Update (April 10, 2024): Story updated with pricing, spec sheet, and more personal observations.
Following the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser in January 2024, I recently got to check out the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 in person. Manufactured in Japan, the new-generation Land Cruiser, strapped with the Hybrid powertrain, is scheduled to start reaching U.S. dealerships in the Spring of 2024, priced at $55,950. Here are my first impressions of the no-frills 4×4 SUV in its retro-style 1958 grade, the most basic version of the three grades:
Design
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 features a masculine exterior replete with classic SUV design cues like round headlights, a flat roofline, squarish windows, and boxy rear combination lamps. The classic headlights remind me of the 1955 Land Cruiser 20 Series, which arrived in the U.S. in 1958, hence the grade name. The bar-like amber-colored turn indicators slotted beside the headlights complement the old-school SUV look.
The high-set hood, factory-fitted front fog lamps, big, squarish mirrors, pronounced wheel arches, and strong horizontal lines further emphasize the proper 4×4 SUV character of the 2024 Land Cruiser 1958. I don’t like the shape of the wheel arches that much, though. Moreover, I wish Toyota had used a more attractive design for the wheels and wrapped them in bigger tires.
Interior & Features
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 further has a simple and functional interior. I find the horizontal dashboard hefty in some places and slim elsewhere, which is a rare, impressive combination. I like the chunky steering wheel, round AC vents, and wide center console as well. The design integrating the central AC vents with the climate control panel reminds me of an old-school toolbox.
There are physical controls wherever needed, and yet, somehow, Toyota designers have managed to keep it clean. Strangely enough, even the black fabric seat covers with grainy texture also look nice. Aesthetically, this interior gets full marks for its execution.
My only gripe with the interior of the 2024 Land Cruiser’s 1958 Grade is that Toyota hasn’t equipped it with the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system of the Land Cruiser grade. The company has used an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system instead. This unit is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto and supports over-the-air updates. The tech pack includes an LCD instrument cluster as well.
Also Read: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (Hybrid) reveals its adventurous spirit in Trail Dust color
Specifications
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 48 hp electric motor. The latter is integrated into an 8-speed automatic transmission and feeds off a 1.87 kWh NiMH battery pack. The hybrid powertrain produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2024 Land Cruiser 1958 has a double-wishbone suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers in the front and a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. A full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range is standard. The system also includes VSC and LSD. An electronic locking rear differential is also present, and it can split power 50/50 to the rear wheels.
| Aspect\Specification | Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 |
| Length | 193.7 in. |
| Width (incl. mirrors) | 84.2 in. |
| Height | 73.2 in. |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in. |
| Running Ground Clearance | 8.3 in. |
| Approach/Breakover/Departure Angle | 30º/25º/22º |
| Wheels | 18-in. alloy |
| Tires | 245/70R18 |
| Engine | T24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Battery Pack | 1.87 kWh NiMH |
| Drivetrain | Full-time 4xr with two-speed transfer case |
| Power | 326 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb.-ft. |
| Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs. |
Price & Release Date
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 is priced at $55,950, and will be available in Black, Meteor Shower (grey), and Ice Cap (white) body colors when it reaches U.S. dealers this spring.
Also Read: 5 Pros & Cons I felt after experiencing the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (Hybrid)
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
