This story consists of speculative renders made by Thanos Pappas for Carscoops that aren’t associated to or endorsed by Toyota

The Toyota Land Cruiser is without doubt one of the world’s most iconic off-roaders however the nameplate is absent from the North American market since 2021. Fortunately for Land Cruiser followers and potential patrons, Toyota is reportedly planning a return of the SUV to the U.S., albeit with a slight twist. As a substitute of the full-fledged Land Cruiser 300 sequence that was launched in 2021, Toyota is exploring the potential of bringing the Land Cruiser Prado, the following technology of which is about to reach subsequent 12 months.

The present Land Cruiser Prado (J150) has been round largely unchanged since 2009 regardless of receiving two facelifts and quite a few mannequin 12 months updates. People acquired their palms on the closely-related Lexus GX, which simply went by way of its first full redesign in almost 14 years, with the Toyota twin anticipated to comply with go well with within the close to future. The Japanese automaker stays coy on particulars however we gathered all of the obtainable details about the upcoming Land Cruiser, along with a set of speculative renderings based mostly on the 2024 Lexus GX.

Extra: Field-tastic 2024 Lexus GX Proves You Can Have Each Type And Substance

Illustrations Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

Traditionally, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Lexus GX have maintained shut ties, not solely when it comes to their shared foundations but in addition of their exterior and inside designs. This has resulted in a case of prolonged rebadging, the place the principle variations had been primarily restricted to distinctive entrance ends and badges, whereas the physique panels on the profile and a lot of the tail remained the identical throughout earlier generations.

Nonetheless, the truth that each the brand new fashions shall be obtainable within the U.S. market suggests the potential for higher styling differentiation. This means that we may even see extra distinct design parts that set them aside from one another within the upcoming fashions.

Our renderings had been based mostly on the 2024 Lexus GX, tweaking bits and items to make it look extra like a Toyota. The grille and bumper intakes are impressed by the Land Cruiser J300 which has confirmed to be fairly well-liked everywhere in the world. For the headlights we used slimmer and sharper models, just like different Toyota SUVs. On the profile, we added a extra beneficiant dose of plastic cladding across the boxy wheel arches, with the remainder of the bodywork unchanged. Lastly, the rear finish was upgraded with J300-ispired taillights and a redesigned tailgate proudly exhibiting the Land Cruiser lettering.

Autonews experiences that the brand new technology would possibly drop the Prado moniker altogether, marketed merely because the Land Cruiser. This is smart in markets just like the U.S. the place the Land Cruiser J300 just isn’t obtainable.

The inside will characterize a major step up in comparison with its predecessor which has began exhibiting its age. Toyota designers will add the most recent bits of accessible know-how together with a flowery digital cockpit with a big infotainment show, whereas bettering the standard of the supplies. The SUV received’t come wanting practicality both, providing a spacious cabin and a big boot, excellent for adventure-seekers.

Electrified body-on-frame underpinnings

The successor to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will make the most of the TNGA-F body-on-frame structure, which additionally serves as the muse for the Toyota Sequoia, Tundra, and Land Cruiser Collection 300, in addition to the brand new Lexus GX and LX. By way of dimension, there’s a risk Toyota makes the brand new Prado barely shorter than the 197.04-inch (5,005 mm) lengthy Lexus GX, to be able to keep away from creating the paradox of being bigger than the 196.3-inch (4,985 mm) lengthy Land Cruiser J300. In any case, it is going to nonetheless be significantly shorter than the Toyota Sequoia, which retains its standing as the biggest SUV providing from the model, measuring 208.1 inches (5,286 mm) in size.

It’s extremely possible that the powertrain choices for the upcoming successor to the Land Cruiser Prado will embrace a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine. Within the Lexus GX, this unit delivers 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. One other potential alternative might be the hybrid variant of the twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6, which contains an electrical motor. Within the Toyota Sequoia i-Power Max, this hybrid powertrain generates a mixed output of 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque.

Whereas it stays unsure whether or not Toyota will provide the brand new Land Cruiser with a diesel engine in abroad markets, just like the J300 mannequin, the specifics are but to be confirmed. What we do know for sure is that energy in all variants shall be routed to all 4 wheels through a regular 10-speed automated transmission and a full-time 4WD system.

When will it arrive?

Preliminary rumors surrounding the successor of the Land Cruiser Prado indicated a possible debut in summer season 2023. Nonetheless, the most recent experiences counsel that the market launch has been postponed to 2024. If these experiences maintain true, we will count on our spy photographers to start capturing photos of camouflaged prototypes within the coming months offering us with extra insights concerning the form and dimension of the highly-anticipated SUV.