The resurgence of retro-inspired SUVs is undeniable in today’s automotive market. Brands are tapping into nostalgia, evident in the designs of vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Toyota, a master of understanding market trends, has joined this wave by reviving the iconic Land Cruiser for 2024. After a brief hiatus, the Land Cruiser returns with a blend of vintage aesthetics, robust off-road capabilities, and modern hybrid technology. While the return of this legendary nameplate is welcomed by many, questions arise about whether the 2024 model truly captures the essence of its predecessors or if it’s merely riding the wave of retro 4×4 hype.
The Land Cruiser name carries significant weight, associated with decades of ruggedness and reliability. However, the 2024 model, known internally as the J250, shares its underpinnings with the more humble Prado. This connection becomes more apparent as you explore the higher trim levels and consider its pricing, especially when compared to its Lexus counterpart, the GX. With the tested model reaching an MSRP of $71,809, slightly exceeding the Lexus GX, it begs the question: why would a buyer choose the Toyota over the arguably more refined Lexus?
Toyota Land Cruiser 2024: Basics and Market Positioning
In a crowded Toyota SUV lineup that includes numerous crossovers and SUVs, the Land Cruiser aims to carve its niche. It joins Toyota’s body-on-frame family, alongside the Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, and 4Runner. By 2025, all these models, including the Lexus GX and LX, will share Toyota’s robust TNGA-F architecture. This shared platform, while promoting efficiency and modern engineering, also raises concerns about the Land Cruiser’s ability to truly stand out and maintain its unique identity within the Toyota and broader SUV landscape.
Visually, the 2024 Land Cruiser attempts to differentiate itself through retro styling cues. It offers two distinct front-end designs: round headlights for the base 1958 trim, evoking classic Land Cruiser models, and rectangular headlights for higher trims, as seen in the test vehicle. The optional two-tone paint with a white roof further enhances the nostalgic appeal and adds a touch of personality. The boxy silhouette, particularly from the rear, is generally well-received, although many enthusiasts might find the stance a bit lacking and envision it enhanced with larger tires and a lift kit – modifications likely to be among the first for many Land Cruiser owners.
Stepping inside the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser reveals a blend of modern features and practical design. A digital gauge cluster comes standard across all trims. Infotainment screens vary, with an 8-inch display in the base 1958 model and a larger 12.3-inch screen in higher trims. However, the base model features a basic six-speaker sound system, while audiophiles might consider the $4,600 Premium Package, which upgrades to a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system and adds other comfort and tech features. Seating is comfortable for four adults, and it can accommodate up to five with children. Notably, unlike some competitors, the 2024 Land Cruiser does not offer a third-row option, despite cargo area provisions like cupholders and USB-C outlets that might suggest otherwise.
Under the hood, the 2024 Land Cruiser features a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. While on paper, it boasts a respectable 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, the engine is not tuned for outright performance. Instead, the eight-speed automatic transmission delivers power smoothly and consistently to all four wheels, prioritizing confident and drama-free driving in various conditions.
Driving Dynamics: On and Off the Road in the 2024 Land Cruiser
Settling into the driver’s seat of the new Land Cruiser, the departure from the robust and substantial feel of the previous 200 Series Land Cruiser is immediately noticeable. The door closure lacks the solid “thunk” of its predecessor, and while the interior switchgear presents a more modern aesthetic, the tactile quality feels less premium. This sentiment extends to many aspects of the SUV – visually appealing but perceived as a step down from the benchmark set by earlier Land Cruiser generations.
The hybrid drivetrain, while offering ample torque figures, doesn’t translate into an exhilarating driving experience. Interestingly, the same 2.4-liter turbo hybrid engine in the Tacoma TRD Pro delivers a more engaging feel. In the Land Cruiser, the powertrain seems deliberately muted, perhaps to maintain a distinction from the more performance-oriented 4Runner within Toyota’s lineup.
However, the 2024 Land Cruiser retains its off-road DNA. The test vehicle was equipped with a push-button sway bar disconnect, Multi-Terrain Select for optimized traction control, and Crawl Control for challenging terrains. A 360-degree camera system, a valuable asset for any modern 4×4, provides enhanced visibility in off-road situations. These features collectively contribute to the Land Cruiser’s arguably stronger off-road performance compared to its on-road driving experience.
Ground clearance is listed at 8.7 inches, slightly less than the Lexus GX. However, the Land Cruiser compensates with better minimal overhangs, resulting in a 31-degree maximum approach angle, surpassing the GX’s 26 degrees. This advantage was demonstrated during a gravel hill climb, where the Land Cruiser managed the incline with less scraping compared to its Lexus sibling.
