includes leather-trimmed seats on the Land Cruiser Grade. The limited First Edition grade is exclusively available with leather-trimmed seats and a “First Edition” logo embossed on the door panels. A standard Qi wireless charging pad has enhanced power output, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. There are also enhanced functional features while driving on rough trails including a palm rest for using the center touch screen and side knee pads.

A Smart Key System with push-button start is standard on all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key.

Safety

All Land Cruiser Prado 2024 models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Lane Tracing Assist

Road Sign Assist

Automatic High Beams

Proactive Driving Assist

In addition to TSS 3.0, other standard features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard.

Performance

The new Land Cruiser Prado is exclusively powered by a new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain which consists of a  turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack that creates a total system output of 326 horsepower (243 kW) and 465 lb.-ft. of torque (630 Nm). Fuel economy estimates will be announced closer to Land Cruiser’s on-sale date.

All Land Cruisers are equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. The system also features vehicle stability control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). An electronic locking rear differential is standard on all Land Cruisers and can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels for improved traction control on rough terrain.

Further details on the all-new Land Cruiser Prado including local specification will be made available closer to the vehicle’s South African introduction in Q2 of 2024.