The Toyota Land Cruiser. The name itself conjures images of rugged landscapes, unwavering reliability, and a legacy built on conquering the world’s toughest terrains. With the arrival of the 2024 model, Toyota aimed to recapture this spirit, blending iconic retro styling with modern technology. But does the new Land Cruiser live up to its legendary name, or is it style over substance? We delve into a comprehensive review to unpack the reality behind the hype.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser badge, a symbol of heritage and capability, now entering a new era.
The 2024 Land Cruiser marks a significant shift for this iconic SUV. For years, it served as Toyota’s flagship in the US, a symbol of ultimate capability and durability. However, the previous generation, while undeniably robust, had become outdated and overpriced, lagging behind competitors in terms of interior refinement and fuel efficiency. Toyota’s approach with the 2024 model is a clear attempt to broaden its appeal, aiming for a more mainstream audience while retaining the Land Cruiser’s core off-road DNA. The question is, has this down-market shift compromised what made the Land Cruiser special in the first place?
The exterior design of the 2024 Land Cruiser, showcasing its retro-inspired lines and modern SUV stance.
Visually, the 2024 Land Cruiser is a triumph. Toyota has masterfully blended retro design cues with a modern SUV silhouette. The boxy shape, the upright front fascia, and the round LED headlights are clear nods to Land Cruiser models of the past, creating a vehicle that is instantly recognizable and undeniably attractive. It’s a design that turns heads and evokes a sense of adventure, successfully tapping into the nostalgia for classic off-roaders. This striking exterior is arguably the strongest aspect of the new Land Cruiser, drawing significant attention and positive initial reactions.
However, beneath the captivating skin lies a different story. The 2024 Land Cruiser shares its underpinnings with the Land Cruiser Prado – a model sold in other global markets – which itself is related to the 4Runner platform. This means the new Land Cruiser is smaller and more approachable in size compared to its predecessor. The venerable V8 engine is gone, replaced by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system. While downsizing is a common trend in the automotive industry, the execution in the Land Cruiser raises questions, particularly concerning fuel economy and overall performance.
The interior of the 2024 Land Cruiser, blending ruggedness with modern design elements.
The hybrid powertrain, branded as i-FORCE MAX, produces a combined 326 horsepower and a substantial 465 lb-ft of torque. On paper, these figures seem adequate. However, real-world performance feels less impressive. While the engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving and cruising around town, it lacks the expected punch for confident passing and merging on highways. The 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds is respectable for an SUV of this type, but it doesn’t feel particularly quick, especially considering the “MAX” moniker.
More concerning is the fuel economy. Despite the hybrid assist, the 2024 Land Cruiser struggles to deliver impressive MPG figures. Real-world testing has shown averages below 18 MPG in mixed driving conditions, significantly falling short of the EPA combined rating of 25 MPG. This is particularly disappointing for a downsized four-cylinder hybrid, especially when larger SUVs with more powerful engines, like Toyota’s own Sequoia with a twin-turbo V6 hybrid, achieve similar fuel economy. The audible clicks and clacks from the engine at idle, resembling exhaust leaks or noisy lifters, further detract from the perceived refinement of this new powertrain.
Stepping inside, the interior of the 2024 Land Cruiser presents a mixed bag. The mid-range model offers decent materials for a Toyota, with soft-touch surfaces on the doors and seats. The brown leather option adds a touch of warmth and visual appeal. However, for a vehicle in the $70,000 price range, the interior quality doesn’t quite meet expectations. The seats, while visually appealing, are rather flat and lack support for longer journeys. Furthermore, the cabin is dotted with cheap-feeling plastics and some questionable ergonomic choices.
Rear seats in the 2024 Land Cruiser, showcasing passenger space and material choices.
