The all-new Toyota Land Cruiser has generated significant excitement, rivaling the anticipation seen during the era of the Lexus LFA. Toyota approached the development of the Land Cruiser with caution, carefully considering consumer preferences and feedback regarding what features and elements they desire in their vehicles. As a result, this latest iteration of the Land Cruiser aims to reset expectations and redefine its legacy.  

Redefining the Classic

Embracing its rich heritage, Toyota has successfully redesigned the Land Cruiser, giving it a stylish retro aesthetic that feels fresh without being overdone or gaudy. Even the LED fog lights can be switched from bright white to amber in extreme weather, which is a neat touch. And even though the Land Cruiser shares the same wheelbase as the Lexus LX600, it features a notably shorter nose and tail, enhancing its off-road capabilities. This design results in an impressive 32-degree approach angle and a 22-degree departure angle.  

Turbo Power

The Land Cruiser is available in two distinct models: the rugged 1958 version, starting at $57,900, and a more premium variant priced at $64,250. The differences between the two are immediately apparent; the 1958 model showcases a retro front end with round LED headlights and more off-road focused technology, while the premium version boasts a contemporary look, complete with a body-colored front bumper and sleek LED lighting. Our example being the later variant, which, after selecting a few optional extras, had a final price tag of $71,374. 

It’s somewhat surprising that Toyota decided against equipping the Land Cruiser with the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine found in the Sequoia and Tundra. Instead, they’ve chosen to utilize their turbocharged 2.4-liter i-FORCE MAX four-cylinder hybrid, the same engine that powers the Tacoma TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Crown Platinum. However, Toyota cranked up the power to deliver a formidable 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 pound-feet of torque. Off the line, the Land Cruiser is decently appropriate quick enough to tackle any day-to-day swift applications. And thanks to the 8-speed automatic transmission and electric torque from the hybrid system enables the Land Cruiser to tackle off-road challenges with ease, making steep climbs feel like a leisurely stroll rather than a daunting ascent requiring low-range four-wheel drive. 

Likes: Proper SUV upright feel, ample power, off-road chops 

From the company that brought us the Prius, it’s hard to believe they could turn something so good into something seemingly evil. The i-FORCE Max hybrid is not your typical fuel-saving hybrid; instead, it’s a performance hybrid that harnesses electric torque for impressive power. Surprisingly, despite its muscle, it maintains a level of responsibility when it comes to fuel efficiency. The last time we tested a Toyota Land Cruiser with its heavy V-8, it managed only 13 mpg. This time, however, we achieved 19.3 mpg, although it still falls short of the EPA’s combined rating of 23 mpg, it is a huge improvement over the previous generation. The only real let down this hybrid system is that it can only tow 6,000lbs where as the twin-turbo V6 that is found in the Lexus GX is closer to 9,000lbs.  

Navigating Comfort & Utility

The Toyota Land Cruiser features an interesting quirk boasting only two rows of seats. While this may seem like a drawback, one could argue that it spares occupants the inevitable discomfort of third-row seating. However, due to the hybrid system and the batteries that support the electric motor, the cargo floor has been raised to accommodate this setup. What’s particularly amusing is the presence of cup holders and additional charging ports in the cargo space, showcasing the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX have a shared parts bin, as the latter does offer a third-row option.  

Inside the Land Cruiser, the space feels somewhat tighter than anticipated, creating a sensation of being snugly enveloped. Surprisingly, this design choice contributes to a comfortable experience, despite the inability to spread our legs. Our model, equipped with the Premium Plus package, boasts an impressive array of features, including a heads-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a third-zone climate control system, and a convenient center console cool box makes a comeback. 

Dislikes: Less than expected fuel economy, snug interior space, interior not as premium as its price.  

The interior presents a more streamlined and robust design, accented by soft touches along the dashboard to minimize potential scratches from rough usage. While it may lack the refinement of higher-end finishes, its aesthetic remains appealing. Interestingly, the 1958 edition of the Land Cruiser is equipped with a smaller 8-inch infotainment screen, whereas the premium version offers an upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen. 

The introduction of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser aims to recalibrate expectations in a market where a $70,000 price point frequently provokes skepticism. Nonetheless, when compared with competitors such as the fully equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve, which surpasses $73,000, the Land Cruiser emerges as a compelling off-road value. While it may lack the opulence of its rivals, the Land Cruiser is more likely to be seen traversing rugged terrain in pursuit of its intended purpose, thereby mending a reputation that has waned over the years. 

2024 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

• STARTING PRICE: $61,950
• AS-TESTED: $71,364

PERFORMANCE: 

• ENGINE: 2.4-LITER TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER i-FORCE MAX HYBRID  
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 326-HP / 465 LBS-FT
• TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC
• DRIVETRAIN: FULL-TIME FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
• EPA MPG: 22-city / 25-highway  / 23-combined 
• AS-TESTED MPG: 19.3-MPG Combined (291-mile test) 

NOTABLE OPTIONS: 

• $4,600 – PREMIUM PACKAGE _{(14-speaker JBL Premium Audio, Illuminated Entry, Digital Key, Power Moonroof, Center Console Cool Box, Digital Rearview Mirror, Qi Wireless Charging, leather Seats, Power Driver Seat, Heads-up Display, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, & Traffic Jam Assist)}