--- title: "The Toyota Land Cruiser Is Officially Coming Back to America" date: "2023-06-13" modified: "2023-06-13" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-toyota-land-cruiser-is-officially-coming-back-to-america" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Toyota News" tags: - "Land Cruiser" - "suv/crossover" - "Toyota" --- # The Toyota Land Cruiser Is Officially Coming Back to America ![]() Ever since [Toyota]() killed off the 200 Series [Land Cruiser]() in the United States a couple of years ago, it's been unclear if the iconic nameplate would return. At first, it seemed as if Toyota was done with the Land Cruiser in the U.S., but then rumors and speculation swirled of its eventual return. Now, it's official—the Land Cruiser is coming back to America. Confirmed by Toyota USA in a [Facebook]() post, a brief teaser video shows off various Toyota Land Cruiser badges throughout the years, with a caption that reads: "Did you really think we’d be gone for long? The legend returns." However, it seems we won't be getting the big boy 300 Series Land Cruiser, on which the new Lexus LX is based. According to a report from *[Automotive News]()*, we're likely going to be getting the smaller, more affordable Land Cruiser Prado, which is said to be the basis for the new [Lexus GX.]() Considering how good-looking the new GX is, and how excited off-roaders are about it, that's good news. As with the Lexus GX, the new Land Cruiser Prado will be based on Toyota's TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. Expect the same 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 making 349 horsepower, 479 lb-ft of torque, and paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus GX gets locking differentials in the center and at the rear axle, so we'll likely see a similar setup in the Land Cruiser. Given the timeline of the Lexus GX reveal and Toyota's official announcement of the Land Cruiser's return, a late 2023 reveal seems likely and, per [previous rumors](), it could go on sale as early as January 2024. It will be interesting to see where Toyota prices the Land Cruiser if it is indeed the smaller Prado, as we think it will be. The 2024 Lexus GX is expected to cost around $60,000 to start, so will the Land Cruiser cost less? If it does, and starts somewhere in the $50,000 range, will it cannibalize 4Runner sales? We likely won't know until we get closer to 2024 but we do know that this is great news for off-road enthusiasts, as one of the greatest four-wheeling nameplates is officially making a comeback. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()