Toyota Confirms Return of Land Cruiser Badge to North America

The Toyota Land Cruiser is making a comeback to North America, as confirmed by a recent post on Toyota USA’s Facebook account. The post features a video that showcases multiple generations of Land Cruiser badges, accompanied by text that reads, “Did you really think we’d be gone for long? The legend returns.” While rumors of the SUV’s return have been circulating for some time, this is the first official confirmation from the company.

LC fans in the U.S. have been eagerly awaiting the return of the Land Cruiser since its discontinuation in 2021. The fact that drivers in other countries have been able to purchase the new-generation LC300 Land Cruiser while Toyota USA opted not to import it only added insult to injury.

The LC300 did make it to U.S. dealers, but only in the form of the Lexus LX, dressed up in fancy Lexus trim. However, it’s unlikely that this is the North American return for the Land Cruiser that Toyota USA has in mind. While Toyota has yet to comment on its plans, it’s expected that the company will bring the smaller Land Cruiser Prado to the U.S., although it will likely drop the “Prado” tag for its North American debut.

The Prado is a well-established model in much of the world but is unfamiliar to U.S. drivers. However, they did get its Lexus cousin, the GX. Lexus recently revealed the first new GX in almost 14 years, and it’s a cool-looking boxy SUV that would work well with a Land Cruiser badge. It will also have the off-road credentials that hardcore Land Cruiser fans demand, thanks to its traditional ladder frame chassis. Lexus has so far only released details of one engine, a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 offering 349 hp (354 PS / 260 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, but promises a hybrid option will be added later.

If the Land Cruiser rollout mirrors that of the new Tacoma, we can expect a few more teaser posts to appear over the coming weeks and months. The full car should be revealed before the end of 2023, with a production SUV in showrooms during 2024.

Everything We Know About the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1984. It’s sold in many countries around the world, including Australia, Europe, and Asia. The Prado is known for its off-road capabilities and durability, making it a popular choice for adventure-seekers.

Toyota recently announced that it will be releasing a new version of the Land Cruiser Prado in 2025. While details are scarce, we do know that the new Prado will feature a hybrid powertrain. This move is part of Toyota’s larger plan to electrify its entire lineup by 2025.

The new Prado is also expected to feature updated styling and technology. It will likely be equipped with Toyota’s latest safety and driver assistance features, as well as an updated infotainment system.

In terms of performance, the new Prado is expected to offer improved fuel efficiency and better off-road capabilities. It will likely be powered by a combination of electric motors and gasoline engines, providing both power and efficiency.

While the Land Cruiser Prado is not yet available in North America, the return of the Land Cruiser badge to the region is a promising sign for fans of Toyota’s rugged SUVs. Whether it’s the Prado or another model, we can’t wait to see what Toyota has in store for us.