The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most iconic and legendary vehicles in the history of off-roading. Since its debut in 1951, it has been a symbol of durability, reliability, and adventure. However, over the years, the Land Cruiser has also become more luxurious, expensive, and bulky, losing some of its original charm and appeal. That's why Toyota decided to give the Land Cruiser a significant makeover for the 2024 model year, bringing it back to its roots as a rugged and capable off-roader.
Hybrid Powertrain
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is smaller, lighter, and more affordable than the previous generation. It also features a hybrid powertrain for the first time, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. The result is a total output of 326 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to tackle any terrain. The hybrid system also improves the fuel efficiency and emissions of the Toyota Land Cruiser, making it more eco-friendly and economical.
New Platform
The new Land Cruiser also boasts a new platform called TNGA-F, which is shared with the Lexus GX and the Toyota Sequoia. The platform is designed to enhance the off-road performance and handling of the Land Cruiser, as well as its safety and comfort. The Land Cruiser features body-on-frame construction, a multi-link suspension with coil springs, and an electronically controlled variable damping system. It also comes with various off-road technologies, such as a locking rear differential, a terrain select system, a crawl control system, and a multi-terrain monitor.
Retro-Inspired Design
The exterior design of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser pays homage to its heritage with retro-inspired elements such as round headlights, a TOYOTA heritage grille, and steel bumpers. The Land Cruiser is available in three trims: 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Edition. The 1958 trim is named after the year when the Land Cruiser first arrived in the US market, and it features cloth seats, 17-inch wheels, and a simplified infotainment system. The Toyota Land Cruiser trim is more upscale, with leather seats, 18-inch wheels, and a larger Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility touchscreen. The First Edition trim is limited to 5,000 units for North America, and it adds exclusive features such as a roof rack, a front skid plate, rock rails, and special badges.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior
The interior of the new Toyota Land Cruiser is spacious and comfortable, with room for five passengers and plenty of cargo space. The dashboard is modern and functional, with analog gauges and digital displays. The center console houses the gear selector, the drive mode selector, and various buttons and knobs for controlling the climate and audio systems. The new Toyota Land Cruiser also offers several convenience and safety features, such as wireless charging, heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Competitive Pricing
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to hit US dealerships in the spring of 2024. The starting price for the base 1958 trim is around $55,000, which is much lower than the previous generation, which costs around $85,000. The new Land Cruiser competes with other off-road-oriented SUVs, such as the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler Willys, and the Land Rover Defender. However, none of these rivals can match the legacy and reputation of the Land Cruiser as an off-road icon.
Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a welcome return to the roots of off-roading for Toyota fans. It combines modern technology and features with classic styling and performance. It is a vehicle that can take you anywhere you want, whether on or off the road. It is a vehicle that embodies the spirit of adventure that has defined the Land Cruiser for over seven decades.
