For years, the dream of owning a truly capable, ladder-frame SUV lingered in the back of my mind. As a content creator at millertoyota.net and an automotive enthusiast with a passion for photography and exploring unpaved paths, the allure of an off-road machine with on-road comfort was undeniable. My journey towards fulfilling this aspiration took an exciting turn with the arrival of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. While known as the Land Cruiser in North America, this model is globally recognized as the Prado, a nameplate synonymous with ruggedness and reliability. This review delves into my personal experience acquiring and driving the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, exploring its features, capabilities, and how it stacks up as both a daily driver and an adventure-ready SUV.
The Road to the Prado: From 4Runner Dreams to Land Cruiser Reality
My SUV quest began in 2015, initially drawn to the rugged appeal of the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner. Its design and off-road prowess were captivating, but the older engine and transmission felt outdated for my needs. As a temporary solution, I opted for a Toyota Highlander AWD, a capable and comfortable SUV that served admirably for six years, with the intention of upgrading to the next-generation 4Runner.
However, as 2022 approached, the anticipated Gen 6 4Runner remained elusive. Surprisingly, the Gen 5 4Runner’s sales continued to surge, fueled by the pandemic-era demand for ladder-frame SUVs and the resurgence of off-road enthusiasm. My hopes for a modernized 4Runner dwindled as the existing model thrived. Meanwhile, my Highlander, despite seven years and 55,000 miles of service, remained in excellent condition. It had even tackled its share of unpaved roads and light off-road scenarios during photography trips and camping adventures, hauling gear and even doubling as a makeshift pickup for home improvement projects.
Yet, the desire for a rear-wheel-biased, low-range equipped off-road SUV persisted – a matter of heart over pure practicality. The Land Rover Defender 110 briefly entered the picture, but rumors of the Toyota Land Cruiser’s (specifically the Prado variant, returning to the US market after the 200 series departure) resurgence piqued my interest. Following updates, particularly from channels like TFL (The Fast Lane), kept me informed.
GX550 vs. Land Cruiser Prado: A Tale of Two Cousins
In early 2023, Lexus unveiled the GX550, the luxury cousin of the Prado. The new model boasted a twin-turbo V6 and performance upgrades over the GX460. However, fuel efficiency remained a concern for a daily driver. Then, in October 2023, Toyota officially announced the Land Cruiser for North America – the Prado in essence. The boxier design of both the new Land Cruiser Prado and GX550 signaled a stronger off-road focus compared to previous generations. Features like spacious wheel arches for larger tires and a modular bumper design on the Land Cruiser further solidified this impression.
Key differentiators between the Lexus GX550 and the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (Prado) emerged:
- Powertrain: The GX550 features a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Land Cruiser (Prado) utilizes a more fuel-efficient 2.4L Turbo hybrid inline-four with an 8-speed automatic.
- Seating Capacity: The GX550 offers an optional third row, whereas the Land Cruiser (Prado) is strictly a two-row SUV due to the hybrid battery placement.
- Fuel Economy: The GX550 is rated at a maximum of 17 MPG, while the Land Cruiser (Prado) boasts a significantly better 25 MPG.
While the Lexus commanded a predictable price premium of $7,000 to $8,000, a more subjective factor swayed my decision: the GX550’s full-width taillight design, a styling cue I found unappealing. The Land Cruiser Prado’s more traditional taillights, coupled with its superior fuel efficiency, made it the clear choice. The minor power difference was a worthwhile trade-off for the hybrid’s efficiency.
Securing the Prado: Navigating Waitlists and Options
Within a week of the official announcement, I placed a deposit at a dealership known for MSRP sales in the Bay Area, opting for the mid-level “Land Cruiser Trim” in Heritage Blue with a dual-tone finish. Position 37 in the queue meant a waiting game. Deliveries commenced around April 2024, initially focusing on higher-priced First Edition and entry-level 1958 trims. Dealers offering vehicles at markups ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 were common, but I remained firm on MSRP, even exploring dealerships in distant Boston.
The Gen 6 4Runner announcement in May 2024 briefly caused a moment of reflection. However, the new 4Runner’s Tacoma-esque styling, particularly the front end and interior, solidified my commitment to the Land Cruiser Prado. As production ramped up, markups gradually diminished. However, my chosen color combination, Heritage Blue dual-tone, faced production delays.
Fortunately, a strong rapport with the sales team paid off. An offer for a Trail Dust dual-tone Prado arose but was quickly claimed. Then, finally, my sales representative contacted me with an allocation in my preferred Heritage Blue. The VIN was assigned, and the vehicle was en route from Japan. Anticipated port delays due to quality checks proved unfounded, and financing and insurance were swiftly arranged. The Land Cruiser Prado was ready for pickup sooner than expected.
Feature Rich, Optioned Up: Accepting the Unexpected
The allocated vehicle included unexpected options: 20-inch wheels and a Premium Package, increasing the price by 10-12%. Unlike some manufacturers, Japanese vehicles aren’t typically factory-customizable. Vehicles are built with pre-determined option packages, and buyers select from available inventory. While the Premium Package was factory-installed, the 20-inch wheels, door edge guards, and paint protection film were port-installed options (PIOs), common for high-demand vehicles.
Attempting to swap to 18-inch wheels proved unsuccessful due to dealer inventory. Ultimately, my child’s fondness for the 20-inch design led me to retain them, planning a future swap. Interestingly, base 1958 trims with extensive PIOs sometimes approached the price of the mid-level trim, making the latter a more appealing value proposition. My dealership thankfully avoided superfluous accessory additions, streamlining the purchase. Given the wait time, accepting the vehicle as-is was the pragmatic choice.
