2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to Its Roots With Retro Style, More Affordable Price
A little smaller and certainly bolder looking than its predecessor, the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is one appealing package.
When Toyota discontinued the Land Cruiser in the U.S. following the debut of the all-new J300 in international markets, it came as a bit of a surprise – as well as a letdown – for many. However, it wasn’t long before the automaker reversed course and announced that the Toyota Land Cruiser would be making a return to America, albeit in a very different package compared to the J300 – a retro-themed, square-body, old-school SUV, one that shares quite a bit in common with the similarly-styled 2024 Lexus GX. In recent weeks, quite a few rumors have swirled regarding what this package might look like, but now, the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has finally been officially revealed.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a far cry from its predecessor, a capable yet pricey body-bodied SUV with attractive yet subdued styling. Like most new products from the Japanese automaker, the new Land Cruiser rides on the company’s TNGA-F platform, and on the outside, it’s 1.2 inches shorter and 4.4 inches narrower than the outgoing model – perfect for exploring the local trails. It’s also more rigid than the old Land Cruiser, thanks to the use of high-strength steel underneath, as well as blanking and laser welds.
As it attempted to reinvent its iconic Land Cruiser, Toyota partnered with CALTY Design Research with four specific words on the table to determine its new design direction – authentic, reliable, timeless, and professional. All of those things clearly come to mind when one looks at the boxy SUV, which is available in three trims -the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the Land Cruiser First Edition – each of which sports a squared-off body, while the 1958 and First Edition get round LED headlights and a heritage “Toyota” grille while the Land Cruiser offers two slim, rectangular headlights inspired by the FJ62.
Power & Performance
In terms of powertrains, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is available with just one, for now at least – the i-Force Max hybrid, which consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 48 horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, along with a 1.87 kWh battery pack. Total output comes in at 326 horsepower and 465 p0und-feet of torque.
Underneath, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser lineup has been treated to a new double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks and a rear multi-link setup with coil springs. All models come equipped with 17-inch disc brakes at all four corners, along with electric power steering, a standard trailer hitch, and the ability to tow up to 6,000 pounds.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser also utilizes a full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high and low range. The system utilizes vehicle stability control (VSC), an automatic limited-slip differential, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect, while a standard electronic locking rear differential is able to split power evenly from the front to the rear wheels for improved traction.
In terms of off-road capability, the revamped Land Cruiser touts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 31.0 degrees, a departure angle of 22.0 degrees, and a breakover angle of 25.0 degrees. Electronic goodies aid in those efforts as well, and include Multi-Terrain Select – which is designed to help control wheel spin on terrain such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand, Crawl Control – which acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control, and Downhill Assist Control – which helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle.
Interior Amenities & Pricing
Inside the cabin, the 2024 Land Cruiser 1958 touts black fabric seats and a standard 8-inch infotainment screen while the Land Cruiser and First Edition offer a larger 12.3-inch screen. Stepping up to one of the higher grades also nets buyers niceties like heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed or leather seating and an available 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. But all models get OTA update capability and a wireless charging pad. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is also included as standard equipment on all trims, offering up an array of safety and driver-assist features.
The all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser will be built at the automaker’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan, and is slated to launch in the U.S. in the spring of 2024. Pricing will start out at quite a bit less than the outgoing model – the mid-$50k range – but Toyota hasn’t yet provided additional details on that, nor other hard numbers like fuel economy estimates, which will be announced closer to the SUV’s on-sale date. Regardless, from what we’ve seen thus far, it certainly seems like Toyota has a winner on its hands – as well as a machine that hardcore Land Cruiser fans will certainly approve of.
Photos: Toyota
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