My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The trim level for this 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser tester is noteworthy. It signifies the year when Toyota began selling automobiles in the USA. From a former American Motors (er, Rambler) and Ford dealership in Hollywood, California, the Toyopet Crown and Land Cruiser were first displayed inside of this storefront showroom. Curious eyes gazed upon these two vehicles. Only a few took a chance to own the first ones officially sold on these shores.

The Land Cruiser itself was an inspired machine when it was first assembled by Toyota in 1951. It took on the shape of the military Jeep that won World War II. You might see some irony in this fact.

Over 70 years later, Toyota decided to tune up its global Land Cruiser lineup with a proper replacement for the globally popular Prado model. Most parts of the world offer the old school 70 series that takes its inspiration from the original Land Cruiser from 70-odd years ago. This is augmented by the 300 series, the larger model that replaced the 200 Amazon model formerly sold here in the USA.

Therefore, we have the J250 series. Except, we Americans simply call it the Toyota Land Cruiser. 

This is a welcomed sight. Albeit smaller than the last Land Cruiser sold in this country. With four less cylinders. And, a lower price point. 

Let me just call it a reboot for our purposes here. A return to its roots, maybe? Not sure about the latter statement, but if your memory serves you well – it might as well be. 

How did we arrived at this stage in the history of the Land Cruiser? First off, it is built on the TNGA-F platform. It already spawned a number of pickup trucks and SUVs already. It is a proven platform that was meant to be a part of this vehicle, given its capabilities and capacities. 

The profile is tall and easily accessible from the surface. The side glass profile is large and deep to see out of. Because of its overall height, you might appreciate the retro design of the front and rear ends applied to a more modern profile. The liftgate features a rear glass that can be opened as another way to load cargo. 

Our 1958 Edition tester – named for the first year Toyota sold automobiles in the U.S.A. – adds 18-inch alloy wheels, round headlamps and a roof carrier to finish up the exterior’s look. Our tester looked rough and ready to tackle anything…except it wore all-season tires. They gripped quite well, mind you. 

The rugged feeling continues inside with a focused cabin that gives you the right readings and switchgear you need. In front of the driver, there is a seven-inch digital instrument panel that is fully customizable. Your fuel and temperature gauge are off to the side and is easily readable. There are plenty of tangible controls that are easy to use and understand.  

In the middle is an eight-inch infotainment touch screen. The system offers multiple connectivity options, including wireless smartphone integration and three USB-C ports in the center console. Sound is emitted through six speakers across the cabin. 

There’s plenty of space for five occupants on fabric trimmed seats. Both front seats are manually adjustable, which happen to be big, comfortable, and supportive. Second row room is good offering plenty of comfort. Cargo space starts with a 37.5 cubic feet space behind the rear seats. You can fold down those seats for longer items. 

Underneath the Land Cruiser’s hood is Toyota’s 326-horsepower i-FORCE MAX hybrid driveline. The combination if a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline, an electric motor, and a Nickel-Hydride battery that is rechargeable through regenerative braking and energy return. This driveline also puts down 465 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels all of the time. 

It does well when it comes to putting down the power. We observed that the Land Cruiser’s i-FORCE MAX driveline exhibits solid passing and acceleration, while providing solid cruising at highway speeds. Off road performance was equally terrific. The driveline puts the power down without hesitation. This tester came with Downhill Ascent Control and CRAWL Control to manage tougher hills and moguls. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 19.2 MPG in our care.

It was not a surprise that the Land Cruiser yielded a smooth and civilized experience overall. The fully independent suspension was well dampened to handle all conditions. There was nominal roll and lean in the corners at speed. It is very stable, overall.

The steering system offers easy work for tight maneuvers. The Land Cruiser has an excellent on-center feel that minimizes play when keeping within the lane. Pedal feel for the braking system is very good with strong response. We experienced good stops in both normal and panic situations.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in three trim levels, including the First Edition model. Pricing starts at $55,950. This 1958 Edition tester came with a sticker price of $59,979. 

If you read so far how much praise the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has received, the reasons should be evident. On a smaller platform than the previous model sold in the U.S.A., it is exactly where it should be. It has returned to its roots as an extremely capable, right sized SUV made for getting away from the usual humdrum of metropolitan life. 

Returning closer to its roots, also means bringing on board the latest engineering and technology to make it a more livable vehicle. When you’re committed to hybrid drivelines, infotainment systems, and off-road technology, you have to balance these modern elements with the tradition expected in the nameplate. 

The essence of the Land Cruiser name has been reclaimed for the USA market. That is great news, indeed!

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America

All photos by Randy Stern