First Look Review: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a hybrid-only apocalypse-proof SUV

Update (September 3, 2024): Story updated with final specifications, including EPA-est. ratings, and sales data.

Toyota introduced the new-generation Land Cruiser Prado worldwide in August 2023 and then released it as the new-generation Land Cruiser in the U.S. this Spring, in three variants. Just before the launch, I saw an “Underground” 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser in person, and this particular unit was in the mid-range trim, simply called ‘Land Cruiser.’ Here are my first impressions:

Design

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser exudes the timeless allure of a classic SUV with a subtle contemporary twist, capturing the essence of the 1970-2000 era. Equipped with rectangular headlights in a three-element configuration, it reminds me of the 60-series Land Cruiser (FJ62 specifically). I understand it draws design inspiration from the Compact Cruiser EV as well, a small SUV concept Toyota developed in Nice, France, which it revealed in 2021.

Interior

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser boasts an interior that balances simplicity and modernity. I strongly feel this is the coolest interior I’ve seen in any Toyota SUV lately, including the full-size Land Cruiser 300 that the company doesn’t offer in our market. The robust and generously proportioned dashboard and the chunky steering wheel meticulously craft an atmosphere that immerses the driver and passengers in an unparalleled, authentic SUV ambiance.

The circular AC vents flanking the outer edges add a touch of nostalgia, and the cohesively positioned rectangular central vents create a protruding section, lending a distinctly old-school aesthetic to the dashboard.

Standard features on the Land Cruiser trim

• Rectangular LED headlights
• Power heated & ventilated SofTex front seats
• 12.3-inch full-color multi-information display
• Power liftgate
• 12.3-inch Audio Multimedia Touchscreen
• 10-speaker audio system
• Selectable LED fog lights
• Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM)
• Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)
• Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system

Premium Package Features (optional):

• Leather-trimmed heated & ventilated power front seats with lumbar support and driver memory features
• 14-speaker JBL audio system
• Digital rearview mirror
• Head-up Display (HUD)
• Illuminated entry
• Power sunroof
• Center console cool box
• Two extra USB-C ports in the cargo area

Specifications

Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is exclusively available in a hybrid configuration. It employs the high-performance i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, tuned to deliver an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2024 Land Cruiser has a permanent 4WD system with a central locking differential and an electronically managed two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges. This standard system is enhanced with VSC and auto LSD for added control. Additionally, the off-road SUV features an electronic locking rear differential as standard, distributing power evenly (50/50) to the rear wheels to enhance traction control on challenging terrains.

According to the EPA, the 2024 Land Cruiser consumes 4.3 gallons of gas per 100 miles. It returns a fuel economy of 22 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined. With its 17.9-gallon gas tank full, you can travel 412 miles non-stop.

The pricing for the 2024 Land Cruiser series is as follows, including USD 1,450 DPH (Destination, Handling, and Processing) fees:

• 2024 Land Cruiser 1958: USD 57,400
• 2024 Land Cruiser: USD 63,400
• 2024 Land Cruiser First Edition: USD 76,400

The 2024 Land Cruiser is a niche offering in the U.S. market. In its first quarter of sales, from April to June 2024, Toyota delivered 3,461 units. While this number will rise as stock availability improves, it’s unlikely to reach the levels of the 4Runner or the Grand Highlander. The U.S.-spec 2024 Land Cruiser is sourced from Hino Motors’ plant in Hamura, Japan.

Aspect\Specification	1958	Land Cruiser	Land Cruiser First Edition
Length	196.4 in.	196.4 in.	196.4 in.
Width	77.9 in.	77.9 in.	77.9 in.
Height	75.7 in.	76.1 in.	77.8 in.
Wheelbase	112.2 in.	112.2 in.	112.2 in.
Ground Clearance	8.7 in.	8.7 in.	8.7 in.
Running Ground Clearance	8.0 in.	8.4 in.	8.4 in.
Approach/Breakover/Departure Angle	30º/25º/22º	31º/25º/22º	31º/25º/22º
Wheels	18-in. alloy	18-in. alloy (20-in. alloy opt.)	18-in. alloy
Tires	245/70R18	265/70R18 (265/60R20 opt.)	265/70R18
Engine	T24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline	T24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline	T24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Battery Pack	1.87 kWh NiMH	1.87 kWh NiMH	1.87 kWh NiMH
Drivetrain	Full-time 4xr with two-speed transfer case	Full-time 4xr with two-speed transfer case	Full-time 4xr with two-speed transfer case
Power	326 hp	326 hp	326 hp
Torque	465 lb.-ft.	465 lb.-ft.	465 lb.-ft.
Towing Capacity	6,000 lbs.	6,000 lbs.	6,000 lbs.
EEPA-est. Fuel Economy	22 MPG (city)/25 MPG (hwy)/23 MPG (comb.)	22 MPG (city)/25 MPG (hwy)/23 MPG (comb.)	22 MPG (city)/25 MPG (hwy)/23 MPG (comb.)

TopElectricSUV says

I think the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a fantastic purchase for customers who need a model that can serve as both a frugal, comfortable commuter and a highly capable go-anywhere vehicle for the occasional adventures on challenging terrains. If you are looking for an SUV with similar capabilities but at a lower price, I suggest you follow the developments around the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, scheduled to hit dealers this fall.

Also See: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (Hybrid) reveals its adventurous spirit in Trail Dust color

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser FAQs