The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most iconic and revered vehicles in the world. For over 70 years, it has been conquering the toughest terrains and delivering reliable performance in any condition. However, in recent years, the Land Cruiser has become more of a luxury SUV than an off-road warrior, losing some of its original charm and appeal. That’s why Toyota decided to take a bold step and reinvent the Land Cruiser for the 2024 model year, bringing it back to its roots while also embracing modern technology and design.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a completely new vehicle that honors the legacy of the nameplate while also offering a fresh and exciting experience for drivers and passengers alike. It is smaller, lighter, more affordable, and more capable than its predecessor, making it a true contender for the best off-road SUV in the market. Here are some of the key features and highlights of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser that make it stand out from the crowd.
A New Platform and Powertrain
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is based on a new global platform called TGNA-F, which is shared with other Toyota and Lexus models, such as the Tundra, Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma, LX600, and GX550. This platform is designed to be modular, flexible, and adaptable to different body styles and drivetrains. It also allows for improved rigidity, stability, safety, and efficiency.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is powered by a new hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that together produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with locking center and rear differentials. The hybrid system also features a regenerative braking system that recovers energy during deceleration and stores it in a lithium-ion battery pack.
The hybrid powertrain offers several advantages over the previous V8 engine that powered the last-generation Land Cruiser. It is more fuel-efficient, more responsive, more refined, and more environmentally friendly. It also provides ample power and torque for any situation, whether it’s cruising on the highway or crawling over rocks. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser can tow up to 7,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.
A Retro-Inspired Design
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser pays homage to its heritage with a retro-inspired design that evokes classic models from the past. The exterior features a boxy shape, a large grille, round or rectangular headlights (depending on the trim level), flared fenders, a tailgate-mounted spare tire, and a two-tone paint scheme. The interior features a simple and functional layout, with analog gauges, rotary knobs, leather seats, wood trim, and a large infotainment screen.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser also offers several modern amenities and conveniences that make it comfortable and enjoyable to drive and ride in. It comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi hotspot. It also features a JBL premium sound system with 14 speakers, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a surround-view camera system.
An Off-Road Master
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is not just a pretty face; it is also an off-road master that can tackle any terrain with ease and confidence. It has an impressive ground clearance of 8.7 inches and approach, break-over, and departure angles of 31, 22, and 25 degrees, respectively. It also has a water-fording depth of 27.6 inches and can climb slopes up to 45 degrees.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes with several off-road features and technologies that enhance its capabilities and performance. It has a Multi-Terrain Select system that allows the driver to choose from six different modes (Normal, Eco, Sport S/S+, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt) that adjust the throttle response, transmission shift points, traction control settings according to the surface conditions. It also has a Crawl Control system that automatically controls the speed and braking of the vehicle when driving over rough terrain at low speeds. Additionally, it has an Active Traction Control system that optimizes the torque distribution to each wheel depending on the traction available.
One of the most notable off-road features of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which automatically adjusts the stiffness of the front and rear anti-roll bars depending on the driving situation. When driving on paved roads, the KDSS keeps the anti-roll bars stiff to reduce body roll and improve handling and stability. When driving off-road, the KDSS loosens the anti-roll bars to allow more wheel articulation and suspension travel, improving traction and comfort. The new Toyota Land Cruiser also offers an optional disconnecting front anti-roll bar that can be activated by a switch on the dashboard, further increasing the wheel articulation and suspension travel.
Another optional feature that enhances the off-road performance of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, which uses cameras mounted on the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle to provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings on the infotainment screen. The system also has an Underfloor View mode that shows the position of the tires and the terrain underneath the vehicle, helping the driver to avoid obstacles and choose the best path.
A Legend Reborn
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a legend reborn that combines the best of both worlds: the ruggedness and reliability of the original models and the sophistication and technology of the modern ones. It is a vehicle that can take you anywhere you want to go, whether it’s a city street or a mountain trail, with style, comfort, and confidence. It is a vehicle that respects its past but also looks forward to its future.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser will be available in three trim levels: 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Edition. The 1958 model is named after the first year of U.S. Land Cruiser sales and is the most affordable option, starting at around $55,000. The Land Cruiser model is the mid-range option that offers more features and options, starting at around $65,000. The First Edition model is a limited-edition option that comes with exclusive features and colors, starting at around $75,000. Only 5,000 units of the First Edition model will be produced and sold in the U.S.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to hit dealerships in early 2024. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a vehicle that you don’t want to miss out on. It is a vehicle that will make you fall in love with driving again.
