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

  • 2024 Land Cruiser shown off in Toyota's special 'Undergound' gray color
  • Bigger and more expensive than the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler
  • Will be available exclusively with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain
  • Scheduled to be released in the U.S. this Spring

Update (March 4, 2024): Story updated with features and pricing.

In August 2023, Toyota introduced the new-generation Land Cruiser Prado worldwide, and the company will release it as the new-generation Land Cruiser in the U.S. this Spring, in three variants. I recently got to see an “Underground” 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser in person. This particular unit was in the mid-range trim, simply called ‘Land Cruiser.’ Here are my first impressions.

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.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser interior dashboard
The interior of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is characterized by its simplicity and functionality while maintaining a modern and premium aesthetic. Image Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

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

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

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Underground side profile
As the 2024 Land Cruiser is smaller than the 200-series Land Cruiser, I think it should be easier to use in off-road driving situations.

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.

The pricing for the 2024 Land Cruiser series is as follows, excluding Destination, Handling, and Processing fees:

Aspect\Specification1958Land CruiserLand Cruiser First Edition
Length193.7 in.193.7 in.193.7 in.
Width (incl. mirrors)84.2 in.84.2 in.84.2 in.
Height73.2 in.73.2 in.73.2 in.
Wheelbase112.2 in.112.2 in.112.2 in.
Ground Clearance8.7 in.8.7 in.8.7 in.
Running Ground Clearance8.3 in.8.3 in.8.3 in.
Approach/Breakover/Departure Angle30º/25º/22º31º/25º/22º31º/25º/22º
Wheels18-in. alloy18-in. alloy (20-in. alloy opt.)18-in. alloy
Tires245/70R18265/70R18 (265/60R20 opt.)265/70R18
EngineT24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gasolineT24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gasolineT24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline
Transmission8-speed automatic8-speed automatic8-speed automatic
Battery Pack1.87 kWh NiMH1.87 kWh NiMH1.87 kWh NiMH
DrivetrainFull-time 4xr with two-speed transfer caseFull-time 4xr with two-speed transfer caseFull-time 4xr with two-speed transfer case
Power326 hp326 hp326 hp
Torque465 lb.-ft.465 lb.-ft.465 lb.-ft.
Towing Capacity6,000 lbs.6,000 lbs.6,000 lbs.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser specifications (Source: Toyota North America)

TopElectricSUV says

I think the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser would be 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 launch of the next-gen Toyota 4Runner, which is expected 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

What is the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser release date?

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser will start arriving at U.S. dealers in Spring 2024.

What is the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser price?

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is priced between $55,950 and $74,950.

Which are the competitors of the new Land Cruiser?

The 2024 Land Cruiser’s closest competitors will be the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler.