2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: A Review

The original off-roader is back and better than ever. In 2024, Toyota will delight fans by bringing back a revamped version of its Land Cruiser 70 years after its original launch. Even though they assured fans that it was gone forever, its re-release comes around the same time as the release of the Lexus GX, which has similar power and horsepower. 

Unlike previous Land Cruiser models, the 2024 model has a smaller size so that Toyota can fill a market gap that the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler have dominated up until now. Let’s take a look at what the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has to offer its elated consumers. 

Under the hood of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

This newly redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser has an entirely new and modern engine platform, including a turbocharged hybrid powertrain. It has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a combined 326 horsepower and 456 lb-ft of torque. This setup is mirrored from the Toyota Tacoma.  

The 2024 Land Cruiser is the first model to adopt electric power steering, reducing the kickback you may receive during off-roading. It has technology that can disconnect the anti-roll bar when needed, giving maximum wheel articulation and providing a smoother, easier-to-maneuver driving experience. 

It has an eight-speed automatic transmission that helps with any off-roading you may want to do. For off-roading specifically, it has a Multi-Terrain monitor and Multi-Terrain Select system that has specific features for these adventures, including a four-wheel driving system, wide all-terrain tires, a locking differential, hill descent control, a crawl control system, and low-range gearing.  

Toyota hasn’t released the fuel economy numbers just yet, but automotive enthusiasts expect it to have better fuel consumption than the previous Land Cruiser model, which did not have any hybrid technology and was larger in size. 

The Exterior and Interior of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The exterior of this model is smaller than previous models, so it can compete with other mid-sized SUVs. It has a traditional exterior design, adopting the GA-F platform used on Toyota’s larger station wagon product line. Its frame is 50% stiffer and has been improved to give better handling and comfort for passengers overall, especially during off-road driving. The interior design is based on the 1958 model with classic design and strong lines. 

It comes in three trims: the 1958 base trim, the mid-range trim, and the limited production first edition trim. Its base trim is similar to the 1958 Land Cruiser, and while this may be minimalistic compared to the modern trim expected on new vehicles, it has a quite luxury about it. Unlike previous models, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser can seat five people over two rows. It has heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a stereo with six speakers installed. 

The mid-range and First edition trims have several more luxurious features like higher quality cabins with ventilated seats, a high-quality audio system, and the addition of natural leather upholstery. 

The Technology within the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

Like all new releases, there is a wealth of infotainment electronics to keep any millennial or Gen-Z happy. The 1958 base trim contains an 8-inch infotainment display screen. More deluxe trims have a 12-inch upgraded infotainment monitor and several entertainment services such as ApplePlay and Android Auto. It has other technological features like USB-C and wireless charging ports. But you will have to pay extra to add Wi-FI or 14-speaker audio system to your vehicle. 

It also has several driver assistance features. Thereby, making this vehicle both a family car and a car that can be used to commute into the city. All these features come in the new safety package called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. It includes a warning for lane departure and assistance with lane-keeping, cruise control with a lane-centering feature, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and automatic high-beam headlamps, to name a few. 

The Toyota Land Cruiser has a starting price of mid-$50,000. This  is significantly reduced from the steep pricing of the last Land Cruiser model, which had a starting price of $87,000+. This price reduction is due to its smaller frame and five-seating option. This pricing matches the 1958 Land Cruiser pricing as it seems Toyota is returning to basics with this model and adding a modern twist. 

The Land Cruiser comes with two-year scheduled maintenance or 25,000 miles, which is excellent for an SUV of this size. It has a warranty for three years or the equivalent of 36,000 miles. It also has a powertrain warranty, which covers either five years or the equivalent of 60,000 miles. 

Overall, it is an exciting release from the Japanese automotive group. We are sure many fans will be looking to invest in a Land Cruiser once again.