After a three-year hiatus, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is back and better than ever. After a father asked the car giant to redesign its iconic SUV — cheaper, and more stylish and versatile — Toyota has obliged. This new model differs from its predecessor, the 200-Series, which had become prohibitively expensive, being built on the smaller and more accessible 250-Series Prado chassis.
Toyota wants to reach a broader audience with a starting price below $60,000, one that prizes off road adventure with out compromising comfort and refinement. Thanks to its retro-inspired boxy design and cutting-edge technology, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is making waves in the SUV market.
Trim Levels and Features
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is available in three trims, each tailored to different needs and preferences. There’s a base model the 1958, which features essential features and rugged capability. The Land Cruiser standard grade in the mid range changes things a little more for comfort and refinement whereas the First Edition at the premium end comes with exclusive off-road accessories and luxury perks.
The Land Cruiser standard with Premium Package came for this test drive from Toyota. Standard features for this trim include leather heated and ventilated seats, a premium 14 speaker JBL™ audio system and dual 12.3 inch displays for infotainment and driver information. It is highlighted from the outside with rectangular LED headlamps and optional 20-inch wheels with all season tires.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser features a hybrid powertrain marketed as the “i-Force Max.” The 2.4 liter turbocharged four cylinder gasoline engine mated to electric motor assists combines for 326 horsepower and 465 lb ft of torque. An 8 speed automatic transmission and a tough four wheel drive system manage power.
For off road enthusiasts, the Land Cruiser is equipped with locking center differential, low ratio gearing, crawl control and hill descent control. The all-season tires on the test vehicle limited the off road potential of this capable off road machine.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Dynamics
Toyota claims the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 23 MPG combined, making it the most fuel-efficient Land Cruiser ever. In real world tests however these SUVs only achieved 18 MPG on average, largely due to an already heavy 5,500 pound curb weight.
In city driving the hybrid system’s responsive low end torque makes it pleasant on the road. It doesn’t have the smoothness or power of the V8 engines found in the previous model. Undeterred, it takes nearly 8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph — slower than the Toyota Prius. But despite this, the Land Cruiser rides quietly and comfortably, and handles well on and off the pavement.
Interior Comfort and Utility
The interior of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser blends practicality with luxury. There’s comfortable front and second row seating, as well as ample storage options. The superb visibility from the driving position, the traditional PRNDM shift lever giving a kick of familiarity in an era of electronic control, all work to remove any doubt as to Ford’s intent to strike a chord with the true classic car enthusiast.
The flat floor and metal tie downs for gear securing make for a cavernous cargo area. Features such as USB-C ports in the cargo area, a centre console cool box, digital rearview mirror add utility and convenience as well to the vehicle.
Design and Styling
One of the standout features of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is its retro-inspired design. It also has pure 1980s boxy styling, but it looks good while being practical and also modern aerodynamic. Practical elements like durable materials and LED lighting finish the vehicle off nicely with an equally rugged aesthetic.
But everything isn’t perfect. The running boards are too high to be effective steps, and the all season tires don’t possess enough grip for serious off road adventures. They are easily fixed by aftermarket upgrades.
How It Compares to Rivals
When compared to competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser stands out for its superior on-road comfort, quieter cabin, and premium features. The Bronco and Wrangler have no problem with hardcore off road scenarios, but the Land Cruiser strikes a better balance, being less hardcore with its off roading and still being an everyday car. As a hybrid powertrain, the Land Cruiser is also more fuel efficient than its rivals on many of whom you can opt for long road trips as well as daily commutes.
