After Toyota announced that the Land Cruiser would no longer be on the North American markets after 2021, true Land Cruiser fans didn’t take the news well. Those looking for the Land Cruiser after 2021 were offered the Lexus GX as an alternative. True off-roaders weren’t looking for a high-priced luxury car so much as they wanted the freedom to explore in a vehicle they trusted to be reliable: the Land Cruiser.
Does Toyota bringing the Land Cruiser back make sense?
Since the Toyota Land Cruiser is an off-road legend, there’s no reason to think that bringing it back to the North American market is a terrible idea. However, while the new 2024 is still slated to be the dominator of the dirt, this new Land Cruiser is quite a bit different than previous generations.
Photo by TOYOTA
New Toyota Land Cruiser Exterior and Colors
The 2024 is available in three trim lines: the 1958, the Land Cruiser, and the First Edition. The 1958 entry-level edition – named for the year that the Land Cruiser hit the United States market – has circular headlights, 18-inch wheels, a TOYOTA heritage grille, and all-black cladding. You’ll find circular headlights on the First Edition models, too.
The Land Cruiser model is similar but features rectangular headlights meant to remind us of the FJ62 models. It is also equipped with wider tires, body-color components, and color-changing fog lights.
Toyota is offering a two-tone Heritage Blue or Trail Dust with an optional Greyscape roof as one of the color choices on its squared-off and upright body style. Other colors include Wind Chill Pearl, Heritage Blue, Trail Dust, Meteor Shower, Underground Black, and Ice Cap.
The rear gate has a flip-up glass that provides easy access to the cargo hold. There is a high step up into the body, thanks to the 8.7-inch ground clearance and bigger tires that are eager to get off the asphalt and play in the dirt.
Photo by TOYOTA
Toyota Land Cruiser Dimensions
| Land Cruiser 1958 | Land Cruiser | Land Cruiser First Edition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 112.2-inches | ||
| Overall Length | 193.7-inches | ||
| Overall Width + mirrors | 84.2-inches | ||
| Overall Height | 73.2-inches | ||
| Ground Clearance | 8.7-inches | ||
| Running Ground Clearance | 8.3-inches | ||
Toyota Land Cruiser Engine and Performance
The 2.4L turbo inline-4 iForce Max powertrain under the hood is shared across the trim level spectrum. Maybe the most surprising part of the new power layout is that it’s now a hybrid (48-HP electric motor powered by a 1.87 kWh NiMH battery) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All models have full-time 4WD and 2-speed transfer case. This new engine is capable of 326 horsepower and 465 ft.-lb. of torque with the ability to tow 6,000 pounds.
Car and Driver reports that the new engine is the reason the new Land Cruiser is a 5-passenger SUV since the battery sits atop the axle where the third row would be mounted.
While there are die-hard Land Cruiser fans who believe there’s a lot of difference between the outgoing 5.7L and the incoming 2.4L, they realize this new engine can power the smaller body of the 2024 models.
Photo by TOYOTA
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Economy
Those true fans may soon appreciate the better fuel efficiency over the combined 14 MPG they’re used to getting with the 5.7L. The new MPG should be closer to 28 according to Toyota’s estimate, which is much better than the competition of 20MPG from the Bronco, 22MPG from the Wrangler and its 4-cylinder turbo, and the Defender 110 and its 20MPG. The new Land Cruiser is set to be the most efficient of all true off-road and serious SUVs.
Toyota Land Cruiser Interior and Cargo
While the new Land Cruiser is shorter and narrower than before, Toyota has made the cabin feel spacious, and without a third-row seat, the cargo area is cavernous.
The 1958 trim features cloth seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and Toyota’s latest multimedia platform. However, the Land Cruiser trim is equipped with heated and ventilated seats with SofTex trim, a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, and an available 14-speaker JBL sound system. It also has 4G connectivity and available leather-trimmed seats.
Toyota’s First Edition features leather-trimmed seats, a Qi wireless charging pad, and dual USB ports. Side knee pads and a center screen palm rest are just two small examples of Toyota’s continued commitment to the Land Cruiser’s off-road heritage.
An available premium package offers leather-trimmed, power heated and ventilated seats with lumbar support, heads-up display, moonroof, 14-speaker JBL premium system, digital rearview mirror, and more.
Photo by TOYOTA
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
Based on Car and Driver’s review of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, their reviewers determined the downsize was not as bad as they had feared, and the new size wasn’t much different than the 200 Series.
You can compare the specs on the Land Cruiser 100 and 200 here.
They also decided the narrower body and lighter weight could be a boon for off-roaders. They figured the suspension would ignite the imagination of aftermarket tuners everywhere looking for a new project. Might we expect those aftermarket accessories to hit the market with the latest Land Cruisers?
Those who reviewed the drivability still aren’t sure how the performance will pan out, but they liked the idea of an electric motor and a low RPM torque.
The new Land Cruiser is a return to a simpler life with less costly options, and the more money you save, the more money you have to enjoy your off-road lifestyle.
When will the new Toyota Land Cruiser arrive at dealers?
The new Toyota Land Cruisers are expected to arrive at dealerships in early spring of 2024. However, it is difficult to predict exactly when they will be available. Once they hit the market, it is easy to imagine many people rushing to get the latest model, which will be released for the first time in a while in North America.
If you are in the market for a Land Cruiser right now, there are several alternative models available for you. Read more about your options from here.
Photo by TOYOTA
What does the new Toyota Land Cruiser look like?
Toyota borrowed from the past to create the future of the Land Cruiser. With an older, boxier style body, the Land Cruiser stands out in the field of rounded faces and diminished body lines of the competition. The new LC has muscular fenders and a rugged front end rather than an ornamental one. Its entire stance tells you it has been built for the Outback – no matter where that “Outback” is.
How much will the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser cost?
The base 1958 model is rumored to sticker in the $55,000 range, which is a considerable departure from the last Land Cruisers with their prices closer to $100,000 than $50,000. There will only be 5,000 First Edition trim levels destined for the North American market, so expect those models to have a higher price.
Photo by TOYOTA
2021 vs. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: What’s different?
The price tag is the first noticeable difference between the 2021 and 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, but there are many other differences between the two. Here are a few of them:
- 2024 is 1.2-inches shorter, making it a mid-size rather than a full-size SUV
- 2024 has an electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar
- 2024 has a hybrid inline-4 with a 48HP electric motor
- 2021 has a 5.7L V8
- 2024 has a smaller touchscreen than the 2021
- 2021 features many more amenities than the 2024, like 10-way adjustable power seats
| 2021 Land Cruiser | 2024 Land Cruiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 200 Series influenced | 250 Series influenced |
| Body style | Rounded | Blocky |
| Powertrain | 5.7L V8 381 HP/401 lb.-ft. | 2.4L 4-cylinder 326 HP/465 lb.-ft. |
| Wheels | 18-inch | 18-inch/20-inch optional |
| Suspension | Double wishbone front | Double wishbone front |
| Interior Trim | Leather | Basic cloth in 1958 models |
| Multimedia | Older technology | Latest technology |
| Seating | 8 passenger | 5 passenger |
Photo by TOYOTA
While there are some profound differences between the 2021 and the 2024 Land Cruisers, what hasn’t changed is Toyota’s commitment to off-road entertainment and manufacturing a reliable, quality vehicle that will give fans what they want and find new enthusiasts along the way. The 2024 Land Cruiser is the right SUV to showcase Toyota’s latest innovations.
