The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser has made its triumphant return to the North American market after a three-year hiatus, bringing with it a blend of rugged heritage and modern innovation. Staying true to its roots as a durable and highly capable off-roader, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser arrives with a more accessible MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range, opening up backcountry adventures to a wider range of enthusiasts.
This highly anticipated comeback model is exclusively powered by the advanced i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, delivering an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Inside, a state-of-the-art 12.3-inch touchscreen display showcases the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system and Multi Terrain Monitor, enhancing both connectivity and off-road awareness. For those seeking exclusivity, the First Edition grade, limited to just 5,000 units for North America, boasts unique features such as round heritage LED headlamps, a practical roof rack, robust rock rails, and a distinctive interior design. Safety remains a priority, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser models.
A Legendary Comeback: Tracing the Toyota Land Cruiser’s Heritage
Since its initial launch in the US market in 1958, the Toyota Land Cruiser has carved out a reputation as an off-road icon, evolving from the early, spartan two-door 40 Series models to the luxurious and capable 200 Series. The original 40 Series, famed for its fold-down windshield, white roof, and rear jump seats, set the stage for decades of Land Cruiser excellence. Even the outgoing 200 Series, the last generation sold in the States, exemplified the Land Cruiser’s core values by combining formidable off-road strength with premium comfort and features.
Now, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser marks a significant return to its foundational principles. Toyota is positioning this new generation as a high-quality off-roader that is more attainable, aiming to bring the Land Cruiser experience to a broader audience ready to explore the world’s most challenging terrains.
Built upon the robust TNGA-F global truck platform, the new Land Cruiser is engineered to endure the most demanding conditions. The exclusive i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain underscores Toyota’s commitment to performance and efficiency, providing ample power for both on and off-road adventures. Notably, the 2024 model is slightly more compact than the 200 Series, enhancing its agility on trails. It also incorporates cutting-edge off-road technologies first seen in Toyota’s latest truck lineup. The initial production run will include a limited First Edition grade, with only 5,000 units available in North America, featuring exclusive two-tone paint options and enhanced off-road equipment.
Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager, emphasizes the Land Cruiser’s significance: “This icon belongs in our lineup. For 2024, Land Cruiser returns to its origin with a heritage-inspired design paired with the legendary capability and durability Land Cruiser is known for, and it will take even more customers on adventures across the globe as it has done for generations.”
Set to be manufactured at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the spring of 2024. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is anticipated to start in the mid-$50,000 range, with the final announcement expected closer to the official on-sale date.
Design Philosophy: Authentic, Reliable, Timeless, and Professional
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s reputation for world-class capability is deeply rooted in Toyota’s core values of quality, durability, and reliability. While initial sales in the U.S. in the late 1950s were modest, the arrival of the 40 Series quickly transformed the Land Cruiser into Toyota’s best-selling model in the U.S. for five consecutive years. These early Land Cruisers, characterized by solid front and rear axles on leaf springs and a distinctive boxy design with a flat roof, short overhangs, and iconic “TOYOTA” grilles, became symbols of rugged dependability.
As customer needs evolved, the Land Cruiser grew in size and sophistication, transitioning into larger station wagon models like the 55 and 60 Series. This progression ultimately led to the 200 Series, a premium, full-size luxury off-road SUV that represented the pinnacle of Land Cruiser evolution in the U.S. market until its hiatus.
The 2024 Land Cruiser marks a return to the robust body-on-frame construction with the adoption of the global TNGA-F platform. This modern ladder frame design significantly enhances chassis rigidity compared to the 200 Series, utilizing high-strength steel with advanced blanking and laser welding techniques. Dimensionally, the new Land Cruiser is more trail-friendly, being 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter than its predecessor, the 200 Series.
The design of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a product of collaboration between Toyota’s North American-based studio CALTY Design Research and the global development team. The design ethos was guided by four key principles: authentic, reliable, timeless, and professional. This resulted in a design that prioritizes function and reflects the Land Cruiser’s enduring legacy.
Visually, the 2024 Land Cruiser offers distinct front-end treatments depending on the grade. The 1958 grade proudly displays iconic round LED headlights and a “TOYOTA” heritage grille, paying homage to classic Land Cruiser models. In contrast, the Land Cruiser grade features slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62, offering a different interpretation of the Land Cruiser aesthetic. All models share a squared body profile, echoing the design language of earlier Land Cruisers. The A-pillar is positioned further back, enhancing both the vehicle’s visual appeal and forward visibility on challenging trails. The reduced front overhang further improves approach angles for demanding off-road situations.
The chassis incorporates a newly developed double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks, paired with a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. Electric power steering is introduced to enhance steering feel and accommodate advanced safety and convenience features. All 2024 Land Cruiser models are equipped with 17-inch disc brakes on both front and rear axles. Standard across all grades is a trailer hitch, enabling a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, further enhancing the versatility of the new Land Cruiser.
Hybrid Power as Standard: The i-FORCE MAX Powertrain
Setting a new benchmark for the model, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes exclusively with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain across all grades. This sophisticated system combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor seamlessly integrated into an eight-speed transmission. Power is drawn from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack, resulting in a total system output of 326 horsepower and a robust 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy estimates are anticipated to be announced closer to the Land Cruiser’s market launch date.
