2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition Celebrates 60 Years

Toyota's venerable Land Cruiser has been around for over 60 years. Actually, it's closer to 70 years if you include the 1951 BJ. That vehicle became the Land Cruiser a few years later, and it's been Toyota's reliable go-anywhere machine ever since. To celebrate that history, the automaker is debuting the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, which kicks off in a couple weeks.

What sets the Heritage Edition apart from the standard Land Cruiser lineup? The bronze 18-inch BBS wheels are likely the first thing you'll notice, which are exclusive to the Heritage Edition. The SUV's big grille receives black accents, along with the headlight and fog light housings up front in the form of darkened chrome surrounds. The side mirror trim receives the same darkened treatment, and vintage-themed Land Cruiser exterior badging adorns the side. Aside from the wheels, you might also notice the absence of running boards and lower body side moldings. Toyota removes them on the Heritage Edition to "complement its purpose-built overlanding focus."

There are some changes inside as well. Black leather-trimmed upholstery with bronze contrast stitching is the only color option, and it can be found everywhere. Special all-weather floor mats and cargo liner are part of the package, and if you're hoping for a three-row version you'll need to stick with the standard model; Toyota will only offer the Heritage Edition as a five-passenger SUV. It will also only be offered in two exterior colors – Midnight Black Metallic or Blizzard Pearl.

The mechanical components remain the same, which in the U.S. means a 5.7-liter V8 producing 381 horsepower (284 kilowatts) funneled to a full-time 4WD system through an eight-speed automatic. The Land Cruiser received a significant refresh for the 2018 model year so changes beneath the skin aren't expected in the near future.

The new Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will have its public debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Only 1,200 will be built, with sales beginning later this summer.