The Premium Package, though unplanned, added desirable features: a sunroof and side steps, particularly useful given the Prado’s higher stance compared to the Highlander. The side steps and grab handles enhance accessibility for family members. The 14-speaker JBL sound system, while not a personal priority, and the console cooler, with limited capacity, were also included. A standard console box would have been preferable for larger items like a laptop.
Additional Premium Package features encompassed digital key functionality, a digital rearview mirror, wireless charging, leather-trimmed power memory seats, Head-Up Display, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, semi-automatic parking, and remote start.
Off-Road Prowess and On-Road Manners: The Driving Experience
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is equipped with full-time four-wheel drive, featuring a torsion center differential, low range, center and rear differential locks, a front stabilizer bar disconnect, CRAWL control, and multi-terrain select. This comprehensive 4WD system provides confidence in varied conditions, especially in snow or slush, eliminating the need for manual 4WD engagement in many situations.
Compared to my previous vehicles, the Highlander and Duster 110 VGT, the Prado, being my first ladder-frame SUV, delivers a ride that is indeed slightly more floaty, comparable to the Duster. It’s notably more planted and smoother than the Gen 5 4Runner, effectively absorbing road imperfections. Stadium-style seating and good all-around visibility are appreciated. The switch to Electric Power Steering (EPS) in this generation facilitates safety and parking assist features. Driver attention monitoring sensors are present, alerting for drowsiness or distraction, but can be disabled. A standard trailer brake controller, tow hitch receiver, and connector add to its utility. The dashboard’s vertical design complements the exterior’s robust character. Physical controls are plentiful, including a chunky gear selector with off-road mode buttons and a drive mode selector. The customizable meter console and soft-touch vanity lights are modern touches. A surround-view camera system is included, and the rearview mirrors automatically adjust in reverse for enhanced visibility. The driver’s seat also moves back upon parking and opening the door, a feature I found disruptive and disabled. Front seats are power-adjustable, while rear seats are manually adjusted.
My Prado features black leather seats and a 12-inch touchscreen with Toyota’s latest infotainment system, incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear passengers benefit from roof-mounted AC vents, a welcome addition absent in older Toyota ladder-frame SUVs.
The US-spec Prado is a two-row SUV due to the hybrid battery placement. Yet, even the “non-existent” third-row passengers gain cupholders, AC vents, and USB chargers. A standout feature is the standard 2,400-watt inverter with a 120V outlet, capable of powering appliances, ideal for camping and road trips. The second row is fixed but offers adjustable seatback angle. A slight floor hump is present, typical for this vehicle type. The rigid LED DRLs offer switchable white and amber colors. The second row doesn’t fold completely flat for sleeping, with a slight incline, but manageable with an air mattress.
i-FORCE MAX Drivetrain: Hybrid Power and Performance
The 2024 Land Cruiser Prado’s i-FORCE MAX drivetrain combines a 2.4L inline four-cylinder turbo engine with a hybrid motor integrated between the engine and 8-speed transmission. Shifts are noticeably quicker than the Highlander’s 6-speed. The transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless in normal driving. However, at very low speeds in stop-and-go traffic, the transitions are subtly perceptible, though less intrusive than typical mild hybrids or start/stop systems due to more frequent engine shutoff and restarts. Unlike Toyota’s i-CVT hybrids with higher electric-only speed capabilities, the i-FORCE MAX operates in assisted mode at single-digit speeds.
Despite not matching the GX550’s 3.4T in outright power, the electric motor compensates for turbo lag, providing diesel-like low-end torque. The 465 lb-ft of torque arrives at just 1,700 RPM, requiring minimal throttle for highway speeds. The engine’s sound is reminiscent of a more potent Duster 110 VGT, with no turbo lag. City driving initially felt sensitive due to the responsive throttle, a contrast to the Highlander. The hybrid system delivers consistent MPG in both city and highway driving.
Toyota Safety Sense 3 (TSS3) is standard, including Lane Keep Assist, which more actively corrects lane departures compared to TSS2.
A day after bringing it home, a fully loaded trip to Santa Cruz on winding, hilly roads confirmed slightly increased wind noise compared to the Highlander, expected with the boxier shape. Premium fuel is recommended, though some owners report using regular fuel. The 17-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 300 miles of range. Exploring the Prado’s tech features and considering a wheel swap to 18-inch OEMs are ongoing.
Selling the Highlander, despite its excellent condition after nine years, became necessary. While briefly considered keeping it, its size proved less desirable for my wife. The sale was swift, occurring just after a scheduled service.
Highlander to Land Cruiser Prado: Gains and Losses
Missing from the Highlander:
- Occasional third-row seating and generous second-row legroom.
- The smooth and sonorous 3.5L V6 engine, particularly at higher RPMs.
Not Missing from the Highlander:
- The sluggish 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Poor city and traffic fuel economy, sometimes dipping to 12 MPG.
Gains with the Land Cruiser Prado:
- Fulfillment of a long-held desire for a ladder-frame SUV, inspired by childhood memories of the Pajero SFX.
- A capable off-road SUV for photography and road trips, providing confidence on varied terrains. (Upgraded tires and wheels are planned for enhanced off-road performance).
For deeper insights and community discussions, explore BHPian comments.
