The New 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser nameplate is historic, and calls to mind some of the most durable and endearing four-wheel drive utility vehicles ever made. Across the globe, they have been the most sought-after off-roaders available!
But in the 2000s, the evolution of the Land Cruiser moved towards the mall-cruiser, family hauler. So Toyota called a time-out on this legendary vehicle in the United States. Now, bringing the model back to market, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is all-new, and has had a major change in attitude. Lean, angular, powerful, and cutting the bloat, this new Land Cruiser is poised to bring back the old attitude!
Bringing over the Tacoma’s iForce Max powertrain, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser might seem underpowered at first glance. After all, it’s a hybrid powertrain built around a turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine with an eight-speed transmission – much smaller in size than the previous generation’s V-8. A 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery helps provide power to the two electric motors.
But it’s what it does with it that matters. The new powertrain puts down 326 combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque – a little less horsepower than the V-8 but with an increase in torque for when you need it in the dirt! It’s connected to a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. A push-button-lock rear differential, Crawl Control system, and Downhill Assist Control makes the new Land Cruiser one of the most off-road-ready mid-sized SUVs off the assembly line.
Style and Technology
From the outside, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser shows off its change in attitude. A narrower, angular greenhouse and wide stance portray stability for off-roading. It’s boxier, favoring edges instead of curves. Squared-off fender flares in the front brings the bodywork in line with that of the Tacoma and Tundra, conveying the truck-like performance and moving away from the mall-cruiser aesthetic. Seven exterior color choices will be offered, including two-tone models. Inside, there is copious leg and head room in both rows, as the Land Cruiser backs down to seating for five and maximizing that passenger space, instead of trying to squeeze a third row in there.
Just because it’s built for off-roading doesn’t mean the new Land Cruiser trails the pack in tech. Every version comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. USB-C charging ports and QI-compatible wireless smartphone charging are standard as well. Base models feature an 8-inch infotainment screen with a six-speaker audio system; upper-level models get larger 12.3-inch touchscreens as well as an available 10-speaker audio system or 14-speaker JBL stereo system.
Toyota has always been the leader in safety, and the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser features the cutting-edge Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance features. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. The modern Land Cruiser also features a rearview camera and offers a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
For the new generation of the Land Cruiser, there will only be three trim levels available to start.
Titled after the year the Land Cruiser debuted, the Land Cruiser 1958 trim is the base trim. This trim features the iconic Land Cruiser round headlights, now as LEDs, and a heritage TOYOTA grille. 18-inch alloy wheels feature all-season tires. Black fabric seating is offered, surrounded by soft-touch surfaces and great ergonomics, including a heated steering wheel. A Smart Key System with push-button start is standard, with Digital Key availability.
Simply called the Land Cruiser, the middle trim features a more modern look, with slim, rectangular headlights straddling the grille. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, with optional 80-inch wheels. Inside, the 12.3-inch touchscreen with 10-speaker system is provided – the JBL unit is optional. Seating is upgraded to heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seating in the first row. 4G connectivity for up to five devices helps the Land Cruiser become an AT&T hotspot.
At the top of the model range, the Land Cruiser First Edition increases the off-road toughness and versatility, adding rock rails, mudflaps, a back door guard, and a front skid plate. Inside, leather-trimmed seating and custom First Edition logos and embossing throughout the cabin add a taste of luxury. The QI wireless charging pad for smartphones is standard on the First Edition. Additional features for heading off-road, including a 2400 kW converter and available rear console fridge, means you can turn the Land Cruiser into an off-the-grid beast.
The best part about the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser returning to its roots is that it’s also returning to the price point of old. While the previous models could push close to six figures when fully equipped, the new Cruisers will be in the mid five figures. So get out today and check out the exciting new Land Cruiser, perfect for drivers looking for off-road flexibility alongside versatility and traditional Toyota ruggedness! Schedule a test drive today at Lancaster Toyota!