The 2024 Land Cruiser is completely redesigned, shedding some of the luxury and bulk of its predecessor in favor of a more off-road-focused design. Toyota has scaled down the size of the new Land Cruiser, ditched the optional third-row seat, and given it a truck-like body-on-frame platform shared with the **Toyota Tacoma** and **Toyota 4Runner**. The result is a more rugged, yet comfortable SUV that maintains its legendary off-road capabilities while being more accessible with a significantly lower price tag.
The big news for 2024 is the new hybrid powertrain. Toyota has replaced the old gas-guzzling V8 with a more efficient **2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine** paired with an electric motor. This hybrid setup produces **326 horsepower** and a hefty **465 pound-feet of torque**, giving the Land Cruiser strong low-end grunt for both on-road and off-road driving. Combined with an **8-speed automatic transmission** and a two-speed transfer case, the Land Cruiser can confidently handle rough terrain, thanks to Toyota’s Crawl Control system, hill descent control, and a locking rear differential.
Toyota’s decision to switch to a hybrid powertrain also brings a welcome boost in fuel efficiency. The new Land Cruiser is rated at 23 miles per gallon combined, a significant improvement over the previous model’s dismal 13 city, 17 miles per gallon highway figures.
Step inside and you’ll find a cabin designed for both adventure and comfort. The new layout combines rugged materials with thoughtful design touches, like the easy-to-use controls and well-padded surfaces. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen in the base model, but higher trims come with a larger 12.3-inch display. Both screens support wireless Apple CarPlay** and **Android Auto**, and the system also features a wireless charging pad, over-the-air software updates, and six USB ports to keep everyone connected on the go.
While the Land Cruiser doesn’t boast the luxury of competitors like the **Land Rover Defender**, it provides a solid mix of analog and digital controls, making it intuitive and easy to operate. The spacious rear seats offer plenty of headroom and legroom, and the cargo area can accommodate gear for any adventure, though the hybrid battery raises the rear cargo floor slightly, cutting into storage space. If you’re hauling gear, the rear seats fold forward to expand cargo space significantly.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is offered in three trims, starting at 57 and topping out at $77,000.
Trim number one is the **1958** which starts at $57,345. Named after the year the Land Cruiser debuted in the U.S., this base model comes equipped with LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a locking rear differential, skid plates, and a heated steering wheel. The 1958 trim offers a solid entry point for those seeking off-road capability without the extra luxury features.
Next is the Land Cruiser. Starting price is $63,345. The midrange model adds a disconnectable front stabilizer bar for improved off-road handling, roof rails, multi-terrain drive modes, a surround-view off-road camera system, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The third trim is called First Edition which starts at $76,345. Limited to the first 5,000 units, this top-tier trim comes with unique heritage-inspired round headlights, special off-road features like rock rails and additional skid plates, leather upholstery, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, and roof rails with a cargo basket.
Toyota has managed to blend classic off-road charm with modern technology and hybrid efficiency, all while bringing the price down by a third compared to its predecessor. While it may not have the third-row seating or ultimate towing capacity of some competitors, it offers exceptional off-road performance, respectable fuel economy, and a nostalgic design that will resonate with Land Cruiser enthusiasts old and new.
The 2024 Land Cruiser marks a promising return for one of Toyota’s most beloved models. It offers a refined balance of old-school ruggedness and new-age tech, making it a solid contender for anyone looking to tackle off-road trails while enjoying the comfort and practicality of a modern SUV.
