Toyota’s Upcoming Land Cruiser Unlocks a Highly Desirable 4Runner Feature

The automaker has announced its 2027 model-year updates for its iconic SUV, including an option you’ll find on the Trailhunter.

Blue Toyota SUV with black trim and grille parked on a dirt trail near large rocks under a partly cloudy sky.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published April 8, 2026

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Ever since it hit the market in 2024, Toyota’s updated Land Cruiser has been forced to contend its status as a “true” LC. The rest of the world may be familiar with the Prado platform, but a larger 200 series predecessor has many Americans used to something bigger.

Nevertheless, despite its hybrid powertrain and more compact design, the new Land Cruiser has proven to punch above its weight. The SUV might not be as outwardly rugged as a Ford Bronco or a Jeep Wrangler, but it remains a capable off-roader.

Blue Toyota SUV with black grille and roof rails parked on asphalt at sunset. — Toyota doesn’t have anything groundbreaking planned for the 2027 model-year, as the Land Cruiser returns looking the same.

Toward that end, Toyota has just announced some tweaks as part of the upcoming 2027 model year. They’re not monumental changes, but they’re nevertheless important, as they come at a time when Land Cruiser sales could use any kind of boost.

A breath of fresh air

The headline update is, by far, the addition of the High Mounted Air Intake as an option. Unlike those with Tacomas and 4Runners, Land Cruiser owners in the United States haven’t had an OEM solution easily available.

Two SUVs, one blue and one silver, driving uphill on a steep dirt slope with a forest and mountains in the background. — Those looking to turn their LC into a true off-road authority will appreciate the option of an OEM raised air intake.

Instead, they’ve been forced to turn to the aftermarket or go to the lengths of sourcing a Toyota-made option from other markets. As a result, it’s also meant that installation has been a primarily DIY affair.

Now, it’s worth noting that Toyota’s High Mounted Air Intake isn’t the same thing as a snorkel. Rather than providing a full seal against water ingress, it merely cuts down on dust and other debris.

Still, it’s a welcome option and, hopefully, a sign of more to come. Toyota equips the 4Runner and Tacoma Trailhunter with the part, among a host of other off-road-ready goodies that would help the LC look the part.

Interior of a Toyota vehicle showing a black leather steering wheel, digital dashboard, touchscreen display, and brown leather seats. — Toyota’s interior changes are restricted to the Premium Package on the Land Cruiser grade, so the cabin is a familiar sight.

The list of other Land Cruiser changes for 2027 doesn’t include much else. Toyota has added heated and ventilated second-row seats as a standard inclusion on the top trim Land Cruiser Premium Package along with a new exterior colorway it’s calling ‘Inked.’

Stopping the LC slide

As part of its announcement for the 2027 Land Cruiser, Toyota also dropped updated pricing. The base Land Cruiser 1958 starts a little more at $57,880 and the higher-spec Land Cruiser likewise increases at $63,995.

Silver Toyota SUV driving on a dusty rocky off-road trail with mountains and blue sky in the background. — The base 1958 model brings the round retro lamps.

While they’re more accessible than the Land Cruisers of old, it also means that they’re quite a bit pricier than rivals from Ford and Jeep, and even fully loaded 4Runners can set you back for similar money.

For this reason, it’ll be interesting to see how Toyota’s Land Cruiser numbers shake out over the course of the year. As of the end of Q1, the SUV was down 47.6 percent year over year (8,083 sales versus 15,416 sales in 2025).

Mind you, that’s after posting a 50-percent improvement throughout all of 2025, as sales didn’t start to slip until December of last year. It’s also a problem unique to the Land Cruiser, as stablemates like the Tacoma and the 4Runner are each up, predictably.

Blue SUV with black trim parked on a mountain road at sunset with hills in the background. — Toyota’s Land Cruiser sales are currently in a bit of slide, unlike those of the 4Runner and Tacoma.

A raised air intake alone isn’t likely to move the needle, but it will help make inroads with enthusiasts. At this point, it’s asking a lot, but maybe Toyota will even cook up an enticing factory special down the road.

Availability and pricing

According to Toyota’s announcement, the 2027 Land Cruiser will be rolling out to dealers this spring. As mentioned, pricing is set to start at $57,880 for the base Land Cruiser 1958 and $63,995 for the Land Cruiser, while dealer processing will set you back a further $1,450.

The former brings retro-inspired round LED headlamps and a more value-conscious interior, while the latter adds upscale touches and premium tech. If you’d like to learn more, you can head to Toyota’s website.

Silver Toyota SUV driving on a dusty dirt road with a clear blue sky background.

2027 Toyota Land Cruiser

Starts at $57,880

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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