Return of the Land Cruiser
After being discontinued in 2021, Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate, the Land Cruiser, returned as an all-new heritage-themed 2024 model. The new Land Cruiser is distinguished by its retro-styling that includes round LED headlights on some models, and a “TOYOTA” heritage grille. The throwback is slightly smaller and narrower than the outgoing 200 Series model, making it nimbler on the trails. And it’s slightly less expensive than before!
The midsize SUV seats five passengers, and size-wise slots between the 4Runner and three-row Sequoia. The new Land Cruisers are exclusively powered by the i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. Altogether, the powertrain produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. With a trailer hitch standard on all grades, Land Cruisers can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
We first experienced the new Land Cruiser as a week-long test vehicle of the Land Cruiser grade—a step up from the base 1958 model (starting MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range). The mid-level choice automatically changes the shape of the LED headlights from round to a linear/rectangular shape. So in our opinion, it loses a little of that retro appeal. Our tester also had an optional premium package. That added 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. Other extras, including 20-in allow wheels, a roof rack and a few other niceties, along with delivery fees, put its price tag at $71,809.
Off-Road Is Where Land Cruiser Really Shines
We liked the Land Cruiser’s styling overall and appreciated the nice fit and finish inside and smooth ride. But found the on-road performance a little sluggish. However, we came to fully appreciate the Land Cruiser after testing it off-road at the 2024 Texas Truck Rodeo. We were drawn to the look of the top-level First Edition grade (priced about $5K more than our previous tester). It featured sand colored paint and the throwback round LED headlights.
Like all iterations of the Land Cruiser, full-time four-wheel drive and many off-road features were standard. The off-road course at the Truck Rodeo allowed testing of Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control and Multi-Terrain Select. And surprisingly, the ride was almost as comfortable off-road as it was on-road, too!
Primary Competition Comes From Fellow Family Members
Compare The Toyota Tacoma for a Jack-Of-All-Trades Solution
Also off-road ready and all-new for the 2024 model year, the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck is considered a competitor for the Land Cruiser. With the TRD Off-Road trim, Tacoma starts at a much lower MSRP of $47,675. Even the Limited trim-level Tacoma with 5-foot bed at Truck Rodeo ($56,255) proved plenty capable. It illustrates that modern Tacomas can also be a versatile choice. Both the TRD Off-Road and the Limited versions can be optioned with the same i-FORCE MAX engine as the Land Cruiser.
But at the Truck Rodeo, Tacoma showed off its TRD Pro ($63,900 MSRP) and Trailhunter (64,395 MSRP). These versions of Toyota’s small pickup come standard with the i-Force MAX and loaded with features that raise the bar for off-road performance. Steep hills and deep rock crevices were easily and smoothly handled on our confidence-inspiring ride.
Stay Tuned for an All-New Toyota 4Runner Too
Due before the end of 2024, the 4Runner is yet another Toyota that’s all-new from the ground up. It will offer the i-FORCE MAX powertrain and be built on the same Toyota TNGA-F global truck platform that is shared with Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra and Sequoia.
WINNER: MIDSIZE TRUCK OF TEXAS: Toyota Tacoma
Land Cruiser Versus Lexus GX 550
The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX 550 share design cues and the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. The key difference is the GX’s 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, a unit shared with the Toyota Tundra. On the GX, it makes 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission to standard four-wheel drive. This allows it to tow up to 8,000 pounds (about 2,000 more pounds than its Toyota cousin). But the GX’s powertrain and full-time 4WD system don’t make it particularly efficient. The EPA estimates 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway).
WINNER: MIDSIZE SUV OF TEXAS: Lexus GX 550
As expected of its premium brand, the GX starts with more impressive tech features and a more premium interior overall. And the off-road trims don’t sacrifice any on-road dynamics or luxury. Another selling point is the availability of a third row of seats on the GX, whereas the Land Cruiser’s standard hybrid powertrain’s battery prevents it from having a third row.
Estimated MSRP as equipped on the Lexus 550 Overtrail 4WD that we drove on the technical course at Texas Truck Rodeo was $71,620—and that puts it in the same range as some of the upper end Land Cruisers; but the soon-to-come GX hybrid engine option would be a better head-to-head price comparison. And Lexus says its hybrid will not eliminate the third-row option.
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STEVE SMIRNIS
BEVERLY SMIRNIS
