2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Drive Review
An off-road test drive reveals Toyota's new Cruiser is capable of tackling trails too tough for a crossover SUV.
Christian Wardlaw
QuickTakes:
In 1958, Toyota introduced the United States to the original Land Cruiser, a rugged and basic off-roader that became the automaker's bestselling model in the early 1960s. By 1968, the automaker offered a family-friendly four-door version with added refinement.
From there, the model ultimately morphed into an expensive luxury SUV. It retained its legendary off-roading capability, but by 2020, a Land Cruiser was more expensive than its off-roading competitors.
Enter the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. It is smaller, more affordable, and gets better gas mileage than the previous-generation model. However, it attempts to retain all the off-roading talent you expect from a Land Cruiser, combined with the latest high-tech gadgetry from the Toyota parts bin.
As a midsize SUV with five-person seating, the new Land Cruiser slots between the 4Runner and Sequoia in the company's SUV lineup. Prices range from the high $50,000s to the mid-$70,000s, and Land Cruisers have already started trickling into showrooms.
I drove the 2024 Land Cruiser in the mountains east of San Diego, California. That said, my drive was limited to a top speed of 20 mph on a moderately technical trail. The time with the new Toyota was restricted to off-highway, so I don't have any comments on its road manners.
My test vehicle had 1958 Edition trim, commemorating the first Land Cruiser in the U.S. with retro front styling, fabric-wrapped seats, basic in-cabin technology, and a short list of standard amenities. It had no options and wore a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $57,345, including the $1,395 destination charge.
That trim level meant my Land Cruiser 1958 Edition lacked Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select driving modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor cameras, and a stabilizer bar disconnect system. But it had enough off-roading hardware to confirm it is capable right off the assembly line and likely serves as an excellent foundation for building an overlanding rig of your own.
Christian Wardlaw
The 2024 Land Cruiser Is Engineered and Equipped for Off-Roading
In reinventing the 2024 Land Cruiser, Toyota placed the SUV on the same global truck platform serving as the basis for the redesigned 2025 4Runner, the Sequoia, the new-for-2024 Tacoma, and the Tundra. That gives it body-on-frame construction, which is built to better withstand the rigors of off-roading.
Toyota also installs a standard full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, locking center and rear differentials, and Crawl Control, an off-road cruise control system.
The new Land Cruiser rides on a double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension equipped with twin-tube shocks and rear coil springs. Upgrade from the entry-level 1958 Edition to the other two Land Cruisers, and you'll get a stabilizer-bar-disconnect system to improve wheel articulation, plus Multi-Terrain Select advanced driving modes and Multi-Terrain Monitor off-roading cameras. Surprisingly, however, ground clearance measures only 8.5 inches for all models, the same as a Subaru Crosstrek. While the 31-degree approach angle impresses, the 23-degree departure angle does not.
Under the Land Cruiser's flat, squared-off hood resides a hybrid powertrain. Toyota calls it i-Force Max, and it pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an electric motor sandwiched between them. Output measures 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, and the EPA says you can expect 22/25/23 mpg in city/highway/combined driving. The new Toyota Land Cruiser's maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds.
The Land Cruiser's standard front skid plate protects the engine, transmission, and transfer case in preparation for off-roading. However, my 1958 Edition wore 245/70R-18 Yokohama Geolander X-CV all-season tires.
Christian Wardlaw
What It's Like to Go Off-Roading in the New Toyota Land Cruiser
Fortunately, the trail Toyota chose for testing wasn't too treacherous, so the tires weren't an issue. Still, the drive proved challenging enough to put a wheel in the air and to lean the SUV over at about a 25-degree angle, and it required 4Lo and both locking differentials to traverse some of the terrain. One of the company's crossovers likely wouldn't have made it through.
I tested the Cruiser's Crawl Control, which operates quieter and smoother than before. However, I did not need the Off-Road Turn Assist feature, which helps the SUV to crawl around tight kinks in a trail while reducing the vehicle's turning radius to just 20 feet.
Drivers can choose from five Crawl Control speed settings, and it helps by allowing you to focus on safely and successfully steering the Land Cruiser around and over obstacles without worrying about pedal modulation.
Though my test vehicle did not have the Multi-Terrain Monitor upgrade with the off-roading cameras, outward visibility is good. You can position the driver's seat high for an excellent view forward over the low and flat hood, and it's easy to tell where the Cruiser's front corners are.
Parking sensors also help you avoid unnecessary scrapes and bumps. The side windowsills are low, making it easier to assess situations.
The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain performed well while off-roading. The integrated electric motor supplies immediate torque for rock crawling, and the brake and accelerator pedals are easy to modulate when creeping along without Crawl Control.
The Toyota Land Cruiser inspires confidence off-road, but you'll want to upgrade the tires at a minimum. If you're planning to travel deep into parts unknown, choosing a more expensive version of the SUV is advisable for the added off-roading technology.
Christian Wardlaw
Taking a Closer Look at the Toyota Land Cruiser's Interior
In addition to its off-roading prowess, the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser shines as a midsize SUV, offering plenty of room for five people and lots of gear in the cargo hold.
The 1958 Edition's cabin is basic, but it includes triple-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a 7.0-inch gauge panel combined with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The fabric looks good and feels durable enough to withstand severe abuse.
Thanks to supportive cushions that sit high off the floor, everybody should be comfortable. The 1958 Edition has a manual driver's seat height adjuster, but other models feature power adjustments.
Of course, you can luxe this truck up with SofTex artificial leather or the real thing, front seat ventilation, larger display screens, a better sound system, and other upgrades. Still, I liked the 1958 Edition's plain and simple interior, which complements the SUV's underlying utilitarian purpose.
I was not able to test the Toyota Audio Multimedia system extensively. However, it provides impressive performance in the company's other models as long as the connected service plan subscriptions are active. That's particularly true of the excellent digital voice assistant in the Drive Connect package.
Christian Wardlaw
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, provide a viable alternative to Drive Connect after the complimentary trial subscription expires. Pair your smartphone and use Siri or Google Assistant. SiriusXM satellite radio is available, but you can easily access your Apple Music or Amazon Music account right from the infotainment screen or simply stream from your device.
Every 2024 Land Cruiser gets Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment. It includes the safety features you expect in a modern midsize SUV, but there is some unusual technology.
Proactive Driving Assist can automatically add subtle braking or steering to help you keep a safe distance from other vehicles. You might like it as long as you know what this technology is and what it does. You can turn the extra assistance on or off within the settings menu.
Emergency Driving Stop is available when using the Land Cruiser's lane-centering assist. It detects when a driver is no longer responsive or paying attention to the road and is designed to bring the SUV to a safe stop. That is helpful in cases where a driver suffers a medical emergency or falls asleep.
Christian Wardlaw
The Land Cruiser Is a Likable Traditional SUV
Based on my limited experience with the SUV, I like the latest Cruiser. The all-season tires, unimpressive ground clearance, and relatively shallow departure angle, however, suggest room in the lineup for a future TRD Pro or Trailhunter variant.
Few vehicles are designed to go to the places and do the things the Land Cruiser can. Still, the Land Rover Defender is an option. You might also consider the less refined Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco.
However, Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability is certainly appealing, and the iconic Land Cruiser name is undoubtedly desirable, especially now that you can get one for much less money.
Toyota provided the vehicle for this 2024 Land Cruiser review and paid for lodging and meals during the evaluation period.