Despite the better approach angle, the Land Cruiser’s breakover angle is 22 degrees, slightly less favorable than the GX’s 24 degrees, though the departure angle is marginally better at 25 degrees versus the Lexus’ 22 degrees. In low-speed, technical off-road scenarios, the Land Cruiser performs admirably and offers a more enjoyable driving experience. The hybrid system’s electric-only mode is limited, with the gasoline engine engaging quickly, producing a noticeable engine note that is more prominent within the cabin than externally.
On open roads, the 2024 Land Cruiser’s driving experience fails to fully justify its $70,000+ price tag, and even the base model’s value proposition at around $58,000 feels questionable. The driving dynamics lack engaging characteristics, feeling somewhat numb and uninspiring. The stark contrast with the Lexus GX, especially after driving them back-to-back, highlights the Land Cruiser’s shortcomings. It falls behind the GX in off-road prowess due to the absence of features like the GX’s E-KDSS, lacks on-road excitement with its subdued hybrid powertrain, and doesn’t quite match the interior refinement of the Lexus, even at a higher price point for comparable trims.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: Highs and Lows
Despite its drawbacks, the 2024 Land Cruiser remains a capable off-road vehicle in its stock configuration. Its full-time 4WD system and locking rear differential provide ample traction for challenging terrains, and the readily available torque enhances low-end power delivery. It’s off-road ready without requiring immediate aftermarket upgrades, aligning with the Land Cruiser’s historical reputation for trail-ready capability.
However, viewing the 2024 model as a direct successor to the legendary 200 Series Land Cruiser might lead to disappointment. The new model diverges significantly from the robust and over-engineered nature of its predecessor. Perhaps branding it as a “Land Cruiser Lite” would better manage expectations. As it stands, it may not project the same sense of toughness and durability, and early reports of water leaks and engine issues raise concerns about its long-term reliability, a cornerstone of the Land Cruiser legacy.
Features, Options, and Competition in the 2024 Land Cruiser Market
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser trim levels, 1958 and “Land Cruiser,” present noticeable differences. The 1958 trim offers a more basic cabin with cloth seats and a smaller infotainment screen, while the “Land Cruiser” trim elevates the interior with SofTex upholstery, advanced technology, and more features. Beyond trim levels, factory options are somewhat limited, primarily consisting of dealer-installed accessories like rock rails and floor mats.
The Premium Package, available for the higher “Land Cruiser” trim, represents the most substantial upgrade at $4,600. It includes the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, illuminated entry, power moonroof, refrigerated center console, digital rearview mirror, wireless charger, head-up display, and advanced safety features like lane change assist and front cross-traffic alert. Optional 20-inch alloy wheels are also available for $1,240, a surprising option for a vehicle marketed for off-road use.
The 2024 Land Cruiser occupies a unique space in the competitive SUV market. It doesn’t directly compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, nor does it fully align with the luxury segment occupied by the Land Rover Defender. Perhaps its closest competitor within Toyota’s own lineup is the 4Runner, although Toyota positions them differently. Classifying it as a midsize SUV places it against models like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90, which are not directly comparable in terms of off-road focus and heritage. With a starting price close to $58,000, the 2024 Land Cruiser is a distinctive entry in the current automotive landscape.
Fuel Economy of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser demonstrates an advantage over its Lexus GX platform-mate, which suffers from poor mileage with its twin-turbo V6. The Land Cruiser also outperforms the standard Ford Bronco, likely due to its hybrid powertrain. However, the Mazda CX-90, with its mild-hybrid inline-six engine, achieves slightly better fuel economy.
Value and Verdict: Should You Buy the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser?
Despite wanting to embrace the return of the Land Cruiser and celebrate its comeback to the US market, a clear recommendation is difficult. The Lexus GX presents itself as a significantly more compelling option for a similar price point, offering a more refined and arguably more capable package overall.
Furthermore, the attempt to position the 2024 Land Cruiser as a direct replacement for the V8-powered 200 Series seems misguided. While the previous Land Cruiser generation was not without its flaws, the new model’s downsizing in engine displacement, the incorporation of a hybrid system, and a perceived reduction in overall robustness, make it a different vehicle altogether. It doesn’t evoke the same sense of overbuilt capability and may not appeal to those seeking a true successor to the iconic 200 Series. Unless there are compelling factors overlooked, choosing the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser over alternatives, particularly the Lexus GX, is challenging to justify.
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