The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser brings back the legendary off-roader with modern capabilities
The Toyota Land Cruiser is legendary in the off-road community. In production since 1951, its reputation for reliability and longevity has made it extremely popular in certain markets like Australia and Africa where rough terrain is commonplace.
Historically, the Land Cruiser has been split into three series: the Heavy Duty, which prioritizes durability and off-road prowess, the Station Wagon, which focuses more on comfort and interior space, and the Light Duty (sold as Prado in some markets), which is a more comfortable version of the Heavy Duty.
On August 2, 2023, Toyota announced the new Light Duty J250 Land Cruiser, replacing the J150 that had been in production since 2009. This also marks the return of the Land Cruiser to the US market after poor sales of the J200 “Station Wagon” model led to us not getting the J300 stateside.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser goes retro with appearance reminiscent of the 1980s J60 Land Cruiser
Right off the bat, the new Land Cruiser marks a stark departure from the previous generation in both powertrain and design. The J250 model is not only more compact but also features a retro, boxy appearance reminiscent of the 1980s J60 Land Cruiser, contrasting with the sleek lines typically seen in modern SUVs. It would look right at home in a driveway next to the new Hyundai Santa Fe though.
2024 Land Cruiser is smaller yet stronger with a 50% increase in frame rigidity
Despite the size difference, Toyota claims this new Land Cruiser is 30% more rigid overall than the outgoing model with a 50% increase in frame rigidity specifically. All models are equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system, a center locking differential, and an electronic two-speed transfer case with high/low range. Also standard is an electronic locking rear differential that can split power to the rear wheels for better performance on rough terrain.
The new electronic power steering will be particularly useful for rock crawling, as it provides smoother steering wheel control at low speeds. The maximum approach and departure angle are 31.0 degrees and 22.0 degrees respectively, with a 25-degree breakover angle. Ground clearance is a pretty respectable 8.7 in.
Retro interior design with a modern 12.3-inch Android-based multimedia system
The interior is a lovely place to be when maneuvering your Land Cruiser off the beaten path, with a fairly minimalistic and modern aesthetic to keep your attention on the trail. The cushy seats can be wrapped in either cloth or a leather-like material depending on trim. An 8-inch or 12.3-inch multimedia display, also depending on the trim level, gives easy access to all the necessary information and features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Qi wireless charging and a head-up display further amplify the convenience without being overly cumbersome.
The new Land Cruiser only gets a hybrid four-cylinder in the US
While the previous generation Land Cruiser offered the US market a 5.7L V8 engine, this new generation is only offered with the turbocharger 2.4L 4-cylinder i-FORCE MAX Hybrid engine backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is rated at 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque with a 6,000 lb max towing capacity. Not bad for its size!
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser starts from $55,950—let’s explore all three trim levels
Land Cruiser 1958
Want your Land Cruiser to stand out from the crowd? Toyota will offer three trim levels to choose from, starting with the base Land Cruiser 1958, named after the first year the model was available in the US. Starting at $55,950, the 1958 sports round headlights, rugged-looking unpainted plastic panels, and cloth seats. Color choices are spartan, with only white, black, and gray on offer. It’s basic but efficient.
Land Cruiser
Step up to the mid-level “Land Cruiser”, and the price jumps to $61,950. For your extra money though, you get a Multi-Terrain Monitor, heated and ventilated front seats, an optional console cooler, a 2,400-watt inverter, RIGID color-selectable fog lights, wider tires, a locking rear differential, and a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism. This version also stands out from the 1958 by substituting the round headlights for rectangular ones and painting the plastic panels. Two-tone colorways also enter the fray.
First Edition
If you’re the “go big or go home” type, the First Edition is what you’ll want. With a base MSRP of $74,950, a $19,000 increase from the base 1958 model, the Land Cruiser First Edition keeps the 1958’s round headlights and adds a roof rack, rock rails, a front skid plate, and heavy-duty mudflaps all around. The interior gets a touch of luxury too with leather-trimmed seats, a 14-speaker JBL setup, and an embossed “FIRST EDITION” logo for full bragging rights.
The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser stands out in the best way
“Small but mighty” perfectly sums up the new Land Cruiser. In an era when monstrous trucks dominate the US roads, Toyota demonstrates that exceptional on-road and off-road performance doesn't require sheer size alone. The design is also a welcome departure from the modern norm and a callback to our beloved retro angles that other manufacturers seem to be pursuing as well.
The trim levels also provide ample flexibility whether you’re looking for a basic SUV like the 1958 to tackle off-road terrain or a top-of-the-line rock crawler like the First Edition to stay competitive on the trails. It’s the perfect balance, and we couldn’t be more pleased with it.
