Toyota’s 2024 Land Cruiser: Where Classic Meets Capability

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is making waves in the off-roading community, becoming one of the most sought-after SUVs on the market. This popularity isn’t solely due to its impressive capabilities on rugged trails, nor is it just Toyota’s long-standing reputation for reliability and performance. Instead, it’s the unique blend of heritage charm and modern features that distinguishes this five-passenger, four-wheel-drive SUV, which starts at just under $56,000. The design and feel of the Land Cruiser evoke nostalgia, reminding enthusiasts of the iconic models from the past, even if they haven’t personally owned one of the ten million Land Cruisers produced over the years.

The anticipation for the 2024 model has been building for three years. After being taken off the U.S. market in 2020, the Land Cruiser underwent a redesign and was available internationally, but not in North America. In mid-2023, Toyota finally unveiled the new model in a spectacular event that showcased over a hundred vintage Land Cruisers at the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah. The result is a vehicle that is arguably the most authentic Land Cruiser yet, embodying its heritage while being better equipped for contemporary adventures. It’s clear that this SUV understands its identity and fulfills its purpose without distractions.

A significant aspect of what makes the 2024 Land Cruiser so appealing is its robust off-road performance. All three available trims come with full-time four-wheel drive, front and center locking differentials, crawl control, downhill assist control, skid plates, and tow hooks, making it capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds. Under the hood, the 2024 model is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo hybrid engine, generating 326 horsepower. While this figure is about 55 horsepower less than its predecessor, which had a gas-guzzling V8, the new engine compensates with an impressive 465 pound-feet of torque—64 more than before. Additionally, the 2024 model is around 1,000 pounds lighter, offering quicker acceleration and enhanced agility.

One aspect that some may find disappointing is the absence of a third row in the redesigned Land Cruiser. This design choice aligns with Toyota’s goal to create an efficient overlander and off-roader, maximizing the rear cargo space for gear. With 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a dual-opening liftgate, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the ample room for equipment. While seating is limited to five, the middle seat serves as a better option for small items or children rather than adults, thanks to the pronounced hump in the floor and the plastic cover over the transmission tunnel that further diminishes foot space.

A practical feature of the liftgate is its separate window, which opens independently for quick access to items like coolers without needing to open the entire gate. However, Toyota has subtly indicated the potential for a third-row version in the future, as evidenced by the presence of cupholders, air vents, and USB ports in the cargo area—details typically necessary for a model that might expand to include additional seating.

The Land Cruiser’s platform shares a lineage with the Lexus GX, which explains some of its interior features, including similar off-road settings with multi-terrain select and crawl control. However, the engine differs, with the Lexus GX housing a twin-turbo V6 that outputs 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The Land Cruiser’s 4-cylinder turbo hybrid engine, originally developed for the Toyota Tacoma, offers a unique performance profile while maintaining its off-road readiness.

The Land Cruiser’s design pays homage to its storied past, both inside and out. The Toyota name is prominently displayed on the front grille and steering wheel, complemented by round headlights and a brush-bar grille that invoke a classic feel. The gear selector has a substantial, rugged quality, while the soft yet resilient interior materials reflect the model’s adventure-ready spirit. Its boxy shape, fixed running boards, and optional MOLLE-style roof rails—designed for attaching gear—underscore the vehicle’s legacy and capability.

Toyota offers three distinct trim levels for the Land Cruiser: 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Edition. The 1958 model, priced at $55,950, emphasizes its heritage with cloth seats and fewer luxuries. The standard Land Cruiser, starting at $61,950, offers a more modern aesthetic with features like rectangular headlights, a power liftgate, and leatherette upholstery. The First Edition, starting at $74,950, combines nostalgic elements with modern amenities, including leather seating, a center console cooler, a head-up display, and a video rearview mirror.

The off-roading market is thriving, and the Toyota Land Cruiser fits squarely in the middle of it. Priced between the Ford Bronco and the Land Rover Defender, it provides a balance of capability and comfort. What truly sets the Land Cruiser apart is its unwavering dedication to delivering the sense of adventure that has defined the brand for decades. Whether tackling challenging terrain or cruising down the highway, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser promises to be a remarkable companion on every journey.