Every 2024 Land Cruiser is equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system, featuring a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. The system also incorporates Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD). For maximum traction in challenging terrain, an electronic locking rear differential is standard on all Land Cruiser models, capable of splitting power evenly (50/50) to the rear wheels.
Unleashing Off-Road Prowess: Technology and Features
The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been synonymous with exceptional off-road capability, and the 2024 generation builds upon this legacy with advanced features designed to conquer challenging terrains. A noteworthy addition is the all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect, standard on Land Cruiser and First Edition grades. This system enhances wheel articulation at the push of a button, allowing for increased suspension flex when navigating uneven surfaces.
Overall, the 2024 Land Cruiser boasts impressive off-road geometry, with an approach angle of up to 31.0 degrees, a maximum departure angle of 22.0 degrees, and a breakover angle reaching 25.0 degrees. Ground clearance is substantial, measuring up to 8.7 inches. For enhanced protection in demanding off-road environments, customers can opt for rock rails and full coverage high-strength steel skid plates. Front tow/recovery hooks are standard, providing essential recovery points. The Land Cruiser 1958 grade comes standard with fog lamps for improved visibility, while the Land Cruiser grade upgrades to color-selectable RIGID fog lamps.
Further enhancing off-road control, Multi-Terrain Select is standard on the Land Cruiser grade and is now functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low modes. This system offers adjustable settings to optimize wheel spin control across various terrains, including Mud, Dirt, and Sand. CRAWL Control, also standard, functions as a low-speed, off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering while the system manages speed across five selectable settings. Downhill Assist Control is another standard feature, aiding drivers in navigating steep descents by automatically limiting vehicle speed. To further enhance situational awareness, the Multi-Terrain Monitor is available, displaying a clear view of potential obstacles on the trail on the optional 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard on the Land Cruiser grade).
Toyota Genuine Accessories and Associated Accessory Products (AAP) offer extensive customization possibilities for the 2024 Land Cruiser. The AAP ecosystem currently includes over 100 accessories, ranging from off-road recovery gear to rack attachment brackets and sporting equipment carriers. These accessories can be conveniently financed along with the vehicle, making personalization easier than ever.
Connected and Comfortable: Interior and Technology
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser offers seating for up to five occupants. The Land Cruiser 1958 models feature durable black fabric seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen equipped with Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This advanced multimedia system provides access to a range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
Stepping up to the Land Cruiser grade brings heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats, available in black or Java. This grade also includes a larger 12.3-inch multimedia monitor and the option of a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Land Cruiser grade offers available 4G connectivity for up to five devices, transforming the vehicle into an AT&T Hotspot. A premium package further elevates the interior with leather-trimmed seats on the Land Cruiser Grade. The limited First Edition grade exclusively features leather-trimmed seats with a unique “First Edition” logo embossed on the door panels.
Convenience features include a standard Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output and dual USB-C charging ports for front occupants, with rear ports available. Thoughtful design touches for off-road driving include a palm rest for the center touchscreen and side knee pads, enhancing comfort and usability on rough trails.
A Smart Key System with push-button start is standard across all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key allows compatible smartphones to unlock doors, access the tailgate, and start the vehicle (4G network dependent). This Digital Key can be remotely shared, offering greater control over vehicle access.
Grade Structure and Color Options
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser simplifies the grade structure, offering three distinct options: the Land Cruiser 1958, the Land Cruiser, and the limited-run Land Cruiser First Edition. An available premium package for the Land Cruiser grade adds power heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, moonroof, and more.
Exterior color choices for the 2024 Land Cruiser include seven options: Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Black, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue. The two-tone Trail Dust and Heritage Blue options feature a contrasting Grayscape roof.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: Standard Safety Suite
Safety is paramount in the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) standard on all models. This comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience systems utilizes enhanced sensors for improved detection capabilities. TSS 3.0 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
- Proactive Driving Assist
Proactive Driving Assist, when conditions are met, uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to assist with distance control. It is designed to support driving tasks but is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System.
Enhancements within TSS 3.0 include:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Improved detection capabilities with new sensors and enhanced intersection support, now capable of detecting motorcyclists in addition to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Lane Departure Alert: Now includes Steering Assist and enhanced lane recognition, including detection of 3D objects like guardrails.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Upgraded to Full-Speed Range capability with a fourth following distance setting and enhanced vehicle detection, allowing it to detect multiple preceding vehicles and vehicles in adjacent lanes for smoother speed adjustments.
- Lane Tracing Assist: New to Land Cruiser, requiring Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to be enabled and detectable lane markings. Enhances lane centering and provides more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes.
- Emergency Driving Stop System: A new function of Lane Tracing Assist, designed to monitor driver input and bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive.
- Road Sign Assist: New to Land Cruiser, detecting speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs, displaying them on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
In addition to TSS 3.0, standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), along with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).
Beyond Zero Vision and Warranty
Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future, the 2024 Land Cruiser is the latest hybrid model to carry the Beyond Zero badge. Toyota currently offers a wide range of electrified vehicles, providing customers with diverse options to reduce their carbon footprint.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months/60,000 miles, and corrosion perforation is covered for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components are warranted for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery for 10 years/150,000 miles.
ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and 2 years of Roadside Assistance with unlimited mileage, is also included.
The return of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser marks a significant moment for off-road enthusiasts and Toyota loyalists alike. With its blend of heritage-inspired design, advanced hybrid powertrain, and legendary capability, the new Land Cruiser is poised to redefine the modern off-road SUV.
