The Toyota Land Cruiser boasts a rich history in the US, dating back to the mid-1950s with the arrival of the J20/J30 series, followed by the J40 in 1959. Over the decades, the Land Cruiser evolved, branching into mid-size and full-size variants, and even spawning the Lexus LX line. However, the full-size Land Cruiser remained true to its roots as a robust and dependable SUV, characterized by long production cycles and enduring appeal.
The Land Cruiser lineage is marked by distinct generations, each bringing its own set of advancements and refinements. The J50 generation marked the third iteration and the second major redesign, spanning from 1967 to 1979. This era saw a gradual modernization of the Land Cruiser, setting the stage for future models. Subsequently, the J60 (1980-1989), J80 (1990-1997), and J100 (1998-2007) generations continued the legacy, with the J100 receiving a facelift in MY2006. The J200 generation then dominated the market for an impressive 14 model years, from 2008 to 2021, undergoing two facelifts before paving the way for the all-new 2024 J300. The latest iteration, the 2024 J300, represents a significant shift towards a mid-size SUV with a modern hybridized turbo-four powertrain, signaling a new chapter for the iconic Land Cruiser.
Let’s delve into a detailed overview of Land Cruiser Models By Year, exploring each generation and its key features:
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 8th Gen (J300): The Dawn of Hybrid Power
After a brief two-year hiatus, the Toyota Land Cruiser returned in 2024 with the all-new J300 generation. This eighth-generation model marks a significant departure, embracing a more contemporary and edgy design language. The most notable change lies under the hood, where a powerful yet efficient 326-horsepower hybridized powertrain takes center stage. This system combines a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine with electric motor assistance, delivering enhanced fuel economy and performance. Paired with a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2024 Land Cruiser offers a refined driving experience.
| ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid | 8-Speed Automatic | Four-Wheel Drive / All-Wheel Drive |
Eighth Generation Land Cruiser Production Years:
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
| TRIM | ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| J300 1958 | 2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid | 8-Speed Automatic | 4X4 |
| J300 Base | 2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid | 8-Speed Automatic | 4X4 |
| J300 First Edition | 2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid | 8-Speed Automatic | AWD |
2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 7th Gen (J200) Facelift 2: Refinement and Modern Touches
The 2016 model year brought significant updates to the seventh-generation Toyota Land Cruiser (J200), primarily focused on refreshing its exterior design. This second facelift for the J200 generation injected a dose of modernity into the aging design, featuring revised front and rear fascias, along with updated lighting elements. While the robust 5.7L V8 engine remained the heart of the Land Cruiser, a new eight-speed automatic transmission was introduced. This transmission upgrade not only enhanced performance but also contributed to improved fuel economy compared to previous models.
| ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| 5.7L V8 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | Four-Wheel Drive |
Seventh Generation Land Cruiser Production Years:
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
| TRIM | ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| J200 Base | 5.7L V8 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | 4X4 |
| J200 Heritage Edition | 5.7L V8 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | 4X4 |
2013-2015 Toyota Land Cruiser 7th Gen (J200) Facelift: Minor Updates, Same Solid Foundation
The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser J200 underwent a mid-cycle refresh, bringing subtle visual tweaks and feature enhancements. This facelift focused on refining the exterior appearance and updating interior amenities, while mechanically, the Land Cruiser remained largely unchanged. These updates ensured the J200 maintained its appeal and competitiveness within the full-size SUV segment.
| ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| 5.7L V8 Gas | 6-Speed Automatic | Four-Wheel Drive |
Seventh Generation Land Cruiser Production Years:
2015 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
| TRIM | ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| J200 Base | 5.7L V8 Gas | 6-Speed Automatic | 4X4 |
2008-2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 7th Gen (J200): The Long-Lasting J200 Era Begins
After eight years of the J100 generation, Toyota introduced a completely redesigned Land Cruiser with the J200 designation for the 2008 model year. This seventh-generation Land Cruiser marked the beginning of the longest-lived modern generation, staying in production for 14 years. For its initial five years, the J200 remained largely consistent, retaining its core design and the powerful 381-horsepower 5.7L V8 engine. This generation solidified the Land Cruiser’s reputation for durability and off-road prowess in the modern SUV landscape.
| ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|
| 5.7L V8 Gas | 6-Speed Automatic | Four-Wheel Drive |
Seventh Generation Land Cruiser Production Years:
2011 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
| TRIM | ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | DRIVETRAIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| J200 Base | 5.7L V8 Gas | 6-Speed Automatic | 4X4 |
2006-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser 6th Gen (J100) Facelift: Subtle Refinements Before a Major Shift
The sixth-generation Land Cruiser (J100) received a facelift for the 2006 and 2007 model years, representing the final iteration before the significant J200 redesign. This facelift brought minor cosmetic changes, primarily to the front fascia, including updated headlights and grille. These subtle refinements aimed to keep the J100 fresh and appealing as it approached the end of its production cycle.
1998-2005 Toyota Land Cruiser 6th Gen (J100): A Leap into Modern Luxury and Capability
The introduction of the J100 generation in 1998 marked a significant step forward for the Toyota Land Cruiser. This sixth-generation model brought a blend of enhanced luxury, advanced technology, and continued off-road capability. The J100 featured a more refined interior, improved ride quality, and a range of modern features, appealing to a broader audience while retaining its core ruggedness.
1990-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 5th Gen (J80): Embracing Off-Road Prowess and a Wider Audience
The fifth-generation Land Cruiser, the J80, produced from 1990 to 1997, further cemented the vehicle’s reputation for off-road excellence and broadened its appeal. The J80 generation saw advancements in suspension technology and engine performance, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. This era solidified the Land Cruiser’s position as a versatile and highly capable SUV for adventurers and families alike.
1980-1989 Toyota Land Cruiser 4th Gen (J60): A Classic Era of Rugged Reliability
The J60 generation, produced from 1980 to 1989, represents a classic era for the Toyota Land Cruiser. This fourth-generation model is celebrated for its robust build quality, legendary reliability, and distinctive styling, featuring iconic round headlights. The J60 became a symbol of ruggedness and dependability, appealing to those who valued durability and off-road capability above all else.
