The Toyota Land Cruiser. The name itself conjures images of rugged landscapes, unparalleled reliability, and a legacy spanning decades. For years, it served as Toyota’s flagship SUV in the US, a symbol of go-anywhere capability and unwavering dependability. However, the 2024 Land Cruiser marks a significant shift. Toyota has aimed to broaden its appeal, making it more accessible to a wider audience. But in this pursuit of mainstream acceptance, has the new Land Cruiser lost the very essence that made it legendary? We delve into a comprehensive review to see if the retro-inspired 2024 model truly lives up to its storied name.
The previous generation Land Cruiser, while undeniably robust, had become somewhat of an anomaly in the modern SUV landscape. Priced near the luxury segment, it offered an interior that felt dated and basic, more akin to a Toyota 4Runner than a premium SUV. While its legendary durability and off-road prowess were undeniable, the value proposition for many buyers was questionable. The 2024 Land Cruiser attempts to address this by adopting a new platform, a downsized engine, and a more approachable price point, all wrapped in a visually striking retro design that has captured considerable attention.
While the new Land Cruiser shares its name with its predecessor, it’s fundamentally a different vehicle. It’s now based on the Land Cruiser Prado platform, which is related to the 4Runner, resulting in a smaller footprint. The venerable V8 engine is gone, replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system. This downsizing is intended to improve fuel efficiency and appeal to modern sensibilities. Visually, the 2024 Land Cruiser is a home run. The retro styling is undeniably appealing, harking back to classic Land Cruiser models and giving it a unique presence on the road. It’s a vehicle that turns heads and evokes a sense of nostalgia.
However, the allure of the retro design fades somewhat when you spend time with the vehicle. Despite the advanced off-road technology and various driving modes, the reality is that the vast majority of Land Cruisers will spend their lives on paved roads. And it’s in everyday driving where some of the compromises of the new model become apparent, particularly with the hybrid powertrain. While downsizing is often touted for efficiency, the four-cylinder hybrid in the Land Cruiser delivered surprisingly poor fuel economy in real-world testing. Averaging under 18 MPG during a week of mixed driving is hardly impressive, especially considering the EPA’s combined rating of 25 MPG seems overly optimistic. This fuel consumption is particularly disappointing when compared to larger SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia, which, with its twin-turbo V6 hybrid, achieved similar fuel economy in tests.
Performance-wise, the 2024 Land Cruiser, despite boasting a combined 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, feels adequate rather than quick. A 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds is respectable for a vehicle of this type, but it doesn’t deliver the punchy acceleration one might expect from a hybrid with such torque figures. While the engine is generally smooth and refined, it lacks the satisfying grunt of the previous V8. Furthermore, the engine exhibits noticeable clicking and clacking noises at idle, which can sound unrefined for a new vehicle.
Stepping inside, the interior of the mid-range Land Cruiser model is decent for a Toyota, but it doesn’t quite justify the vehicle’s price tag, which can reach $70,000 and beyond. While soft-touch materials and brown accents create an initial impression of quality, closer inspection reveals areas where cost-cutting is evident. The seats, while visually appealing, are rather flat and lack support for longer journeys. Several controls feel flimsy, and the placement of some, like the volume knob tucked away and partially obscured by the steering wheel, seems like an afterthought. The doors also lack the solid, bank-vault-like closure of older Land Cruisers, sounding thinner and less substantial, indicative of lighter construction. The hybrid battery placement also raises the cargo floor, reducing cargo space compared to what might be expected in a vehicle of this size. Wind noise is also noticeable, particularly around the large side mirrors, and can become intrusive at highway speeds.
Further compounding the interior experience were issues with the climate control system. The air conditioning felt underpowered for a new vehicle, struggling to cool the cabin effectively even in moderately warm temperatures. Similarly, the front seat warmers were remarkably weak, almost imperceptible even on their highest setting. These shortcomings detract from the overall comfort and refinement expected at this price point.
The digital gauge cluster also presents some quirks. It’s virtually invisible to passengers in daylight, resembling a privacy screen. The menu system is complex and cumbersome, typical of newer Toyotas, requiring users to navigate convoluted menus for basic settings adjustments. The test vehicle also exhibited a malfunction with the automatic day/night mode for the main infotainment screen, which failed to switch to dark mode at night, resulting in a distracting and overly bright display.
However, the 2024 Land Cruiser is not without its merits. It drives surprisingly well on paved roads. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver despite its boxy dimensions. Handling is also commendable for a vehicle of this type, exhibiting a degree of composure in corners that surpasses previous Land Cruisers and 4Runners. Ride quality is well-tuned, effectively absorbing road imperfections without feeling overly stiff or bouncy.
Off-road, while the Land Cruiser is equipped with an array of electronic aids and terrain management systems, its ground clearance of 8.7 inches is surprisingly modest. This is less than a current 4Runner and only marginally better than a Toyota Highlander, limiting its true off-road potential without modifications. While the electronic aids are undoubtedly helpful, the limited ground clearance means drivers will need to be cautious to avoid scraping or bottoming out in challenging off-road situations. For serious off-road enthusiasts, the new Land Cruiser’s capabilities may be underwhelming compared to expectations and potentially less capable than more affordable Toyota models like the 4Runner TRD Pro.
Ultimately, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a vehicle of contradictions. Its retro styling is undeniably appealing, and it offers a comfortable and capable driving experience on pavement. However, the underwhelming fuel economy of the hybrid four-cylinder, the interior shortcomings for its price, and the limited off-road ground clearance raise questions about its overall value and its place within the Land Cruiser legacy. It seems the new Land Cruiser prioritizes style and approachability over outright capability and refinement. It may appeal to buyers seeking a stylish and recognizable SUV, but those seeking the legendary off-road prowess and ruggedness traditionally associated with the Land Cruiser might find it falls short of expectations.
For those seeking a more premium and powerful experience that aligns more closely with the traditional Land Cruiser ethos, the Lexus GX 550 emerges as a compelling alternative. Sharing a similar platform and styling, the GX 550 offers a more luxurious interior and a significantly more powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, addressing many of the shortcomings of the Toyota Land Cruiser. In fact, for a relatively small price premium, the Lexus GX 550 appears to be the more compelling choice for those seeking a truly well-rounded and capable SUV in this segment.
Pros:
- Striking retro exterior design
- Capable handling and comfortable ride on-road
- Electronic off-road aids
Cons:
- Disappointing fuel economy from the four-cylinder hybrid
- Interior quality not commensurate with price
- Limited ground clearance for serious off-roading
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser review and photos by Mitchell Weitzman and The Road Beat.
