Toyota has a long history of producing off-road capable SUVs. This includes the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and FJ Cruiser. However, the Land Cruiser was discontinued in the United States in 2022, and the last time the FJ Cruiser was sold in America was in 2014. As Toyota makes the move toward EVs, it aims to retain its edge for off-road SUVs. Enter the 2024 Toyota Compact Cruiser EV, also known as the LiteCruiser EV — an all-electric FJ Cruiser-style SUV. Find out what we know so far about the release date, price, and features of the 2024 Toyota LightCruiser EV.

When will the 2024 Toyota LightCruiser EV be released and available?

The release date of the 2024 Toyota LightCruiser EV SUV will likely be in late 2023 or early 2024. The Compact Cruiser EV will be available to buy at Toyota dealerships throughout the United States and in select international markets. For pre-order/reservation information for the LightCruiser EV, stay tuned.

How much does the 2024 Toyota LightCruiser EV cost?

Toyota didn’t yet release the price information for the 2024 LightCruiser EV. However, Car and Driver estimates that the starting cost of the Compact Cruiser EV will be $35,000. The automotive site also speculated that the LightCruiser EV could offer three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with the following starting prices:

• LE: $35,000
• XLE: $40,000
• Limited: $45,000

2024 LightCruiser EV specs: Electric powertrain and all-wheel drive system

Toyota hasn’t revealed much information about the 2024 LightCruiser EV SUV. However, we expect the Compact Cruiser EV to share powertrain components with some of the automaker’s upcoming electric vehicles, such as a possible Tacoma EV pickup truck. Currently, the only electric vehicle that Toyota offers in the U.S. is the bZ4X crossover SUV.

Given the off-road emphasis of the LightCruiser EV, it will undoubtedly offer an all-wheel drive system. This means that the Compact Cruiser EV will offer at least two electric motors, with a motor for both the front and rear wheels.

Award-winning design of the 2024 LightCruiser EV

The 2024 Toyota LightCruiser was previewed as a concept model in December 2021, along with many other Toyota electric vehicles. Despite its relatively recent unveiling, the Compact Cruiser EV was already honored for its design. It won the 2022 Car Design Award for Concept Vehicles, as detailed by Drive. The LightCruiser beat out a competitive field of other finalists, including the Porsche Mission R, Polestar O2, Audi Skysphere, and Lexus Electrified Sport.

Fans of the FJ Cruiser will notice design similarities for the LightCruiser EV, including its boxy body, flat roof, upright A-pillars, and large windows. The Compact Cruiser also draws inspiration from the first-generation Land Cruiser.