Toyota LandCruiser to return to USA

Toyota USA has confirmed the Toyota LandCruiser will return to the United States after a two-year hiatus, but the large 4x4 off-road SUV in question could be the incoming next-generation 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado – not the larger new 300 Series.

The Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series was axed in North America after the 2021 model year in the wake of slowing sales that were in part attributed to its closeness to the equally large Toyota Sequoia.

At the time (December 2020), Toyota USA said it was not about to abandon the “legendary name” after more than 60 years, promising that “we remain committed to the large SUV segment and will continue to explore future products that celebrate the LandCruiser’s rich off-road history”.

“We encourage loyal enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers to stay tuned for future developments,” the company added.

Fast forward to today and the Japanese brand’s American division has taken to its social media platforms to release a five-second video clip showing the evolution of the LandCruiser badge over the years, along with the caption: “Did you really think we’d be gone for long? The legend returns”.

It’s been two years since the 300 Series was officially revealed in June 2021 – an event met with stony silence by Toyota USA on its media site – while the related new Toyota Prado, or LandCruiser Prado as it’s widely known, is drawing ever closer.

Toyota USA has also just unveiled the all-new 2024 Lexus GX, which is the luxury brand’s version of the new Prado that’s still to be revealed.

It all points to the US as the focal point for models developed using Toyota’s TNGA-F global ladder-frame platform, which includes the GX, Prado, 300 Series, Lexus LX, Toyota Tundra pick-up and the related Sequoia.

A version of the architecture will also underpin the next-generation Toyota HiLux, which will have plenty in common with the new US-market Tacoma.

The Prado will arguably sit more comfortably in US showrooms next to the Sequoia, both in size and price positioning.

What’s more, Toyota has only ever been offered the ‘Prado’ in the US in Lexus GX form, so simply referring to it as the LandCruiser would keep things simple for US customers.

Regardless of the rationale, American fans have been sent into a frenzy over the news of the nameplate’s market return, with some even hoping it’s the new Prado and not the LC300.

“I really hope it’s the LandCruiser Prado,” one commenter said.

“The US have never had this overseas gem, really looking forward to it.”

Toyota USA was quick to respond to the enthusiastic fan, telling them to “stay tuned” along with a wide eyes emoji, which only adds weight to the theory.

The new Toyota Prado is expected to be revealed in the coming months ahead of a global launch in the first half of 2024, featuring technology found in both the GX and 300 Series and a raft of market-specific powertrains spanning petrol, diesel and hybrid systems.

Stay tuned as more teasers from Toyota USA should confirm whether the Prado is heading Stateside – and if it is, we’ll be getting our first look at the next Prado heading Down Under.

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