The placement of some controls feels like an afterthought. The volume knob, for instance, is positioned awkwardly, making it difficult for the passenger to reach and even partially obscured from the driver’s view by the steering wheel. The buttons for the air conditioning controls also exhibit noticeable creaking and flex, suggesting a less-than-robust build quality in these areas. The doors, unlike the bank-vault solidness of previous Land Cruisers, now close with a hollow and tinny sound, hinting at cost-cutting measures in construction. The hybrid battery placement also raises the cargo floor height, reducing overall cargo volume and practicality. While road noise is well-suppressed, wind noise is noticeable, particularly from the large side mirrors, especially at higher speeds or when driving with windows down.
Adding to the list of interior quirks, the air conditioning system’s performance seems underwhelming for a new vehicle. Even in moderately warm temperatures, the AC struggles to cool the cabin effectively. Similarly, the front seat warmers are remarkably weak, almost to the point of being imperceptible, even on their highest setting. These issues, while seemingly minor, detract from the overall comfort and premium feel expected in this price bracket.
The 2024 Land Cruiser in Heritage Blue color, highlighting its boxy silhouette and retro design elements.
Technologically, the Land Cruiser presents further frustrations. The gauge cluster suffers from a narrow viewing angle, making it nearly invisible to passengers during daylight hours, as if fitted with a privacy screen. The digital instrument cluster interface is also criticized for being cluttered with excessive icons and convoluted menus, typical of recent Toyota designs. Adjusting safety settings requires navigating these menus, as they are not accessible through the main center display – an unintuitive design choice. Furthermore, the test vehicle experienced issues with the automatic day/night mode for the main infotainment screen, failing to switch to the darker night mode and remaining blindingly bright during nighttime driving.
On a brighter note, the 2024 Land Cruiser delivers a surprisingly pleasant driving experience on paved roads. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver the large SUV. Handling is also commendable for its class, exhibiting a degree of composure in corners that surpasses previous 4Runners and Land Cruisers. Ride quality is well-tuned, striking a good balance between comfort and control, effectively absorbing road imperfections without feeling overly stiff or jiggly.
However, when it comes to off-road capability, a crucial aspect of the Land Cruiser’s heritage, the 2024 model presents some limitations. While equipped with advanced off-road technologies and drive modes, the ground clearance of just 8.7 inches is surprisingly modest. This is less than the current 4Runner and only marginally better than a Highlander, raising concerns about its true off-road prowess in challenging conditions. Without modifications like a lift kit and larger tires, the 2024 Land Cruiser may struggle to clear obstacles that seasoned off-roaders expect it to handle with ease. The question arises: does the advanced off-road tech compensate for the limited ground clearance, or is it a case of electronic wizardry masking a fundamental limitation? For serious off-road enthusiasts, the 4Runner TRD Pro might present a more capable and potentially more affordable alternative straight from the showroom.
A detailed front view of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, emphasizing its retro-inspired grille and headlamp design.
In conclusion, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a vehicle of contrasts. It boasts undeniably attractive retro styling and a recognizable nameplate, drawing significant attention and positive initial impressions. However, beneath the surface, the reality is more nuanced. The fuel economy of the hybrid four-cylinder is underwhelming, the interior quality and features fall short of expectations for its price, and the off-road capability is potentially compromised by modest ground clearance.
While the 2024 Land Cruiser drives well on-road and offers a suite of electronic off-road aids, it ultimately feels like a step down from its predecessors in several key areas. It may appeal to buyers seeking a stylish and capable-looking SUV with a touch of nostalgia, but for those prioritizing true off-road performance, interior refinement, and value for money, other options, including Toyota’s own 4Runner or even considering the more premium Lexus GX, might be more compelling choices. The 2024 Land Cruiser, in its pursuit of broader appeal, risks losing some of the specialness and desirability that defined its legendary heritage. It emerges as more of a fashion statement than a truly groundbreaking off-road machine, relying heavily on its iconic looks to justify its price and positioning in the market.
Pros:
- Striking retro exterior styling.
- Capable on-road driving dynamics.
- Electronic off-road driving aids.
Cons:
- Disappointing fuel economy from the four-cylinder hybrid.
- Interior quality not commensurate with price.
- Limited ground clearance for serious off-roading.
- Questionable ergonomic choices and tech glitches.
